CVE-2017-8464: Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High severity, CVSS 8.8. Actively exploited: in CISA KEV since 2022-02-10. EPSS: 90% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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."

Affected products

• Microsoft Windows 10 1511: any version
• Microsoft Windows 10 1607: any version
• Microsoft Windows 10 1703: any version
• Microsoft Windows 7: affected versions not specified
• Microsoft Windows 8.1: affected versions not specified
• Microsoft Windows Rt 8.1: affected versions not specified
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008: affected versions not specified; version r2 only
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012: affected versions not specified; version r2 only
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016: affected versions not specified

Published 2017-06-15. Last modified 2026-06-17.