CVE-2026-41091
KEVMicrosoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability
Description
Microsoft Defender contains a link following vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedMay 20, 2026
Last modifiedJul 24, 2026
Added to KEVMay 20, 2026
Remediation dueJun 3, 2026
References
- msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091Vendor Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-41091Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
70
Risk assessment · High
Actively exploited. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 145 days
- CVSS
- 7.8 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 8.2% · top 5% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-59
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.