CVE-2026-59119: Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft PowerShell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges loca

Routine

HIGH 7.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-59119 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting powershell. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft PowerShell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-276
Published	2026-08-11
Last modified	2026-08-17

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Last updated 2026-08-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-11 17:18 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-08-17 11:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft powershell UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.4 and < 7.4.19.0 · >= 7.5 and < 7.5.10.0 · >= 7.6 and < 7.6.5

Fixed in: 7.4.19.0, 7.5.10.0, 7.6.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy powershell || rpm -q powershell || powershell --version

2. UPGRADE to 7.4.19.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade powershell

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade powershell

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison powershell sudo apt install powershell=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.4> sudo apt-mark hold powershell

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list powershell sudo dnf downgrade powershell-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.4> sudo dnf versionlock add powershell

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-59119?

powershell: upgrade to 7.4.19.0, 7.5.10.0, 7.6.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-59119 being exploited?

CVE-2026-59119 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-59119 affect?

CVE-2026-59119 affects powershell. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft PowerShell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

How urgent is CVE-2026-59119?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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