CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-45586NVD status: Analyzed

Windows 10 Version 1607: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-45586 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Windows 10 Version 1607 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 10.0.14393.9234 as the first without the flaw, so updating Windows 10 Version 1607 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 3.63% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 90% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Windows 10 Version 1607 to 10.0.14393.9234 or a later version.
  2. Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.8880 or a later version.
  3. Update Windows 10 Version 21H2 to 10.0.19044.7417 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 160710.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.923410.0.14393.9234
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 180910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.888010.0.17763.8880
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 21H210.0.19044.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19044.741710.0.19044.7417
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 22H210.0.19045.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19045.741710.0.19045.7417
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 23H210.0.22631.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22631.721910.0.22631.7219
MicrosoftWindows 11 Version 24H210.0.26100.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.26100.865510.0.26100.8655
MicrosoftWindows 11 Version 25H210.0.26200.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.26200.865510.0.26200.8655
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 26H110.0.28000.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.28000.226910.0.28000.2269
MicrosoftWindows Server 20126.2.9200.0 up to, but not including, 6.2.9200.261326.2.9200.26132
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)6.2.9200.0 up to, but not including, 6.2.9200.261326.2.9200.26132
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 R26.3.9600.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.232286.3.9600.23228
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)6.3.9600.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.232286.3.9600.23228
MicrosoftWindows Server 201610.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.923410.0.14393.9234
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)10.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.923410.0.14393.9234
MicrosoftWindows Server 201910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.888010.0.17763.8880
MicrosoftWindows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.888010.0.17763.8880
MicrosoftWindows Server 202210.0.20348.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.20348.525610.0.20348.5256
MicrosoftWindows Server 202510.0.26100.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.26100.3299510.0.26100.32995
MicrosoftWindows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)10.0.26100.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.26100.3299510.0.26100.32995
MicrosoftWindows 10 1607before 10.0.14393.923410.0.14393.9234
MicrosoftWindows 10 1809before 10.0.17763.888010.0.17763.8880
MicrosoftWindows 10 21h2before 10.0.19044.741710.0.19044.7417
MicrosoftWindows 10 22h2before 10.0.19045.741710.0.19045.7417
MicrosoftWindows 11 23h2before 10.0.22631.721910.0.22631.7219
MicrosoftWindows 11 24h2before 10.0.26100.865510.0.26100.8655

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 2 further products are omitted here. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).

Official description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Collaborative Translation Framework allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  2. CVE record published.
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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