CVE-2026-25187
Modified Modified - Updated After Analysis
Improper Link Resolution in Winlogon Enables Local Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-03-10

Last updated on: 2026-05-26

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Winlogon allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-10
Last Modified
2026-05-26
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-10
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-25187
EUVD
EUVD-2026-10659
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 25 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
microsoft windows_server_2012 r2
microsoft windows_server_2012 *
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.8511 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.8511 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7058 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.6783 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.6783 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.7979 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.7979 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.7979 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.7979 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.1719 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.1719 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2016 to 10.0.14393.8957 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2019 to 10.0.17763.8511 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2022 to 10.0.20348.4830 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2022_23h2 to 10.0.25398.2207 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1607 to 10.0.14393.8957 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1607 to 10.0.14393.8957 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2025 to 10.0.26100.32463 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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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.
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Executive Summary

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "This vulnerability involves improper link resolution before file access, also known as 'link following', in the Winlogon component. It allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally on the affected system."}] [1]

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to an elevation of privilege, meaning an attacker with some level of authorization can gain higher-level access rights than intended. This can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

I don't know

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as soon as possible to address the improper link resolution issue in Winlogon.

Ensure that only authorized users have local access to the affected systems to reduce the risk of exploitation.

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