Link following in Microsoft Malware Protection Engine - CVE-2026-41091

CSH
CYBERSECURITY HELP
Sign In REGISTER
 
Main Vulnerability Database Vulnerabilities #VU132035

Link following in Microsoft Malware Protection Engine - CVE-2026-41091

Published: May 21, 2026


Vulnerability identifier: #VU132035
CSH Severity: High
CVSS v4.0: 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/E:A/U:Amber
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-41091
CWE-ID: CWE-59
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability: The vulnerability is being exploited in the wild
Vendor: Microsoft
Affected software:
Microsoft Malware Protection Engine

Detailed vulnerability description

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

The vulnerability exists due to an insecure link following issue. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with elevated privileges.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild. 


How to mitigate CVE-2026-41091

Install updates from vendor's website.

Sources