CVE-2026-61358

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Windows Accessibility Link Following Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-08-11

Last updated on: 2026-08-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Accessibility Infrastructure (ATBroker.exe) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-08-11

Last Modified

2026-08-16

Generated

2026-09-01

AI Q&A

2026-08-11

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-30

NVD

CVE-2026-61358

EUVD

EUVD-2026-56620

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9115 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9115 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7663 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7517 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7517 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9106 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9106 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.2704 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.2704 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9106 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9106 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2019	to 10.0.17763.9115 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2022	to 10.0.20348.5440 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2025	to 10.0.26100.33222 (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 vulnerability is an improper link resolution issue in Windows Accessibility Infrastructure (ATBroker.exe) that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally by exploiting link following.

Detection Guidance

Detection requires checking for improper link resolution in Windows Accessibility Infrastructure. Monitor ATBroker.exe for unusual file access patterns or privilege escalation attempts. Use process auditing tools like Windows Event Viewer to track access violations or suspicious activity logs.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain higher privileges on your system, potentially allowing them to install programs, view or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation through improper link resolution in Windows Accessibility Infrastructure. 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 vulnerability in Windows Accessibility Infrastructure (ATBroker.exe). Monitor Microsoft's update guide for patches and ensure all systems are updated promptly.

Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-61358. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.

0/70