CVE-2025-9491 Microsoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.0 Published 26 Aug 2025 Updated 5 Dec 2025

Attackers can hide malicious content in LNK files via UI misrepresentation, leading to arbitrary code execution when users open the file.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2025-9491?

CVE-2025-9491 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 11 23h2, published on 26 Aug 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official 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.

Weakness: CWE-451

Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-9491?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Microsoft Windows 11 23h2.

How do I fix CVE-2025-9491?

No fix has been published for CVE-2025-9491 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2025-9491 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2025-9491 exists.

Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

All Microsoft Windows 11 23h2 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-6rf6-f9qg-8v94.