CVE-2010-2568
HighExploitedPublic exploitWindows 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…
Published Jul 22, 2010 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2010-2568 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2003 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) and 2 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 1, 2010. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
91%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2010-2568 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 15, 2022 | Oct 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 1, 2010 | Oct 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 15, 2022 | Oct 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
10 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2003Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008Microsoft | r2 | n/a |
| Windows VistaMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 22, 2010
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 1, 2010
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 15, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
References
- advisory40647
- advisory1024216
- advisoryhttps://www.geoffchappell.com/notes/security/stuxnet/ctrlfldr.htm
- advisoryTA10-222A
- patchMS10-046
FAQ
Common Questions.
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…
Affected: Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2003 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) versions r2, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 1, 2010.
Yes. It was added on Sep 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Oct 6, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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