{"cve":{"cve_id":"CVE-2026-81963","is_kev":true,"kev_date_added":"2026-09-08","kev_vendor_project":"Microsoft","kev_product":"Windows","kev_vulnerability_name":"Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability","kev_short_description":"Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.","kev_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.","kev_due_date":"2026-09-22","kev_known_ransomware":false,"kev_notes":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2026-81963 ; BOD 26-04: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; Forensics Triage Requirements: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-81963","kev_cwes":["CWE-59","CWE-284"],"epss_score":0.00631,"epss_percentile":0.48383,"epss_as_of":"2026-09-15","description":"Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges 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