ZDI-26-606: Microsoft Windows Compatibility Appraiser Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Published Aug 24, 2026
·Updated
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code in the context of LOCAL SERVICE on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.0.
Affected Software
1 affected component
Microsoft Windows
Event History
Aug 24, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·05:00 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·05:00 AM
Description
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What level of access does an attacker need before exploiting this issue?
The attacker must already be able to execute low-privileged code as LOCAL SERVICE on the affected Windows system. This is a local privilege-escalation issue, not a remote initial-access vulnerability.
2
What is the potential impact after successful exploitation?
A successful exploit allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on an affected Microsoft Windows installation. The provided information assigns the issue a CVSS rating of 7.0.