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Date: 04/19/2023
Microsoft LAPS allows administrators to manage passwords for local administrator accounts on Azure Active Directory-joined or Windows Server Active Directory-joined devices by automatically rotating and backing them up. Recently Microsoft announced the integration of Windows LAPS on
Windows 10, Windows 11, and Server 2019. However, an April 2023 update is causing both the newly launched LAPS and legacy deployments to break.
This LAPS interop bug applies if legacy LAPS is installed on a system patched with the April 11, 2023 security update and legacy LAPS policies get applied; NEW LAPS will stop working, and the legacy LAPS will no longer update the local administrator password.
A workaround for restoring LAPS functionality includes either uninstalling legacy LAPS or deleting all registry values under the HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/LAPSState registry key.
If this occurs within the environment, indicators are Windows LAPS event log IDs 10031 and 10032, as well as legacy LAPS event ID 6. Lastly, the legacy MSI should no longer be deployed after the April 2023 update is applied.
Sources
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On April 14, 2023, Google released an emergency patch that fixes 2023-2033, an arbitrary code execution bug. Google states that “an exploit for CVE-2023-2033 exists in the wild”.
The impact of this bug could allow attackers to gain a foothold on a user’s machine from which other attacks can be launched, eventually leading to corporate network compromise.
Ensure that Chromium-based browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, are patched as soon as possible.
Sources
https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/04/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_14.html
On April 13, 2023, CISA published “Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Security-by-Design and Default.” The document is the result of the combined effort of several government security agencies from around the globe. In addition to providing some specific practical guidance, the document describes the benefits to software developers and customers when a secure-by-design approach is adopted.
The international effort to fight cybercrime may help organizations avoid costly security events in the coming years.
Invest ten minutes in reading the document linked below and consider how the provided advice can enhance your organization’s security posture.
Sources
A new malware called Zaraza bot has been discovered and is being sold on the popular messaging app, Telegram. It is a credential-stealing malware designed to target 38 different web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. The malware is being actively distributed on a Russian Telegram hacker channel used by threat actors. Once the malware infects a victim’s computer, it captures sensitive data and sends it to a Telegram server where attackers can immediately access it. Stolen credentials pose a serious risk as they allow unauthorized access to victims’ accounts, identity theft, and financial fraud.
The Zaraza bot is being offered as a commercial tool to other cybercriminals for a subscription fee. It is not yet clear how the malware is propagated, but cybercriminals typically use several methods, such as malvertising and social engineering, to spread information stealers in the past.
This new malware adds to the growing number of malware families distributed through malvertising and search engine poisoning techniques. Such techniques lure users into downloading fake installers containing stealer payloads. The discovery of the Zaraza bot highlights the need for increased vigilance on the part of users and the importance of taking steps to protect sensitive information.
To mitigate the risks associated with the Zaraza bot and other information stealers, users are advised to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and apply software and operating systems updates as soon as they become available. It is also recommended that users exercise caution when downloading software from unofficial sources and regularly scan their devices for malware.
Users are advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders, especially those claiming to be from financial institutions or government agencies.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/new-zaraza-bot-credential-stealer-sold.html?&web_view=true
Cybercriminals are increasingly using Action1 remote access software to execute commands, scripts, and binaries, warn security researchers. Action1 is a remote monitoring and management product commonly used by managed service providers and enterprises to manage endpoints on a network, automate patch management, and deploy security updates. However, threat actors can use the software to deploy malware or gain persistence to networks.
The DFIR Report, an analyst group, observed the Action1 RMM platform being abused by multiple threat actors for reconnaissance activity and executing code with system privileges on network hosts. The software has been leveraged in the initial stages of at least three recent ransomware attacks. While Action1 RMM is used legitimately by thousands of administrators, the vendor is aware that threat actors are abusing the product.
To prevent hackers from using the platform for malicious purposes, Action1 introduced a system based on artificial intelligence that detects abnormal user behavior and alerts the security team to investigate the issue. The company is working on including new measures to stop the misuse of the platform and is open to cooperation with both victims and legal authorities.
Sources
A ransomware group named Vice Society has been observed leveraging PowerShell as a stealthy method to exfiltrate data from compromised environments. Rather than using FTP tools or RMM software with file transfer capabilities which may be flagged by security software, ‘living off the land’ methods such as PowerShell are more likely to go undetected. The transfer of data could take place over common protocols such as HTTP/HTTPS.
Ransomware groups typically search for and exfiltrate data from a victim environment prior to deploying ransomware. File shares are highly targeted for exfiltration as there is a high likelihood of sensitive data residing on such systems. This could lead to sensitive data exposure and high costs typically associated with breach notifications.
It is critical that organizations employ Endpoint Detection & Response tools that provide behavioral-based analysis. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that 24/7/365 monitoring be implemented, which will allow humans to have eyes on detecting anomalous behavior. Lastly, it is recommended that PowerShell execution be restricted by Group Policy.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/vice-society-ransomware-using-stealthy.html
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
