Researcher creates workaround for Microsoft Defender security patch

Researcher creates workaround for Microsoft Defender security patch

Just weeks after Microsoft patched a critical hole in Microsoft Defender, a cybersecurity researcher has posted an apparent workaround that provides system-level control to attackers once they gain any level of access.  The researcher, who goes by the name Nightmare Eclipse, has been engaged in a long-running battle with Microsoft Security.  As of publication time, neither Microsoft nor Nightmare Eclipse has provided further details we requested…

Microsoft-vendetta hacker has a new zero day that gives system privileges on fully patched Windows

Nightmare Eclipse, the serial zero-day hunter who has an axe to grind with Microsoft, published a new Defender zero-day, ShieldBreak, that apparently bypasses Redmond’s RoguePlanet patch (CVE-2026-50656), allowing attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges on fully patched Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems. According to at least one other researcher, the exploit works. “I've tried it, it works on latest Windows 11,” former Microsoft em…

A Lone Researcher Forces Microsoft’s Hand With Latest Windows Defender Flaw

A security researcher known as Nightmare Eclipse has released details of a fresh Windows zero-day that bypasses protections in the built-in Defender engine. The move comes after Microsoft warned of legal steps against uncoordinated disclosures earlier this year. The flaw, called ShieldBreak, lets an attacker with low-level access escalate to full system control. It affects Windows 10, Windows 11 including the 25H2 update, and Windows Server 2025…

New Microsoft Defender 'ShieldBreak' zero-day grants SYSTEM privileges

Nightmare Eclipse has released a new Microsoft Defender zero-day exploit named "ShieldBreak" after Microsoft released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates. [...]