Windows 10 Settings Shortcut Vulnerability

A vulnerability has been uncovered in Microsoft Windows 10 that allows users to create shortcuts that can execute malicious code on the affected machine whilst bypassing security features.

Threat ID:: CC-2519
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 28 June 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A vulnerability has been uncovered in Microsoft Windows 10 that allows users to create shortcuts that can execute malicious code on the affected machine whilst bypassing security features.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Windows 10

Microsoft Windows - Version 10

Threat details

SettingContent-ms is a file format introduced in Windows 10 that allows users to create direct shortcuts to the Settings menu. This is done by putting Deeplink tags into the file however this can be exploited as you are able to insert any link into this tag including executables. This can allow malicious actors to create their own versions of the files which can execute malicious code on the user’s machine.

The SettingContent file can have multiple Deeplink tags inserted in them too. Meaning users can run the file to open a part of settings while in the background malicious code is run without them knowing. This file is able to be downloaded, opened and executed from the internet without Windows security services alerting.

Threat updates

Date	Update
4 Jul 2018	Following the online publication of several proof-of-concept exploiting the 'SettingContent-ms' shortcut there have been several new variants of malware using these links as a delivery vector.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:57 pm