CVE-2026-41091 kev in the critical feed json
Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
published 2026-05-20 5 mo ago modified 2026-08-10 2 mo ago also EUVD-2026-31101
- cvss
- 7.8
- version 3.1, CNA
- cisa kev
- Exploited
- added 2026-05-20
- epss
- 8.2%
- EPSS 8.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days, percentile 94%
- public exploits
- 0
- none known
Summary
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Patch / fix
cisa required action Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Microsoft Microsoft Malware Protection Engine 1.1.26040.8
Timeline
- CISA SSVC: exploitation active
- Added to CISA KEV
- Published
- CISA patch deadline
Known exploited
- Added
- 5 mo ago
- Patch by
- 2026-06-03 (5 mo ago)
- Ransomware
- Not known
- Required action
- Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Vendor, product
- Microsoft, Defender
- CISA name
- Microsoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability
CISA SSVC
- Exploitation
- Active, exploited in the wild
- Automatable
- no
- Technical impact
- total
- Assessed
- 5 mo ago
Exploit prediction
8.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 94% of all scored CVEs (FIRST EPSS, 2026-11-08).
CVSS scores
| assigned by | version | score | vector |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | 3.1 | 7.8 | 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 |
| CNA | 3.1 | 7.8 | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H |
Affected products
- Microsoft Microsoft Malware Protection Engine
Classification
- Weakness
-
- CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
References
-
msrc.microsoft.com
/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091
vendor-advisory, patch
-
cisa.gov
/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-41091
government-resource, third-party-advisory, us-government-resource
Sources
- CVE List CVE-2026-41091
- NVD CVE-2026-41091
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