CVE-2026-41091 Details
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
A vulnerability in Microsoft Defender related to improper link resolution before file access, known as 'link following', allows an authorized attacker to locally elevate privileges. This issue affects the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine versions prior to 1.1.26040.8.
Users can update to the latest version of the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine to address this vulnerability. For enterprise deployments, it's recommended to verify that the automatic deployment of Microsoft Malware Protection Engine updates is functioning as expected.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed May 20, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-41091 | CISA-ADP | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
| https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091 | [email protected] | Vendor Advisory |
This CVE is in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
Reference CISA's BOD 22-01 and Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog for further guidance and requirements.
| Vulnerability Name | Date Added | Due Date | Required Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender Link Following Vulnerability | May 20, 2026 | Jun 3, 2026 | Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-59 | Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| microsoft malware protection engine | >= 1.1.26030.3008, < 1.1.26040.8 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
7 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 24, 2026 | CVE Translated | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 20, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| May 20, 2026 | CVE CISA KEV Update | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) U.S. Civilian Government |
| May 20, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 20, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |