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5.3
Windows Shell Link files can leak sensitive information
CVE-2026-25185
Summary
Windows Shell Link files can expose sensitive information to unauthorized users who access them, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users or systems. This issue affects Windows users who share or store sensitive data in Shell Link files. To mitigate this risk, ensure sensitive information is not stored in Shell Link files and consider using alternative file formats or encryption.
What to do
No fix is available yet. Check with your software vendor for updates.
Affected software
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fix available |
|---|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows_10_1607 | <= 10.0.14393.8957 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_1607 | <= 10.0.14393.8957 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_1809 | <= 10.0.17763.8511 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_1809 | <= 10.0.17763.8511 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_21h2 | <= 10.0.19044.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_21h2 | <= 10.0.19044.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_21h2 | <= 10.0.19044.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_22h2 | <= 10.0.19045.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_22h2 | <= 10.0.19045.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_10_22h2 | <= 10.0.19045.7058 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_23h2 | <= 10.0.22631.6783 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_23h2 | <= 10.0.22631.6783 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_24h2 | <= 10.0.26100.7979 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_24h2 | <= 10.0.26100.7979 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_25h2 | <= 10.0.26200.7979 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_25h2 | <= 10.0.26200.7979 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_26h1 | <= 10.0.28000.1719 | – |
| microsoft | windows_11_26h1 | <= 10.0.28000.1719 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2012 | All versions | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2012 | r2 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2016 | <= 10.0.14393.8957 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2019 | <= 10.0.17763.8511 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2022 | <= 10.0.20348.4830 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2022_23h2 | <= 10.0.25398.2207 | – |
| microsoft | windows_server_2025 | <= 10.0.26100.32463 | – |
Original title
Exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in Windows Shell Link Processing allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
Original description
Exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in Windows Shell Link Processing allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
nvd CVSS3.1
5.3
Vulnerability type
CWE-200
Information Exposure
Published: 10 Mar 2026 · Updated: 14 Mar 2026 · First seen: 11 Mar 2026