CVE-2026-88072: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Description
CVE-2026-88072 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 involving improper link resolution before file access in the Windows Host Guardian Service. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting improper access control. The vulnerability affects multiple specific builds of Windows 10, and an official fix is available from Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 1809
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 22H2
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 11 Version 26H2
Microsoft
Windows Server 2019
Microsoft
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Microsoft
Windows Server 2022
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-88072 and classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access), exists in the Windows Host Guardian Service component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809. It allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges due to improper access control related to symbolic link handling. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Multiple specific Windows 10 builds are affected, and Microsoft has issued an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges on the affected Windows 10 systems. This could lead to full control over the system, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft to remediate this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as detailed in the vendor advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88072. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the official patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-09T21:47:30.202Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88072","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6ace85552cdf04f6569ff333
Added to database: 10/13/2026, 19:24:05 UTC
Last enriched: 10/14/2026, 02:18:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/14/2026, 02:18:26 UTC
Views: 3
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