Windows 11 flaw allows you to view or edit cropped images

Although technologies are developed taking into account the smallest details, failures can happen. Recently, Microsoft is facing a security vulnerability in Windows 11 that allows previously edited and cropped photos to be restored in their original format. Dubbed “Acropalypse”, this breach has thousands of users worried.

Windows 11 has a major security hole

What everyone already knows is that the default feature allows for simple edits to screenshots, adding emojis, cropping, flipping, or adding tags that hide certain contents.

Researchers Simon Aarons and David Buchanan did some tests. Among many of them, they were able to identify a defect, originally, in the Google Pixel line of smartphones.

Now, security researcher Chris Blum says a potential vulnerability also exists in Windows 11 of PNG files.

After all, what is all this security flaw about?

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

What about JPG files?

Buchanan says that while this exploit still doesn’t work with JPG files, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible, because the Windows 11 editing tool also keeps information when this format is used. On the other hand, PNG files are free from this problem.

After all, what is the recommendation for this position?

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

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