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Date: 01/30/2023
Security researchers will release an exploit targeting a chain of vulnerabilities affecting unpatched VMware vRealize Log Insight appliances. Four vulnerabilities are included in this chain: CVE-2022-31704, CVE-2022-31706, CVE-2022-31710, and CVE-2022-31711. Two of these vulnerabilities are rated as critical (CVE-2022-31704, CVE-2022-31706) and involve a directory traversal flaw and broken access control leading to the injection of malicious files.
Exploitation results in unauthenticated remote code execution. The exploit can be used to gain initial access to networks (via Internet-exposed appliances) and for lateral movement if targeted internally. The exploit to be released demonstrates chaining 3 of the 4 vulnerabilities together to execute code with root privileges.
Ensure VMware vRealize is not exposed to the Internet. Furthermore, ensure the recently released patches which address these issues are applied. You can find more information in the security advisory VMSA-2023-0001. Additionally, to increase visibility and reduce the impact of security incidents, it is recommended that endpoints be protected with Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) software and monitored 24/7.
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Securing Microsoft Exchange servers is a challenge for most organizations, as well as one of the most attractive targets for attackers. On January 26, 2023, the Microsoft Exchange team published a blog post aimed at simplifying the update process for Exchange Server and providing links to valuable tools such as the Exchange Server Health Checker and the Exchange updates step-by-step guide.
Following the advice provided in this blog post lowers your organization’s risk by ensuring that Exchange Servers are up-to-date and protected.
If you’re running on-premises Exchange Servers, read the blog post linked below, and ensure that your Exchange Servers are fully patched and not missing any required manual configurations.
Sources
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/protect-your-exchange-servers/ba-p/3726001
Palo Alto Network’s Unit 42 published a blog post on January 26, 2023, describing an investigation in which they observed “PlugX” malware being spread from removable storage devices. The malware leverages a tactic that creates a drive icon on a Windows machine, which results in malware execution when a user browses into that directory. Execution results in malware infecting USB devices and copying Adobe PDF and Microsoft Word files into a hidden folder on the USB device.
Infection with PlugX malware results in an array of malicious actions, such as the further spread of malware, data exfiltration, and ransomware.
Malware spread through USB storage devices is on the rise. FBI warnings in the past year have indicated that threat actors have been mailing fake gifts to people in the form of malware-laden USB storage devices. Organizations should take measures to restrict USB storage device usage, and train users to refrain from plugging unknown USB storage devices into their workstations.
Sources
Researchers from the Mandiant security team have reported new obfuscation techniques and additional components found on the Gootkit malware (also known as GOOTLOADER). The group behind Gootkit, UNC2565, has been operating Gootkit as an ‘access-as-a-service’ model. Here threat actor groups, such as UNC2565, will gain access to victim networks and then sell that access on the dark web to the highest bidder.
Gootkit acts as an initial access point for threat actors to be post-exploitation activities, such as deploying file-less malware, ransomware such as REvil, and Command and Control (C2) medium like Cobalt Strike. These post-exploitation tools can dramatically impact victim organizations and risk data loss.
Organizations can combat malware evolutions by keeping endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools up to date with the newest signatures and threat intelligence. Additionally, Gootkit has been seen heavily using the WScript.exe application to run malicious JavaScript files on compromised devices. Organizations can conduct threat-hunting activities across the environment to detect such actions.
Sources
https://securityaffairs.com/141539/malware/gootloader-malware-evolution.html?web_view=true
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Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Mike holds certifications in numerous security and technology related areas, including the Department of Homeland Security and other security technologies like Symantec, Cisco and Microsoft.
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Prior to becoming CEO, Dan served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, during which he supported multiple acquisitions and helped the organization achieve substantial sales growth. In addition to serving as CEO at GreyCastle Security, Dan continues to hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Assured information Security (AIS) in Rome, New York, a company he co-founded in 2001.
Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Utica College in Utica, New York.
Dan Maynard serves as GreyCastle Security’s Chief Operating Officer, where he currently leads Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Dan has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industry, during which time he has held various leadership positions for organizations such as Rochester Tel/RCI, Citizens Communications (Frontier), PAETEC Communications, IntegraOptics, tw telecom/Level3 and Centurylink.
In addition to various voice and data technology platforms, he possesses a strong background in leadership development, sales and marketing leadership, transformational leadership and strategic planning. Dan has a thirst for knowledge and as a committed lifelong learner, he encourages and supports professional development initiatives for his teams and continues his involvement with Vistage International.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
When not at work, Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, attending Utica Comets hockey games and relaxing in the Adirondacks on beautiful Canada Lake with family and friends.
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Dan has been a cybersecurity practitioner for more than 20 years and uses his knowledge and experience to develop cybersecurity solutions that ensure readiness and preparedness.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
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800-403-8350Francesca LoPorto-Brandow is Director of Culture at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Francesca leads all social responsibility efforts and partnerships and develops effective strategies that promote organizational-wide behaviors and attitudes consistent with a culture of safety, inclusion, teamwork, motivation and high-performance.
Prior to this role, Francesca was Director of People & Culture at GreyCastle and with her leadership, the company’s culture has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Nationally recognized Best Workplace, Albany Business Review Best Places to Work and Albany Times Union Top Workplaces.
Before joining GreyCastle Security, Francesca worked as an OD consultant and focused on strategic culture change at The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. for more than six years. There, she facilitated client education sessions, coached leaders and teams, developed and executed consulting interventions and served as strategy project leader on various client engagements. Her work has taken her into Fortune 100 companies and across borders including Panama, Singapore and beyond.
Francesca is a Lean Six Sigma–certified Green Belt, a proud YWCA-GCR board member and in 2013, she coordinated and emceed the inaugural TEDx Troy—a livestream of TEDCity 2.0. Since 2012, she has coordinated and emceed the Troy 100 Forum, a biannual forum for government, religious and community leaders to discuss issues vital to the future of Troy, New York.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Technology from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology. She was awarded Cybersecurity Recruiter of the year North America in 2017 by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
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Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Jamie has held leadership positions with Annese and Associates, ConvergeOne and BlueSky IT Partners with a focus on delivering cost effective information technology solutions for companies across multiple verticals.
Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
