CVE-2026-41091
Last modified
CVE-2026-41091 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 8.37% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Metrics
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Exploitation Status
This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by .
Weakness Enumeration
Affected Software
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Malware Protection Engine | >= 1.1.26030.3008, < 1.1.26040.8 |
References
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-41091Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Timeline
- Published
- Last Modified
- Status
- Analyzed
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Strix Helps
- How Strix found a critical auth bypass in etcdStrix autonomously discovered a critical authentication bypass in etcd, later designated CVE-2026-33413.
- Autonomous PentestingAI agents that find and validate exploitable vulnerabilities like this one across your applications.
- PR ReviewsPentest every pull request so vulnerable code is caught before it ships to production.
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