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CVE-2026-41091

7.8
HIGHCVSS v3.1 Base Score
8.01%
LOW RiskEPSS (92nd percentile)
KEV

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

Published: 5/20/2026
Modified: 5/20/2026
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ACTIVELY EXPLOITED IN THE WILD

This vulnerability is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

Vulnerability Name:

Microsoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability

Vendor / Product:

Microsoft Defender

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.

Due Date: 6/3/2026(URGENT)
Added to KEV:

5/20/2026

Notes:

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091 ; https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-41091

Vulnerability Summary

CVSS v3 Score

7.8HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Score (Exploitation Probability)

8.01%LOW Exploitation Risk
92nd percentile

This vulnerability has a 8.01% probability of being exploited in the next 30 days, ranking higher than 92% of all scored CVEs.

CWE Classification

Related Vulnerabilities

Same Weakness Type(CWE-59)

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Similar SeverityHIGH