Windows Setup Files Cleanup Link Following Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-24

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Setup Files Cleanup allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-24

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-09

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-69289

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_server_2012	r2
microsoft	windows_server_2012	*
microsoft	windows_10_1607	to 10.0.14393.9512 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1607	to 10.0.14393.9512 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9245 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9245 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7725 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7582 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_23h2	to 10.0.22631.7582 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9445 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.9445 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9445 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.9445 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.2954 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.2954 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2025	to 10.0.26100.33438 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2016	to 10.0.14393.9512 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2019	to 10.0.17763.9245 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2022	to 10.0.20348.5622 (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 Setup Files Cleanup that allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally. It involves a 'link following' flaw where the system does not correctly resolve file paths before granting access.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain higher privileges on your system, potentially allowing them to install malicious software, access sensitive data, or take control of your device.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to patch the Windows Setup Files Cleanup component. Monitor Microsoft's advisory for additional guidance and ensure unauthorized users cannot access local systems.

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