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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..
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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.
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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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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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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.
