CVE-2026-49791: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
CVE-2026-49791 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 involving improper link resolution before file access in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting how symbolic links are handled. The vulnerability has a high severity rating and a CVSS score of 7.1. An official fix is available from Microsoft to address this issue.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in Windows 10 Version 1607's RRAS component involves improper link resolution before file access, commonly known as 'link following'. An authorized attacker with local access can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges on the affected system. The issue arises from the way RRAS resolves symbolic links, potentially allowing unauthorized access to files or system resources. Microsoft has published an official fix to remediate this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authorized local attacker to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining higher-level access or control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality but has high impact on integrity and availability according to the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided in the Microsoft advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-49791 to remediate this vulnerability.
CVE-2026-49791: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Description
CVE-2026-49791 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 involving improper link resolution before file access in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting how symbolic links are handled. The vulnerability has a high severity rating and a CVSS score of 7.1. An official fix is available from Microsoft to address this issue.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in Windows 10 Version 1607's RRAS component involves improper link resolution before file access, commonly known as 'link following'. An authorized attacker with local access can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges on the affected system. The issue arises from the way RRAS resolves symbolic links, potentially allowing unauthorized access to files or system resources. Microsoft has published an official fix to remediate this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authorized local attacker to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining higher-level access or control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality but has high impact on integrity and availability according to the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided in the Microsoft advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-49791 to remediate this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-01T17:02:37.207Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-49791","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6a566f6d68715ace43e6b545
Added to database: 07/14/2026, 17:18:37 UTC
Last enriched: 07/15/2026, 01:47:35 UTC
Last updated: 07/15/2026, 01:47:35 UTC
Views: 2
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.