Vulnerability record

CVE-2010-2568

Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

HighExploitation confirmedCISA KEV

What should I do?

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run Windows, fix it now.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Oct 6, 2022.

Patch status

Official fix available since Sep 30, 2026

Apply the vendor's update to every affected system. Check the fixed-in versions below where known.

Basis: NVD patch reference

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.

Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database. Official vulnerability data, reproduced as published.

Affected products

Products affected by this vulnerability, with versions and the source of each entry
Product	Vendor	Source
Windows	Microsoft	KEV

Sources: KEV = CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Version details have not been published yet.

Intelligence timeline

Developments from the last 30 days, newest first.

CVSS scoredUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
CVE-2010-2568 scored CVSS 7.8: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CISA lists this as exploited in the wild. Unpatched Windows systems are exposed to active attacks now.
Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database
Patch releasedUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
Patch released for CVE-2010-2568: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
An official fix is now available for Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability is being exploited, so apply it promptly.
Basis: NVD patch reference

1 earlier event is available with a subscription. See plans.

Coverage

We have not published a story about this vulnerability yet.

References

docs.microsoft.com https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-046
nvd.nist.gov https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2010-2568
isc.sans.edu http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9181
isc.sans.edu http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9190
krebsonsecurity.com http://krebsonsecurity.com/2010/07/experts-warn-of-new-windows-shortcut-flaw/
secunia.com http://secunia.com/advisories/40647
securitytracker.com http://securitytracker.com/id?1024216
f-secure.com http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001986.html
f-secure.com http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/new_rootkit_en.pdf
kb.cert.org http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/940193
microsoft.com http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2286198.mspx
securityfocus.com http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/41732
us-cert.gov http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-222A.html
oval.cisecurity.org https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11564
geoffchappell.com https://www.geoffchappell.com/notes/security/stuxnet/ctrlfldr.htm
cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-2568