CVE-2026-50469: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Projected File System allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

highCVSS 7.8CVE-2026-50469

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Projected File System allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Details

Source: NVD Recent CVEs (US · database · site)
Severity: high — CVSS 7.8
Published: 2026-07-14
Last updated: 2026-07-21
Exploitation: Not in CISA KEV at last sync

Original advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-50469

Exploitation outlook

EPSS (FIRST.org) estimates each CVE’s probability of exploitation in the next 30 days — here is the CSIRTS.com read on those numbers.

Low exploitation riskCVE-2026-504690.27% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 19% of all scored CVEs.

Referenced CVEs

CVE	CSIRTS overview	External
CVE-2026-50469	coverage & exploitation status	NVD · CVE.org

Same CVEs, other sources

How other CERTs, PSIRTs and databases cover the vulnerabilities in this advisory.

unknownexploitedNCSC-2026-0231 [1.00] [M/H] Vulnerabilities fixed in Microsoft Windowsncsc-nl
highCVE-2026-50469: Windows Projected File System Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilitymsrc

Recent advisories for Improper link resolution

A cluster of recent advisories against the same product widens the attack surface — attackers routinely chain freshly published CVEs on one product, so review these together.

unknownCVE-2026-12503: Improper Link Resolution (CWE-59) in `/usr/bin/larm_starter` in Loytec L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L…nvd · 2026-07-24
highCVE-2026-50526: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in .NET allows an authorized at…nvd · 2026-07-14
highCVE-2026-50438: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft PC Manager allows …nvd · 2026-07-14
highCVE-2026-58636: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Window PC Manager allows an …nvd · 2026-07-14
highCVE-2026-50364: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Server Backup allows…nvd · 2026-07-14
highCVE-2026-49791: Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Routing and Remote A…nvd · 2026-07-14