Windows 11 flaw lets you view cropped or edited images

Although technologies are developed considering the smallest details, failures can occur. Recently, Microsoft company is facing a security vulnerability in its system operating Windows 11, which allows the recovery of previously edited and cropped images in their format original. This breach, dubbed “Acropalypse”, has thousands of users concerned.

Windows 11 has a major security flaw

What everyone already knows is that the default feature allows simple edits to be performed on the screenshots, with the addition of emojis, cuts, inversions or the addition of markers that hide certain contents.

Researchers Simon Aarons and David Buchanan ran some tests. Among several, they were able to identify a flaw, originally, in the Google Pixel line of smartphones.

Now, security researcher Chris Blume says there is a possible loophole, too, in Windows 11 from files in PNG format.

After all, what is this security flaw all about?

Blume explains that the secret of the breach is in the presence of the original data in the same file that was changed. Instead of the system truncating information removed during editing, it keeps the unused records, making them recoverable on Pixel phones. According to Blume, it is possible to restore up to 80% of the original information.

What about JPG files?

Buchanan claims that while this exploit still doesn't work with JPG files, that doesn't mean it doesn't. possible since the Windows 11 editing tool also retains the information when this format is used. PNG files, on the other hand, are free of this problem.

After all, what is the recommendation for this situation?

It is best for users to remove files that may contain sensitive data or images, whether published on social networks or shared in messengers.

In a statement, Microsoft says it is investigating the issue and will take necessary action as soon as possible. For Pixel line models, an update was already released earlier this month for affected devices.