External Control of File Name or Path in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-41088

Vulnerability identifier: #VU131223

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-2026-41088

CWE-ID: CWE-73

Exploitation vector: Local access

Exploit availability: No public exploit available

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

The vulnerability exists due to external control of file name or path in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock. A local user can gain elevated privileges on the target system.

Microsoft Windows
Windows Server

Install updates from vendor's website.

Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 10 21H2 10.0.19044.7291, 10 22H2 10.0.19045.7291, 11 23H2 10.0.22631.7079, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.8390, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.8457, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.8390, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.8457, 11 26H1 10.0.28000.2113
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2022 23H2 10.0.25398.2330, 2022 10.0.20348.5074, 2022 10.0.20348.5139, 2025 10.0.26100.32772, 2025 10.0.26100.32860

• https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41088

• Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock