CVE-2026-81963
CVE-2026-81963
Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
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.
CVSS 3.1 · CNA · microsoft.com
chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS; higher than 33% of CVEs)
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Scores
Affected products
- microsoft windows 11 23h2: < 10.0.22631.7582
- microsoft windows 11 24h2: < 10.0.26100.9445
- microsoft windows 11 25h2: < 10.0.26200.9445
- microsoft windows 11 26h1: < 10.0.28000.2954
- microsoft windows server 2025: < 10.0.26100.33438
2 references (advisories, patches, write-ups)
- https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-81963 · Patch, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-81963 · US Government Resource
Sources: NVD, CVE.org, FIRST EPSS. Missing ones did not answer or have no record yet.