CVE-2026-42989: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Winlogon allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-42989) is classified as CWE-59, indicating improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in the Winlogon process of Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0). It enables an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting how symbolic links or similar references are resolved prior to accessing files. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has published an official fix for this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS score indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, meaning sensitive data could be exposed or modified and system operations disrupted.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided by Microsoft for Windows 10 Version 1607 to remediate this vulnerability. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42989 for detailed patch information and update instructions.
CVE-2026-42989: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Winlogon allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-42989) is classified as CWE-59, indicating improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in the Winlogon process of Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0). It enables an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting how symbolic links or similar references are resolved prior to accessing files. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has published an official fix for this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS score indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, meaning sensitive data could be exposed or modified and system operations disrupted.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided by Microsoft for Windows 10 Version 1607 to remediate this vulnerability. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42989 for detailed patch information and update instructions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-30T23:43:50.746Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42989","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6a284ccb8dd33fbd8566495d
Added to database: 6/9/2026, 5:26:35 PM
Last enriched: 6/9/2026, 10:55:57 PM
Last updated: 6/10/2026, 7:11:13 AM
Views: 6
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