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Date: 05/17/2023
A new ransomware operation named MichaelKors is the latest to target Linux and VMware ESXi systems to encrypt files. This is known as Hypervisor Jackpotting, where attackers can maximize impact by compromising the hypervisor and gaining the ability to encrypt virtual machine disks.
Attackers typically gain access to hypervisors with compromised credentials or exploit vulnerabilities that allow access to a device. A malicious code is then used to gain unrestricted access to the hypervisor and all underlying resources. This will enable attackers to stop or pause VMs and encrypt the physical disks.
Since ESXi does not support third-party agents or antivirus software, administrators must take steps to reduce the attack surface. These steps can include using the vSphere Client for administration and not directly accessing hosts with the VMware Host Client. Also, vCenter services should not be exposed to the Internet. ESXi data stores should be backed up regularly to an offsite location.
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Attackers are actively exploiting CVE-2023-30777, a vulnerability affecting the Advanced Custom Fields plugin for WordPress, shortly after a proof-of-concept exploit was made public. This cross-site scripting flaw (XSS) requires a logged-in user with access to the plugin to run malicious code.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows malicious code to be executed in an end-user’s browser after visiting a crafted link distributed by attackers or the affected site. Successful exploitation could allow unauthenticated attackers to steal sensitive information and escalate privileges on impacted WordPress sites.
There are over 1 million sites that use the impacted plugin. All users of Advanced Custom Fields should upgrade to version 6.1.6 or later as soon as possible. It is recommended that administrators establish processes for monitoring WordPress plugin vulnerabilities and addressing them efficiently.
Sources
Andrew Cunningham from Ars Technica reported on current and future fixes for a vulnerability in Secure Boot that has been exploited by Black Lotus malware. The bootloader malware can be installed by an attacker who has system or administrator privileges on the machine. CVE 2022-21894, Patched in January 2023, was the first Secure Boot vulnerability that apparently exploited Black Lotus.
CVE 2023-24932 was patched in May 2023. Updating UEFI Secure Boot to block unsigned binaries is challenging because of the risk of making some devices unbootable. Because of this, the May 2023 patch installs, but it is disabled by default. Cunningham discusses the “substantial user intervention” required to enable the fix in a separate article (Microsoft link below). Further complicating this situation is the need to update installation and recovery media that will eventually be blocked by the fixes for this bug. Microsoft will release patches to mitigate these vulnerabilities over the next several months.
Bootloader malware can be difficult to detect, patch, and persist after reinstallation of the operating system. These difficulties are compounded by the likely slow patching rate for most organizations, and we expect the exploitation of these Secure Boot vulnerabilities to become a regular occurrence for some time to come.
Plan for mitigation, and keep abreast of new developments in this space. Applying these patches and mitigating Secure Boot vulnerabilities promises to entail a lot of work over the coming months.
Sources
Ben Barnea, a researcher from Akamai, disclosed a vulnerability in a Windows API which, if exploited, can result in a “Zero-Click” exploit in Microsoft Outlook, which can steal NTLM credentials. Akamai reports that a Russian threat actor “has used the vulnerability in attacks against several organizations.” The exploitation of the vulnerability, CVE-2023-23324, does not require user action for exploitation.
Theft of NTLM credentials can allow attackers to crack passwords offline and retrieve clear text passwords for impacted users.
Install May 2023 patches as soon as possible, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, and require lengthy, complex passwords for all accounts.
Sources
https://www.akamai.com/blog/security-research/important-outlook-vulnerability-bypass-windows-api
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added several Linux and Linux-related vulnerabilities to its known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. The vulnerabilities include: Ruckus AP remote code execution, Red Hat Polkit privilege escalation, Linux kernel privilege escalations, Jenkins UI information disclosure, Apache Tomcat remote code execution, and an Oracle Java SE and JRockit issue.
While the Ruckus vulnerability has been exploited by AndoryuBot DDoS botnet, there are no public reports of exploitation for the other vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities have a connection to Linux and may have been leveraged in attacks on Linux systems, including Android devices. CISA has evidence of exploitation for these flaws, indicating active attacks in the wild.
The vulnerabilities added to CISA’s catalog can significantly impact companies using Linux systems. The impact may include data breaches, unauthorized access, disruption of services, and reputational damage. The exploitation of these vulnerabilities can lead to remote code execution, privilege escalation, information disclosure, and compromise of systems. Additionally, if Android devices are affected, personal and corporate data on those devices could be compromised.
Companies using Linux systems should immediately address the vulnerabilities added to CISA’s catalog. It is essential to patch affected systems promptly by applying the available security updates provided by Linux distributions. Regularly monitor security advisories from Linux distributions and promptly apply patches for any new vulnerabilities discovered. Implement robust network security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to detect and block any attempts to exploit these vulnerabilities. It is also crucial to educate employees about the risks of opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links, as these can be common attack vectors. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the Linux environment.
Sources
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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.
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.
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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.
