Improper link resolution before file access (link following) in Microsoft Windows allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Weakness
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows_server_2016 | Microsoft | * | 10.0.14393.7876 (excluding) |
| Windows_server_2019 | Microsoft | * | 10.0.17763.7009 (excluding) |
| Windows_server_2022 | Microsoft | * | 10.0.20348.3328 (excluding) |
| Windows_server_2022_23h2 | Microsoft | * | 10.0.25398.1486 (excluding) |
| Windows_server_2025 | Microsoft | * | 10.0.26100.3476 (excluding) |
Potential Mitigations
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html