CVE-2026-44470: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in anthropics claude-code
CVE-2026-44470 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the anthropics claude-code Desktop app for Windows prior to version 1.3834.0. The CoworkVMService component runs as SYSTEM and improperly handles NTFS directory junctions when creating files in the VM bundle directory. A local non-elevated user can exploit this by replacing the VM bundle directory with a junction to an attacker-controlled location, causing SYSTEM-level files to be created arbitrarily. This vulnerability allows escalation from a low-privileged user to SYSTEM privileges. The issue is fixed starting with version 1.3834.0. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability arises from improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59) in the CoworkVMService component of anthropics claude-code Desktop app on Windows. Running as SYSTEM, the service does not verify if the VM bundle directory is a real directory or an NTFS directory junction before file creation. This allows a local non-elevated user to substitute the VM bundle directory with a directory junction pointing to an arbitrary location, leading to creation of SYSTEM-owned files in attacker-chosen directories. This can be leveraged for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.3834.0 and is addressed in that version.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with non-elevated privileges can escalate to SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the improper handling of NTFS directory junctions in the vulnerable service. This could lead to unauthorized SYSTEM-level file creation and potential full system compromise. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5 (high severity), reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability when exploited locally.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade the anthropics claude-code Desktop app to version 1.3834.0 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since the vendor advisory indicates the issue is resolved in this version, applying this official fix is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigations are specified or required.
CVE-2026-44470: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in anthropics claude-code
Description
CVE-2026-44470 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the anthropics claude-code Desktop app for Windows prior to version 1.3834.0. The CoworkVMService component runs as SYSTEM and improperly handles NTFS directory junctions when creating files in the VM bundle directory. A local non-elevated user can exploit this by replacing the VM bundle directory with a junction to an attacker-controlled location, causing SYSTEM-level files to be created arbitrarily. This vulnerability allows escalation from a low-privileged user to SYSTEM privileges. The issue is fixed starting with version 1.3834.0. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.5high
Affected software
pkg:github/anthropics/claude-codeRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability arises from improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59) in the CoworkVMService component of anthropics claude-code Desktop app on Windows. Running as SYSTEM, the service does not verify if the VM bundle directory is a real directory or an NTFS directory junction before file creation. This allows a local non-elevated user to substitute the VM bundle directory with a directory junction pointing to an arbitrary location, leading to creation of SYSTEM-owned files in attacker-chosen directories. This can be leveraged for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.3834.0 and is addressed in that version.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with non-elevated privileges can escalate to SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the improper handling of NTFS directory junctions in the vulnerable service. This could lead to unauthorized SYSTEM-level file creation and potential full system compromise. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5 (high severity), reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability when exploited locally.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade the anthropics claude-code Desktop app to version 1.3834.0 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since the vendor advisory indicates the issue is resolved in this version, applying this official fix is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigations are specified or required.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-06T17:18:51.782Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a04a508cbff5d8610e80453
Added to database: 05/13/2026, 16:21:28 UTC
Last enriched: 05/20/2026, 19:10:34 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 111
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.