CVE-2026-69379: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2
Description
CVE-2026-69379 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 involving improper link resolution before file access in the NTFS file system. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting link following behavior. The vulnerability affects multiple specific builds of Windows 11 23H2. An official fix is available from Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.0high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 11 version 23H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 23H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 24H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 25H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 version 26H1
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-69379 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access) affecting Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2. The issue arises from improper handling of symbolic links or similar link types in the NTFS file system, which can be exploited by an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability is present in several specific Windows 11 23H2 builds, with versions starting from 10.0.22631.0 up to but excluding 10.0.22631.7582, and other build ranges as specified. Microsoft has published an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the affected Windows 11 23H2 systems. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.0 (high), indicating significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploited. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft for this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft for the affected Windows 11 23H2 versions as detailed in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69379. No additional mitigation actions are specified beyond applying the official patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-03T20:54:04.486Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69379","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6aa044edacd9273b49fa7f04
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 17:25:01 UTC
Last enriched: 10/16/2026, 21:07:58 UTC
Last updated: 10/21/2026, 13:40:31 UTC
Views: 29
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