The Claude Desktop app gives you Claude Code with a graphical interface built for running multiple sessions side by side. Prior to 1.3834.0, the CoworkVMService component in Claude Desktop for Windows ran as SYSTEM and did not validate whether the VM bundle directory was a real directory or an NTFS directory junction before creating files within it. A local non-elevated user could replace the user-writable VM bundle directory with a directory junction pointing to an attacker-chosen location, causing the service to create a SYSTEM-owned file in an arbitrary directory. This could be leveraged for local privilege escalation. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.3834.0.

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

Improper access control in Windows Admin Center allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.

Improper privileges management vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) Windows prior to 10.7.0 September 2021 Update allows local users to access files which they would otherwise not have access to via manipulating junction links to redirect McAfee folder operations to an unintended location.

A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in python-postorius of openSUSE Leap 15.2, Factory allows local attackers to escalate from users postorius or postorius-admin to root. This issue affects: openSUSE Leap 15.2 python-postorius version 1.3.2-lp152.1.2 and prior versions. openSUSE Factory python-postorius version 1.3.4-2.1 and prior versions.

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

Compressing is a compressing and uncompressing lib for node. Prior to 2.1.1 and 1.10.5, the patch for CVE-2026-24884 relies on a purely logical string validation within the isPathWithinParent utility. This check verifies if a resolved path string starts with the destination directory string but fails to account for the actual filesystem state. By exploiting this "Logical vs. Physical" divergence, an attacker can bypass the security check using a Directory Poisoning technique (pre-existing symbolic links). This vulnerability is fixed in 2.1.1 and 1.10.5.

KDE before 3.3.0 does not properly handle when certain symbolic links point to "stale" locations, which could allow local users to create or truncate arbitrary files.

Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneUp Service in AVG TuneUp Version 23.4 (build 15592) on Windows 10 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM via creating a symbolic link and leveraging a TOCTTOU (time-of-check to time-of-use) attack.

Himmelblau is an interoperability suite for Microsoft Azure Entra ID and Intune. Prior to 3.1.0 and 2.3.8, the himmelblaud-tasks daemon, running as root, writes Kerberos cache files under /tmp/krb5cc_<uid> without symlink protections. Since commit 87a51ee, PrivateTmp is explicitly removed from the tasks daemon's systemd hardening, exposing it to the host /tmp. A local user can exploit this via symlink attacks to chown or overwrite arbitrary files, achieving local privilege escalation. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.1.0 and 2.3.8.

It was discovered that the process_report() function in data/whoopsie-upload-all allowed arbitrary file writes via symlinks.

Libcontainer 1.6.0, as used in Docker Engine, allows local users to escape containerization ("mount namespace breakout") and write to arbitrary file on the host system via a symlink attack in an image when respawning a container.

A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the clone-master-clean-up.sh script of clone-master-clean-up in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP3, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1; openSUSE Factory allows local attackers to delete arbitrary files. This issue affects: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP3 clone-master-clean-up version 1.6-4.6.1 and prior versions. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 clone-master-clean-up version 1.6-3.9.1 and prior versions. openSUSE Factory clone-master-clean-up version 1.6-1.4 and prior versions.

Dell/Alienware Purchased Apps, versions prior to 1.1.31.0, contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Arbitrary File Write

A security flaw has been discovered in Softland FBackup up to 9.9. This impacts an unknown function in the library C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ink\HID.dll of the component Backup/Restore. The manipulation results in link following. The attack needs to be approached locally. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.

Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Dell Optimizer, versions prior to 6.3.1, contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges.

Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneupSvc in Gen Digital Inc. Avast Cleanup Premium Version 24.2.16593.17810 on Windows 10 Pro x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM via creating a symbolic link and leveraging a TOCTTOU (time-of-check to time-of-use) attack.

Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (invoked by 1E‑Explorer‑TachyonCore‑DeleteFileByPath instruction) in TeamViewer DEX - 1E Client before version 26.1 on Windows allows a low‑privileged local attacker to delete protected system files via a crafted RPC control junction or symlink that is followed when the delete instruction executes.

Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneupSvc.exe in AVG TuneUp 24.2.16593.9844 on Windows allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM via creating a symbolic link and leveraging the service to delete a directory

Local Privilege Escalation in Avira.Spotlight.Service.exe in Avira Prime 1.1.96.2 on Windows 10 x64  allows local attackers to gain system-level privileges via arbitrary file deletion

A symlink following vulnerability in the packaging of mailman in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12; openSUSE Leap 15.1 allowed local attackers to escalate their privileges from user wwwrun to root. Additionally arbitrary files could be changed to group mailman. This issue affects: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 mailman versions prior to 2.1.15-9.6.15.1. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 mailman versions prior to 2.1.17-3.11.1. openSUSE Leap 15.1 mailman version 2.1.29-lp151.2.14 and prior versions.

The default event handling scripts in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) allow local users to gain privileges as demonstrated by a symlink attack on a var_log_messages file.

The XPC implementation in Admin Framework in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows local users to bypass authentication and obtain admin privileges via unspecified vectors.

VestaCP through 0.9.8-24 allows attackers to gain privileges by creating symlinks to files for which they lack permissions. After reading the RKEY value from user.conf under the /usr/local/vesta/data/users/admin directory, the admin password can be changed via a /reset/?action=confirm&user=admin&code= URI. This occurs because chmod is used unsafely.

A local privilege escalation vulnerability in Bitdefender Total Security versions prior to 27.0.47.241 allows low-privileged attackers to elevate privileges. The issue arises from bdservicehost.exe deleting files from a user-writable directory (C:\ProgramData\Atc\Feedback) without proper symbolic link validation, enabling arbitrary file deletion. This issue is chained with a file copy operation during network events and a filter driver bypass via DLL injection to achieve arbitrary file copy and code execution as elevated user.

Panda Security Dome Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Panda Security Dome. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Hotspot Shield. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the application to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-23478.

An Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability [CWE-59] vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientWindows 7.4.0 through 7.4.4, FortiClientWindows 7.2.0 through 7.2.12, FortiClientWindows 7.0 all versions may allow a local low-privilege attacker to perform an arbitrary file write with elevated permissions via crafted named pipe messages.

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.2 contain a vulnerability in the stageSandboxMedia function in which it fails to validate destination symlinks during media staging, allowing writes to follow symlinks outside the sandbox workspace. Attackers can exploit this by placing symlinks in the media/inbound directory to overwrite arbitrary files on the host system outside sandbox boundaries.

Wacom Center WTabletServicePro Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Wacom Center. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within WTabletServicePro.exe. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to create an arbitrary file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-25359.

In Malwarebytes before 4.5.23, a symbolic link may be used delete any arbitrary file on the system by exploiting the local quarantine system. It can also lead to privilege escalation in certain scenarios.

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.25 contain a symlink traversal vulnerability in browser trace and download output path handling that allows local attackers to escape the managed temp root directory. An attacker with local access can create symlinks to route file writes outside the intended temp directory, enabling arbitrary file overwrite on the affected system.

Dell Encryption and Dell Security Management Server, versions prior to 11.11.0, contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') Vulnerability. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to privilege escalation.

A path or symbolic link manipulation vulnerability in SIR 1.0.3 and prior versions allows an authenticated non-admin local user to overwrite system files with SIR backup files, which can potentially cause a system crash. This was achieved by adding a malicious entry to the registry under the Trellix SIR registry folder or via policy or with a junction symbolic link to files that the user would not normally have permission to acces

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Diagnostics Hub Standard Collector Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

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

A link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Deep Security 20.0 agents could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

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

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

Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in HYPR Workforce Access on Windows allows User-Controlled Filename.This issue affects Workforce Access: before 8.7.

Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery versions prior to 5.5.13.1 contain a symbolic link attack vulnerability. A low-privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to arbitrary file deletion and Elevation of Privileges.

HashiCorp Vagrant's Windows installer targeted a custom location with a non-protected path that could be junctioned, introducing potential for unauthorized file system writes. Fixed in Vagrant 2.4.0.

Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Windows Disk Cleanup Tool Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Zillya Total Security 3.0.2367.0 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows low-privileged users to copy files to unauthorized system locations using the quarantine module. Attackers can leverage symbolic link techniques to restore quarantined files to restricted directories, potentially enabling system-level access through techniques like DLL hijacking.

A potential security vulnerability has been identified in the HP Touchpoint Analytics Service for certain HP PC products with versions prior to 4.2.2439. This vulnerability could potentially allow a local attacker to escalate privileges. HP is providing software updates to mitigate this potential vulnerability.

Tanium addressed a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Patch Endpoint Tools.