CVE-2026-81963
Analyzed
Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Improper Link Resolution Leading to Privilege Escalation in Windows Update Stack
Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-81963, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.
Publication date: 2026-09-08
Last updated on: 2026-09-09
Assigner: Microsoft Corporation
Description
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
| Probability: | |
| Percentile: |
Meta Information
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. |
| CWE-284 | The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor. |
