CVE-2026-81963: Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability

High severity, CVSS 7.8. Actively exploited: in CISA KEV since 2026-09-08. EPSS: 0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Affected products

• Microsoft Windows 11 23h2: before 10.0.22631.7582 (fixed in 10.0.22631.7582)
• Microsoft Windows 11 24h2: before 10.0.26100.9445 (fixed in 10.0.26100.9445)
• Microsoft Windows 11 25h2: before 10.0.26200.9445 (fixed in 10.0.26200.9445)
• Microsoft Windows 11 26h1: before 10.0.28000.2954 (fixed in 10.0.28000.2954)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2025: before 10.0.26100.33438 (fixed in 10.0.26100.33438)

Published 2026-09-08. Last modified 2026-09-09.