CVE-2026-41091

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

1. May 20, 2026 · Catalog

   Detected

   Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

2. May 20, 2026 · CISA KEV

   Known exploited

   Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

3. Jun 3, 2026 · CISA KEV

   Remediation due

   Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

4. Jul 24, 2026 · Catalog

   Updated

   Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Affected

• cpe microsoft/malware protection engineversion unspecified
• vendor Microsoft Defenderversion unspecified

Sources

• CISA KEVCVE-2026-41091

  Microsoft Defender contains a link following vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

  cisa.gov
• CVE.orgCVE-2026-41091

  Official CVE identifier

  cve.org
• FIRST EPSSCVE-2026-41091

  30-day exploitation probability 0.4%

  first.org
• NIST NVDCVE-2026-41091

  Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

  nvd.nist.gov

References

• CISA note · msrc.microsoft.com
• Vendor Advisory · msrc.microsoft.com
• CISA note · nvd.nist.gov
• Third Party Advisory · cisa.gov