Microsoft Quietly Fixed a Long‑Abused Windows Shortcut Security Flaw
Microsoft recently released an update that fixed a serious security weakness in Windows shortcut files, also known as .LNK files, which hackers have been exploiting for years. These shortcut files are the small icons you click to open programs or folders in Windows, but the flaw allowed attackers to hide dangerous commands inside them without users noticing. This meant that a seemingly harmless shortcut could actually run harmful code when opened.
The problem came from the way Windows displayed shortcut commands. Hackers could pad hidden parts of the command with invisible characters so that the dangerous instructions wouldn’t appear in the file’s properties. As a result, users could click what looked like a normal shortcut, unknowingly allowing malware to run or giving attackers access to their system.
This weakness had been actively used by both criminal hackers and state-sponsored groups to spread malware, steal information, and gain unauthorized access. Attackers could carry out harmful actions simply when a user opened the shortcut, making it a surprisingly effective and stealthy method for compromising computers.
For a long time, Microsoft relied on built-in protections to warn users about risky file formats. However, due to ongoing abuse and security expert pressure, the company quietly updated Windows to show the full command text in shortcuts. This change helps both users and security software see exactly what a shortcut is programmed to do, making it much harder for hidden malware to operate unnoticed.
Even though the update was not widely announced, it is an important security improvement. Users and organizations should make sure their Windows systems are fully updated to take advantage of this fix, along with other security protections included in the latest updates. Keeping software current is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent long-standing security flaws from being exploited.
