Security Spotlight: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape and Illuminating the Dark Corners of the Web
Exploitable vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer, used to deploy VBA Malware
Overview
Cybersecurity researchers discovered a severe exploitation targeting a bug that had already been patched in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.
Their report added that the exploit leverages the deployment of a VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) RAT (remote access trojan), allowing high amounts of control over the targeted system. Noteworthy is the fact that the vulnerability was traced back to a group working under the North Korean Lazarus Group and given the code CVE-2021-26411.
Impact
The exploit uses a decoy document that causes a body of embedded malicious code to be triggered and allows for the execution of a RAT. This allows the user to execute commands on the victim’ system just as one would from an open terminal, stealing sensitive data on the system or manipulating files. This provides the additional functionalities for the RAT to enable hackers to evade detection by antivirus solutions.
Recommendation
Organizations should make sure that their systems do not operate on the outdated Internet Explorer browser, which is among the prime targets by attackers. It is therefore important that you update to the latest browsers and apply all recent security patches to avert exploitation.
The proactive means would include continued monitoring to ascertain any unusual network patterns and staff training on the dangers of opening unknown attachments to their email.
Ongoing North Korean Cyber Threats to Blockchain Sectors
Overview
The North Korean hacker group, known as Hidden Cobra (also Lazarus Group), has continued to launch serious attacks against targets worldwide. The most recent warnings came from U.S. Treasury, CISA, and FBI over ongoing cyber-attacks squarely focused on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, including exchanges, DeFi protocols, and companies involved in cryptocurrency trading.
Impact
Their activities are subtle and harmful. Spearheaded by the Hidden Cobra group’s spear-phishing campaigns and malware-laden applications, this attack was directed at your cryptocurrency and valuable NFTs. The group is also associated with some financial thefts, among them high-profile cryptocurrency platform breaches that have swindled over $80 million.
Recommendation
Businesses operating in this sector should promptly implement the security practices. We recommend, among others, encouraging such attempts related to spear-phishing active monitoring, endpoint protection from unauthorized access, and auditing systems for indications of compromise that are commonly used by the group.
Major Platforms Adopt Google’s Passkeys: A Move Towards a Password-less Future
Overview
Google has announced broad adoption of the use of passkeys—seen as a more secure option to passwords in major platforms that include Apple and Microsoft. The move is just an addition to the attempts to simplify and secure user authentication.
Impact
This shift to passkeys will largely diminish rampant security threats, such as phishing and credential theft. With a device-specific and cryptographically secure passkey, users can log into their accounts without a glitch but in a way much more secure than with a traditional password.
Recommendation
We recommend users and system administrators migrate to a passkey-based authentication mechanism. Your devices and systems should be updated to the latest OS compliant with the use of passkeys. Follow detailed setup instructions provided by your device or service provider for turning on passkeys.
Critical Vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business Switches
Overview
The latest security update issued by Cisco has exposed critical vulnerabilities to its Small Business Series Switches. The vulnerabilities, if exploited, due to the insufficiency in web interface requests’ validation, may result in an unauthenticated remote attack to execute arbitrary code or throw a denial of service (DoS) condition on these devices.
Impact:
These vulnerabilities are rated as high and critical, with respective CVSS scores of up to 9.8.
Affected product families include:
- 250, 350, 350X, and 550X series – all with updated firmware.
- 200, 300, and 500 Series in the end-of-life process, they will not receive patches.
These vulnerabilities can be exploited to the gain of an attacker taking over the root access device whereby code could be run remotely, or even DoS attacks on the device service.
Recommendation:
The company advised all users of the affected models to immediately update their firmware with the patched versions to avert the risks. In instances where models are not patched, replacement of such devices with those that are supported will guarantee the model is reliable and safe.
Critical Android App Security Breach
Overview
A latest research identified a malware breach of more than 400 Android and iOS applications targeting the theft of Facebook log-in credentials. The malware impersonates various utilities and games, including the Google Play and Apple App Stores.
Impact
The compromised applications ranged from photo editors, VPNs, to flashlight applications, and mobile games. Once installed, the programs would immediately prompt the user to log in with Facebook credentials, which are stolen by the malware. In other words, a violation of security might lead to personal account hacking, access to confidential data, and fraud even in a monetary system.
Recommendation
● Users should uninstall any suspicious apps immediately.
● Change the password of all important accounts and set them up using two-factor authentication.
General Preventive Measures:
● Continue reviewing app permissions.
● Be wary of those who ask to log in via social media for very basic functions.
● Try to recognize scam apps. These include bad user reviews and promises that sound too good to be true.
Windows Management Experts
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