Net-NTLMv2 disclosure via auto-parsed LNK path
Published Apr 14, 2026 · Updated Apr 14, 2026
Authentication coercion in Microsoft Windows Shell allows remote attackers to disclose Net-NTLMv2 material through a crafted LNK file. Explorer parses the LNK's LinkTargetIDList and resolves an embedded UNC Control Panel path before trust verification, initiating SMB authentication. A target must browse a folder containing the LNK; no click is required, and the disclosed challenge-response material supports relay or offline cracking.
Summary
What happened
Authentication coercion in Microsoft Windows Shell allows remote attackers to disclose Net-NTLMv2 material through a crafted LNK file. Explorer parses the LNK's LinkTargetIDList and resolves an embedded UNC Control Panel path before trust verification, initiating SMB authentication. A target must browse a folder containing the LNK; no click is required, and the disclosed challenge-response material supports relay or offline cracking.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-32202
- Published
- Apr 14, 2026
- Updated
- Apr 14, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows Server 2019
- Classifications
- CWE-693, T1187
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 1, 2026Exploitation reportedAPT28 Windows Shell exploit chain
- Apr 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
- Apr 28, 2026Exploitation reportedCISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry
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=10.0.17763.0 <10.0.17763.8644
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.
Public exploit references
- CVE-2026-32202 crafted LinkTargetIDList LNK generatorproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Reported exploitation
- APT28 Windows Shell exploit chainthreat actor
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entryknown exploited catalog
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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