Windows 11 users have been surprised by the sudden appearance of the “inetpub” folder in their system, which was intended to correct a vulnerability. However, a cybersecurity researcher has discovered a breach in the same directory that could allow attacks and block new Windows Update updates.

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The discovery was shared by cybersecurity researcher Kevin Beaumont, who identified a denial-of-service vulnerability that allows users without administrator permission to block new system updates and leave the PC exposed to threats.

How the breach occurs

According to Beaumont, the problem occurs because users can create command points with the Windows + 4 command and redirect the inetpub folder to another directory. This creates a symlink — a file with a reference to other files or directories that can be exploited by cybercriminals without the need for elevated access privileges.

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In this way, the folder itself could be used to create a reference to another directory and prevent the computer from downloading future security updates from Windows. Curiously, the “inetpub” folder was created in the system to prevent another breach by symlink.

Beaumont said he contacted Microsoft Research Center, but did not receive a response. When approached, Microsoft declined to comment on the case.

The mysterious ‘inetpub’ folder of Windows 11

The “inetpub” folder was automatically installed on Windows 11 after system updates released in April. Without any files or bytes, the directory did not even appear in the update notes, but the company confirmed that it was created to correct a security flaw related to the CVE-2025-21204 bug.

This flaw could be used for malicious attacks that modify files and folders in the system. Even without possessing files, Microsoft recommends that users not delete the folder.

Read also:

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