CVE-2026-27748: avira internet_security Link Following

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-27748 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Link Following vulnerability in avira internet_security. EPSS estimates a 0.19% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 8.5% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 05-03-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 01-04-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Avira Internet Security contains an improper link resolution vulnerability in the Software Updater component. During the update process, a privileged service running as SYSTEM deletes a file under C:\\ProgramData without validating whether the path resolves through a symbolic link or reparse point. A local attacker can create a malicious link to redirect the delete operation to an arbitrary file, resulting in deletion of attacker-chosen files with SYSTEM privileges. This may lead to local privilege escalation, denial of service, or system integrity compromise depending on the targeted file and operating system configuration.

• CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.