CVE-2026-88191

7.8High

Published 13 Oct 2026 · NVD status: Analyzed · 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 user can elevate privileges to SYSTEM. The attacker needs existing local authentication on the Windows host.

Root cause

The Windows Search Component improperly resolves file links before accessing them, allowing arbitrary file manipulation via symlink attacks.

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 Microsoft security update for CVE-2026-88191. If patching must wait, stop and disable the Windows Search service (WSearch).

shell

$ Stop-Service -Name WSearch -Force; Set-Service -Name WSearch -StartupType Disabled

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 Microsoft Windows Search Component allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88191PatchVendor Advisory

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-88191