CVE-2025-9491: microsoft windows

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2025-9491 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in microsoft windows. EPSS estimates a 73.03% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.4% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 26-08-2025
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 05-12-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Microsoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the handling of .LNK files. Crafted data in an .LNK file can cause hazardous content in the file to be invisible to a user who inspects the file via the Windows-provided user interface. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-25373.

• CWE-451User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical InformationThe user interface (UI) does not properly represent critical information to the user, allowing the information - or its source - to be obscured or spoofed. This is often a component in phishing attacks.