CVE-2026-83873: Windows Shell Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Relative path traversal in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Other sources
Windows Shell Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.3.9600.23470Patch KB5126836 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26300.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 6.2.9200.26434Patch KB5126835 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.14393.9612Patch KB5126868 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.28000.3231Patch KB5127646 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.33650Patch KB5126646 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.22631.7652Patch KB5126653 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.19044.7807Patch KB5126657 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26200.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.20348.5761Patch KB5126655 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.17763.9376Patch KB5126651
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this vulnerability?
An attacker must already be authorized to access the affected Windows system and exploit it locally. The provided data does not indicate that remote, unauthenticated exploitation is possible.
What level of impact could successful exploitation have?
Successful exploitation allows elevation of privilege and is rated as having high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker could gain privileges beyond those assigned to their existing authorized account.
Which systems should be reviewed for exposure?
Review Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, along with Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. The issue is associated with the Windows Shell component.