CVE-2010-2568

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

In the wild

CISA lists this as exploited in real attacks. Treat as urgent.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2010-06-30 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2010-07-22 05:43 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2022-09-15 Exploited in the wildAdded to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
4. 2022-10-06 Remediation deadlineCISA's due date for federal agencies to fix it
5. 2026-06-16 23:20 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: yes, CISA lists it. This puts it above everything that is not.
• Exploit odds: 89.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2010-07-22 05:43 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:20 UTC

Added to CISA KEV

2022-09-15

Exploit probability

89.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Microsoft Windows 7
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 r2
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows Xp

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2010-2568.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2010-2568. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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