Bitdefender Total Security Shredder Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

July 23rd, 2026
ZDI-26-448 ZDI-CAN-28703

CVE ID

CVE-2026-6851

CVSS Score

7.3 AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors

Bitdefender

Affected Products

Total Security

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Bitdefender Total Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the File Shredder Wizard service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a folder. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

Additional Details

Bitdefender has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://www.bitdefender.com/support/security-advisories/improper-link-resolution-before-file-access-in-bitdefender-total-security-via-link-following-va-13681/

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2026-03-13 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2026-07-23 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2026-07-23 - Advisory Updated

Credit

Anonymous

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