ViralTopic

Windows Defender signature update TOCTOU

April 4, 2026Justin Elze

Justin Elze describes a TOCTOU symlink race in Windows Defender signature updates where a low-privilege user can redirect a path mid-operation while Defender runs as SYSTEM.

This is a TOCTOU / symlink race condition in Windows Defender's signature update mechanism
a classic pattern where a privileged service (WD running as SYSTEM) follows a file path that a low-privilege user can redirect mid-operation
Justin Elze
windowsvulndefender

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