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Vulnerability
CISA Critical Exploits cyberattacks trending news News Vulnerabilities Vulnerability

CISA Warns of Critical Exploits in ProjectSend, Zyxel, and Proself Systems


Recently, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has discovered and added three critical vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. These vulnerabilities, impacting North Grid Proself, ProjectSend, and Zyxel firewalls, are being actively exploited, posing serious risks of data breaches and operational disruptions to unpatched systems. At the time of publishing, Zyxel acknowledged the issue and advised users to update their firmware promptly and strengthen admin credentials.

Vulnerabilities Identified in North Grid Proself, ProjectSend, and Zyxel Firewalls

North Grid Proself Vulnerability (CVE-2023-45727): A severe XML processing vulnerability in North Grid Proself has been identified, allowing attackers to bypass restrictions and access sensitive server data. Systems running versions older than 5.62, 1.65, and 1.08 are vulnerable to exploitation through maliciously crafted XML requests, which can extract sensitive account information.

ProjectSend Vulnerability (CVE-2024-11680): A critical authentication flaw in ProjectSend, an open-source file-sharing platform, has been flagged with a CVSS severity score of 9.8. Versions prior to r1720 are susceptible to attacks where malicious actors manipulate the options.php file using crafted HTTP requests. This enables them to create unauthorized accounts, upload webshells, and inject harmful JavaScript code. Security researchers from VulnCheck report that attackers are leveraging automated tools such as Nuclei and Metasploit to exploit this vulnerability.

Notably, exploitation attempts are marked by altered server configurations, including random strings in landing page titles—a trend observed since September 2024. Despite a patch being released in May 2023, over 4,000 exposed instances remain vulnerable.

Zyxel Firewall Vulnerability (CVE-2024-11667): Zyxel firewalls running firmware versions between V5.00 and V5.38 are vulnerable to a directory traversal attack. This flaw allows attackers to upload or download files via manipulated URLs within the web management interface, potentially compromising system integrity.

Exploitation Attempts and Mitigation Strategies

ProjectSend instances have been the primary focus of attackers. Public-facing systems have seen unauthorized user registrations—a setting not enabled by default—facilitating access for malicious actors. Webshells uploaded during these attacks are often stored in predictable directories, with filenames tied to timestamps and user data. Organizations are urged to review server logs to identify and address suspicious activities.

Under Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, federal agencies must prioritize these vulnerabilities, while CISA has recommended that private organizations take immediate action to mitigate the risks. Updating software, reviewing server configurations, and enhancing log analysis are critical steps to safeguard systems from exploitation.

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Vulnerabilities
CyberCrime Cybersecurity CyberThreat HM Surf macOS Microsoft Privacy Safari Vulnerabilities

HM Surf Bug in macOS Raises Data Privacy Concerns

 


Several vulnerabilities in the Safari web browser for macOS may have left users open to being spied on, having their data stolen, and acquiring other types of malware thanks to this security weakness. Specifically, the vulnerability arises from the special permissions Apple gives to its proprietary apps, and here, it is the browser, as well as the ease with which an attacker can obtain the important configuration files of an app. 

Ultimately, what it allows a user to do is to circumvent the Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) security layer on MacBooks that is designed to safeguard sensitive data from an attacker. CVE-2024-44133 has been rated as a "medium" severity vulnerability by the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), meaning that it has a 5.5 severity score as per the CVSS. According to the CVE-2024-44133 vulnerability report, attackers can bypass the user data protection methods implemented by the operating system by bypassing Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC). 

During the September 16 update for Mac Studio (2022 and later), iMac (2019 and later), Mac Pro (2019 and later), Mac Mini (2018 and later), MacBook Air (2020 and later), MacBook Pro (2018 and later), and iMac Pro (2017 and later), the vulnerability, also referred to as CVE-2024-44133, had been fixed. Please take note that this vulnerability will only impact devices that are managed by Mobile Device Management (MDM), not any other device. Typically, MDM managed devices are subject to policies and procedures set by the IT department of an organization, which is responsible for centrally managing and maintaining the devices.


According to Microsoft, the flaw has been named "HM Surf." By exploiting this vulnerability an attacker would be able to bypass macOS' Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) features and gain unauthorized access to a user's protected data, which they would have no control over. There is a possibility users may discover Safari's TCC in action while browsing a website that requires access to the camera or microphone when browsing through the website. It was noted by Apple in mid-September that a bug in macOS Sequoia 15 has been fixed by removing the vulnerable code. However, the bug does not seem to affect MDM-managed devices. As stated in the blog post, Microsoft’s Sequoia 15 release only protects Apple’s Safari web browser when it is installed. 

It was also pointed out that browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox don't have the same private entitlements as Apple applications, so they cannot bypass TCC checks like Apple applications can. Therefore, once TCC checks are approved, it is up to the app to maintain access to the privacy database as long as people have approved the checks. This vulnerability can be exploited by removing the TCC protection for the Safari browser directory and editing a configuration file in that directory. It is stated in Microsoft's response that it involves gaining access to the user's data, such as browsed pages, the camera, microphone, and location of the device, without the user's knowledge.

Users of macOS are strongly encouraged to apply these security updates as soon as possible so that their system will be protected. Using its behavior monitoring capabilities, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has detected activities associated with Adload, one of the most prevalent macOS threat families, which may be exploiting this vulnerability in some way. In addition to detecting and blocking CVE-2024-44133 exploitation, Windows Defender for Endpoint also detects and blocks anomalous modifications of the Preferences file through HM Surf or other mechanisms that potentially exploit the vulnerability.

According to Microsoft, it was TCC technology that first enabled them to learn how to bypass the technology when they discovered powerdir's vulnerability. Please remember that TCC, as its name implies, is a technology that prevents apps from accessing users' personal information when they are installed and that this includes services such as location services, camera and microphone devices, download directories, and others, without the user's knowledge or consent. 

In the world of mobile applications, the only legal way for them to gain access to these services is by approving a popup through their user interface, or if they approve per-app access via the settings in their operating system. This vulnerability, known as HM-Surf, may allow attackers to bypass key security features on macOS systems, which gives them a chance to gain access to sensitive data through the use of malicious code. It is possible that users who are not authorized to exploit the flaw could exploit macOS' own security functions, such as the sandboxing mechanisms and restrictions on file access. 

HM-Surf exploit is a vulnerability that allows attackers to gain enhanced privileges, which allows them to access sensitive data and files that would otherwise require a login and password. Initial warnings were raised about this vulnerability because it played a role in adware campaigns, where malicious actors used this loophole to install unwanted software on users' devices in order to profit from the vulnerability. There are, however, a lot more dangers than just adware; though, it is only the beginning. If the same vulnerability were weaponized, then it might even be used for more serious attacks, such as data exfiltration, surveillance, or even as a gateway to further malware infiltration in the near future. There is probably no doubt that HM-Surf's unique ability to bypass Apple's robust security architecture is one of the most troubling aspects of this malware. 

Security macOS is widely regarded as a secure platform, but the recent discovery of the HM-Surf vulnerability shows that even advanced systems are not immune to evolving cyber threats. This finding serves as a crucial reminder for users and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and adopt proactive measures to protect their digital environments. Microsoft's cybersecurity team uncovered HM-Surf, an exploit posing a serious risk to macOS. Their investigation revealed a program altering Google Chrome settings to grant unauthorized microphone and camera access while collecting user and device data. 

These actions suggested preparations for a second-stage payload that could further compromise the device. The culprit was identified as the well-known macOS adware "AdLoad." This malware hijacks browser traffic, inundates users with ads, harvests data, and transforms infected devices into botnet nodes for further malicious activity. Although Microsoft's findings aligned with HM-Surf techniques, the researchers could not conclusively link AdLoad to actively exploiting the vulnerability. 

Nevertheless, they warned that "attackers using a similar method to deploy a prevalent threat" underscored the need for enhanced protection. The HM-Surf vulnerability illustrates the risks associated with macOS, highlighting that no operating system is invulnerable to sophisticated attacks. Exploiting such weaknesses could lead to severe consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and the exposure of sensitive data. The evolving nature of these threats suggests that attackers are continuously refining their methods to bypass security measures.

To address these challenges, organizations must adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. This includes regular system updates, comprehensive monitoring, and user education on safe practices. Deploying advanced threat detection and real-time monitoring can help detect and mitigate attacks before they cause significant harm. Regular security assessments can also identify and address potential vulnerabilities. In summary, the emergence of the HM-Surf vulnerability is a stark reminder of the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity threats. For macOS users and businesses, this discovery emphasizes the need to act swiftly in strengthening defenses and protecting digital assets against evolving risks.
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Vulnerabilities
CPS critical Cyber Security Cyberattack Cybersecurity Digital Infrastructure National Security public safety Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure: A Growing Threat to Global Security

 

During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces launched two attacks on ball bearing factories in Schweinfurt, aiming to disrupt Germany’s ability to produce machinery for war. The belief was that halting production would significantly affect Germany’s capacity to manufacture various war machines.

This approach has a modern parallel in the cybersecurity world. A cyberattack on a single industry can ripple across multiple sectors. For instance, the Colonial Pipeline attack affected American Airlines operations at Charlotte Douglas Airport. Similarly, the Russian NotPetya attack against Ukraine spilled onto the internet, impacting supply chains globally.

At the 2023 S4 Conference, Josh Corman discussed the potential for cascading failures due to cyberattacks. The creation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s National Critical Functions was driven by the need to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across various critical sectors. Corman highlighted how the healthcare sector depends on several infrastructure sectors, such as water, energy, and transportation, to provide patient care.

The question arises: what if a cyber incident affected multiple segments of the economy at once? The consequences could be devastating.

What makes this more concerning is that it's not a new issue. The SQL Slammer virus, which appeared over two decades ago, compromised an estimated one in every 1,000 computers globally. Unlike the recent CrowdStrike bug, Slammer was an intentional exploit that remained unpatched for over six months. Despite differences between the events, both show that software vulnerabilities can be exploited, regardless of intent.

Digital technology now underpins everything from cars to medical devices. However, as technology becomes more integrated into daily life, it brings new risks. Research from Claroty’s Team82 reveals that insecure code and misconfigurations exist in software that controls physical systems, posing potential threats to national security, public safety, and economic stability.

Although the CrowdStrike incident was disruptive, businesses and governments must reflect on the event to prevent larger, more severe cyber incidents in the future.

Cyber-Physical Systems: A Shifting Threat Landscape

Nearly every facility, from water treatment plants to hospitals, relies on digital systems known as cyber-physical systems (CPS) to function. These systems manage critical tasks, but they also introduce vulnerabilities. Today, billions of tiny computers are embedded in systems across all industries, offering great benefits but also exposing the soft underbelly of society to cyber threats.

The Stuxnet malware attack in 2014, which disrupted Iran's nuclear program, was the first major cyber assault on CPS. Since then, there have been several incidents, including the 2016 Russian Industroyer malware attack that disrupted part of Ukraine’s power grid, and the 2020 Iranian attempt to attack Israeli water utilities. Most recently, Chinese hackers have targeted U.S. critical infrastructure.

These incidents highlight how cybercriminals and nation states exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure to understand weaknesses and the potential impact on security. China, for example, has expanded its objectives from espionage to compromising U.S. infrastructure to weaken its defense capabilities in case of a conflict.

The CrowdStrike Bug and Broader Implications

The CrowdStrike bug wasn’t a malicious attack but rather a mistake tied to a gap in quality assurance. Still, the incident serves as a reminder that our dependence on digital systems has grown significantly. Failures in cyber-physical systems—whether in oil pipelines, manufacturing plants, or hospitals—can have dangerous physical consequences.

Although attacks on CPS are relatively rare, many of these systems still rely on outdated technology, including Windows operating systems, which account for over 25% of vulnerabilities in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. Coupled with long periods of technological obsolescence, these vulnerabilities pose significant risks.

What would happen if a nation-state deliberately targeted CPS in critical infrastructure? The potential consequences could be far worse than the CrowdStrike bug.

Addressing the vulnerabilities in CPS will take time, but there are several steps that can be taken immediately:

  • Operationalize compensating controls: Organizations must inventory assets and implement network segmentation and secure access to protect vulnerable systems.
  • Expand secure-by-design principles: CISA has emphasized the need to focus on secure-by-design in CPS, particularly for medical devices and automation systems.
  • Adopt secure-by-demand programs: Organizations should ask the right questions of software vendors during procurement to ensure higher security standards.
Although CPS drive innovation, they also introduce new risks. A failure in one link of the global supply chain could cascade across industries, disrupting critical services. The CrowdStrike bug wasn’t a malicious attack, but it underscores the fragility of modern infrastructure and the need for vigilance to prevent future incidents
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Vulnerabilities
Baxer CISA Cyber Bugs Cyber Security Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cyberthreats Mitsubishi Products Vulnerabilities

CISA Identifies Industrial Cybersecurity Bugs in Baxter and Mitsubishi Products

 


A report published recently by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned about two new ICS vulnerabilities found in products widely used in healthcare, critical manufacturing, and other sectors susceptible to cybercrime activity. Among the affected products are Baxter's Connex Health Portal, as well as Mitsubishi Electric's MELSEC line of programmable controllers for the home and office. 

In response to the vulnerabilities found in the respective technologies, both vendors have released updates to plug the vulnerabilities and recommended mitigations for customers who wish to mitigate risk further. According to CISA's advisory, two vulnerabilities were identified in Baxter's Connex Health Portal (formerly Hillrom and Welch Allyn) that could be remotely exploited and have low attack complexity, which made them suitable for remote attacks. 

The CVE-2024-6795 vulnerability is one of the highest severity (CVSS score of 10.0) SQL injection vulnerabilities that an unauthenticated attacker could exploit to run arbitrary SQL queries on affected systems through one of the vulnerabilities, assignment CVE-2024-6795. It was described by CISA that this vulnerability would allow attackers to view, manipulate, and delete sensitive data, in addition to taking other administrator-level actions, including shutting down the database in some cases. As part of the U.S. 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) various advisory letters regarding industrial control systems (ICS) have been released, including one specifically for medical devices as well as two updates. As part of the project, we are developing advisories that serve to provide ICS owners with timely information about security threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits. It had previously been announced that the cybersecurity agency was deploying advisories across critical infrastructure sectors to warn users and technical administrators about ICS vulnerabilities and offer mitigation strategies. 

Hughes Network Systems has identified hardware vulnerabilities in its WL3000 Fusion software equipment that are caused by bugs in the hardware. This report contains updated information on vulnerabilities in Mitsubishi Electric's MELSEC iQ-R, Q, and L Series, as well as the MELSEC iQ-R, iQ-L Series, and the MELIPC Series, which are all produced by Mitsubishi Electric. During the CISA study, the vulnerability in the hardware architecture of the Baxter Connex Health Portal was also identified. 

CISA warned it in an advisory that Hughes' WL3000 Fusion Software deployed across critical infrastructure sectors appears to have several vulnerabilities that are not sufficiently protected such as credentials that are insufficiently protected and sensitive data that are not encrypted. The report states that if these vulnerabilities are exploited successfully, an attacker could gain access read-only to information associated with network configurations and terminal configurations, and otherwise gain access to confidential data. 

It is important to note that credentials for gaining access to device configuration information are stored in flash memory unencrypted. It is also possible with these credentials, to gain read-only access to information about the network configuration and terminal configuration. It has been assigned the designation CVE-2024-39278 as the vulnerability that needs to be addressed. The CVSS v3.1 base score was determined to be 4.2 out of a possible five points, and the CVSS v4 base score was calculated to be 5.1. 

A report by CISA also revealed that credentials for accessing device configurations were being transmitted using an unencrypted protocol that was not secure. These credentials would allow the administrator to access only the data associated with the configuration of the network and the terminals. The vulnerability has been identified as CVE-2024-42495 and it has been assigned a severity of critical. The CVSS v3.1 base score has been determined to be 6.5, and the CVSS v4 base score has also been calculated to be 7.1, based on the CVSS v3.1 and CVSS v4 scores. 

During publishing this advisory, Hughes Networks pointed out that the vulnerabilities had been corrected, which did not require any user action.  There is a risk of remote attackers, unauthenticated and remotely situated, running arbitrary SQL queries anywhere, at any time, including accessing, changing, and deleting sensitive data, as well as performing administrative operations on the database such as halting it. 

Two vulnerabilities in this system are associated with one CVE-2024-6795, and a CVSS v3.1 base score of 10.0 has been calculated for this vulnerability. A CISA report also indicated that the system was not appropriately protecting against an improper access control vulnerability in the application. As a result, an unauthorized user could have access to clinical and sensitive information about patients, as well as be able to change or delete information about the clinic. 

There has been a vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6796 and it has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2, which makes it a high vulnerability. As revealed by the advisory, Baxter is unaware of any exploits of these vulnerabilities or any compromises of personally identifiable information or health information related to this vulnerability. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has identified and flagged vulnerabilities in industrial control systems (ICS) used in products from Baxter and Mitsubishi. 

These vulnerabilities, which posed potential cybersecurity risks, were promptly addressed by both companies. Following their discovery, Baxter implemented the necessary patches to rectify the issues. As a result, no further action is required from users at this time. In addition to these remedial actions, CISA has issued general recommendations to mitigate future risks. One of the key suggestions is to minimize network exposure for all control system devices and systems, ensuring that they are not directly accessible from the internet. 

CISA further advises that control system networks and remote devices should be placed behind firewalls and segregated from business networks to enhance security. For instances where remote access is necessary, organizations are encouraged to adopt more secure solutions such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, CISA stresses the importance of maintaining up-to-date versions of VPN software, as vulnerabilities may exist in older versions. 

It is also emphasized that the overall security of the VPN is dependent on the security of the devices it connects to, underscoring the need for comprehensive security measures across all connected devices. By following these defensive measures, organizations can reduce the likelihood of exploitation and enhance the security of their industrial control systems against potential cyber threats.
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WordPress
Cache Plugin Cyber Attacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity CyberThreat LitesSpeed Patchstack Vulnerabilities WordPress

Critical LiteSpeed Cache Plugin Flaw CVE-2024-28000 Sparks a Surge in Cyberattacks

 


According to cyber security researchers, there is a critical security flaw in the LiteSpeed Cache plugin for WordPress that users can exploit without authentication to gain administrative privileges on the site. It is an all-in-one site acceleration plugin that features an exclusive server-level cache along with a suite of optimization features designed to make the websites more efficient with LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress. As a WordPress Multisite plugin, LowSide supports a wide range of plugins, including WooCommerce, bbPress, and Yoast SEO, for the best possible experience. 

There is no compatibility issue with ClassicPress when using LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress. In LiteSpeed Cache, which comes bundled with WordPress, there is a critical vulnerability that can allow attackers to take full control of millions of sites once a rogue admin account is created. This is an open-source and almost universally popular WordPress site acceleration plugin with over 5 million active installations, and it also supports WooCommerce, bbPress, ClassicPress, and Yoast SEO. It is available as a free download. 

In LiteSpeed Cache versions 6.3.0.1 and earlier, the plugin's user simulation feature has an unauthenticated privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2024-28000). As a result of this vulnerability, the highest bounty has been awarded in the history of bug bounty hunting for WordPress. This researcher has been rewarded USD 14,400 in cash through the Patchstack Zero Day program as part of this award. It would be great if anyone else interested in joining the community as well would be able to benefit from the program. 

This vulnerability has been automatically protected for all Patchstack users who have enabled protection, so they are no longer at risk. For only $5 per site per month, Patchstack offers a free Community account, where users can scan for vulnerabilities and apply protection for only $5 / site per month by creating a PatchStack account. It is the plugin's user simulation feature that is vulnerable to the vulnerability, as it uses a weak security hash as part of its security process. 

It must be said that the hash value is generated by using an insecure random number generator and the value is stored without being salted or related to a particular request made by the user.  The Patchstack security research tool warns that the hash is relatively easy to guess due to the limited number of possible values, which allows attackers to iterate through all possible hashes to discover the appropriate one and to simulate a user who is an administrator. 

This vulnerability affects all versions of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin for WordPress, from version 6.3.0.1 onwards. In addition, the plugin is susceptible to privilege escalation attacks. Certainly! Here is the rewritten information in a formal, expanded, and third-person tone: --- The security vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28000 in the LiteSpeed Cache plugin has been linked to a critical issue concerning the improper restriction of role simulation functionality. This flaw allows a user with access to a valid hash—discoverable through debug logs or susceptible to brute-force attacks—to alter their current user ID to that of an administrator. 

This, in turn, enables unauthenticated attackers to impersonate an administrator and utilize the `/wp-json/wp/v2/users` REST API endpoint to create a new user account with administrative privileges. The vulnerability is present in all versions of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin up to and including version 6.3.0.1. The vulnerability was addressed in LiteSpeed Cache version 6.4, released on August 13, 2024. Website administrators utilizing the plugin are strongly advised to update to this latest version to prevent exploitation. 

The urgency of this update is underscored by a report from Wordfence, a leading WordPress security provider, which disclosed that over 30,000 attacks targeting CVE-2024-28000 were blocked within a single day. This surge in attacks illustrates the swift adoption of this exploit by cybercriminals, who are leveraging the vulnerability to compromise WordPress installations. Currently, the attacks are predominantly directed at non-Windows-based WordPress sites. This is because the vulnerability exploits a PHP method called `sys_getloadavg()`, which is not available on Windows systems. 

Consequently, while Windows-based WordPress installations are not vulnerable to this specific exploit, other systems remain at significant risk. The flaw was reported to Patchstack's bug bounty program by security researcher John Blackbourn on August 1, 2024. The LiteSpeed development team promptly created and released a patch with LiteSpeed Cache version 6.4 on August 13. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can grant unauthenticated visitors administrator-level access, potentially allowing them to fully control compromised websites. 

This control includes installing malicious plugins, altering critical settings, redirecting traffic to harmful sites, distributing malware to visitors, or stealing user data. Additionally, in June 2024, the Wordfence Threat Intelligence team reported that a threat actor had compromised at least five plugins on WordPress.org, adding malicious PHP scripts to enable the creation of administrator accounts on affected websites. 

To protect against this vulnerability, Wordfence Premium, Wordfence Care, and Wordfence Response users were provided with a firewall rule effective from August 20, 2024. Users of the free version of Wordfence will receive similar protection starting on September 19, 2024.
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Vulnerabilities
Cyber Security Digital Communication email security Malware Detection Vulnerabilities

Email Security Vulnerabilities: Shocking Gaps in Malware Detection

Email Security Vulnerabilities: Shocking Gaps in Malware Detection

In an era where digital communication dominates, email remains a fundamental tool for personal and professional correspondence. However, recent research by web browser security startup SquareX has exposed alarming vulnerabilities in email security. 

The study, titled “Security Bite: iCloud Mail, Gmail, Others Shockingly Bad at detecting malware, Study Finds,” highlights the shortcomings of popular email service providers in safeguarding users from malicious attachments.

The State of Email Security

1. The Persistent Threat of Malicious Attachments

  • Despite advancements in cybersecurity, email attachments continue to be a prime vector for malware distribution.
  • Malicious attachments can carry viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other harmful payloads.
  • Users often unknowingly open attachments, leading to compromised devices and data breaches.

2. The SquareX Study

Researchers collected 100 malicious document samples, categorized into four groups:

  • Original Malicious Documents from Malware Bazaar
  • Slightly Altered Malicious Documents from Malware Bazaar (with changes in metadata and file formats)
  • Malicious Documents modified using attack tools
  • Basic Macro-enabled Documents that execute programs on user devices

These samples were sent via Proton Mail to addresses on iCloud Mail, Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and AOL.

3. Shockingly Bad Detection Rates

The study’s findings were alarming:

  • iCloud Mail and Gmail failed to deliver any of the malicious samples. Their malware detection mechanisms worked effectively.
  • Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and AOL delivered the samples, leaving users potentially exposed to threats.

Implications and Recommendations

1. User Awareness and Caution

  • Users must exercise caution when opening email attachments, even from seemingly legitimate sources.
  • Educate users about the risks associated with opening attachments, especially those from unknown senders.

2. Email Providers Must Step Up

  • Email service providers need to prioritize malware detection.
  • Regularly update and enhance their security protocols to prevent malicious attachments from reaching users’ inboxes.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to stay ahead of evolving threats.

3. Multi-Layered Defense

Implement multi-layered security measures:

  • Attachment Scanning: Providers should scan attachments for malware before delivery.
  • Behavioral Analysis: Monitor user behavior to detect suspicious patterns.
  • User Training: Educate users about phishing and safe email practices.

4. Transparency and Reporting

  • Email providers should transparently report their detection rates and improvements.
  • Users deserve to know how well their chosen service protects them.

What next?

Always think before you click. The SquareX study serves as a wake-up call for email service providers. As the digital landscape evolves, robust email security is non-negotiable. Let’s bridge the gaps, protect users, and ensure that our inboxes remain safe havens rather than gateways for malware.
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Vulnerabilities
AI workload scaling Anyscale CVE Cyber Security Cybersecurity hacking campaign python Ray Framework ShadowRay Vulnerabilities

Hackers Exploit Flaw in Ray Framework to Breach Servers

 

The Ray framework, a tool for scaling AI and Python workloads in open source, has been found vulnerable to multiple flaws that enable hackers to take control of devices and pilfer sensitive data. Cybersecurity researchers from Oligo disclosed their discoveries about a new hacking campaign named “ShadowRay”.

Operating since early September 2023, ShadowRay targeted various sectors including education, cryptocurrency, and biopharma by exploiting five distinct vulnerabilities in Ray. Four of these vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2023-6019, CVE-2023-6020, CVE-2023-6021, and CVE-2023-48023, were patched by Anyscale, the developer of Ray. However, the fifth vulnerability, labelled as a critical remote code execution (RCE) flaw and tracked as CVE-2023-48022, remained unaddressed.

Anyscale defended the unpatched vulnerability, stating that it was a deliberate decision rather than a bug, as Ray lacks built-in authentication. They indicated their intention to introduce authentication in a future release as part of a defense-in-depth strategy. Anyscale argued that exploitation of this RCE flaw would only be feasible in deployments deviating from their recommended network environment controls.

In contrast, Oligo criticized Anyscale's stance, highlighting that disputing the CVE left many developers unaware of potential security risks. They termed the unresolved CVE as a "shadow vulnerability", explaining that it could lead to breaches despite not being detected in static scans. 

Oligo observed numerous instances of the CVE-2023-48022 actively exploited in the wild, resulting in compromised Ray servers and the theft of sensitive data, including AI models and production database credentials, along with instances of cryptominer installations.


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wireless chargers
Academic attacks Cyber Security electromagnetic interference Researchers Security VoltSchemer Vulnerabilities wireless chargers

Researchers Develop 'VoltSchemer' Assaults Aimed at Wireless Charging Systems

 

A team of researchers from the University of Florida, collaborating with CertiK, a Web3 smart contract auditor, have uncovered potential security threats in wireless charging systems. Their research introduces new attack methods, named VoltSchemer, which exploit vulnerabilities in these systems by manipulating power supply voltages.

The VoltSchemer attacks, outlined in a research paper, target weaknesses in wireless charging setups, allowing attackers to disrupt charging devices, tamper with voice assistants, and override safety mechanisms outlined in the Qi standard. Notably, these attacks utilize voltage fluctuations from the power source, requiring no direct modifications to the chargers themselves.

While wireless chargers are generally considered more secure than wired alternatives due to their reliance on near-field magnetic coupling, the researchers argue that they are still susceptible to manipulation. By tampering with power signals, attackers could potentially compromise communication between the charger and the device being charged, leading to malicious actions.

The underlying issue lies in the susceptibility of wireless chargers to electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by voltage fluctuations. This interference can modulate the power signals transmitted by the charger, enabling attackers to manipulate the magnetic field produced and issue unauthorized commands to connected devices.

In their experiments, the researchers tested the VoltSchemer attacks on nine commercially available wireless chargers, all of which were found to be vulnerable. By inserting a disguised voltage manipulation device, such as a modified power port, between the power adapter and the charger, the researchers successfully executed the attacks.

The consequences of these attacks were significant, with charging smartphones experiencing overheating and devices such as key fobs, USB drives, SSD drives, and NFC cards being permanently damaged or destroyed. The researchers emphasize that the root cause of these vulnerabilities lies in the lack of effective noise suppression in certain frequency bands within wireless charging systems.

Overall, the findings highlight the potential risks associated with wireless charging technologies and underscore the need for improved security measures, especially in high-power systems like electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging.
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