CVE-2026-25187
Improper Link Resolution in Winlogon Enables Local Privilege Escalation
Publication date: 2026-03-10
Last updated on: 2026-03-13
Assigner: Microsoft Corporation
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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| Percentile: |
Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| 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 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
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
[{'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]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
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.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
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.