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Showing posts with label CVE exploits. Show all posts
MIME
CVE CVE exploits CVEs Cyber Security Hacking WhatsApp Malwares Meta Meta Platforms MIME

WhatsApp Windows Vulnerability CVE-2025-30401 Could Let Hackers Deliver Malware via Fake Images

 

Meta has issued a high-priority warning about a critical vulnerability in the Windows version of WhatsApp, tracked as CVE-2025-30401, which could be exploited to deliver malware under the guise of image files. This flaw affects WhatsApp versions prior to 2.2450.6 and could expose users to phishing, ransomware, or remote code execution attacks. The issue lies in how WhatsApp handles file attachments on Windows. 

The platform displays files based on their MIME type but opens them according to the true file extension. This inconsistency creates a dangerous opportunity for hackers: they can disguise executable files as harmless-looking images like .jpeg files. When a user manually opens the file within WhatsApp, they could unknowingly launch a .exe file containing malicious code. Meta’s disclosure arrives just as new data from online bank Revolut reveals that WhatsApp was the source of one in five online scams in the UK during 2024, with scam attempts growing by 67% between June and December. 

Cybersecurity experts warn that WhatsApp’s broad reach and user familiarity make it a prime target for exploitation. Adam Pilton, senior cybersecurity consultant at CyberSmart, cautioned that this vulnerability is especially dangerous in group chats. “If a cybercriminal shares the malicious file in a trusted group or through a mutual contact, anyone in that group might unknowingly execute malware just by opening what looks like a regular image,” he explained. 

Martin Kraemer, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, highlighted the platform’s deep integration into daily routines—from casual chats to job applications. “WhatsApp’s widespread use means users have developed a level of trust and automation that attackers exploit. This vulnerability must not be underestimated,” Kraemer said. Until users update to the latest version, experts urge WhatsApp users to treat the app like email—avoid opening unexpected attachments, especially from unknown senders or new contacts. 

The good news is that Meta has already issued a fix, and updating the app resolves the vulnerability. Pilton emphasized the importance of patch management, noting, “Cybercriminals will always seek to exploit software flaws, and providers will keep issuing patches. Keeping your software updated is the simplest and most effective protection.” For now, users should update WhatsApp for Windows immediately to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-30401 and remain cautious with all incoming files.
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Exploitation
backdoor vulnerability Cisco Cisco Security CVE exploits CVE vulnerability Cyber Security Exploitation

Cisco CVE-2024-20439: Exploitation Attempts Target Smart Licensing Utility Backdoor

 

A critical vulnerability tracked as CVE-2024-20439 has placed Cisco’s Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) in the spotlight after cybersecurity researchers observed active exploitation attempts. The flaw, which involves an undocumented static administrative credential, could allow unauthenticated attackers to remotely access affected systems. While it’s still unclear whether the vulnerability has been weaponized in ransomware attacks, security experts have noted suspicious botnet activity linked to it since early January, with a significant surge in mid-March. 

The vulnerability, according to Cisco, cannot be exploited unless the CSLU is actively running—a saving grace for systems not using the utility frequently. However, many organizations rely on the CSLU to manage licenses for Cisco products without requiring constant connectivity to Cisco’s cloud-based Smart Software Manager. This increases the risk of exposure for unpatched systems. Johannes Ullrich, Dean of Research at the SANS Technology Institute, highlighted that the vulnerability effectively acts as a backdoor. 

In fact, he noted that Cisco has a history of embedding static credentials in several of its products. Ullrich’s observation aligns with earlier research by Nicholas Starke, who published a detailed technical analysis of the flaw, including the decoded hardcoded password, just weeks after Cisco issued its patch. This disclosure made it easier for potential attackers to identify and exploit vulnerable systems. In addition to CVE-2024-20439, Cisco addressed another critical flaw, CVE-2024-20440, which allows unauthenticated attackers to extract sensitive data from exposed devices, including API credentials. 

This vulnerability also affects the CSLU and can be exploited by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to a target system. Like the first flaw, it is only active when the CSLU application is running. Researchers have now detected attackers chaining both vulnerabilities to maximize impact. According to Ullrich, scans and probes originating from a small botnet are testing for exposure to these flaws. Although Cisco’s Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) maintains that there’s no confirmed evidence of these flaws being exploited in the wild, the published credentials and recent scan activity suggest otherwise. 

These types of vulnerabilities raise larger concerns about the use of hardcoded credentials in critical infrastructure. Cisco has faced similar issues in the past with other software products, including IOS XE, DNA Center, and Emergency Responder. 

As always, the best defense is prompt patching. Cisco released security updates in September to address both flaws, and organizations running CSLU should immediately apply them. Additionally, any instance of the CSLU running unnecessarily should be disabled to reduce the attack surface. With exploit attempts on the rise and technical details now public, delaying mitigation could have serious consequences.
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Hackers
CVE CVE exploits CVE vulnerability Cyber Security data security Data Theft Hacker attack Hackers

Hackers Exploit ThinkPHP and ownCloud Vulnerabilities from 2022 and 2023

 

Hackers are increasingly exploiting outdated security flaws in poorly maintained systems, with vulnerabilities from 2022 and 2023 seeing a surge in attacks. According to threat intelligence platform GreyNoise, malicious actors are actively targeting CVE-2022-47945 and CVE-2023-49103, affecting the ThinkPHP Framework and the open-source ownCloud file-sharing solution. 

Both vulnerabilities are critical, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands or steal sensitive data, such as admin credentials and license keys. CVE-2022-47945 is a local file inclusion (LFI) flaw in ThinkPHP versions before 6.0.14. If the language pack feature is enabled, unauthenticated attackers can remotely execute operating system commands. 

Akamai reported that Chinese threat groups have exploited this flaw since late 2023, and GreyNoise recently detected 572 unique IPs actively attacking vulnerable systems. Despite having a low Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) rating of just 7% and not being listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, CVE-2022-47945 remains under heavy assault. 

The second vulnerability, CVE-2023-49103, impacts ownCloud’s file-sharing software. It stems from a third-party library that leaks PHP environment details through a public URL. After its disclosure in November 2023, hackers began exploiting the flaw to steal sensitive data. A year later, it was named one of the FBI, CISA, and NSA’s top 15 most exploited vulnerabilities. 

Even though a patch was released over two years ago, many ownCloud systems remain unpatched and exposed. GreyNoise recently observed malicious activity from 484 unique IPs targeting this vulnerability. To defend against these active threats, users are strongly advised to upgrade to ThinkPHP 6.0.14 or later and ownCloud GraphAPI 0.3.1 or newer. 

Taking vulnerable systems offline or placing them behind a firewall can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation. As hackers continue to leverage older, unpatched vulnerabilities, staying vigilant with timely updates and robust security practices remains crucial in protecting critical systems and sensitive data.
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RCE
Aviatrix critical vulnerabilities CVE exploits CVE vulnerability Cyber Security Data Exfiltration data security RCE

Critical Command Injection Vulnerability Found in Aviatrix Network Controller (CVE-2024-50603)

 


Jakub Korepta, Principal Security Consultant at Securing, has discovered a critical command injection vulnerability in the Aviatrix Network Controller, identified as CVE-2024-50603. This flaw, impacting versions 7.x through 7.2.4820, has been assigned the highest possible CVSS severity score of 10.0. It allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code, posing a severe threat to enterprises utilizing Aviatrix’s cloud networking solutions.

The root of this vulnerability lies in improper input handling within the Aviatrix Controller's API. While certain input parameters are sanitized using functions like escapeshellarg, others—most notably the cloud_type parameter in the list_flightpath_destination_instances action—remain unprotected. This oversight permits attackers to inject malicious commands into API requests, leading to remote code execution (RCE).

Jakub Korepta demonstrated this flaw by crafting a malicious HTTP request that redirected sensitive system files to an attacker-controlled server. By appending harmful commands to the vulnerable parameter, attackers can gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.


In a proof-of-concept attack, Korepta successfully extracted the contents of the /etc/passwd file, highlighting the potential for data theft. However, the threat extends beyond data exfiltration. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to:
  • Execute Remote Code: Attackers can run commands with full system privileges, gaining complete control over the Aviatrix Controller.
  • Steal or Manipulate Data: Sensitive data stored on the system can be accessed, stolen, or altered.
  • Compromise Entire Networks: Successful exploitation could lead to lateral movement within enterprise networks, escalating the attack's impact.

Research uncovered 681 publicly exposed Aviatrix Controllers accessible via the Shodan search engine. These exposed systems significantly increase the risk, providing attackers with easily identifiable targets for exploitation.

Aviatrix has responded promptly by releasing version 7.2.4996, which addresses this vulnerability through enhanced input sanitization. This update effectively neutralizes the identified risk. All users are strongly urged to upgrade to this patched version immediately to secure their systems and prevent exploitation. Failure to apply this update leaves systems vulnerable to severe attacks.

Recommended actions for organizations include:
  • Immediate Patch Deployment: Upgrade to version 7.2.4996 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
  • Network Access Controls: Restrict public access to Aviatrix Controllers and enforce strict network segmentation.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Implement robust monitoring systems to detect unauthorized activity or anomalies.

Lessons in Proactive Security

This incident underscores the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures and routine software updates. Even advanced networking solutions can be compromised if proper input validation and security controls are neglected. Organizations must remain vigilant, ensuring that both internal systems and third-party solutions adhere to stringent security standards.

The discovery of CVE-2024-50603 serves as a stark reminder of how overlooked vulnerabilities can escalate into significant threats. Timely updates and consistent security practices are vital to protecting enterprise networks from evolving cyber risks.
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TLS inspection
Cato Networks CVE exploits Cyber Security Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Data Privacy Penetration Testing Ransomware ransomware-as-a-service Shadow AI TLS inspection

Ransomware Gangs Actively Recruiting Pen Testers: Insights from Cato Networks' Q3 2024 Report

 

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting penetration testers to join ransomware affiliate programs such as Apos, Lynx, and Rabbit Hole, according to Cato Network's Q3 2024 SASE Threat Report, published by its Cyber Threats Research Lab (CTRL).

The report highlights numerous Russian-language job advertisements uncovered through surveillance of discussions on the Russian Anonymous Marketplace (RAMP). Speaking at an event in Stuttgart, Germany, on November 12, Etay Maor, Chief Security Strategist at Cato Networks, explained:"Penetration testing is a term from the security side of things when we try to reach our own systems to see if there are any holes. Now, ransomware gangs are hiring people with the same level of expertise - not to secure systems, but to target systems."

He further noted, "There's a whole economy in the criminal underground just behind this area of ransomware."

The report details how ransomware operators aim to ensure the effectiveness of their attacks by recruiting skilled developers and testers. Maor emphasized the evolution of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), stating, "[Ransomware-as-a-service] is constantly evolving. I think they're going into much more details than before, especially in some of their recruitment."

Cato Networks' team discovered instances of ransomware tools being sold, such as locker source code priced at $45,000. Maor remarked:"The bar keeps going down in terms of how much it takes to be a criminal. In the past, cybercriminals may have needed to know how to program. Then in the early 2000s, you could buy viruses. Now you don't need to even buy them because [other cybercriminals] will do this for you."

AI's role in facilitating cybercrime was also noted as a factor lowering barriers to entry. The report flagged examples like a user under the name ‘eloncrypto’ offering a MAKOP ransomware builder, an offshoot of PHOBOS ransomware.

The report warns of the growing threat posed by Shadow AI—where organizations or employees use AI tools without proper governance. Of the AI applications monitored, Bodygram, Craiyon, Otter.ai, Writesonic, and Character.AI were among those flagged for security risks, primarily data privacy concerns.

Cato CTRL also identified critical gaps in Transport Layer Security (TLS) inspection. Only 45% of surveyed organizations utilized TLS inspection, and just 3% inspected all relevant sessions. This lapse allows attackers to leverage encrypted TLS traffic to evade detection.

In Q3 2024, Cato CTRL noted that 60% of CVE exploit attempts were blocked within TLS traffic. Prominent vulnerabilities targeted included Log4j, SolarWinds, and ConnectWise.

The report is based on the analysis of 1.46 trillion network flows across over 2,500 global customers between July and September 2024. It underscores the evolving tactics of ransomware gangs and the growing challenges organizations face in safeguarding their systems.
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