CVE-2026-41091

Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published May 20, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS 8.2% KEV · Listed
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
References
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'active', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics kev

{'dateAdded': '2026-05-20T00:00:00+00:00', 'dueDate': '2026-06-03T00:00:00+00:00'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Title Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
First Time appeared Microsoft
Microsoft malware Protection Engine
Weaknesses CWE-59
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:malware_protection_engine:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft
Microsoft malware Protection Engine
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
microsoft
Published
Updated
Aug 10, 2026, 3:13 PM
Reserved
Apr 16, 2026, 7:12 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
May 20, 2026, 1:16 PM
Modified
Jul 24, 2026, 10:10 AM