CVE-2026-41091

Description

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

Severity scores

Each score is shown as its source gave it. They are not averaged or merged.

• 7.8CVSS 3.1, Highfrom the CNA (microsoft)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

What to do

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

Historical context and remediation

This reference retains the original CVE publication date. A recent record update does not mean a new attack occurred.

No separately sourced impact summary is available on this page yet. Consult the description, version data and dated exploitation evidence.

Version statuses below come from the CNA. An “unaffected” version is not necessarily a currently supported release or proof of a patch date. EPSS is a dated risk estimate, not a count of historical attacks.

Read the original CVE record.

Affected products

Timeline

1. 20 May 2026 CVE-2026-41091 added to CISA KEV
2. 20 May 2026 Added to the CISA KEV catalogue
3. 20 May 2026 Published

Weakness

• CWE-59

References

• Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilityvendor-advisorypatch