CVE-2026-81963
Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 8 September 2026. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 22 September 2026.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 0.6%, which is higher than 48.8% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2026-81963 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2026-81963.
What does CVE-2026-81963 affect?
CVE-2026-81963 affects Microsoft Windows. Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-81963?
CVE-2026-81963 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 0.6%, higher than 48.8% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 22 September 2026.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2026-81963?
Apply the vendor patch for Microsoft Windows as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.