A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Windows Shell improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code and take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website used to attempt to exploit the vulnerability. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or instant message that takes them to the attacker's site.
The security update fixes this vulnerability by correcting how Windows Shell handles objects in memory.
## Where it's fixed | Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released | |---|---|---|---|---| | Microsoft | Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | | [KB4041681](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/microsoft/kb4041681.md) | Oct 10, 2017 | | Microsoft | Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | | [KB4041678](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/microsoft/kb4041678.md) | Oct 10, 2017 | | Microsoft | Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | | [KB4041681](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/microsoft/kb4041681.md) | Oct 10, 2017 | | Microsoft | Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | | [KB4041678](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/microsoft/kb4041678.md) | Oct 10, 2017 | --- Data as of 2026-11-07T18:46:35Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo Free to use with attribution: show "Data: Patchblox Patch Radar" with a link to https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar. Terms, including what needs a written agreement: https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar/use-the-data Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.