CVE-2019-0986

CVE-2019-0986 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-59.

Key facts

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) improperly handles symlinks. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete files and folders in an elevated context. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and delete files or folders of their choosing. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows User Profile Service handles symlinks.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-0986?
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) improperly handles symlinks. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete files and folders in an elevated context. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and delete files or folders of their choosing. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows User Profile Service handles symlinks.
How severe is CVE-2019-0986?
CVE-2019-0986 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.3, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-0986 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-0986?
CVE-2019-0986 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 19 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-0986?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2019-0986 published?
CVE-2019-0986 was published on 2019-06-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (19)

More vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows 10

All CVEs affecting Microsoft Windows 10 →

Other CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (Link Following)) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (Link Following)) vulnerabilities →