CVE-2010-2568

Name: CVE-2010-2568
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2010-07-22T05:43:49.703+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 91.32%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2010-2568 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 91.32% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

91.32%

99.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Oct 6, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2003	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	—
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Xp	All versions	Sp2

References

http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9181Exploit, Issue Tracking
http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9190Issue Tracking
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2010/07/experts-warn-of-new-windows-shortcut-flaw/Press/Media Coverage
http://secunia.com/advisories/40647Vendor Advisory
http://securitytracker.com/id?1024216Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001986.htmlNot Applicable
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/new_rootkit_en.pdfExploit
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/940193Patch, Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2286198.mspxBroken Link, Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/41732Broken Link, Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-222A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-046Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11564Broken Link
https://www.geoffchappell.com/notes/security/stuxnet/ctrlfldr.htmThird Party Advisory
http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9181Exploit, Issue Tracking
http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9190Issue Tracking
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2010/07/experts-warn-of-new-windows-shortcut-flaw/Press/Media Coverage
http://secunia.com/advisories/40647Vendor Advisory
http://securitytracker.com/id?1024216Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001986.htmlNot Applicable
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/new_rootkit_en.pdfExploit
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/940193Patch, Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2286198.mspxBroken Link, Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/41732Broken Link, Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-222A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-046Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11564Broken Link
https://www.geoffchappell.com/notes/security/stuxnet/ctrlfldr.htmThird Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-2568US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jul 22, 2010
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2010-2568?

How severe is CVE-2010-2568?

CVE-2010-2568 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 91.32% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2010-2568?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2010-2568?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST