CVE-2026-41091 KEV
7.8
HIGH · CVSS 3.1 · EPSS 0.4% (pctl 36)
Patch first
On CISA KEV — known exploited in the wild, due 2026-06-03.
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Scoring
| CVSS | 7.8 (HIGH, v3.1) |
|---|---|
| Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H |
| EPSS | 0.44% — more likely to be exploited than 36% of all CVEs |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| On CISA KEV | yes — remediate by 2026-06-03 |
| Public exploit | none known |
| Published | 2026-05-20 |
| Last modified | 2026-07-24 |
CISA KEV
| Name | Microsoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability |
|---|---|
| Added | 2026-05-20 |
| Due | 2026-06-03 |
| Vendor / product | Microsoft / Defender |
| Ransomware use | none reported |
Affected (1)
| Vendor | Product |
|---|---|
| microsoft | malware protection engine |
References
→ the Explorer · watch your stack · NVD