Mystery Folder on Windows? Relax, It’s Just Microsoft’s New Security Blanket!
Spotted a mysterious inetpub folder after Windows updates? Don’t panic! It’s a security feature to block potential privilege-escalation exploits like CVE-2025-21204. Even if you don’t use IIS, let it be; it’s there to save the day. If you accidentally delete it, just reinstall IIS or create it manually.
Hot Take:
***Move over, ‘Where’s Waldo?’ – the new game in town is ‘Where’s Inetpub?’ But don’t worry, this mysterious folder isn’t here to spook you. It’s more like an unsolicited safety net from Microsoft, ensuring your computer doesn’t get any crazy ideas about letting malware throw a wild party with elevated privileges. Just let it sit there like a guest who overstayed their welcome but isn’t doing any harm.***
Key Points:
– Microsoft created the C:inetpub folder as part of a security update to address a privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2025-21204).
– The folder appears post-patch even if you don’t use Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS).
– The folder is designed to prevent future exploits, providing a protective measure against potential threats.
– Users who delete the folder can recreate it by enabling and then disabling IIS via the Windows Control Panel.
– There is no known active exploitation of the vulnerability, so the folder is essentially a preemptive strike.