CVE-2010-2568
Microsoft Windows incorrectly parses shortcuts in such a way that malicious code may be executed when the operating system displays the icon of a malicious shortcut file. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute code as the logged-on user.
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2008 SP2 and R2, and Windows 7 allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .LNK or (2) .PIF shortcut file, which is not properly handled during icon display in Windows Explorer, as demonstrated in the wild in July 2010, and originally reported for malware that leverages CVE-2010-2772 in Siemens WinCC SCADA systems.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9181ExploitIssue Tracking
- isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9190Issue Tracking
- krebsonsecurity.com/2010/07/experts-warn-of-new-windows-shortcut-flaw/Press/Media Coverage
- secunia.com/advisories/40647Vendor Advisory
- securitytracker.com/id?1024216Broken LinkThird Party Advisory
- f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001986.htmlNot Applicable
- f-secure.com/weblog/archives/new_rootkit_en.pdfExploit
- kb.cert.org/vuls/id/940193PatchThird Party Advisory
- microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2286198.mspxBroken LinkPatch
- securityfocus.com/bid/41732Broken LinkExploit
- us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-222A.htmlThird Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource
- docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-046PatchVendor Advisory
Actively exploited. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1481 days
- CVSS
- 7.8 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 89.6% · top 1% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- NVD-CWE-noinfo
- 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.