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Windows
Cyber Attacks Fake Website Firefox RomCom Windows

Russian Hackers Use Firefox and Windows Vulnerabilities in Global Cyberattack

 



A sophisticated cyberattack carried out by the Russian cyber threat group RomCom APT has raised alarms within the global cybersecurity community. Exploiting two previously unknown zero-day vulnerabilities in Firefox and Windows, the attack, which took place in October, was able to infiltrate systems without any user interaction. This tactic marks a concerning escalation in cyberattack methods, highlighting the ever-growing sophistication of threat actors. 
 

How the Attack Unfolded 

 
RomCom APT used two critical vulnerabilities to carry out its campaign: 
 
1. Firefox Animation Timeline Vulnerability (CVE-2024-9680) 
 
A severe flaw in Firefox's animation timelines allowed the attackers to remotely execute malicious code. Rated 9.8 out of 10 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), the vulnerability was exploited through fake websites. Victims who visited these websites unknowingly downloaded malware disguised as the RomCom backdoor. Once installed, the malware silently redirected users to the legitimate websites they intended to visit, leaving them unaware of the compromise. This vulnerability also affected Tor, which shares a code base with Firefox, broadening its potential impact. 

2. Windows Task Scheduler Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49039) 
 
The second vulnerability resided in the Windows Task Scheduler, with a CVSS score of 8.8. This flaw allowed the attackers to bypass the security sandbox of the browser, escalating privileges and providing them with full access to the victim's system. With this level of control, RomCom hackers were able to execute further malicious activities undetected. 

 
Targets and Techniques 

 
RomCom APT deployed fake websites posing as well-known platforms, including ConnectWise, Devolutions, and Correctiv, to lure victims. The group targeted high-value sectors such as **insurance**, pharmaceuticals, defense, energy, and government institutions, with the majority of victims located in North America and Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the United States. 
 
RomCom is notorious for combining cybercrime with politically motivated espionage. This attack is part of a broader pattern targeting politically and economically sensitive sectors. Prompt responses from cybersecurity teams, including collaboration with security experts, helped prevent the attack from spreading widely, limiting its impact. 
 

Swift Vulnerability Patching 
 

Fortunately, both vulnerabilities were addressed promptly. Mozilla released a patch for the Firefox flaw on October 9, just 25 hours after it was notified. Similarly, Microsoft issued a patch for the Windows vulnerability on November 12. These swift responses underscore the importance of keeping systems updated, as timely patches are often the first line of defense against zero-day vulnerabilities. 

 
Cybersecurity Takeaways 

 
This attack serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for robust software maintenance and a proactive patch management strategy. Zero-day vulnerabilities are often exploited rapidly, making regular updates crucial for minimizing the risk of exploitation. While the RomCom attack was relatively short-lived, it underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats. Organizations and individuals alike must stay vigilant, prioritize timely software updates, and adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect against increasingly sophisticated attacks.   
 

Key Points for Cybersecurity Practitioners: 

  • Maintain Updated Software: Regular updates and patches are essential to protecting against zero-day vulnerabilities. 
  • Awareness of Emerging Threats: Understand and mitigate the risks associated with zero-click attacks and other advanced persistent threats. 
  • Strengthen Incident Response: Timely detection and rapid response are critical to minimizing the impact of cyberattacks.
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Windows
Check Point research CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity Cyberthreats GodLoader Godot Game iOS Linux macOS malware Windows

Godot Game Engine Targeted in Widespread Malware Attack

 


A newly identified malware threat, GodLoader, is targeting gamers globally by exploiting the Godot game development engine, according to a report from Check Point Research. This sophisticated attack has already impacted more than 1.2 million users across various platforms. 

How GodLoader Works 

 
GodLoader infiltrates devices by leveraging Godot’s .pck files, which package game assets. These files can embed harmful scripts that execute malicious code upon launching a game, effectively bypassing traditional antivirus detection. The malware primarily targets: 

-Windows 
- macOS 
- Linux 
- Android 
- iOS 

Check Point Research reported that hackers have infected over 17,000 systems in just the past three months. By utilizing Godot’s GDScript (a Python-like scripting language), attackers distribute malware via more than 200 GitHub repositories, often masked as legitimate game assets. 

Exploitation of Open-Source Trust 


Eli Smadja, Security Research Group Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, highlighted the exploitation of open-source platforms:  

"Cybercriminals have turned the flexibility of the Godot Engine into a vulnerability, spreading cross-platform malware like GodLoader by capitalizing on the trust users place in open-source software." 

Infected computers are not only compromised but may also be converted into cryptocurrency mining rigs through XMRig, rendering them unusable for other tasks. 

Stargazers Ghost Network: Distribution-as-a-Service (DaaS) 


The attackers used the Stargazers Ghost Network to distribute GodLoader. This platform, active since 2022, employs over 3,000 ghost GitHub accounts to create networks of malicious repositories. These repositories: 

- Host info stealers like RedLine, Lumma Stealer, Rhadamanthys, and RisePro. 
- Manipulate GitHub’s trending section by starring, forking, and subscribing to their own repositories to appear legitimate. 

During a campaign between September and October 2024, Check Point discovered four separate attacks targeting developers and gamers. These attacks aimed to distribute infected tools and games, enticing users to download malware through seemingly credible GitHub repositories. 

Broader Implications and Future Risks 


The malware’s ability to target multiple platforms significantly enlarges the attack surface, posing a growing threat to the gaming community. Experts warn that attackers could embed malware into cheats, mods, or cracks for popular Godot-built games, increasing the vulnerability of millions of gamers. 

The Stargazers Ghost Network has already earned over $100,000 by distributing malware through its DaaS platform. With its continuous evolution, this network poses an ongoing threat to both developers and users of the Godot engine. 

Call to Action for Developers and Gamers 


Industry experts emphasize the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity measures to counter such threats. Recommendations include: 

- Avoid downloading game assets from unverified sources. 
- Regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software. 
- Implement robust security practices when developing or downloading games built with Godot. 

As the gaming ecosystem continues to expand, vigilance and collaboration between developers and security researchers will be critical in mitigating threats like GodLoader and ensuring a safer gaming environment.
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Winos4.0
China Hackers malware Windows Winos4.0

Growing Use of Winos4.0 Toolkit Poses New Threat to Windows Users

 



Advanced hacking toolkit Winos4.0 spreads across the globe, security experts warn. Originally reported by Trend Micro, this new toolkit-just like known kits Cobalt Strike and Sliver-was connected to a string of recent cyber attacks in China, having initially spread through fake software downloads. This year, Fortinet reported that the toolkit is also disseminated through game-themed files, which now tends to expand and might pose a risk to a larger user base.


Attack Framework

Winso4.0 is a post-exploitation toolkit: after successfully gaining initial access to a system, the attackers use it for further invasion and domination. First, it was discovered inside the applications downloaded by users who considered it software in their interest, including VPNs or Google Chrome downloads for the Chinese market. Under the aliases Void Arachne or Silver Fox, the attackers entice users with these very popular applications full of malicious components designed to compromise their systems.

New strategies involve attackers using game applications, via which they have broadcasted Winos4.0, again targeting Chinese users mainly. This way, hackers change and utilise attractive downloads to penetrate devices.


Infection Stages

When one of such benign-looking files is downloaded by a victim, the Winos4.0 toolkit initiates a four-phase infection:

1. Stage 1: After installation, a DLL file you.dll, was retrieved from a remote domain. This file installed persistence on the device by setting values in the Windows Registry such that the malware would persist after the system restarts:.

2. Stage 2: At this step, the injected shellcode is loaded to download necessary APIs and communicate with a C2 server, which enables hackers to send commands and retrieve files from the infected device.

3. Stage 3: It fetches more encoded data from the C2 server in a second DLL file named上线模块.dll which saves to the Windows Registry to be used later, apart from updating server addresses to maintain an active link between the malware and its operators.

4. Final Stage: The last stage (login module.dll) will activate all main functions of the toolkit, including detailed system data gathering (like IP address and type of OS), detection of security tools, searching for crypto-wallets, and keeping a hidden backdoor. Through this backdoor connection, hackers can exfiltrate data, execute commands, and sustain their activity monitoring.

 

Evasion Techniques

Winos4.0 already has an inbuilt scanner for the detection of security products, including commercial products by Kaspersky, Avast, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes. It will then change its behaviour to avoid detection or even quit if the toolkit finds itself running in an environment that is under surveillance. This versatility makes the tool very dangerous when it gets into cybercriminals' hands.

 

Emerging Menace

The fact that the toolkit Winos4.0 is still being used and fine-tuned points towards the growing importance of this toolkit in cyberattack strategies. As explained by Fortinet, it is a versatile and powerful framework "designed for remote control of compromised systems." Ongoing activity like this indicates that Winos4.0 is becoming a tool hackers like to use to gain control over Windows machines.


Preventive Actions

Always ready for downloading is a constant warning from the security experts to users, especially when it comes to free softwares or games which seem popular.

Avoid downloading applications and other forms of files from unknown sources. Even verifying if the software or file is coming from a legitimate source may also save it from infection. Moreover, one's security software must be updated frequently.

Knowing the threats of Winos4.0 would prevent many users from this malicious software by making them aware of this sophisticated malware.


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Windows PC
Cyber Vulnerabilities CyberCrime Cybersecurity IP Address Kaspersky malware STeelFox Windows Windows PC

Windows PCs at Risk as SteelFox Malware Targets Driver Vulnerabilities

 


Several experts have warned that hackers are using malware to attack Windows systems with the intention of mining cryptocurrency and stealing sensitive information from their devices. The latest Kaspersky Security Report claims to have spotted tens of thousands of infected endpoints. Cybercriminals have obtained fake cracks and activators for several commercial software products, such as Foxit PDF Editor, JetBrains, or AutoCAD, which they are selling to users. 

There is a vulnerability in a driver called WinRing0.sys that is associated with some fake cracks. The victim of this attack has reintroduced the CVE-2020-14979 and the CVE-2021-41285 vulnerabilities back onto the system by adding this driver at the same time, two three-year-old vulnerabilities that extended the privileges of the attacker to the maximum possible. 

SteelFox is a malware package that has been designed to mine cryptocurrency and steal credit card details via SYSTEM privileges by taking advantage of the "bring your own vulnerable driver" attack method. In forums and torrent trackers, malware bundle droppers appear as crack tools. These tools act as crack tools that activate legitimate versions of various software, such as Foxit PDF Editor, JetBrains, and AutoCAD. 

To evade detection and evade detection, state-sponsored threat actors and ransomware groups are known to exploit vulnerable drivers to escalate privileges. As of late, however, this method seems to be extended to attack against information-stealing malware as well. According to Kaspersky researchers, the SteelFox campaign was discovered in August of this year, but they add that the malware has been active since February 2023 and has been distributed through various channels (such as torrents, blogs and forum posts) in the past few weeks. 

The Rhadamanthys data theft malware has been available for download for some time, but since July 2024 the virus' version has been updated with copyright-related themes in an ongoing phishing campaign. There is a large-scale cybercrime campaign being tracked by the checkpoint group under the name CopyRightAdamantys. In addition to targeting the U.S., Europe, East Asia, and South America, the organization targets other regions as well. 

The campaign tries to impersonate dozens of companies, while each email is sent from a different Gmail account, providing a tailored impersonation of the target company as well as a tailored language based on the targeted entity, according to a technical analysis provided by the company. In the case of impersonated companies, there is almost 70% of them from the entertainment/media/technology/software sector." 

There is an element that stands out about the attacks: the deployment of the Rhadamanthys stealer version 0.7, which, as described by Insikt Group, Recorded Future's security division, early last month, is utilized to carry out optical character recognition. Cisco Talos, an Israeli company that specializes in cyber security, disclosed last week that it had been targeting users of Facebook business and advertising accounts in Taiwan by delivering malware known as Lumma or Rhadamanthys, which is designed to steal information.

There are three components inside the RAR archive. A legitimate executable vulnerable to DLL side-loading, a malicious DLL containing the stealer payload, and a decoy document containing the stealer payload. After the binary has been executed, it will sideload the DLL file that will create the environment that will allow Rhadamanthys to be deployed. It is likely that the threat actors were using artificial intelligence tools to spread the malware, based on both the scale of the campaign and the variety of lures that were included in the campaign and the emails sent by the sender, which Check Point attributed to a possible cybercrime group. 

It seems likely that this campaign was orchestrated by a financially motivated cybercrime group and not a nation-state actor, particularly given the large number of organizations across multiple regions targeted in this campaign," he continued. In addition to its global reach, the use of automated phishing tactics, and the use of a variety of lures, this campaign demonstrates how attackers continue to enhance their success rates." 

As part of these findings, Kaspersky also revealed a full-featured crimeware bundle dubbed SteelFox, which has been spreading via forums posts, torrent trackers, and blogs, passing itself off as legitimate utilities like Foxit PDF Editor, JetBrains, and AutoCAD in order to steal personal information. In the last two years, the campaign of terrorism has claimed victims in nearly 50 countries. The majority of the victims were in Brazil, China, Russia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka, with many more in Brazil, China, Russia, and Mexico. 

At this point in time, there is no known threat actor or group associated with this attack. A security researcher, Kirill Korchemny, said: "Delivered via sophisticated execution chains, notably shellcode, this type of malware abuses both Windows services and drivers in an attempt to accomplish its objectives." As a result of it, he said that he used stealer malware to obtain details about the victim's device as well as his credit card information. 

A dropper program is the starting point of this setup, in the sense that it mimics cracked versions of popular software, so when it is run, the dropper application will request administrator permissions and drop a next-stage loader which, in turn, will establish persistence and launch the SteelFox module. It is Kaspersky's opinion that although SteelFox's C2 domain is hardcoded, it has managed to conceal its presence through the use of multiple IP addresses and using DNS over HTTPS to resolve its IP addresses in order to hide its presence. Although SteelFox attacks don't have specific targets, they seem to focus on users of AutoCAD, JetBrains, and Foxit's Adobe PDF Editor app. 

In accordance with Kaspersky's visibility information, Kaspersky indicates that the malware is compromising systems in Brazil, China, Russia, Mexico, the UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka among others. Researchers have identified a new and potent cyber threat: the SteelFox malware, a sophisticated crimeware bundle targeting Windows PCs through vulnerable drivers. This malware, still relatively new to the landscape, demonstrates advanced functionality and appears to be the product of a skilled C++ developer who has integrated multiple external libraries to enhance its capabilities. 

In a related development, analysts from FortiGuard Labs have reported the discovery of another malicious software framework named Winos4.0. This advanced framework, embedded in game-related applications, is engineered specifically to target Windows users. Originating as an evolved version of the Gh0strat malware, Winos4.0 enables attackers to remotely execute various actions, providing them with substantial control over compromised systems. The infection process for Winos4.0 is particularly deceptive. 

It spreads through game-related applications, such as installation utilities and performance enhancement tools, designed to appeal to gamers and other Windows users. Once an individual downloads and installs one of these compromised applications, a seemingly harmless BMP file is retrieved from a remote server. This file subsequently extracts and activates the Winos4.0 DLL file, initiating the malware’s operations. 

In its initial phase, Winos4.0 sets up an environment for deploying further modules and establishes persistence on the infected machine by modifying system registry keys or creating scheduled tasks. Through this multi-stage infection process, Winos4.0 builds a durable foothold on affected devices, opening avenues for continuous exploitation and control.
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Windows
Cyber Security JPCERT Logs Ransomware Windows

JPCERT Explains How to Identify Ransomware Attacks from Windows Event Logs

 




Japan Computer Emergency Response Team (JPCERT/CC) has published guidance on early identification of ransomware attacks in the system using Windows Event Logs. Probably by reviewing these logs, firms would identify some signs or clues of an existing ransomware attack and find themselves in a position to forestall this threat from spreading across the network.

JPCERT/CC stresses that the discovery of ransomware as early in the attack as possible is extremely important. Many ransomware variants leave apparent traces in Windows Event Logs, and that particular knowledge might be useful for cybersecurity teams to discover and finally stop attacks before they spread further. It's a strategy especially valuable in identifying the type of attack and tracing how ransomware might have entered the system.


Types of Event Logs to Monitor

The agency recommends checking four main types of Windows Event Logs, namely: Application, Security, System, and Setup logs. These types can carry some very important clues left by ransomware along with how it came into the environment and what systems are under attack.


Identifiable Ransomware Signatures in Event Logs

This JPCERT/CC report includes several specific log entries associated with certain ransomware families, which indicate that this was an active attack.

  • Conti Ransomware: This malware typically generates a broad set of logs associated with the Windows Restart Manager, observable through their event IDs 10000 and 10001. The variants such as Akira, Lockbit3.0, HelloKitty, and Bablock all generate almost identical logs because they share code from Lockbit and Conti.

Others, such as 8base and Elbie, also create similar patterns along with traces related to this malware.

  • Midas: This malware changes network configurations to spread across machines. It creates logs having an event ID of 7040.

  • BadRabbit- BadRabbit mostly creates logs with an event ID of 7045 when it instals the encryption modules, further suggesting an attack in progress.

  • Bisamware  Generates entries at both ends of Windows Installer transactions. The event IDs are 1040 and 1042.

Other older ransomware families, like Shade, GandCrab, and Vice Society, similarly display the same event patterns. They especially generate errors with event IDs 13 and 10016, linked to the failed access attempts to COM applications. The reason behind it is ransomware tries to remove Volume Shadow Copies so the victims won't be able to recover encrypted files.


Event Log Monitoring: Not a Silver Bullet But a Mighty Defence

Monitoring these specific Windows Event Logs can certainly prove extremely useful in identifying ransomware, though JPCERT/CC believes such should only be part of the total security strategy. This would truly be transformational were early detection to be combined with other control measures against spreading the attack.

Surprisingly, this method is much more potent for newer ransomware variants rather than those already in the wild, like WannaCry and Petya, which left very minor traces in Windows logs. As ransomware continues to progress, the patterns they leave behind in logs are becoming very obvious, and log monitoring will be more of a good ear for today's cybersecurity infrastructure.

In 2022, another well-known cybersecurity group also published a SANS ransomware detection guide from Windows Event Logs. Both sources point out how ransomware detection has evolved with time, helping organisations better prepare for such threats.


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Windows
Authentication CVE-2024-8260 Cyber Security NTLM OPA Patch relay Tenable Vulnerability Windows

Critical Flaw in Open Policy Agent Exposed NTLM Credentials, Patch Released

 

A now-resolved security vulnerability in Styra's Open Policy Agent (OPA) could have exposed New Technology LAN Manager (NTLM) hashes, potentially leading to credential leakage. If exploited, the flaw allowed attackers to capture the NTLM credentials of the OPA server’s local user account and send them to a remote server. From there, they could either crack the password or relay the authentication, according to a report by cybersecurity firm Tenable, shared with The Hacker News.

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-8260 and classified as a Server Message Block (SMB) force-authentication flaw, affected both the Command Line Interface (CLI) and the Go software development kit (SDK) on Windows. The issue arose from improper input validation, enabling unauthorized access by leaking the Net-NTLMv2 hash of the logged-in user on the Windows device running OPA.

Exploiting this vulnerability required specific conditions: the victim had to initiate outbound SMB traffic over port 445, gain an initial foothold through social engineering, or run the OPA CLI using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path rather than a Rego rule file.

Tenable security researcher Shelly Raban explained that when a Windows machine accesses a remote share, it sends the NTLM hash of the local user to authenticate to the remote server. Attackers can capture these credentials to perform relay attacks or crack the password offline. Following the responsible disclosure in June 2024, the issue was patched in version 0.68.0, released on August 29, 2024.

Tenable emphasized the importance of securing open-source projects to avoid exposing vendors and users to potential threats. The disclosure of this vulnerability coincides with Akamai's revelation of a privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2024-43532) in Microsoft's Remote Registry Service, which also involved NTLM relay attacks.

Microsoft, in response to NTLM vulnerabilities, reiterated its commitment to replace NTLM with Kerberos in Windows 11 to enhance authentication security.
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Windows
Antivirus Memory Integrity Microsoft performance Protection Ransomware Security system Technology Virtualization Windows

How to Enhance Your Windows Security with Memory Integrity

 

Windows Security, the antivirus program built into Microsoft’s operating system, is generally sufficient for most users. It provides a decent level of protection against various threats, but a few important features, like Memory Integrity, remain turned off by default. This setting is crucial as it protects your system’s memory from malicious software that attempts to exploit Windows drivers, potentially taking control of your PC.

When you enable Memory Integrity, it activates Virtualization Based Security (VBS). This feature separates the code verification process from the operating system, creating a secure environment and adding an additional layer of protection. Essentially, VBS ensures that any code executed on your system is thoroughly checked, preventing malicious programs from sneaking through Windows’ defenses.

However, Microsoft disables Memory Integrity by default to maintain smoother app performance. Some applications may not function properly with this feature on, as the extra layer of security can interfere with the way certain programs execute code. For users who prioritize app performance over security, this trade-off may seem appealing.

But for those concerned about malicious attacks, enabling Memory Integrity is a smart choice. It prevents malware from bypassing the usual system checks, providing peace of mind when dealing with potential security threats. On older PCs, though, you might notice a slight reduction in performance once Memory Integrity is activated.

Curious to see how your system handles this extra protection? Enabling and disabling Memory Integrity is a simple process. First, type “Windows Security” into the search bar or Start menu. Under Device Security, you may see a notification if Memory Integrity is off. Click Core Isolation, then toggle Memory Integrity on. To deactivate it, return to the same settings and flip the switch off.

It’s not just Memory Integrity that comes disabled by default in Windows. Microsoft leaves certain protections off to strike a balance between security and user experience. Another useful feature you can enable is ransomware protection, which safeguards specific folders and prevents unauthorized apps from locking you out of your data. Similarly, you can turn on advanced app screening to block potentially harmful programs.

While leaving Memory Integrity and other protections off can offer a smoother computing experience, activating them significantly strengthens your system’s defenses against cyber threats. It’s a choice between performance and security, but for those prioritizing protection, flipping these settings on is an easy step towards a safer PC.
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Windows
Advanced Technology Microsoft Microsoft Copilot Security Feature Windows

Windows 11’s Recall feature is Now Ready For Release, Microsoft Claims

 

Microsoft has released an update regarding the Recall feature in Windows 11, which has been on hold for some time owing to security and privacy concerns. The document also details when Microsoft intends to move forward with the feature and roll it out to Copilot+ PCs. 

Microsoft said in a statement that the intention is to launch Recall on CoPilot+ laptops in November, with a number of protections in place to ensure that the feature is safe enough, as explained in a separate blog post. So, what are these measures supposed to appease the critics of Recall - a supercharged AI-powered search in Windows 11 that uses regular screenshots ('snapshots' as Microsoft calls them) of the activity on your PC - as it was originally intended? 

One of the most significant changes is that, as Microsoft had previously informed us, Recall will only be available with permission, rather than being enabled by default as it was when the function was first introduced. 

“During the set-up experience for Copilot+ PCs, users are given a clear option whether to opt-in to saving snapshots using Recall. If a user doesn’t proactively choose to turn it on, it will be off, and snapshots will not be taken or saved,” Microsoft noted. 

Additionally, as Microsoft has stated, snapshots and other Recall-related data would be fully permitted, and Windows Hello login will be required to access the service. In other words, you'll need to check in through Hello to prove that you're the one using Recall (not someone else on your PC). 

Furthermore, Recall will use a secure environment known as a Virtualization-based Security Enclave, or VBS Enclave, which is a fully secure virtual computer isolated from the Windows 11 system that can only be accessed by the user via a decryption key (given with the Windows Hello sign-in).

David Weston, who wrote Microsoft’s blog post and is VP of Enterprise and OS Security, explained to Windows Central: “All of the sensitive Recall processes, so screenshots, screenshot processing, vector database, are now in a VBS Enclave. We basically took Recall and put it in a virtual machine [VM], so even administrative users are not able to interact in that VM or run any code or see any data.”

Similarly, Microsoft cannot access your Recall data. And, as the software giant has already stated, all of this data is stored locally on your machine; none of it is sent to the cloud. This is why Recall is only available on Copilot+ PCs - it requires a strong NPU for acceleration and local processing to function properly. 

Finally, Microsoft addresses a previous issue about Recall storing images of, say, your online banking site and perhaps sensitive financial information - the tool now filters out things like passwords and credit card numbers.
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Windows
AMD Linux malware Sinkclose Windows

Experts Find Sinkclose Bug in Millions of AMD Processors, Hard to Patch

Experts Find Sinkclose Bug in Millions of AMD Processors, Hard to Patch

A recently found major security flaw called 'Sinkclose' impacts virtually all of the AMD's processors released since 2006. The vulnerability allows threat actors to deeply infiltrate into a system, making it difficult to identify and eliminate the malicious software. According to experts, the problem is serious, in some cases, it would be easier to just dump the system than to fix it.

About Sinkclose Bug

But there is a good side to it, since the flaw has not been found for 18 years, chances are it hasn't been exploited. Additionally, AMD is patching its platforms to protect the affected processors, however, not all have received a patch yet. See this list for full details.

Sinkclose is known for escaping anti-viruses and persistence even after reinstalling OS. The bug allows threat actors to execute code within AMD processors' SMM (System Management System), a privileged region kept for critical firmware operations. To use the flaw, threat actors must first gain access to the system's kernel, a difficult task, but doable. But the system must already have been targeted by some other attack.

Persistent Threat

After securing the access, the Sinkclose vulnerability lets the attackers install bootkit malware that escapes detection by antivirus tools, staying hidden within the system and persists even after re-installing the OS.

The flaw uses a feature in AMD chips called TClose, which maintains compatibility with older devices. By exploiting this feature, the experts could redirect the processor to execute their code at the SMM level. The process is complicated but lets attackers with access and control over the device.

Flaw Needs Kernel-level Access

Cybersecurity experts Krzysztof Okupski and Enrique Nissim from IOActive found the Sinkclose vulnerability, they will present it at the Defcon conference."To take advantage of the vulnerability, a hacker has to already possess access to a computer's kernel, the core of its operating system," AMD said to Wired.

Experts highlight that although the Sinkclose exploit needs kernel-level access, the flaws at this level are found in Linux and Windows systems. Advanced state-sponsored hackers might already have what it takes to exploit these flaws. 

Experts suggest kernel exploits are readily available, which makes Sinkclose the second stage for the threat actors. To eliminate the malware, one must open the computer and connect to a particular part of its memory using an SPI Flash programmer, inspect the memory with caution, and then remove the malware. 

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Windows
CrowdStrike Microsoft System Bug Technology Windows

CrowdStrike Explains Root Cause of Globat IT Outage

CrowdStrike Explains Root Cause of Globat IT Outage

In July 2023, we witnessed a large-scale global breakdown impacting over 8.5 million Microsoft users. The reason? A software update that turned into chaos. Leading cybersecurity company CrowdStrike recently published its root cause analysis, providing insights on the incident. Let's understand what happened.

The Global IT Outage

The incident started with a routine software update. Microsoft users worldwide were waiting for new features and security updates. But an update had a secret landmine- a hidden sensor within CrowdStrike's Falcon software.

The Repercussions

The damage was sudden and severe. Organizations stopped working, government agencies had problems, and important services were hindered. The breakdown underscored our reliance on tech and the downside of interconnected systems.

The Root Problem

Sensor Defect

CrowdStrike's Falcon software overlooks network security, identifying threats and anomalies. The fault sensor was in the update and triggered a chain reaction. It misunderstood genuine traffic as suspicious, which led to worldwide chaos.

Lack of Testing

Experts have underscored the need for rigorous testing, questions were raised about the presence of critical bugs. The answers lie in the hasty development cycles and rush to meet the deadlines. Quality control was ignored, resulting in dangerous consequences.

Preventive Measures

  • CrowdStrike has acknowledged the mistake and is taking preventive measures to avoid such incidents in future:
  • It now conducts exhaustive testing, simulating various scenarios before deploying updates. Rigorous checks ensure no hidden surprises.
  • The company commits to transparency. Users will receive detailed release notes, highlighting changes and potential risks.
  • CrowdStrike collaborates with other cybersecurity firms and Microsoft itself. Sharing insights and best practices strengthens the ecosystem.

Takeaways

For Users

  • Vigilance: Stay informed about software updates. Read release notes and understand changes.
  • Backup Plans: Prepare for outages. Regular backups and redundancy can save the day.

For Developers

  • Quality Over Speed: Rushed releases lead to disasters. Prioritize quality assurance.
  • Test Thoroughly: Test, retest, and then test some more. Remember to consider the impact of a single line of code.

The CrowdStrike-Microsoft debacle serves as a wake-up call. The hyper-connected reality has weaknesses too,  a minor glitch can turn into global turmoil.

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Windows
Cyber Security US Government Vulnerability management Window Systems Windows

Microsoft Update Alert: 70% Of Windows Users Are Now At Risk

 

Microsoft's end-of-support date for Windows 10 is approaching on October 14, 2025, and the operating system is already facing a serious security threat. With 70% of Windows users still operating Windows 10, the situation in terms of cyber-attacks has become increasingly perilous. This security bug has major consequences for individuals and organisations who rely on Windows 10. 

What's happening?

A 2018 Windows flaw has been added to the US government's known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) database, cautioning of potential privilege escalation assaults and remote code execution. Researchers believe that the vulnerability, CVE-2018-0824, was exploited by the Chinese hacker outfit APT41. This threat actor is supported by the Ministry of State Security and has a high level of seriousness because it targets both government and private organisations. 

The US government has warned people to fix or stop using Windows if there is any risk by August 26. If this is not done, users will remain vulnerable to assaults. This vulnerability will not affect Windows 11. Additionally, it would not harm updated Windows systems, emphasising the importance of upgrades for users. The warnings appear to be insufficient, as many users continue to use Windows 10, with only 30% having updated their systems to Windows 11. 

Furthermore, as the end-of-support date approaches, hundreds of scam emails are likely to target Windows 10 customers' inboxes. The hackers would take advantage of this situation and jeopardise the security of users' data and systems, resulting in data breaches and other serious consequences such as system compromise and financial losses. 

Take a look at Reddit or the comments on this post to see the enormous number of Windows users who are waiting for Microsoft to pull a late rabbit out of the bag and expand Windows 10 support. It is unclear how this will affect all those who have invested in upgrading. 

Given the recent experience, with global images of blue screens of death all around, come October, this could be a hackers' paradise for a while. Another aspect to consider is that malicious actors would take advantage of the situation and send out scam after scam to nervous Windows 10 users.
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Windows
Business Safety Cyber Security Linux Microsoft Safety Windows

Report: macOS Most Vulnerable to Endpoint Attacks Compared to Windows and Linux

 

A new report from Picus Security has unveiled a concerning vulnerability in many IT environments: a high risk of complete takeover through escalated privileges. 

Simulated attacks revealed that while organizations can typically defend against seven out of ten attacks, the persistent threat of sophisticated cybercrime syndicates leaves a substantial margin for error.

Full environment takeovers occur when attackers gain administrator-level access, enabling them to freely navigate and compromise systems. Alarmingly, Picus successfully achieved domain admin access in 40% of the tested environments.

While Linux and Windows demonstrated relatively strong defenses against endpoint attacks, macOS proved significantly more vulnerable, raising concerns about its security posture. Picus CTO Volkan Ertürk emphasized the need for increased focus on securing macOS systems, recommending the use of threat repositories like the Picus Threat Library to identify and address vulnerabilities.

The report also highlighted the prevalence of basic security lapses, with a quarter of companies using easily guessable passwords and a mere 9% effectively preventing data exfiltration. Cybercrime groups like BlackByte, BabLock, and Hive posed the most significant challenges for organizations.

“Like a cascade of falling dominoes that starts with a single push, small gaps in cybersecurity can lead to big breaches,” said Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan, Picus co-founder and VP of Picus Labs.

It's clear that organizations are still experiencing challenges when it comes to threat exposure management and balancing priorities. Small gaps that lead to attackers obtaining domain admin access are not isolated incidents, they are widespread. Last year, the attack on MGM used domain admin privileges and super admin accounts. It stopped slot machines, shut down virtually all systems, and blocked a multi-billion-dollar company from doing business for days,” Ozarslan said.

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Windows
Google Google Chrome Password Manager Technology Windows

Passwords Vanish for 15 Million Windows Users, Google Says "Sorry"

Passwords Vanish for 15 Million Windows Users, Google Says "Sorry"

Google says “sorry” after a bug stopped Windows users from finding or saving their passwords. The issue began on 24th July and stayed till 25th July, before it was fixed. The problem, google said was due to “a change in product behavior without proper feature guard,” an incident sharing similarities with the recent Crowdstrike disruption.

The disappearing password problem affected Chrome users worldwide, causing them trouble finding saved passwords. Users even had trouble finding newly saved passwords. Google has fixed the issue now, saying the problem was in the M127 version of Chrome Browser on Windows devices.

Who were the victims?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact numbers, but based on Google’s 3 Billion Chrome users worldwide, with the majority of Chrome users, we can get a positive estimate. According to experts, around 15 million users experienced the vanishing password problem.  "Impacted users were unable to find passwords in Chrome's password manager. Users can save passwords, however it was not visible to them. The impact was limited to the M127 version of Chrome Browser on the Windows platform," said Google.

The password problem is now fixed

Fortunately, Google has now fixed the issue, users only need to restart their Chrome browsers. “We apologize for the inconvenience this service disruption/outage may have caused,” said Google. If a user has any inconveniences beyond what Google has covered, they are free to contact Google Workplace Support.

Chrome Password Manager: How to use it?

Google's Chrome password manager may be accessed through the browser's three-dot menu by selecting Passwords & Autofill, then Google Password Manager. Alternatively, you can install the password manager Chrome app from the password manager settings and then access it from the Google Apps menu. If Chrome invites you to autofill a password, clicking Manage Passwords will take you directly there.

Things that went missing besides passwords recently

According to cybersecurity reporter Brian Krebs, the email verification while creating a new Google Workplace Account also went missing for a few Chrome users. 

The authentication problem, which is now fixed, allowed threat actors to skip the email verification needed to create a Google Workplace account, allowing them to mimic a domain holder at third-party services. This allowed a threat actor to log in to third-party services like a Dropbox account.  

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Windows reboot loop
Azure outage CrowdStrike CrowdStrike outage Cyber Security Cybersecurity Incident faulty software update global IT crisis Windows Windows reboot loop

Recent IT Meltdown: CrowdStrike Update Causes Global Chaos, Predicted Hours Earlier on Reddit

 

Only a few times in history has a single piece of code instantly wreaked havoc on computer systems globally. Examples include the Slammer worm of 2003, Russia’s NotPetya cyberattack targeting Ukraine, and North Korea’s WannaCry ransomware. However, the recent digital catastrophe over the past 12 hours wasn't caused by hackers, but by the software meant to protect against them.

Two major internet infrastructure issues converged on Friday, causing widespread disruptions across airports, train systems, banks, healthcare organizations, hotels, and television stations. The trouble began on Thursday night with a widespread outage on Microsoft's cloud platform, Azure. By Friday morning, things worsened when CrowdStrike released a flawed software update, causing Windows computers to reboot repeatedly. Microsoft stated that the two failures are unrelated.

The cause of one disaster was identified: a faulty update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon monitoring product. This antivirus platform, which requires deep system access, aims to detect malware and suspicious activity. However, the update inadvertently caused the system to crash. Mikko Hyppönen of WithSecure noted that this is unprecedented in its global impact, although similar issues were more common in the past due to worms or trojans.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz explained that the problem was due to a defect in the code released for Windows, leaving Mac and Linux systems unaffected. A fix has been deployed, and Kurtz apologized for the disruption. CrowdStrike’s blog revealed that the crash was caused by a configuration file update aimed at improving Falcon’s malware detection capabilities, which triggered a logic error leading to system crashes.

Security analysts initially believed the issue was due to a kernel driver update, as the file causing the crash ended in .sys, the extension for kernel drivers. Despite CrowdStrike clarifying that it wasn’t a kernel driver, the file altered the driver’s functionality, causing the crash. Matthieu Suiche of Magnet Forensics compared the risk of running security software at the kernel level to “open-heart surgery.”

Microsoft requires approval for kernel driver updates but not for configuration files. CrowdStrike is not the first to cause such crashes; similar issues have occurred with updates from Kaspersky and Windows Defender. CrowdStrike’s global market share likely contributed to the widespread impact, potentially causing a chain reaction across web infrastructure.

The outages had severe consequences worldwide. In the UK, Israel, and Germany, healthcare services and hospitals faced disruptions, while emergency services in the US experienced issues with 911 lines. TV stations, including Sky News in the UK, had to stop live broadcasts. Air travel was significantly affected, with airports using handwritten boarding passes and airlines grounding flights temporarily.

The incident highlights the fragility and interconnectedness of global digital infrastructure. Security practitioners have long anticipated such vulnerabilities. Ciaran Martin of the University of Oxford noted the event’s powerful illustration of global digital vulnerabilities.

The update’s extensive impact puzzled experts. CrowdStrike’s significant market share suggests the update triggered crashes in various parts of the web infrastructure. Hyppönen speculated that human error might have played a role in the update process.

As system administrators work to fix the issue, the larger question of preventing similar crises looms. Jake Williams of Hunter Strategy suggested that CrowdStrike’s incident might prompt demands for changes in how updates are managed, emphasizing the unsustainability of pushing updates without IT intervention.

Redditor Predicted CrowdStrike Outage Hours Before Global IT Chaos

A Reddit user, u/King_Kunta_, predicted vulnerabilities in CrowdStrike's systems just hours before the company caused a massive global IT outage. The user called CrowdStrike a "threat vector," suggesting it was susceptible to exploits that could lead to widespread damage. Initially, users dismissed the claims, but their tune changed dramatically after the outage occurred.

One commenter noted, "He tells us that CrowdStrike is a threat vector. A few hours later, every computer in the world with the CrowdStrike client installed goes blue screen. The single biggest global PC system collapse in history. Just uncanny."

Amidst the chaos, CrowdStrike's CEO George Kurtz reassured the public via X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Today was not a security or cyber incident. Our customers remain fully protected," and confirming that the issue was due to an update error, not a cyberattack.

Despite reassurances, many were left suspicious and impressed by the timing and accuracy of the Reddit post. One user aptly summed up the sentiment: "There’s no way the timing of this crazy post aligns so perfectly."
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Windows
CISA Cyberattacks Cybercirme Cyberhackers CyberThreat HHS Microsoft Vulnerabilities and Exploits Windows

Microsoft Announces New Deadlines for Windows Updates

 


A July 4 deadline for Windows users who have not updated their systems is fast approaching. It was only two weeks ago that a two-week-old security vulnerability found in Windows was found to have been reactivated. Despite Microsoft's claim that CVE-2024-26169 is not exploitable, Symantec's security researchers believe otherwise, finding “some evidence” that attackers might have prepared an exploit for the CVE-2024-26169 vulnerability before patching the vulnerability. 

As of last month, several U.S. government agencies – including CISA and the FBI – have collaborated on a Cybersecurity Alert which warns that “Black Basta affiliates have compromised a wide range of critical infrastructure, businesses, and industries throughout North America, Europe and Australia.” There are over 500 organizations in the world that have been affected by Black Basta affiliates in the year 2024. 

Several organizations have released the joint CSA, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), to provide information regarding the Black Basta attacks, which are referred to hereafter as the authoring organizations. A variant of ransomware known as Black Basta has encrypted and stolen data from at least 12 out of 16 critical infrastructure sectors, including the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) sector. 

The FBI has conducted investigations into Black Basta and third parties have reported on these TTPs and IOCs. This is a ransomware-as-a-service variant that was first detected in April 2022 and is considered a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) variant. It is believed that the Black Basta ransomware will have affected more than 500 organizations globally by May 2024, affecting a wide range of businesses in North America, Europe, and Australia as well as critical infrastructures. 

Black Basta is a Russian-linked ransomware that originated in early 2022. It was used to attack over 329 organizations around the world and has grown to become one of the fourth most active strains of ransomware based on the number of victims. According to the group, they are using double-extortion tactics to extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data unless the victim is willing to pay a ransom. Several researchers have suggested that BlackBasta may have originated as a part of Conti Group, a ransomware gang that has been in operation for quite some time now. 

It has been revealed through the leak of Conti’s online chats that the group had ties to the Russian government and that it supported the invasion of Ukraine. The group ended in May 2022, but its online chats were leaking this information. Affiliates of Black Basta use common methods for gaining access to a system such as phishing emails and exploiting known vulnerabilities then use a double extortion technique to gain access to the system as well as steal data. There are two types of ransom notes: those which include instructions as to how to pay as well as those which do not.

The ransomware group instead gives victims a one-time use private code and instructs them to contact the group via a website that is only accessible through the Tor browser, a URL that contains a .onion extension. According to the majority of ransom notes, victims are usually given between 10 and 12 days before becoming subject to the publication of their data on the Basta News website, which the Black Basta ransomware group runs. Black Basta attacks businesses in a range of different industries, affecting the construction industry (10% of victims), the legal sector (4%) and the real estate sector (3%). This group of ransomware is known as Black Basta and its victimology is very similar to that of the Conti ransomware group.

Both groups have a shared appetite for many of the same industries as Black Basta. Among the victims of Black Basta, 61% are from organizations that are based in the United States, followed by 15% from the German authorities. There are several high-profile victims of Black Basta, which include Capita, a software services company with billions of dollars worth of UK government contracts, and ABB, a company that has more than US$29 billion in revenue. The information regarding whether or not a ransom was paid by either company has not been publicized.

The healthcare industry is an attractive target for cybercriminals due to the size of the organization, the technological dependence, the access to medical information and the unique impact of disruptions to patient care. There are several ways in which a member of the Black Basta organization will gain access to a system, and these methods include phishing emails, exploiting known vulnerabilities, and then using double extortion techniques to gain access to the system as well as stealing data. A ransom note can be divided into two types: those that provide instructions on how to pay the ransom, and those which do not provide instructions. 

As an alternative to encrypting the victims' files, the ransomware group comprises a group of individuals that give victims an individual one-use private code in addition to instructing them to contact the group via a website only accessible by Tor browsers, one that contains a .onion extension on the URL. There is usually between 10 and 12 days of grace allowed to victims according to ransom notes that are generally released by the Black Basta malware group before their data is exposed on Basta News, which is a website that publishes data from the victims. 

It is not uncommon for Black Basta to attack businesses across a wide range of different industries, with 10 per cent of victims coming from the construction industry, 4 per cent from the legal sector, and 3 per cent from the real estate industry. It seems that the Black Basta ransomware group, which has a victimology very similar to that of the Conti ransomware group, has been seen to distribute a similar type of ransomware. There is a clear affinity between the two groups when it comes to several of the same industries as Black Basta.

Black Basta has been responsible for the murder of 61% of American victims, followed by 16% of German victims, and the vast majority of victims belong to organizations based in the United States and Europe. The Black Basta scam has claimed the lives of several high-profile companies, including Capita, a software company with billions of dollars worth of contracts with the British government, and ABB, a company with one of the world's largest revenue bases within the US$29 billion range. Neither company has provided any information regarding a ransom payment that has been made by one of the companies, which is of concern. 

The healthcare industry represents an appealing target for cybercriminals due to several critical factors. Firstly, the sheer size and scale of healthcare organizations make them lucrative targets. Additionally, their substantial reliance on advanced technology heightens vulnerability to cyberattacks. Furthermore, these organizations possess extensive repositories of sensitive medical information, making them particularly attractive to malicious actors. The potential disruptions to patient care resulting from cyber incidents also underscore the unique and profound impact of such breaches within the healthcare sector.
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Windows
Explorer malware phishing URI Windows

Phishing Attack Abuses Windows Search Protocol to Deploy Malware

 



A recently developed phishing campaign has emerged, leveraging the Windows Search protocol to deliver malicious scripts to unsuspecting users. This sophisticated attack uses HTML attachments to exploit the search-ms URI, pushing harmful batch files hosted on remote servers.

The Windows Search protocol is a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) that allows applications to open Windows Explorer and perform searches with specific parameters. Typically, these searches are conducted on the local device’s index. However, attackers have discovered that it’s possible to manipulate Windows Search to query file shares on remote hosts, presenting these remote files as if they were local.

The recent phishing attacks, as detailed in a report by Trustwave SpiderLabs, start with a seemingly innocuous email. The email contains an HTML attachment disguised as an invoice document within a ZIP archive. This ZIP file format helps evade many security and antivirus scanners that might not inspect the contents thoroughly.

Upon opening the HTML file, it uses a `<meta http-equiv="refresh">` tag to automatically redirect the browser to a malicious URL. A clickable anchor tag provides a fallback mechanism if the automatic redirect fails due to browser settings or other reasons. This URL exploits the Windows Search protocol to perform a search on a remote host.

The search parameters in this phishing attack are ingeniously crafted to mislead users. The query searches for items labeled "INVOICE," while the crumb parameter sets the search scope, directing it to a malicious server through Cloudflare. The display name is altered to "Downloads," giving the appearance of a legitimate interface. Additionally, Cloudflare's tunnelling service masks the server, making the remote resources appear as though they are local files.

The search results display a single shortcut (LNK) file named as an invoice. When the victim clicks on this file, it triggers a batch script (BAT) hosted on the same remote server.

The exact operations of the batch script remain unknown, as Trustwave researchers could not analyse it due to the server being offline at the time of their investigation. However, the potential for harmful activities, such as data theft or system compromise, is significant.

To defend against this threat, Trustwave suggests removing registry entries associated with the search-ms/search URI protocol. This can be done by executing specific commands in the registry editor. However, this action should be taken cautiously as it may disrupt legitimate applications and Windows features that rely on this protocol.

This new phishing method highlights the twisted tactics of cybercriminals and the importance of staying vigilant. Users and organisations must be aware of such threats and implement robust security measures to protect against these sophisticated attacks. Regular updates to security protocols and awareness training can help mitigate the risks posed by these kinds of phishing campaigns.


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Windows
HTML malware Protocols Search Software Windows

New Malware Campaign Exploits Windows Search to Spread

 



A new and intricate alware campaign has been discovered by Trustwave SpiderLabs, leveraging the Windows search feature embedded in HTML code to spread malicious software. The attack begins with a phishing email containing an HTML attachment disguised as a routine document, such as an invoice. To deceive users and evade email security scanners, the HTML file is compressed within a ZIP archive. This extra layer of obfuscation reduces the file size for quicker transmission, avoids detection by some email scanners, and adds a step for users, potentially bypassing simpler security measures. Notably, this campaign has been observed in limited instances.


HTML Attachment Mechanics

Once the HTML attachment is opened, it triggers a complex attack by abusing standard web protocols to exploit Windows system functionalities. A critical component of the HTML code is the `<meta http-equiv="refresh"` tag, which automatically reloads the page and redirects to a new URL with zero delay, making the redirection instant and unnoticed by the user. Additionally, an anchor tag serves as a fallback mechanism, ensuring the user is still at risk even if the automatic redirect fails.


Exploitation of the Search Protocol

When the HTML file loads, browsers typically prompt users to allow the search action as a security measure. The redirection URL uses the `search:` protocol, allowing applications to interact directly with Windows Explorer's search function. The attackers exploit this protocol to open Windows Explorer and perform a search with parameters they crafted. These parameters direct the search to look for items labelled as "INVOICE," control the search scope to a specific directory, rename the search display to "Downloads" to appear legitimate, and hide their malicious operations using Cloudflare’s tunnelling service.


Execution of Malicious Files

After the user permits the search action, Windows Explorer retrieves files named "invoice" from a remote server. Only one item, a shortcut (LNK) file, appears in the search results. This LNK file points to a batch script (BAT) hosted on the same server. If the user clicks the file, it could trigger additional malicious operations. At the time of analysis, the payload (BAT) could not be retrieved as the server was down, but the attack demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of exploiting system vulnerabilities and user behaviour.

To prevent exploitation of the `search-ms` and `search` URI protocols, one mitigation strategy is to disable these handlers by deleting the associated registry entries. This can be achieved using specific commands.

This attack surfaces the importance of user awareness and proactive security strategies. While it does not involve automated malware installation, it requires users to engage with various prompts and clicks, cleverly obscuring the attackers' true intent. As the threat landscape becomes more complex, continuous education and robust security measures are vital to protect against such deceptive tactics.

Trustwave SpiderLabs has updated its MailMarshal software to detect and block HTML files that abuse the search URI handler, offering additional protection for users.


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Windows
CPR Cyber Attacks Hacker attack Hacking Iranian hackers Isreal Linux Public Networks Windows

Iranian Hacker Group Void Manticore Linked to Destructive Cyber Attacks on Israel and Albania

 

A recent report from Check Point Research (CPR) has unveiled the activities of an Iranian hacker group known as Void Manticore, which has been linked to a series of destructive cyber attacks on Israel and Albania. Affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), Void Manticore operates alongside another Iranian threat actor, Scarred Manticore, to carry out these attacks. 

The group employs various online personas, such as "Karma" for attacks in Israel and "Homeland Justice" for those in Albania. Their tactics involve gaining initial access to target networks using publicly available tools and deploying custom wipers to render data inaccessible on both Windows and Linux systems. CPR’s analysis details a systematic collaboration between Void Manticore and Scarred Manticore. Initially, Scarred Manticore gains access and exfiltrates data from targeted networks. 

Control is then transferred to Void Manticore, which executes the destructive phase of the operation. This strategic partnership amplifies the scale and impact of their cyber attacks. The report underscores the similarities in the attacks on Israel and Albania, including the exploitation of specific vulnerabilities for initial access, the use of similar tools, and the coordinated efforts between the two groups. These overlaps suggest a well-established routine for the Iranian hacker groups. 

Void Manticore's toolkit includes several custom wipers, such as the CI Wiper, Partition Wipers like LowEraser, and the recently deployed BiBi Wiper, named after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These wipers specifically target files and partition tables, using advanced techniques to corrupt files and disrupt system functionality. 

The revelation of Void Manticore's activities and its collaboration with Scarred Manticore underscores the growing sophistication and coordination of state-affiliated cyber threat actors. The combined use of psychological tactics and destructive malware represents a significant escalation in cyber warfare, posing substantial risks to national security and critical infrastructure. 

As these cyber threats continue to evolve, it is imperative for nations and organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and enhance their capabilities to detect, mitigate, and respond to such sophisticated attacks. The report from CPR serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent and evolving nature of cyber threats posed by state-affiliated actors like Void Manticore and Scarred Manticore.
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Windows
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity Cyberthreart Technology Windows

Windows 11: Home or Pro? A Comprehensive Comparison

 


With every major version of Windows, there are several editions to choose from. Windows 11 has many versions in addition to Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Windows 11 SE, which are specially designed for students. Although Windows 11 contains a lot of editions, most of which aren't going to be seen by users, although technically, they are available. When it comes to choosing the right computer for their needs, most laptops come preinstalled with Windows 11 Home or Pro, which will be the options users will find when purchasing and using their computer. 

There are many types of Windows 11 Pro users, such as businesses, enterprises, and teams that need additional security and management features, including those that are more active (Pro). Windows 11 Home is designed for average (Home) users, students, and people who primarily e-mail, play games, browse the web, and use everyday applications, while Windows 11 Home was primarily designed for students. As it is well known when choosing between two options, the name doesn't always determine the decision that users make. 

To find a good operating system, users have to consider features, security, power, and cost, and then decide what to buy. Right now, Windows 11 is available as both a Home and a Pro version. Since a user has a choice to make when deciding whether to purchase Windows 11, either the pro version or the home version, it can be quite a challenge. It has been widely reported that the first major difference between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro when it was first released was that Windows 11 Home did not allow users to establish a PC with a local account, while Windows 11 Pro allowed them to do so. Since then, Microsoft has changed this policy so that, for a Windows 11 Pro device to work at home, a Microsoft account remains required. 

The Home edition and the Pro edition both allow users to bypass a Microsoft account when they set the device up for work or school use, or they can work around the Microsoft account to bypass the account. Although Windows 11 Pro offers several unique features that make it worthwhile, particularly if a user plans to use the PC for business purposes, government functions, or any other place where security is critical, it has some unique features that make it worthwhile for users to have. Check out the full comparison between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro here. Windows 11 is offered in two versions with slightly different pricing and feature sets. 

While the Home version offers most of the features that the Pro version has, there are a few key features that are exclusive to the Pro version; the chart below will help users understand. Most people are familiar with Windows 11 Home Edition because it is the version of the OS that comes with most laptops and desktops that are already assembled. 

Home Edition includes all of the features that Windows users know and love, and it also includes full customisation of the system, security features like Windows Hello and Secure Boot, and antivirus protection from Microsoft's Windows Defender software. There are also security features in this edition such as Windows Firewall, Parental Controls, and Device Encryption, which add to the security of this edition. Users do, however, miss out on advanced security features such as Remote Desktop support, Hyper-V support, BitLocker device encryption, and more, that are available to advanced users. In addition, Kiosk Mode can be used to turn any Windows computer into a Kiosk display, with specific apps and content that can be run on it. 

There are also hardware limits that Windows 11 Home users must adhere to with their laptops and desktops, such as being able to have no more than one central processing unit (CPU), 64 CPU cores, and 128 GB of RAM on the laptop. These limits will likely be sufficient for most general users as well as those using powerful Windows 11-based PCs, however, for those who are looking to extend their uses there is Windows 11 Pro, which offers more. The OS can also be used for high-end desktop computers, as it can support two CPUs, which are up to 128 cores each, which can be used to power up the user's system. 

Additionally, Windows 11 Pro has the capability of handling up to 2TB of RAM, whereas Windows 11 Home has a maximum of 128GB. In addition to some of the same security features, both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home have remote management capabilities, a firewall, network and internet protection, Windows Defender, multifactor authentication, as well as Find My Device capability.

In addition to providing the above-mentioned features such as Windows Information Protection, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker Drive Encryption, Windows 11 Pro provides the following features for added security: Users have the option of locking down devices once they have lost or stolen them using this bonus tool. While it may look like a feature that everyone could benefit from these days, it's more suited to businesses that want to protect data if a device goes missing, instead of consumers
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