Plugging a USB drive that has been used on any modern Windows 10/11 or Linux machine into a vulnerable Windows 7 ISO can trigger an like CVE-2015-0096 (Stuxnet-style .LNK vulnerability). The USB doesn't need to be malicious—it might simply carry a file with a poisoned shortcut.

To increase the "attack surface," install older versions of Java, Adobe Reader, or outdated browsers [20].

Official Microsoft downloads for Windows 7 are largely discontinued [15, 21]. For legal and safe testing, use these specialized sources:

Numerous flaws allow a standard user to gain SYSTEM-level administrative rights. Where to Find One