Main Vulnerability Database Vulnerabilities #VU165563

Link following in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-88224

Published: November 11, 2026

Vulnerability identifier: #VU165563

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-2026-88224

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local access

Exploit availability: No public exploit available

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM.

The vulnerability exists due to improper link resolution before file access in Windows AppX Deployment Service when following file links. A local user can manipulate links followed by the service to gain SYSTEM privileges.

Affected software

Microsoft Windows
Windows Server

How to mitigate CVE-2026-88224

Install security update from vendor's website.

Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 10 1607 10.0.14393.9688, 10 1809 10.0.17763.9487
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2016 10.0.14393.9688, 2019 10.0.17763.9487

External References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2026-88224

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