CYBERSIXT Signal Over Noise
All CVEs
Vulnerability intelligence

CVE-2026-81963

Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability

Microsoft Windows CWE-59

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

CVSS Score
7.8
High
EPSS — Exploit Probability
0.4%
Riskier than 32% of all CVEs · checked 2026-10-24
Exploitation
Confirmed in the wild
KEV since 2026-09-08
Remediation
Patch available
Federal deadline 2026-09-22
CISA required action

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. Deadline for federal agencies: 2026-09-22.

NVD entry Vendor patch PoC / advisory CISA KEV

14 articles across 12 outlets · first covered Sep 8, 2026 · latest Sep 10, 2026

Coverage timeline

Related CVEs — Microsoft

CVE-2022-21894 CVE-2026-21509KEV CVE-2026-96951KEV CVE-2026-102866 CVE-2026-65674 CVE-2026-108398 CVE-2023-36880 CVE-2026-83498