CVE-2025-64661
HighCVSS 7.8Exploitation Probability (EPSS)
Low risk15th percentile - higher than 15% of all known CVEs
Summary
A race condition in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. The issue stems from improper synchronization when using a shared resource concurrently.
Risk Assessment
An attacker with local access could gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise or malware installation.
Recommendation
Install the latest Windows security updates from the vendor. Restrict local access to systems to trusted users only.
Other vulnerabilities in Windows Shell
See all- CVE-2017-8699High
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to run arbitrary code in the context of the current user due to improper validation of file copy destinations.
- CVE-2017-8463High
Windows Shell in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 has a remote code execution vulnerability due to improper handling of executable files and shares during rename operations.
- CVE-2016-0179High
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site.
- CVE-2015-2515High
A use-after-free vulnerability in Windows Shell in various versions of Microsoft Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted toolbar object.
- CVE-2026-69829Critical
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code remotely over a network.
- CVE-2026-32202MediumActively exploited
A protection mechanism failure in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network. This could lead to impersonation of trusted entities.
- CVE-2018-8414HighActively exploited
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths. This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
- CVE-2026-70563High
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
- CVE-2026-69606High
Use after free in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
- CVE-2026-69528High
Missing authentication for critical function in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Original NVD description (English source)
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS