Alter

AppWizard
May 21, 2025
A tipster discovered hints of a Material 3 Expressive redesign in Google Photos' code, featuring a new card for creating memories with a collage-style layout. Following I/O 2025, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixels, showcasing the new design language. The redesign includes a revamped user interface, an updated notification shade, an expanded quick toggle section, and a significant redesign of Gmail. Additionally, advancements in Gemini AI and collaboration between Google Search and Project Astra were highlighted.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Since April 2024, the threat actor Marbled Dust has been exploiting a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-27920) in the Output Messenger chat application, targeting user accounts that have not applied necessary fixes. This exploitation has resulted in the collection of sensitive data from users in Iraq, specifically linked to the Kurdish military. Microsoft has high confidence in this assessment and notes that Marbled Dust conducts reconnaissance to identify potential targets using Output Messenger. Marbled Dust has successfully utilized this vulnerability to deploy malicious files and exfiltrate data. Microsoft notified the application’s developer, Srimax, about the vulnerability, leading to the release of a software update. A second vulnerability (CVE-2025-27921) was also found, but no exploitation of this second flaw has been observed. The zero-day vulnerability allows an authenticated user to upload malicious files to the server's startup directory. Marbled Dust has exploited this flaw to place a backdoor file, OMServerService.vbs, in the startup folder, enabling them to access communications and sensitive data indiscriminately. The attack chain begins with Marbled Dust gaining access to the Output Messenger Server Manager, likely through DNS hijacking or other credential interception techniques. Once inside, they exploit the vulnerability to drop malicious files, including a GoLang backdoor, which connects to a Marbled Dust command-and-control domain for data exfiltration. To mitigate this threat, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Output Messenger, activating various security protections, and implementing rigorous vulnerability management strategies. Microsoft Defender XDR customers can identify potential threat activity through specific alerts related to Marbled Dust and utilize advanced hunting queries for detection. Indicators of compromise include traffic to the domain api.wordinfos[.]com, associated with Marbled Dust activities.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Google has introduced Advanced Protection for Android devices, aimed at enhancing security for users, especially those in public-facing roles. This feature was showcased on May 13, 2025, and will be released with Android 16 in June. Key functionalities include an Offline Device Key, Theft Detection, and Play Protect. Advanced Protection will restrict sideloading applications and downloading from third-party sources. It also blocks downloads from unknown sources during active phone calls and restricts access to banking applications during calls. Users will be unable to share screens with third-party applications while on calls. The initiative is currently being tested in various countries.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft has addressed a zero-day vulnerability in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library, identified as CVE-2025-30400, which allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected systems. This "Elevation of Privilege" vulnerability, arising from a "use-after-free" memory corruption issue, was actively exploited prior to the release of a patch on May 13, 2025. The vulnerability permits an authorized attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting improper memory management within the DWM process. Microsoft classified the severity of this vulnerability as "Important" and assigned it a CVSS score of 7.8. Users and administrators are strongly advised to apply the latest updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
AppWizard
May 13, 2025
Google is deploying advanced artificial intelligence to identify and combat online scams across its platforms, including Chrome, Search, and Android. The AI technology enables Google to detect 20 times more scam-related pages than before. Chrome will now alert users to unwanted or harmful notifications from scam websites, allowing them to unsubscribe or view blocked content. The initiative utilizes Gemini's Nano, an on-device AI capable of identifying new scams. Google has also introduced AI-powered scam detection in Google Messages, which flags potential malicious users by scanning for scam-related phrases and patterns, allowing users to report and block suspicious contacts.
Winsage
May 12, 2025
The official end of Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive technical support, new features, or security patches. Windows 10's global desktop market share has decreased from nearly 70% to approximately 53% over the past year, indicating a shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive, will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers optional, paid security patches for Windows 10 after its end of support. Users may face significant hardware costs when upgrading to Windows 11, and alternatives like macOS or Linux are also options to consider.
AppWizard
May 5, 2025
Developer Ice Code Games has announced their new tactical turn-based strategy game, Nightmare Frontier, described as "XCOM meets Hunt: Showdown with a dash of Cthulhu." The game is set in an alternate 19th-century America, altered by a mysterious event, where survivors face the Dreadweavers—monstrous entities representing humanity's deepest fears. Players take on the role of a ringleader, navigating a treacherous environment and rallying scavengers for missions to find loot. The gameplay combines turn-based "gun-n-slash" mechanics with horror elements, featuring a risk-reward system. Nightmare Frontier is available for wishlisting on Steam.
AppWizard
May 2, 2025
The film industry is experiencing several key trends that are reshaping storytelling: 1. Filmmakers are prioritizing diverse narratives that reflect a broader spectrum of human experiences. 2. Technological advancements, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are transforming the viewer's experience by creating immersive worlds. 3. The rise of streaming platforms is altering film distribution, democratizing access to films and allowing a wider variety of voices to be heard. These trends influence the types of films produced and shape audience expectations and engagement, fostering a new era of cinema characterized by creativity and experimentation.
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