#Taiwan #Taipei #Microsoft #Pwn2Own #DEVCORE

The Winning Moment for DEVCORE at Pwn2Own Berlin 2026

In May 2026, the cybersecurity community gathered for the much-anticipated Pwn2Own Berlin 2026, a gathering that showcases the brightest minds in the white-hat hacking scene. DEVCORE, a Taiwan-based offensive security company, clinched the prestigious Master of Pwn title by demonstrating their exceptional skills in vulnerability discovery across notable Microsoft products. With a staggering 50.5 points, they easily surpassed the competition, securing not just a title but also $505,000 in prize money.

A Historic Performance

Led by the esteemed Principal Security Researcher Orange Tsai, DEVCORE's research team set a remarkable precedent by successfully exploiting vulnerabilities in four of Microsoft's flagship products: Microsoft Edge, Exchange, Windows 11, and SharePoint. They were the only team to achieve a successful exploit in the browser category during this event, marking a significant milestone in cyber defense testing.

Historically, DEVCORE has already made headlines by being the only group ever to exploit critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server twice at Pwn2Own, following their initial win in 2021. This year’s title and record not only highlight their technical prowess but also their contribution to a safer digital landscape.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity Research

The integration of AI into vulnerability discovery has shifted the research dynamic dramatically. The Pwn2Own competition acknowledged this trend by including AI models as prospective exploit targets, mirroring the increasing reliance on AI in the wider ecosystem of cybersecurity.

During the competition, DEVCORE used AI technology to streamline functions such as code analysis and proof of concept verification. The Exchange vulnerability, which earned the top single-target award, was discovered in just one week, combining Tsai's intricate understanding of Exchange with AI as an auxiliary tool. On the other hand, the 17.5-point exploit of Edge browser vulnerabilities relied purely on traditional hacking skills, showcasing a meticulous combination of four logic bugs that led to a sandbox escape, a feat that impressed even Microsoft enough to prompt a patch within 24 hours.

Unique Perspectives in Vulnerability Hunting

Despite the wonders that AI brings, Tsai emphasized that merely relying on AI won't guarantee success. With every hacker now utilizing AI to uncover vulnerabilities, standing out requires a different approach. DEVCORE’s focus on unconventional vulnerability classes and high-difficulty targets distinguishes their work. The intuitive insight and deep expertise of their researchers remain pivotal for guiding AI effectively, ensuring breakthroughs in high-value vulnerability discovery.

In Tsai's words: “AI tools offer tremendous assistance, but finding genuinely high-value vulnerabilities still requires skilled researchers to guide AI toward the right direction.” This underscores a vital balance between technological advancement and human intuition essential for future cybersecurity endeavors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Offensive Security

As the competition drew to a close, DEVCORE’s achievement at Pwn2Own Berlin 2026 serves as a beacon for what lies ahead in cybersecurity. Their triumph will help propel the company's Offensive Product Security Research (OPSR) service, which emphasizes identifying potential attack surfaces and understanding weaknesses from an adversary's perspective. This strategy reinforces the need for cybersecurity that anticipates threats before they materialize, ultimately protecting enterprises better.

Thus, the Pwn2Own Berlin 2026 not only highlighted DEVCORE’s skills but also emphasized a crucial partnership between AI capabilities and the hacker's mindset, paving the way for innovative security practices. This event will certainly resonate throughout the cybersecurity landscape, where collaboration between traditional hacking techniques and advanced technology will determine the future of digital safety.