Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
What happened
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CISA lists it as exploited, added 13 Apr 2026.
Does it affect you
Names Microsoft Windows Server. Enter the product and version you run to place it against the affected range the vendor published.
What to do
- Follow the vendor advisory for the fixed release and any interim mitigation.
msrc.microsoft.com - Follow the vendor advisory for the fixed release and any interim mitigation.
vicarius.io - Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
cisa.gov
CISA’s notes for this entry:
Affected, as published to NVD
- ms-winserver
- Microsoft Windows Server: everything below 10.0.26100.7392
The record
- NVD status
- Analyzed
- Published
- 11 Nov 2025, last modified 18 Oct 2026 (NVD)
- Severity
- CVSS 3.1 base score 7.8, High — computed here from the vector; NVD states 7.8.
- Vector
- CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Weakness
- CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') (NVD; names by MITRE)
- Exploitation
- Listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue since 13 Apr 2026; federal remediation due 27 Apr 2026. CISA records known use in ransomware campaigns. CISA entry
- Exploit probability
- EPSS 4.6%, 92nd percentile — FIRST, scored 23 Oct 2026. FIRST EPSS
- Vendor
- Microsoft · Windows (CISA)
References on the NVD record
- msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-60710Vendor Advisory
- vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-60710-mitigation-script-eop-vulnerability-in-host-process-for-windows-tasksMitigationThird Party Advisory
- vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-60710-detection-script-eop-vulnerability-in-host-process-for-windows-tasksThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-60710US Government Resource
Sources
The verdict above is computed from the products and versions you entered and the affected ranges the vendor published to NVD. It does not inspect your environment, and this site never reports a product as unaffected: why.