Microsoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability

Code

The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.

No public source repository is identified for this product.

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

1. May 20, 2026 · Catalog

   Detected

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

2. May 20, 2026 · CISA KEV

   Known exploited

   Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

3. Jun 3, 2026 · CISA KEV

   Remediation due

   Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

4. Jul 24, 2026 · Catalog

   Updated

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

Affected

• cpe microsoft/malware protection engineversion unspecified
• vendor Microsoft Defenderversion unspecified

Sources

• CISA KEVConfirmed exploitationCVE-2026-41091

  Microsoft Defender contains a link following vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

  cisa.gov
• CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2026-41091

  Official CVE identifier

  cve.org
• FIRST EPSSExploitation probabilityCVE-2026-41091

  30-day exploitation probability 0.4%

  first.org
• NIST NVDVulnerability recordCVE-2026-41091

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

  nvd.nist.gov

References

• CISA note · msrc.microsoft.com
• Vendor Advisory · msrc.microsoft.com
• CISA note · nvd.nist.gov
• Third Party Advisory · cisa.gov