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Date: 10/18/2023
Cisco has issued a critical advisory about a zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2023-20198, that is being actively exploited. This vulnerability allows the unauthorized creation of a privileged account on affected devices, granting full control over the compromised system. The flaw resides in the Web User Interface of Cisco IOS XE software, affecting devices with the HTTP or HTTPS Server feature exposed to the Internet or untrusted networks.
The severity of this vulnerability is critical (CVSS 10.0) and allows attackers to create privileged accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized control of the compromised device. Exploitation enables threat actors to execute malicious commands at the system or IOS level. Attackers could use this as an initial vector to launch additional attacks against an internal network. The exploit seems relatively easy to execute.
It is strongly recommended that Internet access to the Web User interface be removed. Refer to the Cisco security advisory for specific mitigation steps: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z.
Administrators should also check for indicators of compromise if running a vulnerable device. It is also wise to ensure critical systems are protected and monitored with Endpoint Detection & Response software for visibility into potential post-exploitation activity.
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Internet-exposed WS_FTP servers are being targeted in ransomware attacks due to an unpatched critical severity vulnerability, CVE-2023-40044. This vulnerability is caused by a .NET deserialization vulnerability in the Ad Hoc Transfer Module.
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute commands on the underlying OS remotely through the Ad Hoc Transfer Module. Successful exploitation could result in more severe attacks such as encryption of data and potential financial loss.
It is strongly recommended that administrators upgrade to the latest patched version (8.8.2) of WS_FTP Server to prevent potential exploitation. A mitigation step could be disabling the Ad Hoc Transfer Module if patching is not feasible. Additionally, it is recommended that regular vulnerability scanning be performed so that critical level vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed promptly.
Sources
The AvosLocker ransomware gang has been identified as targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S. The gang employs ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations so initial attack vectors may vary. However, GreyCastle Security has observed external vulnerability exploitation and social engineering to be common attack vectors of ransomware groups.
AvosLocker leverages open-source tools and living-off-the-land tactics such as RDP, PowerShell, Windows batch scripts. Cobalt Strike activity may also be observed for command and control. The threat actor may also leverage tools such as Rclone or Filezilla for data exfiltration.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following to mitigate AvosLocker ransomware:
Ensure Internet-facing systems are regularly scanned for vulnerabilities. Furthermore, ensure any management interfaces are not openly accessible from the Internet.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/10/fbi-cisa-warn-of-rising-avoslocker.html
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-284a
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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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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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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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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.
