Is Winring0 Malware? Windows Users Affected by Troubling Issue

In recent days, many Windows 10 and 11 users have been reporting that Microsoft Defender is flagging a suspicious file as potentially malicious on their systems. The file in question is called “Winring0,” specifically the WinRing0x64.sys file located in the system’s driver folder. Microsoft Defender classifies it as “HackTool:Win32/Winring0” and automatically quarantines the file. But here’s the catch: after this happens, several users find that their fan monitoring programs, temperature trackers, and similar tools simply stop working. So, what exactly is this file?

Well, the WinRing0 is a Windows driver used by applications within the operating system to access hardware data. For example, it can be used to gather temperature data from various sensors in the system. One program that relies on this driver is OpenRGB, a popular application for managing LEDs on Windows systems. OpenRGB uses WinRing0 to access low-level motherboard data and perform the necessary actions to control the LEDs.

Another application that utilizes this file is Fan Control, a widely used program on Windows for quickly managing fan speeds and monitoring temperature sensors.

Now, while some may argue that Microsoft Defender’s action is quite aggressive, the reality is that this driver can indeed have malicious actions. The creator of Fan Control states that the WinRing0 used in the open-source version of LibreHardwareMonitorLib (WinRing0x64.sys), which most of these programs rely on, is actually vulnerable to attacks and can be used to infect systems.

This driver has a vulnerability that attackers can actively exploit to infect associated systems. Unfortunately, this flaw has not been fully addressed in the latest versions, which likely explains why Microsoft Defender flags it as malicious.

The vulnerability has been known since mid-2020 but has never been completely fixed, and many applications still use WinRing0x64.sys for their activities. While some developers may implement modified versions of WinRing0x64.sys that do not have the vulnerability, not all take this step and instead use the publicly available version.

For instance, Razer recommends users to update to Synapse 4 to avoid any issues. They have implemented a customized version of WinRing0x64.sys to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

So, technically speaking, Microsoft Defender is doing what it’s supposed to do by considering the driver potentially malicious. However, at the same time, this driver is an essential component for many applications used to monitor and manage system sensors.

It’s a tricky situation. On one hand, we want our systems to be secure, and Microsoft Defender is doing its job by flagging potential threats. On the other hand, we rely on these monitoring and control applications to keep our systems running smoothly. It’s a delicate balance between security and functionality.

If you’re experiencing issues with your fan monitoring or temperature tracking programs, it might be worth considering the risks and benefits of keeping the WinRing0 driver. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s more important for your system’s overall security and performance.

Background Information

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About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

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About Razer:

Razer is an innovative and award-winning technology company based in San Francisco, California. Since its establishment in 1998, Razer has become a leader in the gaming, laptop, and personal computer industry due to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation with its products. Razer’s selection of products include gaming laptops, keyboards, mice, headsets, and more - all designed with one thing in mind, to provide users with the best possible experience. The company prides itself in providing highly reliable and fully optimized hardware that stands out in the crowd. All of Razer’s products feature high-end technology and sleek design, aiming to provide the ultimate gaming experience as well as convenience and optimum performance to the user. Going forward, Razer is set to continue to shape the gaming industry with its industry-leading products and services.

  

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