7.8
High
Exploited
CVE-2026-81963 Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
Active exploitation observed
· CISA KEV catalogue
Required action
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Ransomware campaigns
Not observed so far
Weakness
CWE-284, CWE-59
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Affected products and versions
| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0 | 10.0.22631.0 → < 10.0.22631.7582 | 10.0.22631.7582 |
| Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0 | 10.0.26100.0 → < 10.0.26100.9445 | 10.0.26100.9445 |
| Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0 | 10.0.26200.0 → < 10.0.26200.9445 | 10.0.26200.9445 |
| Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0 | 10.0.28000.0 → < 10.0.28000.2954 | 10.0.28000.2954 |
| Windows Server 2025 10.0 | 10.0.26100.0 → < 10.0.26100.33438 | 10.0.26100.33438 |
| Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0 | 10.0.26100.0 → < 10.0.26100.33438 | 10.0.26100.33438 |
References
- Windows Update Stack Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability msrc.microsoft.com
Timeline
- Published
- Added to the KEV catalogue
- Last modified
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