NTFS Link Following Local Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-14

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

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

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-14

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-10

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-69379

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_server_2025	to 10.0.26100.33438 (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)

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 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows NTFS where improper handling of symbolic links allows an authorized attacker to gain higher privileges than intended.

Impact Analysis

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

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Windows security updates from Microsoft Update to patch the NTFS link following vulnerability. Monitor Microsoft's security advisories for patches and install them promptly.

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