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Date: 05/30/2023
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently added a vulnerability affecting Barracuda Email Security Gateway appliances to the catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2023-2868 and allows for remote code execution. Versions 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006 are impacted. Customers are being urged to check for indicators or compromise.
Barracuda identified that the vulnerability resulted in unauthorized access to a subset of email gateway appliances, and customers who were believed to be impacted were notified via a message displayed in the user interface. Lateral movement could lead to a more severe network-wide attack. Barracuda encourages checking for indicators of compromise to ensure access beyond the appliance was not gained.
Barracuda pushed the patch to all customer devices, but ensuring that the patch was applied is recommended. Furthermore, keeping tabs on updates posted to https://status.barracuda.com will ensure customers have the latest information.
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A vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-2825 impacts GitLab Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE) version 16.0.0 and is a path traversal issue that allows an unauthenticated attacker to read arbitrary files on the server under certain conditions; when an attachment exists in a public project nested within at least five groups. The vulnerability is related to how GitLab manages or resolves paths for attached files nested within levels of the group hierarchy.
Potential Impact
Exploiting the vulnerability could expose sensitive data, proprietary software code, credentials, tokens, and other private information.
Users of Gitlab 16.0.0 are recommended to update as soon as possible. There are currently no workarounds. It is also recommended that vulnerability management processes encompass systems of all types and that vendor advisories are reviewed on a regular basis.
Sources
A new ransomware operation called Buhti has emerged, utilizing leaked source code from LockBit and Babuk ransomware. The ransomware employs a custom information stealer and targets Windows and Linux systems. Buhti is believed to be the work of a new threat group, Blacktail. While it borrows encryptor code from leaked sources, it distinguishes itself by developing its exfiltration tool and proactive network infiltration tactics. The exfiltration tool is written in Golang and can steal and archive files for transmission to an attacker-controlled server.
Buhti exploits recently patched vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-27350, in PaperCut NG and MF for network exfiltration. The ransomware also attempts to install legitimate tools like AnyDesk, ConnectWise, Meterpreter, Cobalt Strike, and Sliver to facilitate lateral movement and deploy additional payloads. Buhti highlights the ease with which threat actors can leverage leaked source code to create multi-OS ransomware and emphasizes the need for proactive defense strategies, including robust patch management and genuine data security software.
The emergence of Buhti ransomware and the activities of the Blacktail group can have significant consequences for companies:
Data encryption and loss: Buhti ransomware encrypts files on compromised systems, rendering them inaccessible. Organizations may suffer data loss or face the prospect of paying a ransom to regain access to critical information.
Data exfiltration and exposure: The custom information stealer used by Buhti allows attackers to extract sensitive data from infected systems. This can expose confidential information, customer data, intellectual property, or trade secrets.
Reputation and brand damage: Falling victim to a ransomware attack can result in reputational damage, eroded customer trust, and loss of business. Data breaches and ransom demands can negatively impact an organization’s public image and relationships with clients and partners.
Financial losses and operational disruption: Dealing with a ransomware attack entails financial costs, including potential ransom payments, incident response, system restoration, and legal assistance. Moreover, the operational disruption caused by a ransomware incident can lead to downtime, decreased productivity, and financial setbacks.
To mitigate the risks associated with Buhti ransomware and similar threats, organizations should consider the following recommendations:
1. Patch management: Establish a robust patch management system to promptly apply security updates and patches to all software, operating systems, and applications. This helps prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
2. Security awareness and training: Educate employees about ransomware threats, phishing techniques, and best practices for identifying and avoiding suspicious emails or websites. Regular training can enhance their ability to recognize and report potential threats.
3. Endpoint protection: Implement comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that include robust antivirus, anti-malware, and behavior-based detection mechanisms to detect and block ransomware attacks at the entry point.
4. Backup and recovery: Maintain regular backups of critical data and systems in offline or offsite locations. Test and verify the integrity of backups regularly to ensure they can be relied upon for restoration in case of a ransomware incident.
5. Network segmentation and access control: Implement network segmentation and least privilege access control to limit lateral movement of ransomware and restrict unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
6. Incident response and recovery planning: Develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken during a ransomware attack. This includes containment, investigation, communication, and system recovery procedures.
7. Collaboration and threat intelligence sharing: Engage in industry collaboration and share threat intelligence with trusted partners and relevant cybersecurity organizations to stay updated on emerging threats, indicators of compromise, and defensive strategies.
By adopting these recommendations, organizations can strengthen their defenses against Buhti ransomware and similar attacks, reduce the potential impact, and increase their resilience to ransomware incidents.
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/blacktail-leverages-lockbit-and-babuk-source-code-to-build-buhti-33da9274
A recent study conducted by Barracuda Networks reveals that spear-phishing attacks have had significant impacts on organizations in the past year. The research indicates that nearly every victim of a spear-phishing attack experienced negative consequences, including malware infections, data theft, and reputational damage.
The study found that 24% of organizations studied had at least one compromised email account due to an account takeover. Spear-phishing attacks, although low in volume, are highly successful and account for 66% of all breaches despite making up only 0.1% of email-based attacks. The average organization takes nearly 100 hours to detect, respond to, and remediate a post-delivery email threat. Companies with a higher percentage of remote workers reported increased levels of suspicious emails and longer detection and response times.
The impact of spear-phishing attacks on companies can be significant:
Malware infections: Spear-phishing attacks often lead to the infiltration of malware or viruses into corporate networks, compromising the security and integrity of systems and data.
Data theft: Successful spear-phishing attacks can result in the theft of sensitive data, including customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. This can lead to legal and compliance issues, financial loss, and damage to the organization’s reputation.
Reputational damage: Falling victim to a spear-phishing attack can damage an organization’s reputation, erode customer trust, and negatively impact business relationships.
Stolen login credentials: Spear-phishing attacks frequently involve the theft of login credentials, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and sensitive information, potentially leading to further security breaches.
Direct monetary loss: Spear-phishing attacks can result in financial losses due to various factors, such as ransom payments, fraudulent transactions, or business disruption caused by compromised systems.
To mitigate the risks associated with spear-phishing attacks, organizations should consider the following recommendations:
1. Invest in advanced email security solutions: Implement robust email security solutions that employ artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent spear-phishing attacks. Rule-based detection mechanisms alone may not be sufficient to combat sophisticated attacks.
2.Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training: Educate employees about the dangers of spear-phishing attacks and train them on how to identify and report suspicious emails. Regularly update training programs to address emerging threats and tactics.
3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA is required to access sensitive systems and data. This adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent unauthorized access even if login credentials are compromised.
4. Regularly update and patch software: Keep all software, applications, and systems updated with the latest security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.
5. Conduct regular security assessments: Perform regular security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scans to identify and address weaknesses in the organization’s infrastructure and systems.
6. Implement incident response plans: Develop and regularly test incident response plans to ensure a swift and effective response to spear-phishing attacks. This includes steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.
7. Foster a culture of security awareness: Promote a strong cybersecurity culture within the organization by encouraging employees to be vigilant, report suspicious activities, and follow security best practices.
By adopting these recommendations, organizations can strengthen their defenses against spear-phishing attacks, minimize the potential impact, and protect sensitive data and assets.
Sources
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/05/30/2023-spear-phishing-trends/?web_view=true
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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.
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 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.
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.
