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Showing posts with label Security flaw. Show all posts
Security flaw
Cyber Attacks email servers Exim Security flaw

Serious Security Flaw in Exim Email Servers Could Let Hackers Steal Data

 



A dangerous security flaw has been discovered in Exim, a widely used email server software. The vulnerability, officially tracked as CVE-2025-26794, allows hackers to inject harmful commands into the system, potentially leading to data theft or even complete control over the email server. This issue affects Exim version 4.98 when used with a specific database system called SQLite. Experts warn that this is one of the biggest email security threats of 2025.  


How This Vulnerability Works

The problem occurs because of the way Exim handles database queries under certain settings. It mainly affects systems that:  

1. Use SQLite for storing email-related data – This happens when Exim is set up with a special feature called `USE_SQLITE`.  

2. Enable the ETRN command – This is a function that allows users to request email deliveries, but it can be misused if not properly restricted.  

3. Have weak protections against command execution – Some default settings make it easier for attackers to sneak in harmful database commands.  

If all these conditions are met, a hacker can send specially designed emails to the server, tricking it into running unauthorized commands. This could allow them to access sensitive information, modify system settings, or even take control of the entire email system.  


How Attackers Can Use This Flaw

For this security risk to be exploited, three things need to be true:  

1. The system must be running Exim 4.98 with SQLite enabled.  

2. The ETRN command must be set to "accept" instead of the safer "deny" mode.  

3. A specific security setting, smtp_etrn_serialize, must be left at its default value, which can create a loophole for hackers.  

Even though Exim’s default settings provide some level of security, many organizations adjust them to work with older systems, unknowingly making their servers more vulnerable.  


Steps to Stay Safe

To protect email systems from this issue, cybersecurity experts recommend taking the following steps immediately:  

1. Check which version of Exim is installed using the command `exim -bV`.  

2. Disable SQLite integration if it’s not necessary.  

3. Modify ETRN settings to prevent unauthorized use.  

4. Update to the latest Exim version (4.98.1), which includes a fix for this problem.  

For organizations that must continue using SQLite, additional security measures should be in place, such as filtering out risky commands and monitoring unusual activity in the database.  


How Exim Developers Responded

The Exim development team acted quickly by releasing a patched version within 72 hours after confirming the issue. The flaw was originally reported by cybersecurity researcher Oscar Bataille, who followed responsible disclosure guidelines. This allowed Exim’s developers to fix the problem before it became public, reducing the chances of widespread attacks.  


Why This Matters

Exim is used by over 60% of email servers on the internet, meaning this flaw could have affected millions of systems worldwide. This incident is a reminder that even well-established software can have hidden weaknesses, especially when newer features interact with older components.  

To stay safe, organizations must regularly update their email software, follow security best practices, and stay informed about new threats. The faster vulnerabilities like this are addressed, the lower the risk of cyberattacks.

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Starlink
Automakers Cyber Attacks data security internet-connected cars PII Security flaw Smart Cars Starlink

Subaru Starlink Security Flaw Exposes Risks of Connected Cars

 

As vehicles become increasingly connected to the internet, cybersecurity threats pose growing risks to drivers. A recent security flaw in Subaru’s Starlink system highlights the potential dangers, allowing hackers to remotely control vehicles and access sensitive data. This incident is part of a broader trend affecting the automotive industry, where weaknesses in connected car systems expose users to financial loss, privacy breaches, and safety concerns. 

Researchers found that with just a license plate number and basic owner details, attackers could exploit Subaru’s Starlink system to start or stop the car, lock or unlock doors, and track real-time locations. More alarmingly, hackers could extract personally identifiable information (PII), including billing details, emergency contacts, and historical location data accurate within five meters. The vulnerability stemmed from weak security in the Starlink admin portal, including an insecure password reset API and insufficient protection against two-factor authentication (2FA) bypass. 

Subaru quickly patched the issue within 24 hours of its discovery, but the incident underscores the risks associated with connected vehicles. This is not an isolated case. Other automakers have faced similar security lapses, such as a flaw in Kia’s dealer portal that allowed hackers to track and steal vehicles. Common security issues in connected car systems include weak authentication, improper encryption, centralized storage of sensitive data, and vulnerabilities in third-party integrations. Delayed responses from automakers further exacerbate these risks, leaving vehicles exposed for extended periods. 

Beyond direct system hacks, connected cars face a range of cybersecurity threats. Attackers could remotely hijack vehicle controls, steal onboard financial and personal data, or even deploy ransomware to disable vehicles. GPS spoofing could mislead drivers or facilitate vehicle theft, while compromised infotainment systems may leak personal details or spread malware. While automakers must strengthen security measures, consumers can take steps to protect themselves. Regularly updating vehicle firmware and connected apps can help prevent exploits. 

Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for connected car accounts and avoiding weak passwords add an extra layer of security. Limiting the amount of personal data linked to vehicle systems reduces exposure. Disabling unnecessary connectivity features, such as remote start or location tracking, also minimizes risk. Additional precautions include avoiding public Wi-Fi for accessing connected car systems, using a virtual private network (VPN) when necessary, and carefully vetting third-party apps before granting permissions. Traditional security tools like steering wheel locks and GPS trackers remain valuable backup measures against cyber threats. 

As connected cars become more common, cybersecurity will play a crucial role in vehicle safety. Automakers must prioritize security by implementing robust encryption, strong authentication, and rapid vulnerability response. At the same time, consumers should stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard their vehicles and personal data from evolving digital threats.
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sophisticated attacks
Business Security Cyber Security IT Flaw Security flaw sophisticated attacks

Public Holidays And Weekends Make Companies More Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

 


 Cyberattacks Surge During Holidays and Weekends: Semperis Report

Companies are particularly susceptible to cyberattacks during public holidays and weekends due to reduced security manpower. A recent report on ransomware assaults, published by Semperis, a provider of identity-based cyber resilience, confirms this vulnerability.

The study revealed that an average of 86% of organizations assessed across the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany were targeted during public holidays or weekends. The findings also indicate that 75% of businesses reduced their security workforce by up to 50% during these periods, leaving critical systems exposed.

Targeted Attacks During Key Business Events

Half of the respondents who experienced cyberattacks reported being targeted during major business events such as mergers or acquisitions. For instance, after UnitedHealth acquired Change Healthcare, cybercriminals exploited a security flaw in remote access systems to breach the company’s infrastructure.

The report highlighted that 90% of ransomware attacks compromised a firm’s identity service, such as Microsoft Active Directory (AD) or Entra ID, as these are widely used and vulnerable. Additionally:

  • 35% of businesses reported insufficient funds to safeguard against cyberattacks.
  • 61% of organizations lacked adequate backup solutions for their identity services.

While 81% of respondents stated they possess the knowledge to defend against identity-related threats, 83% admitted to experiencing a successful ransomware assault within the past year. This disconnect underscores the need for better implementation of security measures.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has repeatedly emphasized the need for vigilance during weekends and public holidays. Notably, the ransomware group Clop exploited a long weekend to take advantage of a vulnerability in the MOVEit data exchange software. This attack affected over 130 companies in Germany, leading to significant data breaches and blackmail attempts.

Solutions to Mitigate Risks

To address these vulnerabilities, enterprises must take the following measures:

  • Protect critical flaws, such as those in Active Directory (AD) and other identity services.
  • Ensure security operations centers (SOCs) are adequately staffed during off-hours.
  • Integrate cybersecurity into the broader business resiliency strategy, alongside safety, financial, and reputational risk management.

Prioritizing security as an essential component of business resilience can make the difference between surviving and thriving in the face of catastrophic cyber incidents.

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Windows Security
Bitlocker Security flaw TPM Vulnerabilities and Exploits Windows Security

TPM-Equipped Devices Trigger Warnings Due to a Windows BitLocker Flaw

 

Microsoft is examining a flaw that activates security alerts on systems equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) processor after enabling BitLocker. 

A Windows security feature called BitLocker encrypts storage discs to guard against data leakage or theft. Redmond claims that when combined with a TPM, it "provides maximum protection" "to ensure that a device hasn't been tampered with while the system is offline.”  

TPMs are specialised security processors that offer hardware-based security features and serve as reliable hardware parts for storing private data, including encryption keys and other security credentials.

The company stated in a notice issued past week that unmanaged devices, or BYOD (bring your own device), are also impacted by this known vulnerability. These are typically privately held devices utilised in business settings that can be secured or onboard using methods provided by the IT or security department of each firm.  

Users of vulnerable Windows 10 and 11 PCs will notice a "For your security, some settings are managed by your administrator" alert "in the BitLocker control panel and other places in Windows.” 

The tech giant noted that it is currently working on a fix and will provide further details regarding the flaw when it has more information. In April 2024, Microsoft resolved another issue that led to faulty BitLocker drive encryption issues in select managed Windows environments. In October 2023, the company classified this as a reporting issue with no impact on drive encryption.  

Microsoft revealed in June 2021 that TPM 2.0 is required for installing or upgrading to Windows 11, claiming that it will make PCs more resistant to manipulation and sophisticated cyberattacks. However, this has not prevented Windows users from developing a variety of tools, programs, and strategies to circumvent it. 

More than three years later, in December 2024, Redmond emphasised that TPM 2.0 compliance is a "non-negotiable" condition, as consumers will be unable to upgrade to Windows 11 without it. According to Statcounter Global data, more than 62% of all Windows computers globally are still using Windows 10, with less than 34% on Windows 11 three years after its October 2021 launch. 
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Threat Intelligence
Cyber Security FBI Security flaw Tech Firms Threat Intelligence

Hackers Are Sending Fake Police Data Requests To Tech Giants To Steal People's Private Data

 

The FBI has issued a warning that hackers are collecting sensitive user information, such as emails and contact details, from US-based tech firms by hacking government and police email addresses in order to file "emergency" data requests. 

The FBI's public notice filed last week is an unusual admission by the federal government regarding the threat posed by phoney emergency data requests, a legal process designed to assist police and federal authorities in obtaining information from firms in order to respond to immediate threats to people's safety or properties.

The misuse of emergency data requests is not new, and it has drawn significant attention in recent years. The FBI now warns that it noticed an "uptick" in criminal posts online advertising access to or carrying out false emergency data requests around August and is going public to raise awareness.

“Cyber-criminals are likely gaining access to compromised US and foreign government email addresses and using them to conduct fraudulent emergency data requests to US based companies, exposing the personal information of customers to further use for criminal purposes,” reads the FBI’s advisory. 

Police and law enforcement in the United States often require some form of legal basis to seek and acquire access to private data stored on company laptops. Typically, police must provide sufficient proof of a potential crime before a U.S. court will grant a search warrant authorising them to collect that information from a private corporation. 

Police can issue subpoenas, which do not require a court appearance, requesting that businesses access restricted amounts of information about a user, such as their username, account logins, email addresses, phone numbers, and, in some cases, approximate location. 

There are also emergency requests, which allow police enforcement to gather a person's information from a firm in the event of an immediate threat and there is insufficient time to secure a court order. Federal authorities claim that some cybercriminals abuse these emergency requests.

The FBI stated in its advisory that it had spotted many public posts from known hackers in 2023 and 2024 claiming access to email accounts used by US law enforcement and several foreign governments. According to the FBI, this access was later used to issue fake subpoenas and other legal demands to corporations in the United States in search of private user data kept on their systems. 

The cybercriminals were able to pass for law enforcement by sending emails to businesses asking for user data using hacked police accounts. False threats, such as allegations of human trafficking and, in one instance, the warning that a person would "suffer greatly or die" until the company in issue returned the requested information, were mentioned in some of the requests.

The FBI claimed that because the hackers had gained access to law enforcement accounts, they were able to create subpoenas that appeared authentic and forced companies to divulge user data, including phone numbers, emails, and usernames. However, the FBI noted that not all fraudulent attempts to submit emergency data demands were successful.
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User Privacy
Chrome Extension Manifest V3 Mobile Security Security flaw SquareX User Privacy

Chrome Extensions Continue to Pose a Threat, Even With Google's Manifest V3

 

Users have always found browser extensions to be a useful tool for increasing productivity and streamlining tasks. They have, however, become a prime target for malicious actors attempting to exploit flaws, impacting both individual users and companies. 

Despite efforts to boost security, several of these extensions have found ways to exploit vulnerabilities in Google's latest extension framework, Manifest V3 (MV3). SquareX's recent research explained how these rogue extensions can continue to evade crucial security protections, exposing millions of users to risks such as data theft, malware, and unauthorised access to sensitive information. 

Google has always had troubles with Chrome addons. In June 2023, the company had to manually remove 32 vulnerable extensions that had been installed 72 million times before being removed. 

Google's previous extension framework, Manifest Version 2 (MV2), was notoriously unstable. It frequently granted excessive rights to extensions and allowed scripts to be introduced without user knowledge, making it less complicated for cybercriminals to steal data, access sensitive information, and install malware.

In response, Google launched Manifest V3, which intended to improve security by limiting permissions and requiring extensions to declare their scripts in advance. While MV3 was supposed to address the vulnerabilities found in MV2, SquareX's study indicates that it falls short in important areas. 

Malicious extensions built on MV3 can still circumvent security measures and grab live video streams from collaboration services such as Google Meet and Zoom Web without requiring specific permission. They can even add unauthorised contributors to private GitHub repositories and send users to phishing pages masquerading as password managers. 

Furthermore, these malicious extensions, like their MV2 counterparts, can access browser history, cookies, bookmarks, and download history by displaying a fake software update pop-up that dupes users into downloading the malware. 

Once the malicious extension is installed, individuals and businesses are unable to notice its activity, leaving them vulnerable. Endpoint protection, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Secure Web Gateways (SWG) are examples of security solutions that cannot dynamically assess potential risks in browser extensions. 

SquareX has created a number of solutions targeted at enhancing browser extension security in order to address these issues. Their strategy includes customised rules that let administrators choose which extensions to accept or ban depending on user ratings, reviews, update history, and extension permissions.

This system can prevent network requests from extensions in real time using policies, machine learning insights, and heuristic analysis. Additionally, SquareX is experimenting with dynamic analysis of Chrome extensions using a customised Chromium browser on its cloud server, which will provide greater insights into the behaviour of potentially malicious extensions.
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Wordpress Vulnerability
brute-force protection CVE-2024-50550 Cyber Security LiteSpeed Cache plugin Patchstack plugin security role simulation Security flaw Unauthorized access update LiteSpeed Cache Wordpress Vulnerability

Critical Security Vulnerability Found in LiteSpeed Cache Plugin: Urgent Update Advised for WordPress Users

 

A significant security flaw has been uncovered in the LiteSpeed Cache plugin, used by over 6 million WordPress sites, which could allow unauthorized visitors to gain administrator-level access. The vulnerability stems from a weakness in the plugin's role simulation feature, making it possible for attackers to bypass security and install harmful plugins.

The LiteSpeed Cache plugin, popular for site performance enhancements, is compatible with widely-used WordPress plugins like WooCommerce, bbPress, and Yoast SEO.

According to cybersecurity firm Patchstack, this vulnerability results from weak hash checks, which can be exploited under certain administrator-defined configurations. The issue is particularly pronounced when high run durations and minimal load limits are applied within the plugin's Crawler feature.

Listed as CVE-2024-50550, the vulnerability is concerning due to its susceptibility to brute-force attacks, enabling attackers to bypass essential security mechanisms.

Specific configurations that make this vulnerability more likely include:
  • Enabling the Crawler feature with run durations between 2500-4000 seconds
  • Setting the server load limit to 0
  • Activating role simulation for administrator-level users
  • Recommended Actions to Mitigate the Risk
  • In response, LiteSpeed has removed the role simulation feature and enhanced hash generation processes. The company has also shared plans with Patchstack to introduce more sophisticated random value generation in future updates to further safeguard against brute-force exploits.
Patchstack recommends that all LiteSpeed Cache users update to version 6.5.2 or later to mitigate these risks.

"This vulnerability underscores the importance of strong, unpredictable values for security hashes or nonces," Patchstack noted, adding that features like role simulation should always include robust access controls.

Additionally, administrators are advised to review plugin settings, optimizing configurations like Crawler run duration and load limits to strengthen security.
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Zero-day Flaw
Hash Password Security flaw Security Patch Vulnerabilities and Exploits Zero-day Flaw

Unofficial Patches Published for New Windows Themes Zero-Day Exploit

 

Free unofficial fixes are now available for a new zero-day flaw in Windows Themes that allows hackers to remotely harvest a target's NTLM credentials.

NTLM has been extensively exploited in NTLM relay attacks, in which threat actors force susceptible network devices to authenticate against servers under their control, and in pass-the-hash attacks, in which attackers exploit system vulnerabilities or deploy malicious software to steal NTLM hashes (hash passwords) from target systems. 

Once they acquire the hash, the attackers can impersonate the affected user, gaining access to sensitive data and expanding laterally throughout the now-compromised network. Microsoft indicated a year ago that it will drop the NTLM authentication technology in Windows 11. 

ACROS security experts uncovered the new Windows Themes zero-day (which has yet to be assigned a CVE ID) while working on a micropatch for a flaw tracked as CVE-2024-38030 that might reveal a user's credentials (reported by Akamai's Tomer Peled), which was itself a workaround for another Windows Themes spoofing vulnerability (CVE-2024-21320) fixed by Microsoft in January. 

According to Peled, "when a theme file specified a network file path for some of the theme properties (specifically BrandImage and Wallpaper), Windows would automatically send authenticated network requests to remote hosts, including user's NTLM credentials when such a theme file would be viewed in Windows Explorer.”

"This meant that merely seeing a malicious theme file listed in a folder or placed on the desktop would be enough for leaking user's credentials without any additional user action," ACROS Security CEO Mitja Kolsek stated. 

Even though Microsoft fixed CVE-2024-38030 in July, ACROS Security discovered another vulnerability that attackers may use to steal a target's NTLM credentials on all fully updated Windows versions, from Windows 7 to Windows 11 24H2. 

"So instead of just fixing CVE-2024-38030, we created a more general patch for Windows themes files that would cover all execution paths leading to Windows sending a network request to a remote host specified in a theme file upon merely viewing the file," Kolsek added. 

The firm is now offering free and unofficial security updates for this zero-day flaw via its 0patch micropatching service for all affected Windows versions until official patches from Microsoft are available, which have already been applied to all online Windows systems running the company's 0patch agent.

To install the micropatch on your Windows device, first create a 0patch account and then install the 0patch Agent. If no specific patching policy prevents it, the micropatch will be applied immediately without the need for a system restart once the agent is activated. 

However, it is crucial to remember that in this case, 0patch only delivers micropatches for Windows Workstation, as Windows Themes does not work on Windows Server until the Desktop Experience feature is deployed.
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