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CVE-2026-96911: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Windows Search Component allows an

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HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-96911 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows 10 1607, windows 10 1809, windows 10 21h2. 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 Microsoft Windows Search Component 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 score7.8 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededLow
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance0.4% (top 68%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-59
Published2026-10-13
Last modified2026-10-22
Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Am I affected?

Timeline

microsoft windows 10 1607 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.14393.9612
Fixed in: 10.0.14393.9612
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 10 1809 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.17763.9376
Fixed in: 10.0.17763.9376
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 10 21h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.19044.7807
Fixed in: 10.0.19044.7807
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 10 22h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.19045.7807
Fixed in: 10.0.19045.7807
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 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.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · retext · FIXED · 8.1.0-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-0602a84203 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-0602a84203
Windows 11 Version 24H2 for ARM64-based Systems · KB5127648 · FIXED · 10.0.26100.9711 · KB5127648 · source
Install KB5127648 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5127648
Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems · KB5127648 · FIXED · 10.0.26100.9711 · KB5127648 · source
Install KB5127648 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5127648
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 26H2 for ARM64-based Systems · KB5127648 · FIXED · 10.0.26300.9711 · KB5127648 · source
Install KB5127648 via Windows Update, then verify: Get-HotFix -Id KB5127648
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

References

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