CVE-2023-36025: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2023-36025) is a critical security flaw that affects Microsoft Windows Defender SmartScreen. The vulnerability stems from the lack of checks and associated prompts on Internet Shortcut (.url) files, which was discovered and disclosed in November 2023. This vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems (NVD, Trend Micro).

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The flaw allows threat actors to craft malicious .url files that can bypass Windows Defender SmartScreen warning and checks, enabling the download and execution of malicious scripts without the usual security prompts (NVD).

When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass Windows SmartScreen security features, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, allowing attackers to deliver various malware payloads while evading security controls (Trend Micro).

Microsoft released patches for this vulnerability on November 14, 2023. Organizations are strongly advised to update their Microsoft Windows installations to prevent exposure to this vulnerability. CISA has set a due date of December 5, 2023, for federal agencies to apply the vendor-provided mitigations (NVD).