WDAC Archives

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print

In March, Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for certain versions continuing until March 2026. The updates include KB5079466 for Windows 11 version 26H1, KB5079473 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5078883 for version 23H2, and KB5078885 for Windows 10 version 22H2. These updates will be distributed via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and WSUS for enterprise environments. This month, Microsoft combined the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) with the Latest Cumulative Update, simplifying the update process. Key enhancements include improvements to Secure Boot, with expanded device target data for new certificates, and security enhancements for Explorer’s search functionality in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. A fix for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) was also implemented, addressing issues with COM objects under certain policy configurations. The Windows System Image Manager received a new warning dialog for confirming the trustworthiness of catalog files, which is important for enterprise environments. Updates for Windows 10 22H2, despite its end-of-life status, included fixes for secure boot issues and improvements for file version history in the Control Panel. An SSU for Windows 11 (KB5077869) was also released to maintain update stability. Microsoft's updates scheduled for March 2026 will address vulnerabilities in components like the Windows App Installer, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office. The Security Update Guide provides detailed information on specific vulnerabilities and affected components.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Tech Optimizer

November 17, 2025

Dragon Breath Uses RONINGLOADER to Disable Security Tools and Deploy Gh0st RAT

The threat actor Dragon Breath, also known as APT-Q-27 and Golden Eye, has been observed using a multi-stage loader called RONINGLOADER to deploy a modified variant of the remote access trojan Gh0st RAT, primarily targeting Chinese-speaking users. The campaign employs trojanized NSIS installers disguised as legitimate applications, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Teams. The infection chain utilizes various evasion techniques, including a legitimately signed driver, custom Windows Defender Application Control policies, and manipulation of the Microsoft Defender binary. RONINGLOADER's attack chain involves delivering a DLL and an encrypted file labeled "tp.png," which contains shellcode. It attempts to neutralize security products by terminating processes associated with popular antivirus solutions in the region. Specific actions are taken against Qihoo 360 Total Security, including blocking network communication, injecting shellcode into the Volume Shadow Copy service, and restoring firewall settings. For other security processes, RONINGLOADER directly writes a driver to disk to perform process termination. The malware aims to inject a rogue DLL into "regsvr32.exe" to conceal its activities and launch a next-stage payload into high-privilege system processes. The final payload is a modified version of Gh0st RAT, capable of communicating with a remote server, configuring Windows Registry keys, clearing Windows Event logs, and capturing keystrokes and clipboard contents. Additionally, two interconnected malware campaigns identified by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 employed brand impersonation to deliver Gh0st RAT to Chinese-speaking users. The first campaign, Campaign Trio, occurred between February and March 2025, while the second, Campaign Chorus, detected in May 2025, impersonated over 40 applications. Both campaigns utilized complex infection chains and trojanized installers hosted on domains that circumvented network filters. The second campaign also involved an embedded Visual Basic Script for launching the final payload through DLL side-loading.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Hackers Leverage Windows Defender Application Control Policies to Disable EDR Agents

Cybercriminals are using Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies to disable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, creating vulnerabilities in corporate security. Ransomware groups like Black Basta have adopted this method, which evolved from a proof-of-concept tool called "Krueger" into real malware named "DreamDemon." Attackers manipulate the C:WindowsSystem32CodeIntegritySiPolicy.p7b file to implement malicious WDAC policies that block EDR executables during system startup. The technique involves a four-step process: loading the policy, placing it in the CodeIntegrity directory, hiding the policy file, and creating decoy log files. DreamDemon samples, written in C++, exhibit enhanced stealth and target major EDR vendors. Detection efforts focus on monitoring specific registry keys and analyzing file signatures. Despite awareness of this threat, EDR vendors have not implemented sufficient preventative measures, leaving systems exposed.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Hackers Exploit Windows Defender Policies to Shut Down EDR Agents

Cybercriminals are exploiting Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies to disable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents. This threat emerged from a proof-of-concept called "Krueger," which demonstrated how to block EDR services by integrating a custom WDAC policy. Following its release in December 2024, various malware families began using this technique, including a new malware called "DreamDemon," which embeds a WDAC policy within its resources and modifies system files to evade detection. Both Krueger and DreamDemon reveal significant weaknesses in EDR capabilities, as current prevention measures are largely reactive and insufficient against these types of attacks. As of September 2025, no vendor has provided a comprehensive solution to prevent WDAC-based shutdowns. Security teams are advised to monitor specific registry keys and file changes to detect potential policy abuses.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Securing Windows Endpoints in 2025 Enterprise Environments

In 2025, 61% of organizations worldwide have adopted Zero Trust initiatives, up from 24% in 2021. Microsoft's Zero Trust framework centralizes security policy enforcement through the cloud, with integrated solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. AI is now a critical component of endpoint security, enabling systems to detect irregularities and autonomously isolate compromised devices. Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to allow IT administrators to fix unbootable PCs remotely. Windows Server 2025 features enhanced security measures, including advanced algorithms and a customized security baseline with over 350 preconfigured settings. Additionally, 75% of organizations are consolidating security vendors, favoring comprehensive platforms like SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender XDR. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has been enhanced to better regulate application usage, with Microsoft promoting its adoption over AppLocker.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Critical Windows Update Stack Vulnerability Allows Code Execution & Privilege Escalation

A security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21204 has been discovered in the Windows Update Stack, allowing local attackers to execute unauthorized code and escalate privileges to SYSTEM-level access. This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 7.8 (High), affects Windows 10 versions 1507, 1607, and 1809, among likely other supported Windows 10/11 and Windows Server versions. The flaw arises from a design issue where Windows Update processes do not properly follow directory junctions, enabling attackers with limited user privileges to redirect trusted paths to locations containing malicious code. Microsoft has introduced a mitigation strategy in its April 2025 cumulative update, which includes creating a new folder at the root of system drives and implementing detection rules for suspicious junction creations. Organizations are advised to apply the April 2025 security updates, restrict ACLs on specific directories, prevent symbolic link creation, and monitor file creation activities in certain directories.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2025

Hackers find a way around built-in Windows protections

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a built-in security feature on Windows PCs that restricts the execution of unauthorized software by allowing only trusted applications. However, hackers have discovered multiple methods to bypass WDAC, exposing systems to malware and cyber threats. Techniques for bypassing WDAC include using Living-off-the-Land Binaries (LOLBins), DLL sideloading, and exploiting misconfigurations in WDAC policies. Attackers can execute unauthorized code without triggering alerts from traditional security solutions, enabling them to install ransomware or create backdoors. Microsoft operates a bug bounty program to address vulnerabilities in WDAC, but some bypass techniques remain unpatched for long periods. Users can mitigate risks by keeping Windows updated, being cautious with software downloads, and using strong antivirus software.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Hackers Bypass Windows Defender Security—What You Need To Know

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 18, 2025

Bypassing Windows Defender Application Control with Loki C2

Microsoft's Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has become a target for cybersecurity researchers, with bug bounty payouts for successful bypasses. IBM's X-Force team reported various outcomes from WDAC bypass submissions, including successful bypasses that lead to potential bounties, those added to the WDAC recommended block list, and submissions without recognition. Notable contributors like Jimmy Bayne and Casey Smith have made significant discoveries, while the LOLBAS Project has documented additional bypasses, including the Microsoft Teams application. The X-Force team successfully bypassed WDAC during Red Team Operations using techniques such as utilizing known LOLBINs, DLL side-loading, exploiting custom exclusion rules, and identifying new execution chains in trusted applications. Electron applications, which can execute JavaScript and interact with the operating system, present unique vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by a supply-chain attack on the MiMi chat application. In preparation for a Red Team operation, Bobby Cooke's team explored the legacy Microsoft Teams application, discovering vulnerabilities in signed Node modules that allowed them to execute shellcode without triggering WDAC restrictions. They developed a JavaScript-based C2 framework called Loki C2, designed to operate within WDAC policies and facilitate reconnaissance and payload deployment. A demonstration of Loki C2 showcased its ability to bypass strict WDAC policies by modifying resources of the legitimate Teams application, allowing undetected code execution. The ongoing development of techniques and tools by the X-Force team reflects the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the continuous adaptation required to counter emerging threats.