How severe is CVE-2023-26088?

CVE-2023-26088 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-26088 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-26088?

CVE-2023-26088 affects Malwarebytes. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-26088?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-26088 published?

CVE-2023-26088 was published on 2023-03-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-26088

CVE-2023-26088 is a high-severity vulnerability in Malwarebytes with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (38th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Malwarebytes
Published: 2023-03-23
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-26088?: 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.
How severe is CVE-2023-26088?: CVE-2023-26088 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-26088 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-26088?: CVE-2023-26088 affects Malwarebytes. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-26088?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-26088 published?: CVE-2023-26088 was published on 2023-03-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:malwarebytes:malwarebytes:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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