CVE-2010-2568
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2008 SP2...
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.
Exploit likelihood
What each source reports
CVE List
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.
- Record
CVE-2010-2568- CVSS 3.1
- 7.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Updated
- 2026-11-02
EUVDEUVD-2010-2572
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.
- Record
EUVD-2010-2572- CVSS 3.1
- 7.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Updated
- 2026-11-02
GitHub AdvisoriesGHSA-6j7w-pxhr-g4pr
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2008 SP2...
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.
- Record
GHSA-6j7w-pxhr-g4pr- CVSS 3.1
- 7.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Weakness
- CWE-20
- Updated
- 2026-11-02
CISA KEV No score
Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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.
- Record
CVE-2010-2568- Weakness
- CWE-20
- Updated
- 2026-11-02
NVD
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.
- Record
CVE-2010-2568- CVSS 3.1
- 7.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - CVSS 2.0
- 9.3 High
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C - Updated
- 2026-11-02
Affected products
Public exploits
Links only. Every CVE stores no exploit code.
| Source | Link | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Metasploit | Microsoft Windows Shell LNK Code Execution | 2010-07-16 |
| Metasploit | Microsoft Windows Shell LNK Code Execution | 2010-07-16 |
| Exploit-DB | Microsoft Windows - Automatic .LNK Shortcut File Code Execution | 2010-07-18 |
| Exploit-DB | Microsoft Windows - Shell LNK Code Execution (MS10-046) (Metasploit) | 2010-09-21 |
| Metasploit | FannyBMP or DementiaWheel Detection Registry Check |
History
| Recorded | Changed | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| exploitation, exploits | ||
| first indexed | CVE List, EUVD, Exploit-DB, GitHub Advisories, CISA KEV, Metasploit, NVD |
Dates are when Every CVE recorded each change. Upstream dates may differ.
In short
CVE-2010-2568 is a high vulnerability (CVSS 9.3) in Microsoft Windows, published July 22, 2010. CISA lists it as known to be exploited, since September 15, 2022. EUVD reports exploitation since September 15, 2022. Public exploit code exists. EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 89.6%, the 99th percentile. No source names a fixed version.
References
us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-222A.html
isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9181
oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11564
f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001986.html
kb.cert.org/vuls/id/940193
krebsonsecurity.com/2010/07/experts-warn-of-new-windows-shortcut-flaw
Show 11 moreShow less
secunia.com/advisories/40647
microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2286198.mspx
securityfocus.com/bid/41732
geoffchappell.com/notes/security/stuxnet/ctrlfldr.htm
securitytracker.com/id?1024216
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-046
cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-2568
nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2010-2568
github.com/advisories/GHSA-6j7w-pxhr-g4pr