Get expert threat analysis weekly. Sign up to receive our Threat Briefing:
Date: 02/20/2023
CVE-2018-13379, an older path traversal vulnerability affecting FortiOS devices, is still targeted and actively exploited by attackers. The vulnerability can be easily exploited by navigating a specific path and displaying usernames and passwords in clear text. Those credentials can then be used to authenticate via VPN. Affected versions include FortiOS 6.0 – 6.0.0 to 6.0.4, FortiOS 5.6 – 5.6.3 to 5.6.7, and FortiOS 5.4 – 5.4.6 to 5.4.12
Attackers leverage this vulnerability to establish an initial foothold for launching more severe attacks such as ransomware, data exfiltration, or both.
Though this vulnerability is older, GreyCastle Security has observed unpatched FortiOS devices continuing to be exploited. Devices should be kept up to date to mitigate this vulnerability and others that have been released since. This path traversal vulnerability may exist on a non-default port that potentially would not be included in default-configured vulnerability scanning. For example, if the vulnerability can be exploited via port 10443 (SSL VPN), the vulnerability scanning would need to check on this port specifically versus just the default port of 443. Regular vulnerability scanning should be performed to remove public access to risky or unnecessary services and to ensure patches are being applied efficiently..
For more information, fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly
Exchange ProxyShell vulnerabilities tracked as CVE-2021-34473 and CVE-2021-34523 continue to be exploited and are now being used to deploy crypto miners across an impacted organization’s network. This malware has been dubbed “ProxyShellMiner”.
After exploiting CVE-2021-34473 and CVE-2021-34523, which allows for authenticated remote code execution, attackers move laterally and drop a payload into the NETLOGON folder of the domain controller to ensure that all devices on the network run the crypto-mining malware. The malware also establishes command and control infrastructure connections, creates scheduled tasks, and modifies Windows firewall policies. Attackers can likely perform any action once they establish a foothold.
Ensure that Microsoft Exchange servers are patched regularly and remove access from the Internet if it is not needed for business operations. Additionally, ensure that systems are protected by Endpoint Detection & Response tools and are monitored 24/7. Regular vulnerability assessments are also a great way to ensure systems are regularly patched.
ESET researchers recently released a report on tainted Google Search results that promote malware downloads and malicious websites. The targets of these attacks are mainly located in East and Southeast Asia. The attacks predominantly distribute the FatalRAT Trojan through Telegram channels. This malware is adept at establishing persistence, bypassing security measures, and stealing sensitive information.
While the current attacks appear to be aimed at individuals in Asia, the method of social engineering used – malicious Google Search results – can be adapted and replicated to target various regions worldwide. Should these attacks expand to include US and EU-based organizations, it is possible for malware like the FatalRAT Trojan to spread across even more countries.
Malicious Google Search results rely on tricking users into clicking malicious links and/or downloading malicious software. These search results can impersonate harmful question-and-answer platforms such as Quora and employ a strategy known as ‘typosquatting.’ This involves using a domain name for the malicious site that is spelled very similarly, but not identically, to that of a legitimate website. For example, ‘Facebouk’ rather than ‘Facebook.’ Organizations can shield themselves from these attacks by educating users on identifying potentially harmful websites and avoiding downloading unknown software through comprehensive security awareness training.
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/hackers-target-chinese-speaking-individuals-via-poisoned-google-search-5eef091f
https://cyware.com/news/fatalrat-another-trojan-exploiting-telegram-51b56fea
https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/new-sophisticated-rat-in-town-fatalrat-analysis?&web_view=true
https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/02/16/these-arent-apps-youre-looking-for-fake-installers/
On February 16, 2023, Fortinet released patches for
multiple products. The patch release included fixes for forty vulnerabilities, including two rated critical because of the risk of remote code execution.
Vulnerabilities resulting in potential Remote Code Execution (RCE) are often seized upon by attackers shortly after they are made public, especially in public-facing devices such as Fortinet firewalls. Losing control of a firewall to attackers can be the first step in a full network compromise, resulting in data exfiltration and ransomware.
If your organization uses Fortinet appliances, review the release notes linked below and apply patches as soon as possible.
Sources
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt?date=02-2023
https://isc.sans.edu/podcastdetail.html?podcastid=8376
On February 18, 2023, Twitter announced that users with free accounts will lose the option of using SMS for MFA if they don’t sign up for the paid version of Twitter, known as Twitter Blue). This change will take place on March 20, 2023.
Free users who aren’t paying attention and leave default configurations on their accounts may unexpectedly find themselves without MFA in a month. This will make it easier for attackers to compromise Twitter accounts.
Switch to an authenticator app for MFA instead of SMS-based MFA codes. Generally, authenticator apps are considered more secure than SMS.
Sources
https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-sms-2fa-twitter-blue/
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/18/1158134620/twitter-blue-two-factor-authentication-2fa
For strategic clients, your vCISO will add this to your next Office Hours for further discussion. However, if you have an immediate need, concern, or question, please reach out to them directly.
For non-strategic clients, please reach out to your Advisor for further discussion.
For those not yet clients of GreyCastle Security, please click the “Contact Us” button below and we’ll be glad to provide assistance as well as answer any questions you might have.
Offerings
Industries
Compliance
Copyright © 2023 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
800-403-8350Copyright © 2022 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
Ho Chin is Chief Financial Officer at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Ho leads Finance, HR, IT and Professional Development. As part of the executive leadership team, Ho works to establish the company’s overall strategy and ensure proper execution of the supporting initiatives pertaining to the above areas of responsibility.
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.
Dan Kalil is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Chairman at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Dan provides vision, leadership and strategies that drive GreyCastle Security’s position as an industry leader. With an emphasis on customer success, Dan’s profitable growth model leverages a customer-centric business approach that balances employee wellbeing and social responsibility.
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.
Michael Stamas is an entrepreneur, board member, Vice President and a founder of GreyCastle Security. With more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mike pairs his management and business development skills with a deep understanding of cybersecurity. Mike brings a unique brand of risk-based advising to GreyCastle clients and prospects.
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.
Mike plays an active role in his community and serves as a board member and Vice President of InfraGard Albany as well as an advisory board position with the Capital Region YMCA.
Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
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.
Dan Didier is the Vice President of Solutions and board member at GreyCastle Security.
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.
Our Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) have responded to hundreds of breaches, intrusions, malware infections, thefts, employee investigations, fraud cases and other incidents. Our highly-certified experts have extensive experience in command, coordination and correction of incidents in nearly every industry throughout North America, from local businesses to Fortune 500 international conglomerates.
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.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
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.
