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Windows 11 24h2 CVE-2026-20941

HIGH
Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (CWE-59)
2026-01-13 secure@microsoft.com
7.8
CVSS 3.1 · Vendor: microsoft
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Severity by source

Vendor (microsoft) PRIMARY
7.8 HIGH
AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from Vendor (microsoft) · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorVendor: microsoft

Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

Lifecycle Timeline

2
Analysis Generated
Mar 12, 2026 - 21:54 vuln.today
CVE Published
Jan 13, 2026 - 18:16 nvd
HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

AnalysisAI

Privilege escalation in Windows Task Host Process affects Windows 11 and Server 2025 through unsafe symbolic link handling, allowing authenticated local users to gain elevated system privileges. An attacker with standard user access can exploit improper link resolution to bypass access controls and execute arbitrary actions with SYSTEM-level permissions. Currently no patch is available for this vulnerability.

Technical ContextAI

Classified as CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access). Affects Windows 11 24H2. Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

RemediationAI

Monitor vendor advisories for a patch.

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CVE-2026-20941 vulnerability details – vuln.today

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