CVE-2025-9491
MediumExploitedPublic exploitMicrosoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.
Published Aug 26, 2025 · Updated Dec 5, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2025-9491 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 4.6 v4) affecting Windows 11 23h2 (Microsoft), Windows.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 30, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 73% 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 v4
4.6
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
73%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Microsoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of .LNK files. Crafted data in an .LNK file can cause hazardous content in the file to be invisible to a user who inspects the file via the Windows-provided user interface. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-25373.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 30, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 23h2Microsoft | 10.0.22631.4169 | n/a |
| Windows | >= 11 Enterprise 23H2 22631.4169 x64 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 26, 2025
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 30, 2025
Last updated
Dec 5, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-451 User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information
References
- advisoryZDI-25-148
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.
Affected: Windows 11 23h2 (Microsoft) versions 10.0.22631.4169; Windows versions >= 11 Enterprise 23H2 22631.4169 x64. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 30, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
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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