Total Security: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2026-6851 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Total Security from Bitdefender, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0 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 27.0.58.315 as the first without the flaw, so updating Total Security to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.15% 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 Total Security to 27.0.58.315 or a later version.
- Update Internet Security to 27.0.58.315 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Total Security | before 27.0.58.315 | 27.0.58.315 |
| Bitdefender | Internet Security | before 27.0.58.315 | 27.0.58.315 |
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- 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:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.0 | High | CNA (bitdefender.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
An Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') vulnerability in the File Shredder module as used in Bitdefender Total Security and Internet Security on Windows allows a less-privileged local user to elevate rights by leveraging a race conditions via Symbolic Links. This issue affects Total Security: before 27.0.58.315; Internet Security: before 27.0.58.315.
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).
Other vulnerabilities in Total Security
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.