CVE-2026-41091

HIGHNVD 7.89.0▲

7.8

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS v3: 7.8
EG Score: 9.0(high)
EPSS: 91.2%
KEV: ⚠ Exploited

Published

May 20, 2026

Last Modified

May 20, 2026

Advisory Details (1)

Auto-updated May 20, 2026

Patch available. Sources: microsoft.

microsoft Patch Available

Security Update Guide - Microsoft Security Response Center

Security Update Guide - Microsoft Security Response Center. Patch available via Microsoft Security Update

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-41091

Vendor Advisories for CVE-2026-41091(2)

These vendors published their own advisory mentioning this CVE — often with vendor-specific remediation steps + affected product lists not in NVD.

Frequently asked(6)

What is CVE-2026-41091?

CVE-2026-41091 is a high vulnerability published on May 20, 2026. Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

When was CVE-2026-41091 disclosed?

CVE-2026-41091 was first published in the National Vulnerability Database on May 20, 2026. EchelonGraph re-ingests CVE updates from NVD on a 2-hour cycle, so this page reflects the latest published state.

Is CVE-2026-41091 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-41091 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 20, 2026, affecting Microsoft Defender. KEV listing indicates confirmed exploitation in the wild; this CVE warrants immediate patching attention.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-41091?

CVE-2026-41091 has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 (NVD). EchelonGraph synthesises NVD + CISA KEV + FIRST EPSS + GHSA into a combined EG score of 9.0.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-41091?

CVE-2026-41091 affects Microsoft Defender. The full affected-products list, including version ranges and fixed versions, is shown in the Affected Packages section of this page.

How do I remediate CVE-2026-41091?

Patch to the fixed version published by the affected vendor. Where vendor advisories exist for CVE-2026-41091, EchelonGraph cross-links them in the Vendor Advisories panel below — those typically contain the canonical remediation steps, fixed version numbers, and any vendor-specific mitigations.

Dependency Blast Radius

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CVE-2026-41091

📅 Published

🔄 Last Modified

📋 Advisory Details (1)