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Vulnerability record · CVE-2026-81572 · published 27 August 2026

CVE-2026-81572: Link following vulnerability

In CodeMeter Runtime from version 8.40 to (excluding) 8.41a and 9.00 to (excluding) 9.10, cmu.exe --create-io --file C: creates a predictable temporary file under C:\CM-Stick. The directory and file paths are not properly checked for NTFS reparse points, such as junctions or symbolic links, before file operations are performed. A local attacker can create a junction at the temporary file that points to an arbitrary system path. Because CodeMeter Runtime runs with System privileges, this could allow arbitrary files to be deleted with System privileges and potentially enable local privilege escalation.

7.8 CVSS 3.1 High EPSS 0.18% · top 93.4% CWE-59 · Link following Awaiting Analysis
7.8CVSS 3.1 base score
0.18%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
0Affected product versions listed by NVD
2References
1 Sep 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

In CodeMeter Runtime from version 8.40 to (excluding) 8.41a and 9.00 to (excluding) 9.10, cmu.exe --create-io --file C: creates a predictable temporary file under C:\CM-Stick. The directory and file paths are not properly checked for NTFS reparse points, such as junctions or symbolic links, before file operations are performed. A local attacker can create a junction at the temporary file that points to an arbitrary system path. Because CodeMeter Runtime runs with System privileges, this could allow arbitrary files to be deleted with System privileges and potentially enable local privilege escalation.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

LinkTags
https://cdn.wibu.com/fileadmin/wibu_downloads/security_advisories/AdvisoryWIBU-103081.pdf
https://shelltrail.com/research/local-privilege-escalation-to-system-in-wibu-systems-codemeter-application

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2026-81572), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.