Screenshot Archives - Gizmochina

Windows 11 Snipping Tool Has a Vulnerability That Can Expose Sensitive Data

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:21:51 +0000

A recent discovery involving Google’s Pixel phones has raised concerns about the security of sharing edited screenshots. This issue, known as “aCropalypse,” occurs when sensitive information is unintentionally revealed through screenshots even after the user has edited or blurred it out. As it turns out, Google isn’t the only one facing this problem – Microsoft’s Windows 11 Snipping Tool has been found to have a similar vulnerability, putting users’ private information at risk when they take screenshots. Here are the details…

Windows 11 Snipping Tool vulnerability can reveal sensitive information in screenshots

The aCropalypse vulnerability allows threat actors to undo edits made on a screenshot, revealing sensitive information that the user intended to crop out or blur. When editing a screenshot, users often save the edited image with the same name as the original file, inadvertently overwriting it. However, the Windows 11 Snipping Tool does not delete the original information from the file but merely appends it at the end, making it invisible to the average user. With some technical know-how, an attacker can retrieve the hidden information from the file and gain access to the edited-out content.

Twitter user Chris Blume reported the vulnerability in the Windows 11 Snipping Tool, sparking further investigation. David Buchanan, who initially uncovered the aCropalypse vulnerability in Pixel phones, has since confirmed that the Windows 11 Snipping Tool works in a similar way, although it uses a different color model. The file size of edited screenshots can also provide clues about the vulnerability, as these images are often larger due to the inclusion of information from the original image.

This vulnerability poses a serious threat, as users frequently crop out or blur sensitive information in images before sharing them. For instance, a user might share a screenshot of an order confirmation page from Amazon, removing their address before posting. However, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to retrieve the cropped-out information, including addresses, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

With the vulnerability now public knowledge, it is expected that a fix will be issued soon. However, existing edited screenshots will still be affected, so users should reevaluate any images that might contain sensitive information. Attackers are likely searching for potential victims, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect personal data.

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool’s vulnerability highlights the importance of being cautious when sharing edited images. As technology continues to advance, so too do the methods employed by cybercriminals. Users must remain vigilant and ensure that sensitive information is not inadvertently exposed through edited screenshots or other digital means. It is vital to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in commonly used tools and adopt best practices for safeguarding personal information.

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Google Chrome to receive desktop screenshot tool with Lens support

Sean — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:23:15 +0000

Google is planning on bringing a new feature to its Chrome browser for desktops. A new update will offer users a new screenshot tool that will arrive with Lens integration that would boost its usefulness.

As of right now, one can take a screenshot in two ways, with the first being the Window’s built in screenshot tool or by installing a dedicated Chrome extension to take a screenshot. While the Android version of Chrome has also recently received a screenshot tool in the share menu, it is only very practical since it can only capture what is being displayed on the screen and sharing it.

But now, the desktop version is set to receive an expanded share menu (Via 9To5Google) that will have various options like “Copy link,” “Copy link text,” and other screenshot options as well. At the moment, the feature is still in early development and will initially be limited to taking a simple capture. Although, these screenshots will be saved on to your clipboard and will offer options like download, edit, and sharing. The feature will likely arrive in platforms like Chrome OS and Windows 10.

Notably, the screenshot tool will have a built in editor and will also support Google Lens by a simply right click on the image, similar to the Android feature. This implies that Chrome will be expanding its Lens integration that will even enable click and drag to select a region on the screenshot to search with Lens, which would be quite useful in websites that do not allow for right clicking images.

Gizmochina Guide: How to take a screenshot on the Mi Box and Mi TV Stick

Habeeb Onawole — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:48:25 +0000

Xiaomi has a couple of streaming devices powered by Android TV. Among them are the 2016 Mi Box and the more recent Mi TV Stick that was announced last year. Both devices connect to a TV or monitor via an HDMI port and allow you to stream shows and movies and even play games. If you have always wondered how to take a screenshot on either of these devices, this guide should come in handy.

You would expect that since both devices run Android TV, the process is the same. Surprisingly, that is not the case. I own both devices and while they both run Android 9 with the March 2021 security patch, there are two ways to do it on the Mi Box and just one way to do it on the Mi TV Stick.

How to take a screenshot on the Mi Box and Mi TV Stick

Taking a screenshot on the Mi Box is done in two ways. There is a simple method that requires only one hand and there is a second method that might require the use of two hands. This second method also works on the Mi TV Stick

Method 1 (Mi Box only)

Hold down the power button for two seconds. A dialog box should pop up on the right side of the screen with two options – Restart and Screenshot.
Scroll down to Screenshot and select it. The Mi Box will take a screenshot of what is currently on your screen.

The above method doesn’t work on the Mi TV Stick. This is because when you press the power button for the same duration, the dialog box only presents you with the restart option.

Method 2 (Mi Box and Mi TV Stick)

This method is a familiar one as it is the same process that works on Android phones and tablets.

To take a screenshot on either the Mi TV Box or Mi TV Stick all you have to do is press the power button and volume down button at the same time on their respective remotes. A screenshot will be taken and saved on the device.

To view the saved screenshots, you will have to use a File Manager app or install a gallery app. The file manager app can also be used to copy the images to a storage device in the case of the Mi Box which has a USB-A port.