CVE-2026-69673: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update allows an authorized attacker

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HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-69673 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows 11 23h2, windows 11 24h2, windows 11 25h2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update 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	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 61%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2026-10-13
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-13 19:18 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 19:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft windows 11 23h2 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.22631.7652

Fixed in: 10.0.22631.7652

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

microsoft windows 11 24h2 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.26100.9711

Fixed in: 10.0.26100.9711

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

microsoft windows 11 25h2 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.26200.9711

Fixed in: 10.0.26200.9711

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

microsoft windows 11 26h1 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.28000.3231

Fixed in: 10.0.28000.3231

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

microsoft windows 11 26h2 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.26300.9711

Fixed in: 10.0.26300.9711

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

microsoft windows server 2025 UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.0.26100.33650

Fixed in: 10.0.26100.33650

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · clementine · FIXED · 1.4.2-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-3e748ef4d3 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-3e748ef4d3

Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) · KB5126646 · FIXED · 10.0.26100.33650 · KB5126646 · source

Install KB5126646 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5126646

Windows Server 2025 · KB5126646 · FIXED · 10.0.26100.33650 · KB5126646 · source

Install KB5126646 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5126646

Windows 11 Version 25H2 for ARM64-based Systems · KB5127648 · FIXED · 10.0.26200.9711 · KB5127648 · source

Install KB5127648 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5127648

Windows 11 Version 25H2 for x64-based Systems · KB5127648 · FIXED · 10.0.26200.9711 · KB5127648 · source

Install KB5127648 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5127648

Windows 11 Version 23H2 for ARM64-based Systems · KB5126653 · FIXED · 10.0.22631.7652 · KB5126653 · source

Install KB5126653 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5126653

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.

Related CVEs

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References

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