Windows: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information
CVE-2025-9491 is a high-severity user interface (UI) misrepresentation of critical information vulnerability in Windows from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Windows versions: 11 Enterprise 23H2 22631.4169 x64. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 76% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.46% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Check which version of Windows you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows | 11 Enterprise 23H2 22631.4169 x64 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 23h2 | 10.0.22631.4169 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 4.6 | Medium | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 3.3 | Low | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 3.0 | 7.0 | High | CNA (trendmicro.com) |
Official description
Microsoft Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the handling of .LNK files. Crafted data in an .LNK file can cause hazardous content in the file to be invisible to a user who inspects the file via the Windows-provided user interface. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-25373.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information
The user interface (UI) does not properly represent critical information to the user, allowing the information - or its source - to be obscured or spoofed. This is often a component in phishing attacks.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Perform data validation (e.g. syntax, length, etc.) before interpreting the data.
- Create a strategy for presenting information, and plan for how to display unusual characters.
More User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities (CWE-451)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-148/Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Windows
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
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