Vulnerability record

CVE-2017-8464

Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) 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 Aug 10, 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

Patch or advisory on portal.msrc.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)

Description

Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .LNK file, which is not properly handled during icon display in Windows Explorer or any other application that parses the icon of the shortcut. aka "LNK Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

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-2017-8464 scored CVSS 8.8: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) 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-2017-8464: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) 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

nvd.nist.gov https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-8464
securityfocus.com http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98818
securitytracker.com http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038671
portal.msrc.microsoft.com https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8464
exploit-db.com https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42382/
exploit-db.com https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42429/
cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2017-8464