CVE-2026-42989
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Improper Link Resolution in Winlogon Elevates Privileges

Publication date: 2026-06-09

Last updated on: 2026-06-11

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
2026-06-09
Last Modified
2026-06-11
Generated
2026-06-30
AI Q&A
2026-06-09
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-28
NVD
CVE-2026-42989
EUVD
EUVD-2026-35742

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 24 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
microsoft windows_server_2012 r2
microsoft windows_server_2012 *
microsoft windows_10_1607 to 10.0.14393.9234 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1607 to 10.0.14393.9234 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.8880 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.8880 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7417 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.7219 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.7219 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.8655 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.8655 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.8655 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.8655 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.2269 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.2269 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2016 to 10.0.14393.9234 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2019 to 10.0.17763.8880 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2022 to 10.0.20348.5256 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2025 to 10.0.26100.32995 (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

This vulnerability involves improper link resolution before file access, also known as 'link following', in the Winlogon component of Microsoft Windows.

It allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally by exploiting this flaw.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to an elevation of privilege, meaning an attacker with some level of access can gain higher-level permissions on the affected system.

This can result in the attacker gaining control over sensitive system functions, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Mitigation Strategies

This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally due to improper link resolution before file access in Winlogon.

To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as detailed in their official update guide.

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