CVE-2026-41091

May 20, 2026, 7:06 p.m.

7.8
High

Description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Product(s) Impacted

Vendor Product Versions
Microsoft
  • Malware Protection Engine
  • *

Weaknesses

Common security weaknesses mapped to this vulnerability.

CWE-59
Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

*CPE(s)

Affected systems and software identified for this CVE.

Type Vendor Product Version Update Edition Language Software Edition Target Software Target Hardware Other Information
a microsoft malware_protection_engine / / / / / / / /

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-41091

Tags

CWE-59
[email protected]
2026-05-20
CVE-2026-41091

CVSS Score

7.8 / 10

CVSS Data - 3.1

  • Attack Vector: LOCAL
  • Attack Complexity: LOW
  • Privileges Required: LOW
  • Scope: UNCHANGED
  • Confidentiality Impact: HIGH
  • Integrity Impact: HIGH
  • Availability Impact: HIGH

    • CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

    View Vector String

Timeline

Published: May 20, 2026, 1:16 p.m.
Last Modified: May 20, 2026, 7:06 p.m.

Status : Analyzed

CVE has had analysis completed and all data associations made.

More info

Source

[email protected]

Relations

Here is the list of observables linked to the vulnerability CVE-2026-41091 using threat intelligence.

  • Defender
  • Defender

*Disclaimer: Some vulnerabilities do not have an associated CPE. To enhance the data, we use AI to infer CPEs based on CVE details. This is an automated process and might not always be accurate.