CVE-2026-108135

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Windows Backup Engine Link Following Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Backup Engine allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-10-13

Last Modified

2026-10-16

Generated

2026-10-19

AI Q&A

2026-10-14

EPSS Evaluated

2026-10-18

NVD

CVE-2026-108135

EUVD

EUVD-2026-100454

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
Microsoft	Windows	10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0
Microsoft	Windows	10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 Version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0
Microsoft	Windows	11 Version 26H2 10.0.26300.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-59	The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an improper link resolution issue in Windows Backup Engine. It allows an authorized attacker to exploit symbolic links to gain elevated privileges on a local system. The attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this flaw.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain higher-level permissions on your system, potentially enabling them to install programs, view or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation through improper link resolution in Windows Backup Engine. While not directly impacting GDPR or HIPAA compliance, such vulnerabilities could enable unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially violating confidentiality requirements in these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to patch the Windows Backup Engine vulnerability. Monitor Microsoft's security advisories for patches and install them promptly.

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