Microsoft Silently Patches Windows LNK Flaw After Years of Active Exploitation
Microsoft has quietly fixed a significant security vulnerability that has been actively exploited by multiple threat actors since 2017. This fix was included in the company’s November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, as reported by ACROS Security’s 0patch. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-9491, carries a CVSS score of 7.8/7.0 and involves a Windows Shortcut (LNK) file user interface misinterpretation issue. This flaw could potentially allow remote attackers to exploit the system.
Details of the Windows LNK Vulnerability
The vulnerability CVE-2025-9491 relates to how Windows handles LNK files, which are shortcut files used widely across the operating system. Due to a misinterpretation in the user interface, attackers could craft malicious LNK files that, when opened, might trigger unauthorized actions on the victim’s device. This flaw has been a concern because it provides a pathway for remote exploitation, which can lead to serious security breaches.
Since its discovery, this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild by various threat actors. These attackers have taken advantage of the flaw to compromise systems without the knowledge of users or administrators. The fact that the vulnerability remained unpatched for several years allowed these exploits to continue, posing a persistent risk to Windows users.
Microsoft Silently Patches Windows LNK Flaw in November 2025 Updates
In the November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft addressed this long-standing security issue without much public announcement, effectively closing the door on this particular attack vector. The silent patching approach means that many users and organizations may not have been immediately aware that the vulnerability was fixed.
The update was part of a broader set of security improvements released by Microsoft to enhance the safety and stability of Windows systems. By including the fix for CVE-2025-9491 in these updates, Microsoft has taken a crucial step to protect users from ongoing exploitation attempts related to the LNK file vulnerability.
Implications and Importance of the Patch
The silent patching of this Windows LNK flaw highlights the importance of regularly applying security updates. Since the vulnerability had been exploited for several years, it underscores how critical it is for users and organizations to keep their systems up to date. Failure to install patches promptly can leave devices exposed to threats that have been known and targeted by attackers for an extended period.
Microsoft’s decision to quietly fix the flaw without drawing widespread attention may have been intended to prevent further exploitation before users could apply the update. However, it also means that users must be vigilant in monitoring and installing all security patches released by Microsoft.
In summary, Microsoft silently patches Windows LNK flaw CVE-2025-9491 as part of its November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. This vulnerability, which has been exploited since 2017, involved a Windows Shortcut file UI misinterpretation that allowed remote attacks. The update closes a significant security gap, emphasizing the ongoing need for timely patching to protect Windows systems from persistent threats.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
Source: original article.