Code execution via disguised Internet Shortcut
Published Jul 9, 2024 · Updated Feb 10, 2026
Spoofing in Microsoft Windows MSHTML allows remote attackers to execute code after opening a crafted Internet Shortcut file. The shortcut uses an mhtml URL with an x-usc target to invoke retired Internet Explorer while a crafted name conceals an HTA extension. User interaction is required to open the file; the resulting HTA executes attacker-controlled code in the user's context.
Summary
What happened
Spoofing in Microsoft Windows MSHTML allows remote attackers to execute code after opening a crafted Internet Shortcut file. The shortcut uses an mhtml URL with an x-usc target to invoke retired Internet Explorer while a crafted name conceals an HTA extension. User interaction is required to open the file; the resulting HTA executes attacker-controlled code in the user's context.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2024-38112
- Published
- Jul 9, 2024
- Updated
- Feb 10, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows 10 Version 1507
- Classifications
- CWE-451, T1204.002
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jul 9, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 10, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=10.0.10240.0 <10.0.10240.20710
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Internet Shortcut mhtml and concealed HTA exploit chainfunctional · observed in use
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Reported exploitation
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entryknown exploited catalog
- Internet Shortcut zero-day campaignreported exploitation
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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