Path traversal in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-50454
Published: July 17, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU138037
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4: 6.9 [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]
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-50454
CWE-ID: CWE-22
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a local user to elevate privileges.
The vulnerability exists due to relative path traversal in Windows User Interface Core when handling local file paths. A local user can manipulate path input to elevate privileges.
Successful exploitation could allow deletion of arbitrary system files and lead to SYSTEM privileges.
Affected software
Microsoft Windows
Windows Server
Windows Server
How to mitigate CVE-2026-50454
Install security update from vendor's website.
Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 11 24H2 10.0.26100.8875, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.8875, 11 26H1 10.0.28000.2269, 11 26H1 10.0.28000.2525
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2012 R2 6.3.9600.23291, 2025 10.0.26100.33158
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2012 R2 6.3.9600.23291, 2025 10.0.26100.33158