CVE-2010-2568 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2568 represents a critical security flaw in the Windows Shell component that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including XP SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2008 SP2 and R2, and Windows 7. This vulnerability operates through the improper handling of shortcut files during icon display in Windows Explorer, specifically targeting .LNK and .PIF file formats. The flaw was actively exploited in the wild beginning in July 2010, demonstrating its real-world impact and the urgency of addressing such security weaknesses in enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Windows Shell's failure to properly validate and process maliciously crafted shortcut files when they are displayed in Windows Explorer. When a user's system encounters a specially crafted .LNK or .PIF file, the shell component attempts to display the associated icon without adequate sanitization of the file contents. This improper handling creates an execution context where arbitrary code can be loaded and executed with the privileges of the user who viewed the malicious shortcut file. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and proper file parsing mechanisms within the Windows Shell subsystem, which are designed to handle various file types but fail to adequately protect against malformed or malicious inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2568 is significant across multiple threat scenarios. Local users can exploit this vulnerability by simply viewing a malicious shortcut file in Windows Explorer, while remote attackers can deliver malicious files through network shares, email attachments, or web downloads. The vulnerability's exploitation results in arbitrary code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given that the vulnerability affects such a wide range of Windows versions and that the attack vector is relatively simple to execute through normal user activities like browsing file shares or opening email attachments, the potential for widespread exploitation exists. The fact that this vulnerability was leveraged in malware targeting Siemens WinCC SCADA systems demonstrates its applicability in industrial control environments where operational technology security is paramount.
Security mitigations for CVE-2010-2568 primarily focus on the immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates released in response to this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and user education to prevent accidental execution of potentially malicious shortcut files. Network segmentation and monitoring of file sharing activities can help detect suspicious behavior patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-170, which addresses improper handling of input that can result in unexpected behavior and potential code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through file downloads and exploitation of system vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the execution and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary file type associations to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's exploitation method underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and the critical nature of defending against attack vectors that leverage legitimate system functionality for malicious purposes.