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D-Link Urges Replacement of End-of-Life VPN Routers Amid Critical Security Vulnerability

 

D-Link has issued a strong warning to its customers, advising them to replace certain end-of-life (EoL) VPN router models immediately. This follows the discovery of a critical unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability that will not be addressed with security patches for the affected devices. The vulnerability was reported to D-Link by security researcher “delsploit,” although technical details have been withheld to prevent widespread exploitation. The flaw impacts all hardware and firmware versions of the DSR-150, DSR-150N, DSR-250, and DSR-250N models, particularly firmware versions 3.13 to 3.17B901C. 

These routers, which have been popular among home offices and small businesses worldwide, officially reached their end-of-service (EoS) status on May 1, 2024. D-Link’s advisory makes it clear that no further security updates will be issued for these devices. Customers are strongly encouraged to replace the affected models to avoid potential risks. For users who continue using these devices despite the warnings, D-Link suggests downloading the latest available firmware from their legacy website. 

However, it is important to note that even the most up-to-date firmware will not protect the routers from the RCE vulnerability. The company also cautions against using third-party open-firmware solutions, as these are unsupported and will void any product warranties. D-Link’s policy not to provide security fixes for EoL devices reflects a broader strategy within the networking hardware industry. The company cites factors such as evolving technologies, market demands, and product lifecycle maturity as reasons for discontinuing support for older models. The issue with D-Link routers is not an isolated case. 

Earlier this month, researcher “Netsecfish” revealed CVE-2024-10914, a command injection flaw affecting thousands of EoL D-Link NAS devices. Similarly, three critical vulnerabilities were recently disclosed in the D-Link DSL6740C modem. In both instances, the company chose not to release updates despite evidence of active exploitation attempts. The growing trend of security risks in EoL networking hardware highlights the importance of timely device replacement. 

As D-Link warns, continued use of unsupported routers not only puts connected devices at risk but may also leave sensitive data vulnerable to exploitation. By replacing outdated equipment with modern, supported alternatives, users can ensure stronger protection against emerging cybersecurity threats.

The Hidden Dangers of Compromised Wi-Fi Routers

 


Cybercriminals who attack routers are swift and precise, spending countless hours studying network vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive data and then taking advantage of those vulnerabilities to compromise the router. The term "router hacking" refers to taking control of a user's router without their consent by a cybercriminals.

The Wi-Fi hacker, like other types of hackers, relies on security measures that a user may have implemented to protect themselves against the hack - often the administrator password for their router or an unpatched vulnerability in their system. The hacker has a variety of tricks that he can use if he wants to hack into a router successfully. 

There is a risk that a hacker will be able to gain access to a router in minutes if the user has not set a strong password for their router. The hacker can take control of users' router after they have gained access, and even change the settings or install malicious software on users' router after they have gained control. These are all signature signs that users have been hit by a black-hat hacker, as opposed to their more altruistic white-hat cousins. 

Approximately one in 16 internet-connected home Wi-Fi routers can be remotely accessed by attackers using the manufacturer's default admin password. Getting continually kicked off users' home networks can be super annoying, but that's what some hackers will do. A hacker may use a de-authentication attack to target network devices. To do so, a hacker does not even need administrative access to the user router; they only need to find the router and device users' using. They can do this by using a tool such as Aircrack-ng. After doing so, they craft a command that uses the users' router's authentication protocol to deauthenticate users, thus kicking them off the network. 

A Forbes study found that 86% of users never change their default credentials. As default credentials are easily found online, all hackers must do a perfunctory Google search to find the information they need to log into users' routers. If they do, they can change things like the password and SSID. Changing the password will kick users off their network, and changing the SSID will change their network name. They could also hide users' networks entirely after kicking them off and changing the name, making it difficult to get back online. Scammers employ various methods to hack into Wi-Fi networks, exploiting vulnerabilities and poor security practices.

One common technique is brute-forcing Wi-Fi passwords, where hackers systematically attempt numerous password combinations to gain access. Once successful, they can lock users out by changing the password and taking control of the router. Another method involves using the router’s default credentials, often left unchanged by users. Cybercriminals can exploit these factory-set admin passwords to alter router settings, emphasizing the importance of creating a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security. 

Unpatched firmware vulnerabilities also present significant risks. Attackers can exploit outdated software to infiltrate a router's internal systems. For instance, in June 2023, Asus issued critical firmware updates to protect against remote code execution attacks. One of the most severe vulnerabilities, CVE-2018-1160, dating back to 2018, carried a high severity rating of 9.8 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). 

Furthermore, cybercriminals can execute Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking by altering a router’s DNS settings and redirecting users to malicious phishing websites. These examples underscore the importance of updating router firmware regularly, using strong passwords, and proactively securing Wi-Fi networks. Understanding the signs of a hacked router is essential for safeguarding users' networks. Altered DNS settings are a major indicator of a breach, as hackers may manipulate these settings to redirect users' internet traffic without their knowledge, potentially launching devastating pharming attacks. 

Users can check their router’s DNS settings in the admin menu to ensure they have not been tampered with. Another red flag is an inability to access the router using the user's admin password. If the credentials no longer work, it could mean a hacker has changed them. In such cases, perform a factory reset immediately and create a new, strong password. Unexpectedly slow internet can also hint at a router hack, especially when accompanied by other suspicious activities. Hackers may exploit users' bandwidth, causing noticeable performance drops. Additionally, strange software or malware on users' devices can result from a router breach, as hackers often use this method to infiltrate connected devices. While malware can spread through various means, its presence alongside other signs of hacking is a cause for concern. 

Monitoring users' networks for unrecognized devices is another critical security measure. Tools like AVG AntiVirus FREE can detect when unfamiliar devices join users' Wi-Fi, issuing alerts that prompt further investigation. While unauthorized devices don’t always indicate a router hack, their presence could lead to one, emphasizing the need for continuous network monitoring. Using reliable security software is vital to protecting users' devices and networks. AVG AntiVirus FREE offers comprehensive cybersecurity features, including real-time malware detection, phishing defence, ransomware protection, and tools to secure users' Wi-Fi networks from potential router hackers. Staying vigilant and equipped with robust security measures ensures a safe online experience.

Hackers can easily carry out this kind of attack even if they do not have administrative access to the user's router; they only need to identify the router and the device that users use to do so. An aircraft-ng tool, which is available online, can be used to accomplish this task. As a result, they craft a command that uses the authentication protocol of the users' router to deauthenticate them, which means they are kicked off of the network once more. The study by Forbes found that 86% of users do not change their default credentials despite being notified about it. 

The default credentials for routers can readily be found online, so it is only a matter of a quick Google search before hackers can discover the credentials they need to access the routers of their targeted victims. In that case, they can change things such as the password and the SSID of the network. By changing a user's password, they will be kicked off their network, and by changing their SSID, their network name will be changed. It's possible that they could also hide the users' networks entirely after they have been kicked off and changed their names, which would make it difficult for them to return to the network. Using a variety of methods, scammers can hack into Wi-Fi networks by exploiting the vulnerabilities and unfavourable security practices that exist. 

There is no doubt that the most common method of hacking Wi-Fi passwords in today's world is through brute-force attacks, which involve scanning many different combinations of passwords too to discover someone's password by scanning all of the combinations simultaneously. When they are successful in taking control of the router, they can lock users out of their accounts by changing their passwords. A second method involves the use of the router's default credentials, often left unchanged by users when they set up the router. These factory-provided admin passwords can be vulnerable to abuse by cybercriminals, highlighting the importance of using a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security when setting up users' routers. 

As a result of firmware vulnerabilities that remain unpatched, there are significant risks involved. There are several ways in which attackers can compromise the internal operating systems of a router by exploiting outdated software. Asus's most recent firmware upgrade for its laptops was released in June 2023, preventing remote code execution attacks against the device. On the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), which calculates the severity of vulnerabilities based on their association with security incidents and their impact, CVE-2018-1160, dated back to 2018, had a severity rating of 9.8. A further method of executing Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking is to alter a router's DNS settings, redirecting the user to malicious phishing sites by altering the DNS settings of a router. 

As a result of these examples, router firmware must be updated regularly, strong passwords are used, and wi-fi networks are carefully secured proactively. Recognizing the signs of a hacked router is crucial for protecting users' networks. Altered DNS settings often indicate a breach, as hackers can manipulate these to redirect users' internet traffic and launch phishing or pharming attacks. Regularly reviewing users' routers' DNS settings in the admin menu can help prevent such risks. Similarly, being unable to access the router with their admin password may mean hackers have taken control. In such cases, a factory reset followed by setting a strong new password is essential. 

A sudden drop in internet speed, especially when combined with other suspicious activity, could point to unauthorized bandwidth usage by hackers. Additionally, unexpected malware or unfamiliar software on users' devices might result from a router breach. Monitoring for unrecognized devices on users' networks is equally important, as these can indicate unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts. 

Investing in robust security tools is a key step in safeguarding users' digital environments. Comprehensive solutions like AVG AntiVirus FREE provide 24/7 protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and other threats while keeping users' network secure from unauthorized access. Staying proactive with these measures is the best defense for ensuing their online safety.

Chinese Government-Linked Hackers Infiltrate U.S. Internet Providers in 'Salt Typhoon' Attack

 

Hackers linked to the Chinese government have reportedly breached several U.S. internet service providers, according to The Wall Street Journal. Investigators are calling the cyberattack "Salt Typhoon," which occurred just a week after the FBI dismantled another China-backed operation called "Flax Typhoon." That attack targeted 200,000 internet-connected devices such as cameras and routers.

In the Salt Typhoon incident, hackers infiltrated broadband networks to access sensitive information held by internet service providers. Sources close to the matter told WSJ that unlike past attacks focused on disrupting infrastructure, this one seems to be aimed at gathering intelligence. FBI Director Christopher Wray had warned at the Aspen Cyber Summit that China would persist in targeting U.S. organizations and critical infrastructure, either directly or through proxies.

Chinese cyberattacks have been ongoing, but their complexity and precision have escalated, intelligence officials told the WSJ. Earlier this year, Wray described China's hacking program as the largest in the world, surpassing all other major nations combined.

China has denied involvement in these attacks. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, accused U.S. intelligence agencies of fabricating evidence linking China to the Salt Typhoon breach.

The WSJ report revealed that investigators are focusing on Cisco Systems routers, though a Cisco spokesperson said there is no evidence of their involvement. Microsoft is also looking into the attack. Lumen Technologies, the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, recently detected malware in routers that could expose customers' passwords but did not specify which ISPs were affected.

Although there's no indication that individual customers’ data was the target, you can take basic precautions:

  • Change your passwords regularly—especially your Wi-Fi router's password.
  • Consider identity theft protection services, which monitor your credit and banking activity.
  • Review your credit reports regularly to catch any suspicious activity.

New Cuttlefish Malware Hijacks Router Connections, Cloud Data Stolen

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, a new menace has emerged: Cuttlefish. This sophisticated malware targets enterprise-grade and small office/home office (SOHO) routers, posing a significant risk to both businesses and individual users alike. 

Discovered by Lumen Technologies' Black Lotus Labs, Cuttlefish operates by infecting routers and creating a proxy or VPN tunnel to stealthily exfiltrate data. By doing so, it bypasses security measures designed to detect unusual sign-ins, making it particularly insidious. One of the most concerning aspects of Cuttlefish is its ability to perform DNS and HTTP hijacking within private IP spaces. 

This interference with internal communications can disrupt organizational workflows and potentially introduce additional payloads, compounding the damage caused by the initial infection. While Cuttlefish shares some code similarities with HiatusRat, a malware previously associated with Chinese state interests, there is no definitive link between the two. Attribution remains challenging, further complicating efforts to combat this threat effectively. 

According to Black Lotus Labs, Cuttlefish has been active since at least July 2023, primarily targeting users in Turkey. However, infections have been reported elsewhere, impacting services such as satellite phones and data centres. The exact method of initial infection remains unclear, but it likely involves exploiting known vulnerabilities or brute-forcing credentials. Once inside a router, Cuttlefish deploys a bash script to collect host-based data and download its primary payload. 

What sets Cuttlefish apart is its adaptability to various router architectures, making it a versatile threat capable of targeting a wide range of devices. Once executed, the malware monitors all connections passing through the router, searching for specific data such as usernames, passwords, and tokens associated with cloud services like AWS and Digital Ocean. Once this data is captured, Cuttlefish exfiltrates it to the attacker's command and control (C2) server using a peer-to-peer VPN or proxy tunnel.

Additionally, the malware can redirect DNS and HTTP requests to actor-controlled infrastructure, enabling further data interception and manipulation. Cuttlefish severely threatens organizations worldwide, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security measures and dwell undetected within cloud environments. Network administrators should take proactive steps to strengthen their defences to mitigate the risk posed by Cuttlefish and similar threats. 

This includes eliminating weak credentials, monitoring for unusual logins, securing traffic with TLS/SSL encryption, and inspecting devices for signs of compromise. Additionally, regular router reboots, firmware updates, and password changes are recommended for SOHO router users to prevent exploitation.  

Cuttlefish represents a significant escalation in cyber threats, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and constant vigilance in today's digital landscape. Organizations can better protect themselves against emerging threats like Cuttlefish by staying informed and implementing proactive security measures.

Malware Targets End-of-Life Routers and IoT Devices

 




A recent investigation by Black Lotus Labs team at Lumen Technologies has revealed a concerning trend in cybercriminal activity targeting end-of-life (EoL) routers and IoT devices. The research sheds light on a sophisticated campaign utilising updated malware known as TheMoon, which has quietly grown to infect over 40,000 devices across 88 countries by early 2024.

The primary target of this campaign appears to be small home and small office routers, which are often overlooked when it comes to security updates. Unlike desktop and server computing, where automatic updates are the norm, many IoT devices lack this crucial feature. This oversight leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals.

One of the key findings of the investigation is the emergence of a malicious proxy service called Faceless, which offers anonymity services to cybercriminals for a minimal fee. By routing their traffic through compromised devices, malicious actors can conceal their true origins, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their activities.

According to Jason Soroko, a cybersecurity expert, routers and networking equipment with weak passwords have long been easy targets for cyber attacks. However, what sets this campaign apart is the use of proxy networks to obfuscate command-and-control (C2) traffic, indicating a new level of sophistication among cybercriminals.

The Mechanism Behind The Threat

The malware responsible for these attacks is distributed through a botnet orchestrated by TheMoon. It targets vulnerable EoL routers and IoT devices, infecting them with a loader that fetches an executable file from a C2 server. This file includes a worm module that spreads to other vulnerable devices, as well as a component used to proxy traffic to the internet on behalf of the attacker.

Global Impact: Financial Sector Under Siege

Despite a majority of infected hosts being located in the U.S., the threat extends globally, with devices in 88 countries falling victim to the campaign. The financial sector, in particular, is a prime target for password spraying and data exfiltration attacks, posing significant risks to organisations worldwide.

Recommendations for Defenders

Network defenders are urged to remain vigilant against attacks on weak credentials and suspicious login attempts. Additionally, experts recommend implementing measures to protect cloud assets from communicating with malicious bots and blocking indicators of compromise (IoCs) with web application firewalls.

The advent of this new cyber threat calls for regular security updates and proper maintenance of IoT devices, especially those nearing the end of their lifecycle. Failure to address these vulnerabilities could have far-reaching consequences, as cybercriminals continue to exploit them for financial gain.




A Corporate Secret is not Destroyed, it's Discarded: Threat of Old Routers

 



Many business network environments probably experience the process of removing a defunct router from a rack and accommodating a shiny refurbished replacement now and then. The fate of the disposed router should be as significant, if not more so, as the smooth transition and delivery of the upgraded kit into the rack. The truth is, however, that this is not always the case. 

Home and business security are threatened by security issues stemming from vulnerabilities in routers. These threats can extend beyond email compromises to security breaches in physical homes. However, despite this, people rarely consider security as a concern when using their devices. According to research, approximately 73% of Internet users never consider upgrading their router or securing their system. Therefore, it can be considered one of the major threats to the Internet of Things.

It surprised the ESET research team that in many cases, previously used configurations had not been wiped away when they purchased a few used routers to setup a test environment, causing them to be shocked upon realizing the data on the routers could be used as a source of identification along with the network configurations of the prior owners. 

The researchers purchased 18 used routers made by three popular vendors: Cisco, Fortinet, and Juniper Networks, in a variety of models. Nine of them were found exactly the way their owners left them, fully accessible. Only five of the remaining ones had been properly wiped by their owners. One of the devices was encrypted, one was dead, and the other was a mirror copy of an encrypted device.  

All nine devices left uncovered appear to contain credentials for the organization's VPN. They also contained credentials for another secure network communication service, or hashed passwords for root administrators of the organization. The identifying data included in all of them was sufficient to identify the previous owner or operator of the router. In addition, it enabled router identification.  

Data gathered from these devices could be used to launch cyberattacks – including customer data, router-to-router authentication keys, list of applications, and several other things, if this data is put into the wrong hands. An attacker could have gained access to a company's digital assets by gaining the initial access necessary to research where they are located and what they might be worth. 

An Internet router serves as the hub of an entire home network. This is where all elements of a smart home are connected to the Internet and share information between them. 

When an attacker infects a router, he or she gains access to the network by which data packets are transmitted. This is the network through which the router operates. By doing this, they can install malicious software on the victims' computers, allowing them to steal sensitive data, private photos, and business files. This is potentially irreparable damage to them as a result of this maneuver. Using the infected router, the attacker can redirect users to phishing websites that look exactly like popular webmail and online banking sites. 

KELA Cybercrime Prevention, a cybercrime prevention company that specializes in cybercrime prevention technologies, has found that the average price for access credentials to corporate networks at the time of the initial unauthorized intrusion is $2,800. This price is based on KELA Cybercrime Prevention research. Considering that a used router purchased for a few hundred dollars could provide a cybercriminal with a significant return on investment, a cybercriminal could purchase a used router for a few hundred dollars out of pocket and use it immediately to access the network with little effort. It is assumed that they will simply strip off the access data and sell it on the dark web instead of launching a full-scale cyberattack themselves, although that may very well be the case. 

As a result of the findings of the ESET researchers, organizations may believe that they are conducting business responsibly by contracting with a device-management firm outside their own. 

Those in the e-waste disposal business, or even device-sanitization services that promise to wipe large volumes of corporate devices for resale can be counted on to take care of that for you. 

On the other hand, it may be that these third parties are not performing whatever they claim in practice. Considering that mainstream routers come with encryption and other security features, more organizations might benefit from them to mitigate the negative impacts of fallout should devices that have not been wiped end up roaming the world with no security features. 

Ensure that your router is protected from cybercriminals' attacks by following these steps:

  • There are risks associated with buying second-hand smart appliances. Previous owners of such products may have modified the alarm system firmware so that a remote attacker can collect all the data.
  • It is very important that you change the default password of your account. You should choose a complex password and change it regularly.
  • On social networks, you should not share serial numbers, IP addresses, or other sensitive information concerning your smart devices. 

Cisco Fixes a Major Issue in Small Business Routers


Several end-of-life (EoL) VPN routers are affected by a critical authentication bypass flaw that Cisco alerted customers. The issue has publicly available attack code. Hou Liuyang of Qihoo 360 Netlab discovered the security hole (CVE-2023-20025) in the internet management interface of Cisco Small Business RV016, RV042, RV042G, and RV082 routers.

CVE-2023-20025 validation of user input within incoming HTTP packets could enable an unauthorized remote attacker to bypass authorization on an affected system. An attacker could send false HTTP requests to the router, bypass authentication, and get root access to the operating system due to a flaw where user input within inbound HTTP packets is not properly validated.

The second vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-20026, could enable remote code execution (RCE), but in order to exploit it, an attacker must have access to the device in question. As a result, the bug is graded medium and has a CVSS score of 6.5.

According to Cisco, the flaws do not need to be exploited in tandem by attackers and are independent of one another. However, it would be simple to exploit an authentication bypass with a remote code execution flaw that first requires attackers to be able to authenticate.

An effective mitigation, as per Cisco, is to stop remote administration of the routers and block access to ports 443 and 60443, making the routers only reachable through the LAN interface, even though there are no fixes for the issues. Despite the routers were stopped, researchers found that the installed base still exists. Out-of-date equipment frequently remains in commercial settings even after it has been disconnected, providing a fertile target for cyber attacker's.

As per Mike Parkin, senior technical engineer at Vulcan Cyber, the Cisco small business routers afflicted by such flaws still see pretty broad usage, even they are all finally end of term.  A difficulty is that the devices are frequently used by people who may not have the money to replace them or by smaller firms with limited resources.

SMB routers are widely used, since many users now work from home or hybrid offices, not just SMBs that are affected. The susceptible product could be used by branch offices, COEs, or even home offices.



The Fodcha DDoS Botnet Hits Over 100 Victims

 

Qihoo 360 researchers have found a rapidly spreading new botnet called Fodcha which is capable of performing over 100 attacks every day. Employing this new malware, the threat actor is attacking routers, DVRs, and servers. The actors were able to infect nearly 62,000 machines with the Fodcha virus in less than a month, as per the researchers. 

360 Netlab reports that the number of unique IP addresses affiliated with the botnet fluctuates, as they are monitoring a 10,000-strong Fodcha army of bots utilizing Chinese IP addresses every day, with the majority of them using China Unicom (59.9%) and China Telecom (59.9%) services (39.4 percent ). 

Researchers alleged that "Based on firsthand data from the security industry with whom we collaborated, the frequency of live bots is more than 56000." "The global infection appears to be quite large, as there are over 10,000 daily active bots (IPs) in China, as well as over 100 DDoS victims are targeted daily." 

The Fodcha infects devices by exploiting n-day vulnerabilities in many devices and employing the Crazyfia brute-force cracking tool. The botnet targets a variety of devices and services, including but not limited to: 

RCE for Android ADB Debug Server 
CVE-2021-22205 on GitLab 
CVE-2021-35394 in the Realtek Jungle SDK 
JAWS Webserver unverified shell command execution on MVPower DVR 
LILIN DVR RCE: LILIN DVR
TOTOLINK Routers: Backdoor TOTOLINK Routers
ZHONE Router: Web RCE ZHONE Router 

After successfully acquiring access to susceptible Internet-exposed devices samples, Fodcha attackers use Crazyfia result data to deploy malware payload. The botnet samples, according to 360 Netlab, target MIPS, MPSL, ARM, x86, and other CPU platforms. 

The botnet used the folded[.]in command-and-control (C2) domain from January 2022 until March 19, when it switched to fridgexperts[.]cc when the cloud vendor took down the essential C2 domain. 

"The switch from v1 to v2 is due to a cloud vendor shutting down the C2 servers corresponding to the v1 version, leaving Fodcha's operators with no alternative but to re-launch v2 and upgrade C2," the researchers reported. "The new C2 is mapped to over a dozen IP addresses and is scattered across different countries, including the United States, Korea, Japan, and India." It also includes more cloud providers, including Amazon, DediPath, DigitalOcean, Linode, and others.