All vulnerabilities
CVE-2026-81963

Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability

Microsoft WindowsOperating systems
Open in ThreatlineRecord JSON
CVSS
7.8High
ExploitationExploited in the wildAdded to KEV 8 Sep 2026CISA KEV
Exploit odds (EPSS)0.39%Chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 32% of CVEs. Scored 23 Oct 2026FIRST EPSS
Fixed in10.0.22631.7582Also 10.0.26100.9445, 10.0.26200.9445 and 2 moreCVE List
Federal deadline22 Sep 2026Remediation due date for US federal agenciesCISA KEV
CISA required actionApply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. CISA KEV

What fixes it

  • 10.0.22631.7582Windows 11 version 23H2CVE List
  • 10.0.22631.7582Windows 11 Version 23H2CVE List
  • 10.0.26100.9445Windows 11 Version 24H2CVE List
  • 10.0.26200.9445Windows 11 Version 25H2CVE List
  • 10.0.28000.2954Windows 11 version 26H1CVE List
  • 10.0.26100.33438Windows Server 2025CVE List
Show all 7 fixed versions
  • 10.0.26100.33438Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)CVE List

A fixed version on one release line is not the upgrade target for every line. Check your exact version and any vendor backports.

Timeline

  1. 8 Sep 2026Added to CISA KEVCISA KEV
  2. 8 Sep 2026, 17:19 UTCPublishedCVE List

Description

Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.

Text from CVE List

Affected versions 7

  • Windows 11 version 23H2affected: 10.0.22631.0 before 10.0.22631.7582CVE List
  • Windows 11 Version 23H2affected: 10.0.22631.0 before 10.0.22631.7582CVE List
  • Windows 11 Version 24H2affected: 10.0.26100.0 before 10.0.26100.9445CVE List
  • Windows 11 Version 25H2affected: 10.0.26200.0 before 10.0.26200.9445CVE List
  • Windows 11 version 26H1affected: 10.0.28000.0 before 10.0.28000.2954CVE List
  • Windows Server 2025affected: 10.0.26100.0 before 10.0.26100.33438CVE List
  • Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)affected: 10.0.26100.0 before 10.0.26100.33438CVE List

References 4