Main Vulnerability Database Vulnerabilities #VU121278

Link following in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-20941

Published: January 13, 2026

Vulnerability identifier: #VU121278

CSH Severity: Low

CVSS v4: 8.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]

CVE-ID: CVE-2026-20941

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local access

Exploit availability: No public exploit available

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to an insecure link following issue in Host Process for Windows Tasks. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with privileges of the application.

Affected software

Microsoft Windows
Windows Server

How to mitigate CVE-2026-20941

Install updates from vendor's website.

Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 11 24H2 10.0.26100.3223, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.7623
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2025 10.0.26100.7623, 2025 10.0.26100.32230

External References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20941

Related Security Bulletins