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Vulnerabilities / CVE-2026-81963

CVE-2026-81963

Published 2026-09-08 · Analyzed

CVE-2026-81963

Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability

Exploited in the wild: CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-09-08, with a fix-by date of 2026-09-22. Patch it first.

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.

7.8 HIGH
CVSS 3.1 · CNA · microsoft.com
0.4%
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

Weakness: CWE-59, CWE-284

2 references (advisories, patches, write-ups)

Sources: NVD, CVE.org, FIRST EPSS. Missing ones did not answer or have no record yet.

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