ZDI-26-432: G DATA Total Security Backup Service Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G DATA Total Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8. The following CVEs are assigned: CVE-2026-13268.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-13268 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in G DATA Total Security's Backup Service. Exploitation requires prior low-privileged code execution on the target system. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of symbolic links, allowing an attacker to delete arbitrary files and escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). It was reported to the vendor on 2026-02-12 and publicly disclosed on 2026-07-15. The issue is fixed in version 25.5.20.121.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker with low privileges to escalate to SYSTEM privileges and execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade G DATA Total Security to version 25.5.20.121 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or workaround is indicated in the advisory.
ZDI-26-432: G DATA Total Security Backup Service Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Description
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G DATA Total Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8. The following CVEs are assigned: CVE-2026-13268.
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-13268 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in G DATA Total Security's Backup Service. Exploitation requires prior low-privileged code execution on the target system. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of symbolic links, allowing an attacker to delete arbitrary files and escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). It was reported to the vendor on 2026-02-12 and publicly disclosed on 2026-07-15. The issue is fixed in version 25.5.20.121.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker with low privileges to escalate to SYSTEM privileges and execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade G DATA Total Security to version 25.5.20.121 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or workaround is indicated in the advisory.
Technical Details
- Article Source
- {"url":"http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-432/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-07-16T15:50:51.530Z","wordCount":191}
Threat ID: 6a58fe6668715ace43485bde
Added to database: 07/16/2026, 15:53:10 UTC
Last enriched: 07/16/2026, 15:55:11 UTC
Last updated: 07/16/2026, 17:52:13 UTC
Views: 4
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.