Windows search vulnerability exposes your passwords

A security flaw in Windows search function allows attackers to steal NTLMv2 hashes, authentication keys. By opening a malicious link, criminals can capture these credentials. For citizens, this means their banking or personal passwords are exposed if available security patches are not applied.

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The technical flaw: how NTLMv2 keys are intercepted 🔐

The vulnerability exploits the NTLMv2 protocol when Windows processes search queries. By sending a modified link, the system leaks the authentication hash without proper encryption. An attacker on the same local network can intercept this data using tools like Responder. Microsoft has already released updates to fix this behavior in recent versions of the operating system.

Windows searches, hackers find 🕵️

It seems Windows search function is now looking for more than just lost files: it's looking to hand over your passwords to the first ill-intentioned stranger. It's as if the system said: Need to share your bank key? Let me do it for you!. Luckily, updating the system is free and less painful than explaining to the bank why your account is empty.