CVE-2010-2568

CVE-2010-2568 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 7 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2022-09-15).

Key facts

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2010-2568?
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.
How severe is CVE-2010-2568?
CVE-2010-2568 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2010-2568 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2010-2568 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2022-09-15, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2010-2568?
CVE-2010-2568 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 7. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2010-2568?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2010-2568 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2010-2568 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2010-2572. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2022-09-15).
When was CVE-2010-2568 published?
CVE-2010-2568 was published on 2010-07-22 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (10)

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