CVE-2026-83659

7.8High

Published 13 Oct 2026 · NVD status: Awaiting Analysis · AI triage by gemini-3.8-flash

7.8High

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Impact: Full C/I/A compromise
Weakness: CWE-59

Impact

A local attacker with standard user credentials can gain SYSTEM privileges. They need an active account and local code execution on the target Windows host.

Root cause

The Windows User Profile Service unsafely follows symbolic links or junctions before accessing files, leading to arbitrary file operations.

Affected systems

Versions not listed — check the vendor advisory.

CVSS v3.1 · CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Fix & remediation

Install the relevant Microsoft security update referenced in the advisory. No interim workarounds are provided.

AI-suggested. Run it in staging first and check it against the vendor advisory. Why?

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NVD description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows User Profile Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-83659

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-83659