CVE-2026-30901: Zoom Rooms Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2026-30901 Overview

CVE-2026-30901 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting Zoom Rooms for Windows before version 6.6.5 when operating in Kiosk Mode. This security flaw allows an authenticated user with local access to escalate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input, which can be exploited to gain elevated permissions beyond those originally assigned.

Critical Impact

An authenticated local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges, potentially gaining administrative control over the affected Zoom Rooms deployment and the underlying Windows system.

Affected Products

• Zoom Rooms for Windows versions prior to 6.6.5
• Zoom Rooms for Windows in Kiosk Mode configurations
• Enterprise deployments using Zoom Rooms for conference room management

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-11 - CVE-2026-30901 published to NVD
• 2026-03-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-30901

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), a fundamental security weakness where the application fails to properly validate user input before processing. In the context of Zoom Rooms for Windows operating in Kiosk Mode, this deficiency creates an opportunity for privilege escalation.

Kiosk Mode is designed to restrict user access to only the Zoom Rooms application, creating a locked-down environment for conference room deployments. However, the improper input validation allows an authenticated user to bypass these restrictions and execute operations with elevated privileges.

The local attack vector means that an attacker would need physical or remote desktop access to the affected Windows system. While this limits the attack surface compared to network-exploitable vulnerabilities, it remains a significant concern in shared environments such as conference rooms, hoteling workstations, or public-facing kiosks.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient input validation within the Zoom Rooms for Windows application when processing user-supplied data in Kiosk Mode. The application fails to adequately sanitize or validate input before using it in privileged operations, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that escapes the intended security boundaries of Kiosk Mode and executes with elevated permissions.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to a Windows system running a vulnerable version of Zoom Rooms in Kiosk Mode. An authenticated user—potentially with limited initial privileges—can exploit the input validation flaw to break out of the restricted Kiosk Mode environment. The attacker can then leverage this escape to perform privileged operations on the underlying Windows system.

The exploitation path typically involves:

1. Gaining authenticated local access to the Zoom Rooms Windows system
2. Identifying input fields or interfaces that fail to properly validate user input
3. Crafting malicious input designed to bypass Kiosk Mode restrictions
4. Executing privileged operations that should be restricted in Kiosk Mode

For detailed technical information regarding this vulnerability, refer to the Zoom Security Bulletin ZSB-26003.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-30901

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual process spawning from the Zoom Rooms application with elevated privileges
• Unexpected child processes launched from the Zoom Rooms executable
• Windows Event Log entries indicating privilege escalation attempts
• Modifications to system files or registry keys from Zoom Rooms processes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Zoom Rooms application behavior for attempts to execute system commands or access resources outside its normal scope
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify Kiosk Mode escape attempts
• Deploy SentinelOne behavioral AI to detect anomalous privilege escalation patterns
• Review Windows Security logs for Event ID 4672 (Special privileges assigned to new logon) associated with Zoom processes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging on all Zoom Rooms deployments in Kiosk Mode
• Configure Windows Process Creation auditing (Event ID 4688) for Zoom Rooms systems
• Implement real-time monitoring of Zoom Rooms systems using endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
• Alert on any attempts to access Administrative Tools or System Settings from Kiosk Mode sessions

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-30901

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Zoom Rooms for Windows to version 6.6.5 or later immediately
• Audit all Zoom Rooms deployments to identify systems running vulnerable versions
• Restrict physical access to Zoom Rooms systems until patching is complete
• Review logs on affected systems for any signs of exploitation prior to patching

Patch Information

Zoom has addressed this vulnerability in Zoom Rooms for Windows version 6.6.5. Organizations should immediately update all affected deployments to this version or later. The security patch can be obtained through the standard Zoom update channels or by downloading directly from Zoom's official distribution points.

For complete patch details and download instructions, refer to the Zoom Security Bulletin ZSB-26003.

Workarounds

• Restrict physical access to Zoom Rooms systems in Kiosk Mode until patches can be applied
• Implement network segmentation to isolate Zoom Rooms systems from critical infrastructure
• Consider temporarily disabling Kiosk Mode if the deployment environment allows for alternative configurations
• Apply Windows security hardening to limit the impact of potential privilege escalation