New Windows Vulnerability Named ShieldBreak Allows Full PC Access

A security researcher has disclosed details of a new vulnerability in recent versions of Windows that potentially allows hackers to gain complete control over the device and user data.

This occurred just weeks after Microsoft threatened legal action against researchers who publish information about unpatched flaws outside of company guidelines.

The vulnerability, named ShieldBreak, is the latest discovery presented by the well-known security researcher Nightmare Eclipse, who has recently published information about various shortcomings in Microsoft products, including Windows.

Vulnerability Mechanism

According to the researcher's publication, ShieldBreak exploits a flaw in Windows Defender—Windows' built-in antivirus and protection system. A successful attack allows for privilege escalation from a low-level user to a level that grants full access to the device and its stored data.

To demonstrate exploitation, Nightmare Eclipse published a Proof of Concept (PoC) in the form of a Windows application. However, activating the attack requires the user to run this application.

The researcher reported that this vulnerability applies to Windows 10, Windows 11 (including the latest version 25H2), and Windows Server 2025. Security researcher Will Dormann verified this bug and noted that successful exploitation requires Windows Defender to be active.

Conflict Between Researchers and Microsoft

The disclosure of ShieldBreak became another episode in the protracted dispute between Nightmare Eclipse and Microsoft regarding the company's approach to handling vulnerability reports. In a series of blog posts, the researcher claimed that Microsoft had treated him improperly and had not satisfied his bug reports, leading Nightmare Eclipse to view public disclosure as a consequence of the company's actions.

Previously, the researcher had published other Windows vulnerabilities that were later used in real attacks against organizations. In May, Microsoft issued a statement threatening lawsuits against security specialists, including Nightmare Eclipse, if they disclosed zero-day vulnerability details outside of the established company policy.

This stance provoked a strong reaction in the security community. Many researchers criticized Microsoft and shared similar experiences of how the company handled its own vulnerability reports. Microsoft later retracted statements made on social media, but the original blog post remains published unchanged.

Implications and Context

ShieldBreak was published one day after the release of Microsoft's monthly security updates, known as Patch Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive month where the number of fixes from Microsoft has reached approximately 500 flaws, which, according to the source text, is attributed to the company's increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to find and eliminate vulnerabilities in its products.

Thus, the publication of ShieldBreak occurs immediately following another wave of Microsoft security updates and once again highlights the disagreements between the company and the researcher regarding reporting and disclosure methods for vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the new flaw reveals a particularly critical issue: ShieldBreak affects Windows Defender, the tool integrated into the operating system to protect the computer from threats. Until Microsoft releases a fix, this vulnerability will remain a publicly known zero-day vulnerability.

www.aajtak.inAugust 13, 07:29

Comparison of Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8/Ultra Foldable Smartphones

Google has unveiled its latest foldable smartphone, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, during the Made by Google event. This device is the company's most expensive offering. Pre-orders have already begun, and it will be available for sale soon. The launch of the device has raised consumer questions about which foldable phone to choose—Samsung or Google Pixel.

Last month, Samsung also held its Galaxy Unpacked event, where it introduced new models from the Fold and Flip series. The South Korean manufacturer released the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold features a range of unique AI-powered functions that set it apart from other foldable devices. Among its features are Gemini Intelligence integration, advanced camera capabilities, and the Pixel Drop function. Pixel Drop is an update from Google that allows users to access new possibilities.

Two recent foldable devices from Samsung are available in the market: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Sales for these have recently started. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is distinguished by its wide screen and balanced performance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra is positioned as a device that elevates the gaming experience to a new level.

The price of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set at 186,999 rupees for the standard version. The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is 179,999 rupees, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts from 199,999 rupees.

Regarding displays, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a 6.5-inch Super Actua OLED external display and an 8-inch internal display. Both screens support a 120Hz refresh rate, and the total weight of the device is 239 grams.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 uses a 5.5-inch AMOLED 2X external display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the internal display measures 7.6 inches and also supports 120Hz. This model weighs 201 grams. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is equipped with a 6.5-inch AMOLED 2X external display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an 8-inch internal AMOLED display. Its weight is 215 grams.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a dual battery capacity of 4806 mAh, along with support for 30W wired charging and 25W wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is equipped with a dual battery of 4800 mAh and supports 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features a 5000 mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging.

In terms of processors, the latest Google foldable smartphone uses the Google Tensor G6 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Both Samsung models use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, offering options with 12GB and 16GB of RAM.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a triple rear camera system. The main sensor has a resolution of 48 megapixels, the secondary telephoto lens is 10.8 megapixels, and the third is a 10.5-megapixel wide-angle lens. The front and internal cameras are equipped with 10-megapixel sensors.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera is also presented in a triple rear configuration. It includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, and a third 10-megapixel lens. Like Google's, the front and internal cameras have a resolution of 10 megapixels.

www.aajtak.inAugust 13, 06:23

Three reactors at floating power station in France shut down due to jellyfish accumulation

The Greylines floating nuclear power plant, located in northern France, had to shut down three reactors due to a large accumulation of jellyfish. Reactors 2, 3, and 4 were switched off on the night of Monday. Reactor 1 continues to operate at 50 percent capacity as a precaution. This was reported by EDF, the company managing the facility.

Greylines is one of the major nuclear energy complexes in France. The station operates only six reactors, each capable of generating about 900 megawatts of electricity, allowing the entire complex to produce approximately 5.4 gigawatts. Reactor 5 is already shut down for maintenance work, while reactor 6 is operating normally.

According to the company, this jellyfish incident does not pose a threat to the station itself, the personnel, or the environment.

The massive accumulation of jellyfish from the sea reached the station through the water intake used for cooling the reactors. Nuclear installations constantly require water to maintain temperature. Water for the Greylines station comes via a channel connected to the North Sea. If a large number of jellyfish gather together, they can get stuck in the filters and block the water flow, which caused the reactors to stop.

A similar situation occurred last year when a huge mass of jellyfish forced the complete closure of the station. Following that, the company improved its monitoring and cleaning systems to prevent such incidents. Cameras have been installed at the water intake area and on the filters to allow for the prompt detection of jellyfish accumulations and timely action.

To reduce the jellyfish population, fishing boats were deployed starting Saturday. Jellyfish that had already approached the station are being removed using vacuum trucks. EDF confirmed that new jellyfish are no longer approaching the station, so it is expected that the cleanup work will soon be completed, and the stopped reactors will be able to resume operation.

Nuclear power plants in France also face difficulties due to high temperatures. Another heatwave is expected in the country, which may reduce the output of some reactors. One reactor in Northern France has been idle for a long time due to low river water levels. Another reactor operated in a limited mode during July. Scientists suggest that such large jellyfish accumulations may become more frequent due to rising sea temperatures, a reduction in the population of organisms that eat jellyfish, and overfishing.

Currently, the situation at the Greylines station is under control: no new jellyfish are arriving, and cleanup operations are ongoing. The shutdown of three reactors was undertaken not due to an accident, but to ensure the safety of the station itself.

archdaily.com.brAugust 13, 03:00

Tianfu Fusion Technology Research Center presents circular design inspired by local science and culture

The Tianfu Fusion Technology Research Center, part of the Southwest Institute of Physics (SWIP) and belonging to the China National Nuclear Corporation, was conceived to fulfill its mission of scientific research in controlled nuclear fusion.

The architectural project uses circles as a unifying element, drawing inspiration from both the physics of nuclear fusion and the concept of 'Tianjing' (light well) found in traditional Sichuan residences. This symbolism spans from minuscule particles to cosmic scale.

The main research building features a circular ring configuration with a 100-meter diameter, spanning five floors above ground level and one basement. The arrangement of Research and Development units follows a centripetal pattern, eliminating any hierarchy or distance difference, thereby promoting an egalitarian and open learning environment.

At the center of the structure is a hyperboloid opening shaped like an hourglass, named the 'Light Funnel,' which projects from the roof down to the first basement level. This opening faces the sky and descends toward the ground, housing a central garden and an underground multi-functional circular hall.

Radial pedestrian bridges connect this central building to the others, creating a striking, futuristic appearance. Each floor includes cafeterias facing side courtyards and landscaped staircases. Long cantilevered balconies around the external perimeter allow for both focused research and informal idea exchange.

Adjacent terraces provide solar shading to optimize internal thermal and light conditions, while also framing views of the Longquan mountains.

The development of the project required overcoming complex technical obstacles, such as creating an atrium with a large-span hourglass cable-membrane structure and planning the passage of mechanical and electrical piping beneath the circular beam and column system.

The engineering team managed to materialize the shape of the 'Light Funnel' by employing high-vanadium prestressed cables, ETFE membranes, perforated aluminum panels, and glass handrails with an enameled rhomboid pattern. Furthermore, the building incorporates various green technologies, including chimney effect ventilation, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and circular photovoltaic panels on the roof, aiming for ecological and low-carbon performance.

A secondary circular cafeteria for employees is connected to the main building via a covered gallery that crosses an artificial water mirror. This space features tiered terraces on the second floor and a garden at the top. The dining area, with its 360-degree circular layout, maximizes connection with nature, using the landscape of the distant lake and mountains as a backdrop for meals and relaxation.

In summary, the overall architecture establishes a deep fusion between the imagination of fusion science, the local architectural context, ecological innovations, and the human needs of scientific research, seeking to create a space that conveys optimism and technological faith, where the artificial and the natural meet.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra stands out with its 200-megapixel main camera module. It is also equipped with a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. The internal and external displays of this model also feature 10-megapixel cameras.