Norton Antivirus: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2026-6064 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Norton Antivirus from Gen Digital, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 26.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating Norton Antivirus to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.12% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Norton Antivirus to 26.5 or a later version.
- Update Avast Antivirus to 26.5 or a later version.
- Update AVG Internet Security to 26.5 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on gendigital.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Digital | Norton Antivirus | before 26.5 | 26.5 |
| Gen Digital | Avast Antivirus | before 26.5 | 26.5 |
| Gen Digital | AVG Internet Security | before 26.5 | 26.5 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (nortonlifelock.com).
Official description
Link following vulnerability in Data Shredder components in Norton Antivirus, Avast Antivirus, and AVG Internet Security prior to 26.5.10933 on Windows allows a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. During a privileged shred operation, enabling arbitrary file/folder deletion that is leveraged to gain NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM privelages.
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
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Norton Antivirus
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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