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Date: 02/15/2023
Recently the Clop ransomware group has claimed they have stolen data from multiple organizations by exploiting a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-0669 in GoAnywhere MFT secure file transfer tool. Exploitation allows attackers to gain remote code execution if the administrative console is exposed to the Internet. Note that the vulnerability can also be exploited from an internal system with visibility to the administrative console (ports 8000 and 8001).
The impact would be significant as exploitation allows attackers to steal data from unpatched systems and launch attackers against internal systems aiming to encrypt files.
Forta has released an update to mitigate exploitation. The fixed version is GoAnywhere MFT is version 7.12. It is also recommended that vulnerability assessments are performed regularly to remove public access to risky or unnecessary services and to ensure patches are being applied efficiently. Furthermore, it is recommended that systems be protected and monitored with an Endpoint Detection & Response platform.
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A recent phishing campaign has targeted Amazon Web Services (AWS) logins by abusing Google ads to display a phishing page in Google Search results. These malicious ads have been showing near the top of search results, right behind Amazon’s promoted search results. Additionally, and not specific to Amazon, GreyCastle Security has observed compromise via interaction with malicious ads becoming more common in recent years.
Interacting with a malicious ad will likely redirect the end user to a “legitimate-looking” login page where the user will be prompted to enter credentials and sometimes the second factor of authentication, like a passcode. Additionally, malicious ads could potentially lead to the download of malware, potentially resulting in end-user device compromise and the ability to execute network-wide attacks.
User awareness is the most effective defense to prevent users from interacting with malicious ad content. Additionally, having content filtering in place could potentially block a user from accessing a malicious site though it will not be 100% effective. Organizations should encourage and enforce, where possible, the use of multi-factor authentication. Additionally, systems should be protected and monitored with an Endpoint Detection & Response platform to enable quick response to a potentially compromised endpoint.
Sources
On February 7, 2023, OpenSSL released fixes for “one high and seven moderate severity fixes.”
The ubiquity of OpenSSL in operating systems and applications makes any significant OpenSSL vulnerability worth noting. Perhaps the most significant CVE, 2022-4203, was caused by a buffer overrun which, according to OpenSSL, could lead to “disclosure of private memory contents (such as private keys, or sensitive plaintext).” Because this buffer overrun occurs during certificate verification, exploitation will largely be limited to clients and not servers. OpenSSL also reports that they do not know of a working exploit for this vulnerability.
Ensure that operating systems are patched in a timely manner, and if you develop applications that utilize OpenSSL, ensure that OpenSSL libraries are up to date, according to the OpenSSL advisory in the link below.
Sources
Researchers at Sophos published a report on February 6, 2023, describing the spread of Qakbot malware through sending .ONE onenote files. The report describes spam campaigns whereby the malware injects malicious documents as attachments into email conversations on compromised hosts or sends malicious links in an impersonal spam message. The spam campaigns began on January 31, 2023.
Indicators:
The malicious attachments analyzed by Sophos were all named “ ApplicationReject_#####(Jan31).one or ComplaintCopy_#####(Feb01).one (where the ##### was a random, five-digit number)”. Emails from the spam campaigns all used the recipient’s last name in the subject line.
Qakbot infection allows attackers to control the infected host. It has been known to be used by several major ransomware groups.
Search email systems for the indicators referenced above, and consider including this information in end-user security training efforts.
Sources
https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2023/02/06/qakbot-onenote-attacks/
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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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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.
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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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Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
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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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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.
