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Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.
Active Exploitation of Critical CVE-2026-20253 in Splunk Enterprise: Unauthenticated RCE via PostgreSQL Sidecar Service
Tech Optimizer
June 23, 2026

Active Exploitation of Critical CVE-2026-20253 in Splunk Enterprise: Unauthenticated RCE via PostgreSQL Sidecar Service

A critical security vulnerability, SVD-2026-0603 (CVE-2026-20253), has been identified in Splunk Enterprise versions 10.0.0 through 10.0.6 and 10.2.0 through 10.2.3. This flaw allows unauthenticated, remote attackers to create or truncate arbitrary files on the host system by exploiting the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service endpoints. The vulnerability is actively exploited, with public proof-of-concept code available, and has been added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. Successful exploitation can lead to full remote code execution (RCE) as the Splunk user. The vulnerability arises from inadequate authentication controls on the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service endpoints, specifically /v1/postgres/recovery/backup and /v1/postgres/recovery/restore, which are accessible without authentication. It is classified under CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical). Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP POST requests to the exposed endpoints, allowing them to create or truncate files and potentially execute malicious scripts. Indicators of compromise include unexpected files in directories such as /tmp/ or /opt/splunk/var/run/supervisor/pkg-run/, modified Splunk Python scripts, and unusual outbound connections from Splunk to unknown PostgreSQL servers. The vulnerability aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques, including T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). Active exploitation of CVE-2026-20253 has been confirmed, and it is likely that both opportunistic cybercriminals and sophisticated threat actors will use this exploit. The affected versions of Splunk Enterprise are 10.2.0 through 10.2.3 and 10.0.0 through 10.0.6, with the issue resolved in versions 10.2.4 and 10.0.7. Organizations are advised to upgrade to fixed versions or disable the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service as a mitigation strategy.
Microsoft Details Windows Clipper Malware Campaign Using USB LNK Worm and Tor-Based C2
Winsage
June 19, 2026

Microsoft Details Windows Clipper Malware Campaign Using USB LNK Worm and Tor-Based C2

Microsoft has identified a Windows-based cryptocurrency clipper campaign that has been active since February 2026. This campaign uses clipboard-intercepting malware with self-spreading capabilities and operates through the Tor network. The clipper malware employs Windows Script Host and ActiveX to launch a Tor proxy and connect to a hidden command-and-control server. It focuses on stealing clipboard data, particularly cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and can exfiltrate screenshots. The malware is distributed via malicious Windows Shortcut (LNK) files on USB drives, which activate a worm that checks for existing infections and fetches the payload from a remote server. The clipper monitors the clipboard every 500 milliseconds for sensitive information and can replace copied wallet addresses with those controlled by attackers. Microsoft recommends behavioral detections, disabling AutoRun for removable media, blocking LNK execution from drives, and monitoring clipboard-related activities as mitigations against this threat.
Why Use App-Level Auth When Every Database Has Auth? (Splunk Enterprise CVE-2026-20253 Pre-Auth RCE)
Tech Optimizer
June 13, 2026

Why Use App-Level Auth When Every Database Has Auth? (Splunk Enterprise CVE-2026-20253 Pre-Auth RCE)

On June 10th, Splunk released an advisory for CVE-2026-20253, a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 that requires no authentication. The vulnerability is associated with the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service Endpoint and affects Splunk Enterprise versions 10 and above. In default installations, the service is not installed on Windows but is installed and enabled by default on AWS. The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to create and truncate arbitrary files through an API that lacks authentication controls. Additionally, it enables the execution of SQL commands via a backup and restore mechanism, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). A Detection Artefact Generator has been developed to help organizations assess their vulnerability to this issue.
Android users need to uninstall these apps ASAP as they are a security risk
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Android users need to uninstall these apps ASAP as they are a security risk

Google will soon notify Android users when an app they installed has lost developer support. Currently, users only receive alerts from Play Protect for significant security threats or potentially harmful apps. The only way to discover if an app has been delisted is through external sources or by trying to install it on a new device. Recent findings in the Play Store indicate that Google is preparing to inform users when apps have been removed from the Play Store and will no longer receive updates. Abandoned apps pose significant security risks, as they may contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Google's new notifications aim to encourage users to uninstall unsupported apps to protect their personal data.
Microsoft patches a record 206 flaws—and one is already being exploited
Winsage
June 11, 2026

Microsoft patches a record 206 flaws—and one is already being exploited

Microsoft patched 206 vulnerabilities during June's Patch Tuesday, surpassing the previous record of 175 vulnerabilities patched in October 2025. Among the patched vulnerabilities, 118 are related to different versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. One critical vulnerability, CVE-2026-41091, in Microsoft Defender is actively being exploited, prompting an update to the Malware Protection Engine. Microsoft also addressed ten vulnerabilities in the Security Feature Bypass category due to the expiration of old Secure Boot certificates. Of the 118 Windows vulnerabilities, 19 are classified as critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-47288 and CVE-2026-47291. In Microsoft Office, 54 vulnerabilities were patched, including 25 RCE vulnerabilities, with nine classified as critical. Microsoft patched eight vulnerabilities in Exchange Server, including CVE-2026-45583, which can be exploited in a man-in-the-middle scenario. Additionally, the update for Edge addressed 74 Chromium vulnerabilities, including a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-11645).
Windows 11 Sucks Slightly Less Now, Thanks To A June Update
Winsage
June 11, 2026

Windows 11 Sucks Slightly Less Now, Thanks To A June Update

The June update for Windows 11, identified as KB5094126 (OS Builds 26200.8655 and 26100.8655), introduces significant enhancements and numerous bug fixes and security patches. A key feature is a low-latency profile that improves responsiveness of core system elements like the Start Menu and Search by allowing the CPU to quickly reach maximum clock speed upon user interaction. This update also refines the Start Menu, improves app launch speeds, and addresses longstanding issues such as faster downloads from the Windows Store and optimized Windows Search results. New features include multi-app camera support, Shared Audio functionality for streaming to multiple Bluetooth devices, and the ability to personalize user folder names during installation. Additionally, the update resolves 206 security vulnerabilities, including a critical kernel-level remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2026-45657) with a threat score of 9.8.
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