Link following in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-122182

Vulnerability identifier: #VU165462

CSH Severity: Low

CVSS v4: 7.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]

CVE-ID: CVE-2026-122182

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local access

Exploit availability: No public exploit available

The vulnerability allows a local user to elevate privileges and execute code in the security context of the NT AUTHORITYNetwork Service account.

The vulnerability exists due to improper link resolution before file access in Windows Maps when accessing files through links. A local user can exploit link following by winning a race condition to elevate privileges.

Microsoft Windows
Windows Server

Install security update from vendor's website.

Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 10 21H2 10.0.19044.7846, 10 22H2 10.0.19045.7846, 10 1607 10.0.14393.9688, 10 1809 10.0.17763.9487, 11 23H2 10.0.22631.7711, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.9911, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.9974, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.9911, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.9974, 11 26H1 10.0.28000.3501
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2016 10.0.14393.9688, 2019 10.0.17763.9487, 2022 10.0.20348.5870, 2025 10.0.26100.33730, 2025 10.0.26100.33822

• https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2026-122182

• Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows