CVE-2026-81963
Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
Published Sep 8, 2026 · updated Sep 8, 2026 · Microsoft Windows
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
Sep 8, 2026 · Catalog
Detected
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Sep 8, 2026 · CISA KEV
Known exploited
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
Sep 8, 2026 · Catalog
Updated
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Sep 22, 2026 · CISA KEV
Remediation due
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
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.
CISA due date Sep 22, 2026
Affected
- cpe microsoft/windows 11 23h2version unspecified
- cpe microsoft/windows 11 24h2version unspecified
- cpe microsoft/windows 11 25h2version unspecified
- cpe microsoft/windows 11 26h1version unspecified
- vendor Microsoft Windowsversion unspecified
Sources
- CISA KEVCVE-2026-81963
Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.
cisa.gov - CVE.orgCVE-2026-81963
Official CVE identifier
cve.org - FIRST EPSSCVE-2026-81963
30-day exploitation probability 0.4%
first.org - NIST NVDCVE-2026-81963
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
nvd.nist.gov