New Windows Zero-Day Alert: NTLM Credentials at Risk!

💥 Clickless Attack Exposes Critical Flaws in Windows Security! 💥

A new Windows zero-day vulnerability has been discovered, allowing attackers to steal NTLM credentials without requiring users to open any files. Simply viewing a file in File Explorer is enough for hackers to strike. This vulnerability affects all Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11 24H2 and Server 2008 R2 to Server 2022.

🔍 What’s Happening? This flaw was discovered by the team at 0patch, a security platform known for its unofficial patches for end-of-life Windows versions. Despite being reported to Microsoft, no official patch has been released.

How does the attack work?

No clicks. No execution.Simply viewing a malicious file (from a USB drive, shared folder, or Downloads folder) in File Explorer triggers the attack.This prompts Windows to send an NTLM hash to a remote attacker-controlled server, exposing the user’s credentials.

📢 Why Should You Be Concerned? Once attackers obtain NTLM hashes, they can use password-cracking tools to reveal plaintext passwords. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive accounts and systems.

Microsoft is aware of the issue, stating:

🗣️ “We are investigating this report and will take action as needed to help keep customers protected.”

🎯 How to Protect Yourself?

Option 1: Apply the 0patch Micropatch (Free Solution!)

Sign up for a free account at 0patch Central.Install the 0patch agent.Let the micropatch automatically apply — no system reboot is required!

Option 2: Disable NTLM Authentication (Manual Option)

Disable NTLM authentication using Group Policy: 📍 Local Policies > Security Options > Network Security: Restrict NTLMAlternatively, you can make changes via registry modifications to block NTLM requests.

Option 3: Monitor for Microsoft’s Official Patch Microsoft may release a patch soon. Stay updated and apply it as soon as it becomes available.

🛠️ What is NTLM and Why Does It Matter?

NTLM (NT LAN Manager) is a Windows authentication protocol used to verify users. But it has a history of vulnerabilities, with exploits like

🔴 PetitPotam

🔴 PrinterBug/SpoolSample

🔴 DFSCoerce

These flaws all rely on Windows automatically sending NTLM hashes, which attackers can steal and crack. This latest vulnerability follows in their footsteps, and like before, Microsoft has not yet released a patch.

⚡ Why This is Serious ⚡

Clickless Exploit: No user interaction is required.Affects All Windows Versions: From Windows 7 to Windows 11 24H2.NTLM Credential Theft: Hackers can crack stolen hashes to expose passwords.Microsoft Delays: This is the 3rd zero-day reported by 0patch that remains unpatched.

Other unresolved vulnerabilities include

🟡 Mark of the Web (MotW) Bypass on Windows Server 2012.

🟡 Windows Themes NTLM Credentials Theft.

Both issues remain unpatched, forcing users to rely on 0patch’s unofficial fixes.

🎉 Good News: Free Micropatch Available! 🎉 Until Microsoft provides an official patch, 0patch is offering a free micro patch for this vulnerability. If you’re a PRO or Enterprise user, the patch is applied automatically.

How to Get the Micro Patch:

1️⃣ Create a free account at 0patch Central.

2️⃣ Start a free trial.

3️⃣ Install the agent and allow it to apply the patch — no reboot needed!

🚀 Final Thoughts 🚀 This is a critical flaw affecting millions of users. Don’t wait for cybercriminals to exploit this vulnerability. Apply the 0patch micropatch, disable NTLM, and stay updated for Microsoft’s official fix.

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