Windows Shortcut Vulnerability *Fix*

[Supernova]

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-046 - Critical

Vulnerability in Windows Shell Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2286198)

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in affected versions of Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability exists because Windows incorrectly parses shortcuts in such a way that malicious code may be executed when the operating system displays the icon of a malicious shortcut file. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code as the logged-on user. This update addresses a vulnerability previously discussed in Microsoft Security Advisory 2286198.

Affected Software:

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based System

Source: Microsoft

[Supernova]

Note: The security update is available for download at the 'source' link above.

[MikeWill]

Thanks for the heads up, Supernova.

Quick question...

My OS is Win7.

After installing the update and rebooting, I've got the "desktop.ini" file on my desktop. Its content is as following:

[.ShellClassInfo]

LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21769

IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-183

I'm not sure what to do with this file. Can I delete it?

P.S.

I'm using Classic Shell program found here.

P.P.S.

The update can be downloaded and installed via Windows Update site - I get it from there.

[Supernova]

Quick question...

My OS is Win7.

After installing the update and rebooting, I've got the "desktop.ini" file on my desktop. Its content is as following:

[.ShellClassInfo]

LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21769

IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-183

I'm not sure what to do with this file. Can I delete it?

The desktop.ini is a system file that stores information about customized folders (e.g. folder background, icon etc) and is safe to delete. These files are usually hidden from view unless you have set Windows Explorer to display hidden/system files (see: Control Panel >> Folder Options).

[MikeWill]

Thank you, Supernova.