---
id: CVE-2026-102204
title: >-
  Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft
  Defender for Endpoint allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges
  locally.
summary: >-
  Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft
  Defender for Endpoint allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges
  locally.
severity: high
cvss: 7.8
cvssVector: 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'
cwe:
  - CWE-59
published: '2026-10-13'
updated: '2026-10-13'
sourceUpdated: '2026-10-13T23:17:19.133'
source: NVD
sourceUrl: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-102204'
references:
  - url: 'https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-102204'
    label: secure@microsoft.com
tags:
  - nvd
  - cve.org
ingestedAt: '2026-10-13T19:43:28.886Z'
vendor: Microsoft
product: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Linux
affected:
  - defender_for_endpoint_for_linux -
ssvc:
  exploitation: none
  automatable: 'no'
  technicalImpact: total
  timestamp: '2026-10-13T21:58:40.034460Z'
epss: 0.00399
epssPercentile: 0.34018
---

## Overview

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

## Remediation

Refer to the linked advisories for vendor-supplied fixes and affected version ranges.