Topic
Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender Misclassifies Legitimate Google Search Links as Threats
Vulnerabilities & Exploits
Microsoft Defender Displays False 'Enable Virus Protection' Alerts on Windows Despite Active Real-Time Protection
Vulnerabilities & ExploitsMicrosoft Defender Zero-Day ShieldBreak Enables SYSTEM Privilege Escalation, Bypassing July Rogue Planet Patch
Vulnerabilities & ExploitsMicrosoft Removes WMIC from Windows 11 After Years of Abuse as LOLBIN by Ransomware and Attackers
Microsoft has begun permanently removing the legacy WMIC command-line utility from Windows 11, starting with versions 24H2 and 25H2. The tool is no longer available in fresh installations, has been dropped as an optional component, and is absent from the latest beta builds. WMIC provided text-based access to Windows Management Instrumentation for querying hardware, processes, services, and security software, as well as performing administrative tasks. Although the underlying WMI technology remains untouched, Microsoft has deprecated the command shell due to its long-standing use as a LOLBIN in cyberattacks. Ransomware operators have leveraged WMIC to delete shadow copies and hinder recovery, while other attackers used it to enumerate and disable security tools or add exclusions in Microsoft Defender. Administrators are directed to migrate to PowerShell, COM API, .NET libraries, and modern scripting languages, which will require rewriting legacy automation scripts.
Weekly Roundup Highlights Critical Vulnerabilities in Zoom, nginx, SonicWall, and Microsoft Products
Security NEXT published its weekly ranking of the most-read articles for the period of July 12 to July 18, 2026. The top story covered a serious vulnerability in the Windows version of Zoom that has already been fixed in the latest release. Other high-ranking items included a cyber attack that disrupted operations at Nichirei and affected frozen food shipments, as well as Microsoft’s monthly security update addressing more than 500 vulnerabilities including zero-days. Additional widely read reports detailed multiple flaws in nginx, a zero-day issue affecting SonicWall SMA1000 series appliances, and a data exposure investigation involving a TV Asahi subsidiary. The list also featured advisories on GNU Wget SSRF flaws, privilege escalation bugs in Microsoft Defender, and 15 security fixes for Chrome including two rated critical.
Microsoft Patches Record 570 Windows Vulnerabilities in July Update, Including Three Actively Exploited Zero-Days
Microsoft released its largest Patch Tuesday update to date, addressing 570 vulnerabilities across Windows and related products. Among them are three zero-day flaws, two of which have already been exploited in real-world attacks. Fifty-nine issues were rated critical, with 48 enabling remote code execution. The company credited its use of AI for discovering more vulnerabilities in the Windows codebase. The update covers a wide range of components including .NET, Active Directory services, Microsoft Office, Azure services, and Microsoft Defender. Administrators are urged to apply the patches promptly to mitigate risks from privilege escalation, remote code execution, and information disclosure flaws.