CVE-2026-88191

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improper Link Resolution Leading to Privilege Escalation in Windows Search

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Windows Search Component 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-2026-88191

EUVD

EUVD-2026-100112

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_server_2012	r2
microsoft	windows_server_2022	to 10.0.20348.5761 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1607	to 10.0.14393.9612 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1607	to 10.0.14393.9612 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7652 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7652 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.3231 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.3231 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h2	to 10.0.26300.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h2	to 10.0.26300.9711 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2016	to 10.0.14393.9612 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2019	to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2025	to 10.0.26100.33650 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)

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 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Search Component. It occurs due to improper link resolution before file access, allowing an authorized attacker to gain higher privileges on the system.

Detection Guidance

Detection requires checking for improper link resolution in Windows Search Component. Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or file access patterns. Use Windows Event Viewer to review logs for suspicious Search service activity. Check for unauthorized changes to system files or directories linked to Windows Search.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with authorized access could exploit this to elevate their privileges locally, potentially gaining control over the system or accessing sensitive data.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation through improper link resolution in Windows Search. 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 Search Component vulnerability. Monitor Microsoft's update guide for specific patches and install them promptly.

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