Executive brief
A security vulnerability in Windows File Explorer could allow a person with existing access to a computer to view sensitive information they are not authorized to see. File Explorer is the standard tool used to browse files and folders on Windows systems. While this requires the attacker to already have a way to run commands on the machine, it could lead to the exposure of private data or system secrets.
Technical details
This vulnerability is classified as an Information Exposure (CWE-200) within the Windows File Explorer component. An attacker with local access and low privileges (PR:L) can exploit this flaw to disclose sensitive information without requiring user interaction. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must already have a foothold on the target system. Microsoft has released security updates for various versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 to address this issue.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 10.0.14393.0 to 10.0.14393.9339
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0 to 10.0.17763.9020
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0 to 10.0.19044.7548
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0 to 10.0.19045.7548
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.8875
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 to 10.0.26200.8875
- Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0 to 10.0.28000.2269
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 6.2.9200.0 to 6.2.9200.26226
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory