local privilege escalation Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2026

‘They mopped the floor with me and pulled every childish game they could’: Disgruntled researcher releases second major Windows zero-day — claims Microsoft ‘would ruin my life, and they did’

A new zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender has been disclosed by a researcher known as "Chaotic Eclipse," who has created a proof-of-concept exploit called "RedSun." This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation to SYSTEM level on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server when Microsoft Defender is active. The vulnerability has attracted attention from antivirus vendors, with some detecting it on VirusTotal due to an embedded EIRCAR in the executable. Chaotic Eclipse previously disclosed another vulnerability named BlueHammer, which also allowed local attackers to gain SYSTEM or elevated permissions. The researcher expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft's vulnerability disclosure process, recounting negative interactions with the company. A Microsoft spokesperson stated the company's commitment to investigating security issues and supporting coordinated vulnerability disclosure.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

‘They mopped the floor with me and pulled every childish game they could’: Disgruntled researcher releases second major Windows zero-day — claims Microsoft ‘would ruin my life, and they did’

A researcher known as “Chaotic Eclipse” has revealed a new zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender, called “RedSun,” which allows local privilege escalation to SYSTEM privileges on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server when Microsoft Defender is enabled. The exploit has been confirmed to function correctly, and some antivirus vendors have begun detecting it. This follows another vulnerability disclosure by the same researcher, named BlueHammer, which also allows local attackers to elevate permissions. Chaotic Eclipse expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s handling of vulnerability disclosures, claiming they were threatened and experienced frustration with the company’s response. A Microsoft spokesperson stated the company is committed to investigating reported security issues and supports coordinated vulnerability disclosure.