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Date: 04/12/2023
Since 2017, an ongoing campaign to deploy malware called Balada has likely infected over 1 million WordPress sites. The campaign targets all known WordPress plugin vulnerabilities. The Balada malware allows for the generation of fake WordPress admin users and the ability to perform actions on the underlying host.
The Balada malware attacks could lead to access to site files such as backups, database dumps, log files, and others. Attackers have also deployed backdoors for continued access. The Balada malware can also search directories of the compromised site for writable directories belonging to other sites.
Ensure WordPress plugins are up to date. It is also recommended that unused WordPress plugins be removed and that strong WordPress admin passwords are enforced. Tools such as WPScan (wpscan.com) are available to scan WordPress sites for vulnerabilities. It is also recommended that external vulnerability assessments be performed on a regular basis.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/over-1-million-wordpress-sites-infected.html
On April 7, 2023, Apple released updates for iOS and macOS, fixing currently exploited vulnerabilities.
The vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-28205 and CVE-2023-28206, are likely being chained together by attackers to achieve full system access to impacted devices. The vulnerabilities were reported by Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) and Amnesty International’s security lab.
Ensure that potentially impacted devices are patched as soon as possible.
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On April 7, 2023, MSI, a manufacturer of multiple PC components, disclosed that it had suffered a cyber attack. In its press release, MSI “urges users to obtain firmware/BIOS updates only from its official website, and not to use files from sources other than the official website.”
Although the company doesn’t directly discuss it, MSI’s warning about firmware and BIOS updates suggests that source code might have been accessed by attackers. Furthermore, The Register reports that a threat actor group was observed bragging about having “all the tools necessary to develop a potentially malicious BIOS and then digitally sign it in a way that it appears legitimate.” Counterfeit firmware based on leaked code can result in a number of different system compromises.
Follow MSI’s advice broadly, and exercise caution whenever downloading updates by ensuring they come from the appropriate source.
Sources
https://www.msi.com/news/detail/MSI-Statement-141688
https://www.theregister.com/2023/04/07/msi_cyberattack_bios/
Mastodon, a social network based on software for servers of the same name, has been found to have a vulnerability that could allow attackers to read individual pieces of information. The vulnerability was caused by inadequate filtering of the data transferred during LDAP authentication. Despite the vulnerability, it was not possible for attackers to get password hashes.
Attackers could use the vulnerability to smuggle in an LDAP database query, which can be used to read information about users bit by bit. The vulnerability has been labeled CVE-2023-28853, with a risk assessment of “high.”
Administrators of a Mastodon instance are advised to install updated versions as soon as possible to address the vulnerability. The developers have closed the security gaps in versions 4.1.2, 4.0.4, and 3.5.8. Users should also take steps to secure their accounts wherever possible. Mastodon has several vulnerabilities, but the developers are working to address them.
Sources
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added five security flaws to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Three of the five flaws in the Veritas Backup Exec Agent software could lead to the execution of privileged commands on the underlying system.
Mandiant reported that BlackCat ransomware affiliates are exploiting the three flaws in Veritas Backup Exec to gain initial access. Additionally, the KEV catalog lists CVE-2019-1388, a privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft Windows Certificate Dialog, and an information disclosure flaw in Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver (CVE-2023-26083) that has been exploited by an unnamed spyware vendor as part of an exploit chain to break into Samsung’s Android smartphones.
The flaws could lead to the execution of privileged commands on the underlying system, initial access by ransomware affiliates, privilege escalation, and information disclosure. The threat actors could deploy ransomware payloads and run processes with elevated permissions on an already-compromised host.
Federal Civilian Executive Branch Agencies (FCEB) have time until April 28, 2023, to apply the patches to secure their networks against potential threats. Additionally, organizations that use Veritas Backup Exec Agent software should update it to the patched version. It is essential to remain vigilant and cautious when using Samsung’s Android smartphones and to update them to the latest version as soon as possible.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/cisa-warns-of-5-actively-exploited.html?&web_view=true
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added three vulnerabilities in Veritas Backup Exec Agent software to the known exploited vulnerabilities catalog. The vulnerabilities are tracked as CVE-2021-27876, CVE-2021-27877, and CVE-2021-27878. Exploitation could allow for the execution of privileged commands on the affected system.
It should be noted that some of these vulnerabilities can be exploited remotely. There have also been reports of the Blackcat ransomware group specifically targeting Veritas Backup Agent vulnerabilities to establish a foothold in victim environments. Exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, which is then used as a stepping stone for network-wide attacks.
These vulnerabilities were fixed and patched, and released by Veritas in March 2021. It is recommended that the affected installations be updated as soon as possible. It is also recommended that regular vulnerability assessments be performed to identify and address missing patches efficiently. Protecting and monitoring systems with Endpoint Detection & Response tools is also recommended.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/cisa-warns-of-5-actively-exploited.html
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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.
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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.
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.
