CVE-2026-85849
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress

Windows AppX Deployment Service Link Following Vulnerability

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-85849, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

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 AppX Deployment Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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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
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 17 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0
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
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation) 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0.26100.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
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

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an improper link resolution issue in the Windows AppX Deployment Service. It allows an authorized attacker to exploit link following to elevate their privileges locally on affected systems.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves improper link resolution in the Windows AppX Deployment Service. Detection typically requires checking for unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious activity in the service logs. Use PowerShell commands like Get-WinEvent to review AppX Deployment Service logs for errors or unexpected file access patterns. Check for unauthorized modifications to system files or registry keys related to AppX deployment.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain higher privileges, potentially allowing them to install programs, view or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation via improper link resolution in Windows AppX Deployment Service. While not directly tied to data protection standards, unauthorized privilege escalation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially violating GDPR (data confidentiality) or HIPAA (protected health information integrity).

Mitigation Strategies

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

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