CVSS VectorNVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
8DescriptionNVD
External control of file name or path in Internet Shortcut Files allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
AnalysisAI
Windows Internet Shortcut Files (.url) contain an external control vulnerability (CVE-2025-33053, CVSS 8.8) that enables remote code execution over a network. KEV-listed with EPSS 48.5% and public PoC, this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious .url files that execute arbitrary code when opened, bypassing the security restrictions normally applied to internet-sourced shortcut files.
Technical ContextAI
Internet Shortcut (.url) files are simple text files that point to web resources. Windows handles them through the Shell, applying security checks based on the file's origin. This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the file path or name handling to bypass security restrictions (Mark of the Web, SmartScreen) and execute arbitrary code. The .url format is particularly dangerous because it's commonly shared via email and file shares, and users often trust shortcut files.
RemediationAI
Apply Microsoft security update. Block .url file attachments at email gateways. Educate users about shortcut file risks. Enable ASR rules for Shell-based attack prevention.
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External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today
EUVD-2025-17721