Windows 10 Version 21H2 vulnerability

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

Published 13 Oct 2026Updated 16 Oct 20261 sources
CVSS 7.0

What happened

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

Affected versions

Windows 10 Version 21H2: 10.0.19044.0 through before 10.0.19044.7807 (custom); 10.0.19045.0 through before 10.0.19044.7807 (custom); 10.0.22631.0 through before 10.0.22631.7652 (custom); 10.0.26100.0 through before 10.0.26100.9711 (custom); 10.0.26200.0 through before 10.0.26200.9711 (custom); 10.0.28000.0 through before 10.0.28000.3231 (custom); 10.0.26300.0 through before 10.0.26300.9711 (custom) Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.