September 2025 Archives

Winsage

February 26, 2026

PoC Published for Microsoft Windows Flaw That Allows Low-Privileged Users to Force Irrecoverable BSODs

Security researchers have developed a working Proof of Concept (PoC) exploit for a vulnerability in the Windows kernel, identified as CVE-2026-2636, which allows low-privileged users to induce a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), resulting in a Denial of Service. This vulnerability is linked to the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, specifically the CLFS.sys component, and arises from improper handling of invalid or special elements within CLFS (CWE-159). The PoC demonstrates that a non-administrative user can trigger the bug by executing a crafted ReadFile operation on a handle linked to an opened .blf log file without the expected I/O Request Packet (IRP) flags set. This leads to a critical inconsistency in the driver, causing Windows to invoke the kernel routine KeBugCheckEx, which results in a BSoD. The CVE-2026-2636 has a CVSS score of 5.5 (Medium) and poses a high impact on availability, allowing any authenticated user to crash the host reliably. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability in the September 2025 cumulative update, protecting systems running Windows 11 2024 LTSC and Windows Server 2025 by default. However, older or unpatched builds remain vulnerable. Organizations are advised to verify the deployment of the September 2025 updates, prioritize patching multi-user systems, and monitor for unusual spikes in BSoD events.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Surveillance tool or accessible messenger? All we know about MAX, Russia’s alternative after WhatsApp fully blocked

The Russian government has fully blocked Meta's WhatsApp due to its non-compliance with local laws. In response, the Kremlin has promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging application introduced in 2025. MAX aims to serve as a universal mobile application, consolidating various digital services and was pre-installed on smartphones sold in Russia from September 2025. The Kremlin claims MAX is an accessible alternative for users, but critics view it as a potential surveillance tool due to its design that collects extensive user data and lacks end-to-end encryption.

BetaBeacon

January 28, 2026

Phantom Malware in Android Game Mods Hijacks Phones for Ad Fraud

A malware strain known as Android.Phantom is being distributed through popular titles and unofficial app sources, operating silently alongside games to conduct click fraud. The malware can mimic user behavior, interact with ads through automated clicks, and establish peer-to-peer connections to allow remote controllers to interact with the user's screen in real time. It is recommended to avoid installing apps from third-party stores to reduce the risk of encountering malicious software.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Google’s Phone app keeps turning sideways, and users are confused again

The Google Phone app has introduced support for a landscape user interface that activates with the system-wide auto-rotate setting enabled. Users have reported confusion and frustration due to the intermittent availability of this feature in stable updates. In September 2025, many users mistakenly believed the unexpected rotation during calls was a glitch, not realizing it was an intended feature. Google has since provided a toggle to lock the UI in portrait mode, but this option is only available in beta releases. Users can temporarily disable the system-wide auto-rotate feature to keep the app in portrait mode, but the landscape UI remains inconsistent.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Rockstar responds to plea for a terminally ill ‘huge GTA fan’ to get his hands on the game early

Ubisoft developer Anthony Armstrong reached out to Rockstar Games on LinkedIn to request a playtest of Grand Theft Auto 6 for his terminally ill family member, who has been battling cancer and has a prognosis of 6 to 12 months to live. Take-Two's CEO responded positively to the request.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 AI PCs put the “plus” in productivity because they’re 5x faster than old Windows 10 PCs, beat M4 MacBook

Microsoft has not clarified the reasoning behind the “Plus” designation for its Copilot+ PCs, which are described as AI-enhanced devices with notable upgrades in hardware and performance. These PCs can reach speeds up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device and outperform a MacBook Air with the M4 chip. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs enhance “everything Windows 11 does best” and are “up to five times quicker than a 5-year-old Windows 10 device.” The company conducted benchmarks between June and September 2025, claiming that Copilot+ PCs outperform an “average” 5-year-old Windows PC by up to 5x in Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance, although the results have not been made public. Copilot+ machines exhibit up to 3.7x faster AI performance compared to previous-generation Windows 11 AI PCs, with a maximum of 40 TOPs of NPU compared to earlier models' 15 TOPs. Battery life is also improved, offering up to 19 hours of web browsing, 27 hours of local video playback, and 22 hours of streaming. Microsoft asserts that its top-performing Copilot+ PCs surpass the M4 in Cinebench 2024 multi-core tests. The Copilot key is emphasized for its utility in multitasking and quick responses, benefiting students and professionals alike.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

More than 8 years after The New Colossus, a new Wolfenstein game is reportedly in the works at MachineGames

BJ Blazkowicz, the protagonist of the Wolfenstein series, has evolved from a simple muscle-bound character to a complex figure dealing with a challenging dream. Reports indicate that Wolfenstein 3 is in development, alongside a Wolfenstein television series set to premiere on Amazon in 2025. The last main installment, The New Colossus, was released in 2017, followed by the spinoff Youngblood in 2019 and the VR title Cyberpilot, both of which did not fully satisfy fans. MachineGames has also worked on other projects, including Quake, Doom, and Indiana Jones, but there are indications they may return to the Wolfenstein franchise. Jerk Gustafsson, head of MachineGames, mentioned the intention to view Wolfenstein as a trilogy, and the studio has teased a new project, raising hopes for BJ Blazkowicz's return.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Best PC Game Graphics of 2025

In 2025, several PC games were noted for their impressive graphics: - Cronos: The New Dawn: Released in September 2025 by Bloober Team, it features breathtaking environments and detailed 3D character models, utilizing Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen technology. - Hell is Us: An indie title that showcases remarkable graphics with Lumen’s advanced lighting capabilities, despite minor pop-ups. - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Offers high graphical fidelity in an expansive world, using CRYENGINE’s SVOGI for impressive lighting, though it has occasional pop-ins. - Dying Light: The Beast: Improved significantly with a December 2025 Ray Tracing Update, enhancing visuals to rival other major titles. - WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers: Features stunning visuals with Lumen GI and high-resolution textures, despite minor shadow pop-ins. - Doom: The Dark Ages: Utilizes Path Tracing for impressive graphics but suffers from low-quality textures. - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: Developed by Virtuos Studios, it is visually impressive on Ultra Settings with exceptional 3D characters and lighting. - Silent Hill f: A graphical powerhouse that showcases Unreal Engine 5 capabilities with "True Epic" settings. - Half-Life 2 RTX Demo: Released in March 2025, it introduces real-time Path Tracing, enhancing visuals significantly. - Assassin’s Creed: Shadows: At Max Ray Tracing and Ultra High settings, it features highly detailed characters, crafted environments, and a sophisticated hair-stranding system.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Frogblight Malware Targets Android Users With Fake Court and Aid Apps

A new Android-based Trojan named Frogblight is targeting mobile users in Turkiye to steal funds from bank accounts. Identified by Kaspersky's Securelist in August 2025, it spreads through smishing, where scammers send deceptive SMS messages about legal court cases or financial aid. These messages often include links to download malicious applications disguised as legitimate support tools. The malware, which can conceal itself and deactivate on simulated devices or within the U.S., requests extensive permissions to access SMS messages and device storage. Once installed, it opens a legitimate government website to appear credible and injects JavaScript to record keystrokes during banking logins. Recent versions have added keylogging, contact list theft, and private call log collection. The malware has evolved to disguise itself as the Google Chrome browser and other tools, and its source code is available on GitHub, indicating it may be marketed as malware-as-a-service. Kaspersky advises users to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to scrutinize app permission requests.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Minecraft’s final update of the year is officially here — Mounts of Mayhem brings mounted combat to the Overworld

2025 has seen two Minecraft Live events and four significant content updates, culminating in the final update of the year titled Mounts of Mayhem. This update introduces new features such as a tiered weapon called the spear, which has extended reach and can be crafted from various materials. It includes jab and charge attacks and is designed for mounted combat. A new mount, the nautilus, has been added for underwater exploration, which can be tamed and provides the "Breath of the Nautilus" effect. Three undead mounts have been introduced: the zombie horse, camel husk, and zombie nautilus, each with unique characteristics. The update also features a new hostile mob, the parched, which spawns in deserts and fires arrows of weakness. Additional changes include mounts floating in water, the ability to upgrade diamond horse armor to netherite, and new graphics options for Minecraft: Java Edition. Mojang plans to implement smaller, more frequent updates in the future. Changelogs for both Minecraft: Java Edition 1.21.11 and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.130 are available for review.