Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability in Host Process for Windows Tasks by Microsoft
CVE-2026-20941

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Microsoft
Status
Windows Server 2025 (server Core Installation)
Windows 11 Version 25h2
Windows 11 Version 24h2
Windows Server 2025
Vendor
CVE Published:
13 January 2026

What is CVE-2026-20941?

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Host Process for Windows Tasks due to improper link resolution before file access. An authorized attacker can exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges locally. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to run arbitrary code with higher privileges, potentially compromising the integrity of the affected system. It is crucial for users to apply the latest security updates to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Affected Version(s)

Windows 11 Version 24H2 ARM64-based Systems 10.0.26100.0 < 10.0.26100.7623

Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 < 10.0.26200.7623

Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) x64-based Systems 10.0.26100.0 < 10.0.26100.32230

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE...
vendor-advisorypatch

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

JSON
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