# CVE-2026-6851: Bitdefender Total Security privilege escalation in File Shredder

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-6851-bitdefender-total-security-privilege-escalation-in-file-shredder  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-14. Updated: 2026-07-14  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-6851 · Severity: info · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-07-14

A security flaw exists in the File Shredder tool within Bitdefender's Windows security suites, which is designed to permanently delete sensitive files. An attacker who already has limited access to a computer could exploit this flaw to gain full administrative control over the system. This could allow them to bypass security protections, access private data, or disrupt operations.

Technologies: [Bitdefender Internet Security](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/internet-security), [Bitdefender Total Security](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/total-security). Vendors: [Bitdefender](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/bitdefender).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-6851 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-6851 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-6851?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 14 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Bitdefender Internet Security before 27.0.58.315; Bitdefender Total Security before 27.0.58.315.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-6851?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-6851 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-6851?** Check whether you run Bitdefender Internet Security or Bitdefender Total Security at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

An improper link resolution (CWE-59) vulnerability exists in the File Shredder module of Bitdefender Total Security and Internet Security for Windows. The flaw stems from a race condition during file access where the application fails to properly validate a file path before performing shredding operations. A local, low-privileged attacker can exploit this by creating symbolic links to sensitive system files. If a user with higher privileges interacts with the shredder, the attacker can leverage the race condition to gain elevated rights. The issue is resolved in version 27.0.58.315.

## Affected products

- Bitdefender Total Security before 27.0.58.315
- Bitdefender Internet Security before 27.0.58.315

## Timeline

- 2026-07-14: advisory
- 2026-07-14: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.bitdefender.com/support/security-advisories/improper-link-resolution-before-file-access-via-link-following-va-13681](https://www.bitdefender.com/support/security-advisories/improper-link-resolution-before-file-access-via-link-following-va-13681)

## Related threats

- [Bitdefender Total Security local privilege escalation in ATC module](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-7073-bitdefender-total-security-local-privilege-escalation-in-atc)