Windows Shell Path Traversal Vulnerability

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-24

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

External control of file name or path in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-24

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-09

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-69383

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
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)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-73	The product allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to gain higher privileges on a system by manipulating file names or paths in Windows Shell. It is classified as an elevation of privilege issue.

Impact Analysis

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

Mitigation Strategies

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

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