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RedSun: Windows 0day when Defender becomes the attacker
Winsage
April 18, 2026

RedSun: Windows 0day when Defender becomes the attacker

A vulnerability has been discovered in Windows Defender that allows standard users to exploit a logic error in the file remediation process, enabling code execution with elevated privileges without administrative access. This flaw, identified by security researcher Chaotic Eclipse, occurs because Windows Defender does not verify if the restoration location of flagged files has been altered through a junction point. The exploit, named RedSun, takes advantage of a missing validation in the MpSvc.dll file, allowing attackers to redirect file restoration to the C:WindowsSystem32 directory. RedSun operates by chaining together four legitimate Windows features: Opportunistic Locks (OPLOCKs), Cloud Files API, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), and Junction Points. The execution of the exploit involves monitoring shadow copies, triggering Defender's detection, synchronizing OPLOCKs, and ultimately writing malicious binaries to the System32 directory. The root cause is the lack of reparse point validation in the restoration process, and currently, no patch or CVE has been assigned for this vulnerability. It affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and later, and organizations are advised to implement behavioral detection strategies until a fix is available.
Unpatched Microsoft Defender flaw lets hackers gain admin access
Tech Optimizer
April 16, 2026

Unpatched Microsoft Defender flaw lets hackers gain admin access

A security researcher named Chaotic Eclipse has discovered a significant vulnerability in Microsoft Defender that could allow hackers to gain administrative access to systems running Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The vulnerability arises from Windows Defender's behavior of rewriting detected malicious files back to their original location instead of removing them, which can be exploited to overwrite system files and grant unauthorized users elevated privileges. This issue remains unaddressed by Microsoft, leaving millions of users vulnerable. Although there is no current evidence of active exploitation, the situation could change. Users are advised to consider additional antivirus solutions for enhanced security.
ResokerRAT Hijacks Telegram API to Command Infected Windows PCs
Winsage
April 6, 2026

ResokerRAT Hijacks Telegram API to Command Infected Windows PCs

A newly discovered Windows malware called ResokerRAT uses Telegram’s Bot API for its command-and-control operations, allowing it to monitor and manipulate infected systems without a conventional server. It obscures its communications by integrating with legitimate Telegram traffic, complicating detection. Upon execution, it creates a mutex to ensure only one instance runs and checks for debuggers to avoid analysis. It attempts to relaunch with elevated privileges and logs failures to its operator. ResokerRAT terminates known monitoring tools and installs a global keyboard hook to obstruct defensive key combinations. It operates through text-based commands sent via Telegram, allowing it to check processes, take screenshots, and modify system settings to evade detection. Persistence is achieved by adding itself to startup and altering UAC settings. The malware retrieves additional payloads from specified URLs and uses URL-encoded data for communication. Researchers have confirmed its Telegram traffic, and its behavior aligns with various MITRE ATT&CK techniques. Security teams are advised to monitor for unusual Telegram traffic and scrutinize registry keys related to startup and UAC.
PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation
Winsage
March 4, 2026

PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation

A proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-20817, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Error Reporting (WER) service, has been released by security researcher oxfemale on GitHub. This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to gain SYSTEM-level access through crafted Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) messages. The flaw is located in the WER service's SvcElevatedLaunch method, which fails to validate caller privileges before executing WerFault.exe with user-supplied command line parameters. The CVSS v3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. It affects unpatched versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022 prior to the January 2026 update. Demonstrations have shown successful exploitation on Windows 11 23H2. Security teams are advised to monitor for unusual processes related to WerFault.exe, investigate missing SeTcbPrivilege in SYSTEM tokens, and review WER-related activities from low-privilege users. Immediate application of the January 2026 security patches is recommended, and a temporary workaround involves disabling the WER service.
New Keenadu backdoor found in Android firmware, Google Play apps
AppWizard
February 17, 2026

New Keenadu backdoor found in Android firmware, Google Play apps

A sophisticated Android malware named Keenadu has been discovered embedded in the firmware of various device brands, compromising all installed applications and granting unrestricted control over infected devices. It employs multiple distribution methods, including compromised firmware images delivered over-the-air, access via backdoors, embedding in system applications, modified applications from unofficial channels, and infiltration through apps on Google Play. As of February 2026, Keenadu has been confirmed on approximately 13,000 devices, primarily in Russia, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The firmware-integrated variant remains dormant if the device's language or timezone is associated with China and ceases to function without the Google Play Store and Play Services. While currently focused on ad fraud, Keenadu has extensive capabilities for data theft and risky actions on compromised devices. A variant embedded in system applications has limited functionality but elevated privileges to install apps without user notification. The malware has been detected in the firmware of Android tablets from various manufacturers, including the Alldocube iPlay 50 mini Pro. Kaspersky has detailed how Keenadu compromises the libandroid_runtime.so component, making it difficult to remove with standard Android OS tools. Users are advised to seek clean firmware versions or consider replacing compromised devices with products from trusted vendors.
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