lnkhunt is a Rust-based command-line tool designed for searching, listing, and overwriting Windows .lnk (shortcut) files in large directory structures. Originally inspired by a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, where .lnk files were exploited to escalate privileges, lnkhunt automates the process of manipulating .lnk files to target specific executables or paths. This tool is especially useful for security researchers and penetration testers who need to efficiently identify and modify shortcut files during an engagement.

• Efficient Scanning: Recursively scans directories for .lnk files.
• Writable Check: Automatically checks whether .lnk files are writable before attempting to modify them.
• Dry Run Mode: Lists .lnk files without modifying them, perfect for gathering information during reconnaissance.
• Overwrite Mode: Replaces existing .lnk files with new shortcuts pointing to a specified target, useful for testing privilege escalation scenarios.

Ensure you have Rust installed. You can install Rust by following the instructions at rust-lang.org.

Clone the repository and build the project using Cargo:

git clone https://github.com/your-username/lnkhunt.git
cd lnkhunt
cargo build --release

# dryrun for recon phase
lnkhunt.exe -d C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe
# recursevely tamper lnk files from "C:\Common Files\"
lnkhunt.exe C:\Windows\system32\payload.exe --search-dir "C:\Common Files\"

# create an lnk
$shortcutPath = "$HOME\whiterabbit.lnk";$targetPath = "C:\Windows\system32\calc.exe";$WshShell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell;$Shortcut = $WshShell.CreateShortcut($shortcutPath);$Shortcut.TargetPath = $targetPath;$Shortcut.IconLocation = "C:\Windows\system32\calc.exe,0";$Shortcut.Save()