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CVE-2015-0096 is an untrusted search-path vulnerability in Windows Explorer affecting Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2; Windows Vista SP2; Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1; Windows 7 SP1; Windows 8 and 8.1; Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2; and Windows RT. Windows Explorer can load a Trojan horse DLL from the current working directory when accessing the icon of a crafted shortcut, enabling DLL planting.
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2 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (Ruby file) that exploits CVE-2015-0096 (MS15-020), a vulnerability in the handling of Windows shortcut (.LNK) files. The exploit abuses the way Windows loads icon resources from LNK files, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking the target into opening a malicious LNK file that references a DLL hosted on an attacker-controlled SMB share. The module sets up an SMB server, generates a malicious DLL containing the selected payload, and crafts a LNK file that points to the DLL via a UNC path. The attacker must deliver the LNK file to the victim, who must then open or browse to it, triggering the exploit. The code is operational and leverages Metasploit's payload generation and SMB server capabilities. The only file in the repository is the exploit module itself, written in Ruby and designed for use within the Metasploit Framework.
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (Ruby file) that exploits CVE-2015-0096 (MS15-020), a vulnerability in the handling of Windows shortcut (.LNK) files. The exploit abuses the way Windows loads icon resources from .LNK files, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking the target into viewing a malicious shortcut file that references a DLL on a remote (UNC) network share. The module generates both the malicious .LNK file and the corresponding DLL payload, which must be hosted on a network share accessible to the victim. When the victim browses to the location containing the .LNK file, Windows loads the DLL from the specified UNC path, resulting in code execution. The exploit targets Windows Server 2003 SP2 (with MS10-046 installed) and Windows Server 2008 SP2 (32-bit, with MS14-027 installed). The module is weaponized, allowing for customizable payloads via the Metasploit framework.
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Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
2 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A Microsoft Windows Shell Link vulnerability referenced as an example of malformed LNK exploit payload generation by Meterpreter.
A Windows LNK/DLL planting remote code execution vulnerability reportedly used by Brutal Kangaroo against air-gapped targets.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.