The February Windows 11 update revealed a serious Notepad AI vulnerability, allowing malicious Markdown files and remote code execution. Learn about the security risks.
© RusPhotoBank
The February update package for Windows 11 unexpectedly caught the attention of cybersecurity experts. While the updates aimed to fix dozens of vulnerabilities, one patch revealed a serious problem in the standard Notepad application.
In total, the update addressed 59 different vulnerabilities, including dozens of issues related to privilege escalation and remote code execution. However, Notepad became the center of discussion. The reason was the integration of artificial intelligence features, which could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate users.
According to experts, the vulnerability allowed the creation of malicious Markdown files containing dangerous links. Under certain conditions, this could lead to the launch of unwanted protocols and remote code execution. The discovery of this zero-day issue has once again raised questions about the risks of hastily implementing AI features in basic operating system applications.
It's worth noting that artificial intelligence elements have previously been added to other built-in Windows programs, including the graphics editor and image processing tools. Amid user criticism, the company has already stated its intention to review its AI integration strategy and reduce redundant features.
This situation demonstrates that even standard, long-familiar applications can become potential entry points for attacks when new technologies are implemented without sufficient security measures.