Exploited vulnerability CISA KEV
CVE-2026-81963: Microsoft Windows Link Following Vulnerability
CVE-2026-81963 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows that CISA added to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on September 8, 2026, meaning there is evidence it is being exploited. US federal civilian agencies must complete the required action by September 22, 2026.
CVE-2026-81963 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows that CISA added to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on September 8, 2026, meaning there is evidence it is being exploited. US federal civilian agencies must complete the required action by September 22, 2026.
- CVE ID
- CVE-2026-81963
- Vendor / project
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows
- Added to KEV
- Due date
- Days to remediate
- 14
- Known ransomware use
- Unknown
CISA description #
Microsoft Windows Update Stack contains a link following vulnerability that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges locally up to SYSTEM.
Required action #
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Notes and references #
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2026-81963 ; BOD 26-04: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; Forensics Triage Requirements: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-81963
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