execution

AppWizard
April 2, 2025
The Last of Us Part II is set to launch on Steam on April 3, marking a shift in Sony's strategy to release titles across multiple platforms. The porting process involves adapting the game from PlayStation hardware to PC, which presents challenges due to differences in architecture and the need for customizable experiences for PC gamers. The development team, including members from Naughty Dog and Nixxes, has implemented a system for real-time shader compilation to enhance performance. The port will also include new characters and gameplay modes, while maintaining the original narrative. Extensive collaboration between Naughty Dog and Nixxes has ensured support for various input devices and accessibility options.
Tech Optimizer
April 1, 2025
Crunchy Data has released an optimized version of its Crunchy Data Warehouse for Kubernetes, integrating Postgres-native Apache Iceberg for enhanced analytics. This version supports both analytical and operational workloads by combining traditional Postgres tables with transactional Iceberg tables. Key features include managed Iceberg tables in PostgreSQL, high-performance analytics through DuckDB integration, the ability to query raw data files in S3, flexible data import/export options, and seamless integration with various analytics tools. The system is designed to be developer-friendly and supports automated, scalable deployments across different infrastructures.
Winsage
March 29, 2025
Elite red team hackers have revealed a significant vulnerability in the Windows ecosystem, specifically a method to bypass Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which is designed to restrict application execution to trusted software. Bobby Cooke from IBM X-Force Red confirmed that the Microsoft Teams application was successfully targeted to bypass WDAC, allowing the execution of a Command and Control payload. The techniques used included utilizing "Living Off The Land Binaries" (LOLBINS), side-loading a trusted application with an untrusted dynamic linked library, exploiting a custom exclusion rule from a client WDAC policy, and discovering a new execution chain within a trusted application. Microsoft acknowledged awareness of the WDAC bypass report and stated they would take action as needed to protect customers.
Winsage
March 29, 2025
The author has transitioned from using Flow Launcher on Windows 11 to Raycast on a Mac Mini and finds Raycast to be superior in elegance and functionality. Raycast is described as a comprehensive solution with high extensibility and customizability, offering an intuitive design that enhances productivity. A Windows version of Raycast is anticipated in the future, and the author hopes it will match the quality of the Mac version.
Tech Optimizer
March 28, 2025
SQL Server Enterprise Edition costs approximately ,000 per CPU core, with an additional 23 percent for Software Assurance. SQL Server provides a mature solution for high availability and backups, integrating seamlessly with Windows Server Failover Clustering. PostgreSQL offers three primary backup methods: SQL dump, file system-level backup (requiring database shutdown), and continuous archiving, with the latter being complex to implement. SQL Server typically offers more integrated features out of the box, such as temporal tables and graph databases, while PostgreSQL requires extensions. SQL Server caches execution plans, which can reduce CPU usage but may lead to suboptimal plans. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides a superior user experience compared to PGAdmin. SQLPackage for SQL Server is considered better than available options for PostgreSQL, and the SQL Server community is noted for its support and engagement.
AppWizard
March 28, 2025
PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that re-emerged in 2023 with improved capabilities and a refined targeting strategy, previously known for attacking Indian military personnel in 2021. It is now targeting users in Taiwan through social engineering tactics, disguising itself as legitimate dating and messaging apps. The malware is distributed via compromised WordPress sites hosting fake applications like “SaangalLite” and “CChat.” The infection footprint is small, indicating highly targeted attacks rather than widespread campaigns. PJobRAT retains its core functionality of exfiltrating sensitive information, including SMS messages, contacts, and media files, while enhancing command execution capabilities. Upon installation, the malicious apps request extensive permissions to operate continuously in the background. The malware uses a dual-channel communication infrastructure, with Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) as the primary command channel and a secondary HTTP-based channel for data exfiltration to a command-and-control server. The campaign appears to have concluded, but the evolution of PJobRAT highlights the ongoing threat of sophisticated mobile malware targeting high-value individuals.
AppWizard
March 28, 2025
MSI App Player is a versatile tool for users seeking gaming and productivity enhancements on a larger screen. It features a user-friendly interface for setting up a virtual Android environment on Windows without requiring advanced technical skills. The app allows keyboard and mouse mapping to emulate touchscreen controls and supports console pad connectivity in Console Mode. Users can open multiple windows for different applications and launch the same game with different accounts. It is integrated with the Windows operating system for mobile software testing and can handle high-end graphics and fast-paced mobile games. MSI App Player optimizes CPU, GPU, and memory usage, ensuring smooth performance even on less advanced hardware. It includes an error-checking mechanism and a built-in recovery system to prevent gameplay disruptions, with regular updates for compatibility with the latest Android games and applications.
Winsage
March 28, 2025
Mozilla released Firefox version 136.0.4 to address a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2025-2857, which could allow attackers to escape the browser's sandbox on Windows systems. This flaw, identified by developer Andrew McCreight, affects both standard and extended support releases of Firefox. Mozilla patched this issue in Firefox 136.0.4 and Firefox ESR versions 115.21.1 and 128.8.1. The vulnerability is similar to a recent zero-day exploit in Google Chrome, CVE-2025-2783, which was used in cyber-espionage campaigns against Russian entities. Additionally, Mozilla previously addressed another zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-9680, exploited by the RomCom cybercrime group, allowing code execution within Firefox's sandbox. Earlier in the year, Mozilla responded to two zero-day vulnerabilities exploited during the Pwn2Own Vancouver 2024 hacking competition.
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