CVE-2026-50438: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Microsoft PC Manager
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft PC Manager allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-50438) in Microsoft PC Manager 1.0.0 is classified as CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following'). It enables an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting improper handling of symbolic links or similar link types before accessing files. The vulnerability is confirmed by Microsoft with an official fix released. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the affected system, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended. This can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of system operations.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the patch provided by Microsoft for Microsoft PC Manager version 1.0.0 as soon as possible. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-50438 for detailed patching instructions.
CVE-2026-50438: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Microsoft PC Manager
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft PC Manager allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-50438) in Microsoft PC Manager 1.0.0 is classified as CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following'). It enables an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting improper handling of symbolic links or similar link types before accessing files. The vulnerability is confirmed by Microsoft with an official fix released. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the affected system, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended. This can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of system operations.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the patch provided by Microsoft for Microsoft PC Manager version 1.0.0 as soon as possible. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-50438 for detailed patching instructions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-04T18:57:47.376Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-50438","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6a56769f68715ace43f0946d
Added to database: 07/14/2026, 17:49:19 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 14:55:01 UTC
Last updated: 08/28/2026, 11:04:21 UTC
Views: 81
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