CVE-2026-12410: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Gen Digital CCleaner
CVE-2026-12410 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Uninstaller component of Gen Digital's CCleaner for Windows. It affects versions prior to 7.10.1464 and allows a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by exploiting improper link resolution during uninstallation. The vulnerability arises because CCleaner follows symbolic links or junctions when deleting the application's data folder with elevated privileges, enabling privilege escalation.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in CCleaner's Uninstaller component involves improper link resolution before file access. Specifically, during the uninstallation process, CCleaner follows symlinks or junctions created by a local attacker, which leads to deletion of unintended files or directories with SYSTEM-level privileges. This flaw enables a local attacker with low privileges to escalate to SYSTEM by manipulating the uninstallation folder structure. The issue affects CCleaner versions prior to 7.10.1464 on Windows. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity. No official patch or remediation level has been confirmed yet.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level on affected Windows systems. This could allow full control over the system, including the ability to execute arbitrary code with the highest privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should avoid running untrusted code locally and restrict local access to trusted users only. Monitor vendor communications for updates regarding patches or official mitigations.
CVE-2026-12410: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Gen Digital CCleaner
Description
CVE-2026-12410 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Uninstaller component of Gen Digital's CCleaner for Windows. It affects versions prior to 7.10.1464 and allows a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by exploiting improper link resolution during uninstallation. The vulnerability arises because CCleaner follows symbolic links or junctions when deleting the application's data folder with elevated privileges, enabling privilege escalation.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Gen Digital
CCleaner
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in CCleaner's Uninstaller component involves improper link resolution before file access. Specifically, during the uninstallation process, CCleaner follows symlinks or junctions created by a local attacker, which leads to deletion of unintended files or directories with SYSTEM-level privileges. This flaw enables a local attacker with low privileges to escalate to SYSTEM by manipulating the uninstallation folder structure. The issue affects CCleaner versions prior to 7.10.1464 on Windows. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity. No official patch or remediation level has been confirmed yet.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level on affected Windows systems. This could allow full control over the system, including the ability to execute arbitrary code with the highest privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should avoid running untrusted code locally and restrict local access to trusted users only. Monitor vendor communications for updates regarding patches or official mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GEN
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-16T15:03:55.873Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a734bccbf8831d53906d971
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 14:42:20 UTC
Last enriched: 08/12/2026, 15:27:38 UTC
Last updated: 09/18/2026, 22:01:32 UTC
Views: 72
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