Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
Description
Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.
What to do
Apply 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.
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Details
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows
- CVE
- CVE-2026-81963
- Affected versions
- Windows 11 version 23H2 10.0: from 10.0.22631.0 to 10.0.22631.7582 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.22631.7582
Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0: from 10.0.22631.0 to 10.0.22631.7582 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.22631.7582
Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0: from 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.9445 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.26100.9445
Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0: from 10.0.26200.0 to 10.0.26200.9445 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.26200.9445
Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0: from 10.0.28000.0 to 10.0.28000.2954 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.28000.2954
Windows Server 2025 10.0: from 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.33438 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.26100.33438
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0: from 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.33438 (excluded) — fixed in 10.0.26100.33438 (from the advisory and NVD; check the exact builds in the official advisory) - CVSS score
- 7.8
- Actively exploited
- Yes, listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
- CISA due date
- September 22, 2026 (deadline for US federal agencies: a good benchmark for you too)
- Source
- CISA KEV – original advisory
- Published
- September 8, 2026
The description and the recommended action are quoted from the public advisory; severity, exploitation status and affected versions are compiled automatically from public sources and may contain errors. The vendor's original advisory prevails: check it before taking action. This information is provided without warranty and does not replace a professional assessment.