Microsoft has recently released an emergency security update for all Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices to address a major issue hidden in the Snipping Tool feature. The vulnerability, called Acropalypse or CVE-2023-28303, enables hackers to access data left behind in the original file even after it has been cropped. The affected images could reach as high as 4,000 or more. Microsoft has already released emergency security updates for both the Windows 10 Snip & Sketch and Windows 11 Snipping Tool programs to fix the issue. Once the updates are installed, the Windows 11 Snipping Tool will be version 11.2302.20.0, and Windows 10 Snip & Sketch will be version 10.2008.3001.0.
The company recommends all Windows 10 and Windows 11 users to update their devices immediately, and take down any pictures previously cropped and posted publicly. If you do not have any antivirus protection on your devices, this is also a good reminder to do so, as installing antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection against various types of malware and cyber threats that the security update may not address.
To update your Windows device, open the Microsoft Store, click on Library, then Get Updates. This will automatically install the update. Be sure to check your devices regularly for more updates.
While the Acropalypse vulnerability affects both the Snip & Sketch app on Windows 10 and the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, it only applies to images that have been taken, saved, edited, and then saved over the original file, as well as the ones opened in the Snipping Tool, edited, and then saved to the same location. It does not affect screenshots modified before saving them, and does not impact screenshots that had been copied and pasted to documents or emails.
In summary, Microsoft has released an emergency security update for Windows 10 and 11 devices to address the Acropalypse vulnerability, which enables hackers to access data left behind in the original file even after it has been cropped. Windows 10 and 11 users should update their devices immediately, and take down any pictures previously cropped and posted publicly. Installing antivirus software is also recommended to provide an additional layer of protection. Be sure to check your devices regularly for more updates.
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