Improper Link Resolution in Windows Host Process Enables Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-01-13

Last updated on: 2026-01-13

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-01-13

Last Modified

2026-01-13

Generated

2026-07-06

AI Q&A

2026-01-14

EPSS Evaluated

2026-07-05

NVD

CVE-2026-20941

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	host_process_for_windows_tasks	*

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 involves improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in the Host Process for Windows Tasks, which allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally. [1]

Impact Analysis

An authorized attacker could exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the affected system, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended, which could lead to unauthorized actions or control. [1]

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