Arbitrary directory deletion via unchecked filesystem junction
Published Sep 8, 2026 · Updated Sep 10, 2026
Improper link resolution in Okta Verify for Windows 5.1.3 through 6.12.3 allows local users to delete unintended directory contents. The uninstaller treats its user data directory as an ordinary path without rejecting filesystem junctions, then recursively deletes the junction target with elevated privileges. Exploitation requires low-privileged interactive access to create the junction and a later uninstall initiated by an administrator or system process.
Summary
What happened
Improper link resolution in Okta Verify for Windows 5.1.3 through 6.12.3 allows local users to delete unintended directory contents. The uninstaller treats its user data directory as an ordinary path without rejecting filesystem junctions, then recursively deletes the junction target with elevated privileges. Exploitation requires low-privileged interactive access to create the junction and a later uninstall initiated by an administrator or system process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-78622
- Published
- Sep 8, 2026
- Updated
- Sep 10, 2026
- Vendor
- Okta
- Product
- Okta Verify for Windows
- Classifications
- CWE-59, T1485
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 8, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Sep 10, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=5.1.3 <7.0.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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