Microsoft Windows Shell (.lnk) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
What it is
Windows Shell in multiple versions of Microsoft Windows allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .LNK file
Who's affected
Affects anyone running Windows workstations or servers. In a small CPA, legal, or dental practice, Windows is typically the platform your accounting, document management, or practice management software runs on — exploitation gives an attacker access to whatever client files and credentials live on those machines.
What to do
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
CISA action deadline: August 10, 2022. Federal agencies must complete the required action by this date. For private SMBs the deadline is advisory — but treat it as a strong recommendation, especially if you handle regulated data (HIPAA, GLBA, ABA model rules).
If you don't have someone in-house to verify the patch deployed across every endpoint — or you're not sure whether you're affected — that's exactly the kind of triage we do. Book a free 20-minute triage call.
Severity
CVSS base score: 8.8 — HIGH
Source
Pulled daily from the public cisagov/kev-data mirror (CC0). View the original entry on cisa.gov. CISA KEV is US-Government public-domain data; we add the SMB-vertical framing and the coping action above.