New Vulnerability in Microsoft Authenticator Sends Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sliding

Tech giant Microsoft MSFT -1.42% ▼ came out with a winner with Microsoft Authenticator. But what happens when the system you rely on to confirm your identity actually leaks it instead? That recently happened, as Microsoft Authenticator developed a bit of a bug that will require an update to fix. The idea was bad enough by itself to send shares sliding nearly 1.5% in Friday afternoon’s trading.

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Reports noted that those using Microsoft Authenticator in either iOS or Android could actually leak either one-time sign-in codes or authentication deep links, and actually leak that data to a malicious app found on the same device. If that malicious app is also on the device, then the sign-in codes and authentication deep links may be at risk of intercept. If intercepted, the app can then use it to sign in as the victim.

This would allow for completed login flows, potentially unauthorized access, and the potential to pivot to other accounts on the device. The good news here, though, is that a fix is already available, and users only need to update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version. Those unable to do so, meanwhile, should avoid installing any new app that plans to handle authentication links until the update to Microsoft Authenticator goes through.

Next Xbox Release Date Leak

Yesterday, we found word that Microsoft planned to send out new alpha hardware on the latest Xbox in early 2027. Did that mean a full commercial release in 2027 as well? A new leak suggests that late 2027—specifically, Holiday 2027—might be in the cards after all.

A report found on NeoGAF revealed that “…Xbox (is) still on track for Holiday 2027.” The lead comes from someone going by the name KeplerL2, who has been found to be credible in the past. That does not necessarily mean this latest leak was correct, but it does improve the odds. This is especially true given the earlier reports of alpha hardware going out in early 2027. Given that these are leaks, and more than a little connect-the-dots is going on here, take the reports with a grain of salt. But the idea of a 2027 release is not out of line.

Is Microsoft a Buy, Hold or Sell?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 33 Buys and three Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 3.42% rally in its share price over the past year, the average MSFT price target of $594.02 per share implies 49.88% upside potential.

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