September 8, 2026 · Applied Cybernetics Group
CVE-2026-81963 — Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
- Added to KEV
2026-09-08- Federal due date
2026-09-22- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows
- EPSS
- 48.6th percentile (score 0.006, as of
2026-09-16) - NVD CVSS v3.1
- 7.8 (HIGH)
- Ransomware use
- Unknown
- Upstream
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-81963
CISA short description
Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.
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.
NVD description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.