Link following in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-50469
Published: July 17, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU138036
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4.0: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-50469
CWE-ID: CWE-59
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vendor: Microsoft
Affected software:
Windows
Windows Server
Windows
Windows Server
Detailed vulnerability description
The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges.
The vulnerability exists due to improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Projected File System when accessing files. A local user can create or manipulate links to escalate privileges.
A successful exploit would allow deletion of arbitrary system files.
How to mitigate CVE-2026-50469
Install security update from vendor's website.