Get expert threat analysis weekly. Sign up to receive our Threat Briefing:
Date: 11/07/2022
A critical vulnerability was discovered, allowing unauthenticated read and write access to Cosmos DB containers. This vulnerability has been dubbed “CosMiss”. The issue is within the built-in Jupyter Notebooks that integrate into Azure for querying and analyzing NoSQL data.
Due to Cosmos DB Jupyter Notebooks lacking authentication checks, an attacker with knowledge of a Notebook’s “forwardingId” could have full permissions on the Notebook, including read and write access, without having to authenticate.
Customers leveraging Cosmos DB are not required to make any changes. Microsoft has applied fixes on the back end. Additionally, this was discovered and addressed before the proof-of-concept code was released. It is unlikely that customers would have been impacted by attackers attempting to leverage this flaw.
For more information, fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly
Four vulnerabilities have been disclosed affecting Checkmk IT infrastructure monitoring software. The vulnerabilities include code injection, arbitrary file reading, line feed injection, and Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF).
These vulnerabilities can have little impact, but they can be chained together to gain unauthenticated remote code execution on a server running the affected Checkmk software version. The first step in the exploitation chain would be SSRF in the agent receiver API. Note that an attacker would likely first require access to an internal network before having the opportunity for exploitation.
The affected versions are 2.1.0p10 and lower. It is strongly recommended that administrators upgrade to Checkmk version 2.1.0p12, which was released on 9/15/22. It also recommended that security administrators perform regular vulnerability scanning of all endpoints to identify out-of-date software. Lastly, it is recommended that endpoints be protected with Endpoint Detection & Response software to monitor and prevent malicious activity.
Sources
https://blog.sonarsource.com/checkmk-rce-chain-1/
https://thehackernews.com/2022/11/multiple-vulnerabilities-reported-in.html
Security researchers have uncovered more than two dozen malicious Python packages on the PyPI registry. These packages imitate popular libraries to distribute malware, some of which are non-detrimental and are being used for educational purposes. However, others are truly malicious.
These packages are often typo-squatted names of popular libraries. Attackers pick genuine code from legitimate libraries and inject malicious code via a __import__ statement. They will then name these packages extremely close to the original package name in hopes that potential victims do not notice the incorrect spelling. Some of these malware strands have been seen to include the info-stealer malware W4SP, which can exfiltrate saved passwords and tokens from a compromised machine.
Typosquatting packages are often successful due to users needing to notice the incorrect spelling. Additionally, since many of these packages include legitimate code, users will not see anything irregular as the code will work as intended.
Cyware news suggests that organizations use controlled scopes on public package repositories to protect their private packages
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/typosquatted-pypi-packages-drop-w4sp-info-stealer-0d550977
A new cryptojacking campaign has been observed targeting vulnerable cloud infrastructures worldwide. The campaign, nicknamed Kiss-a-Dog, was first observed by CrowdStrike security researchers. The campaign utilizes multiple command and control (C2) servers to launch cloud-focused crypto mining attacks, escape containerized environments, and attempt to gain root privileges.
The threat actors launching this campaign have been explicitly seen targeting Docker containers as an initial foothold to the network. Post-compromise actors will fetch Python-coded malware named kiss.a-dog.top. This malware allows actors to utilize user and kernel mode rootkits, create backdoors, pivot within compromised networks, and establish persistence.
Since this campaign primarily focuses on vulnerable cloud infrastructure organizations should focus on keeping their cloud infrastructure updated on any security patches. Additionally, practicing best practices and implementing recommended security measures are imperative to secure any internet-connected cloud devices.
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/kiss-a-dog-campaign-targets-docker-and-kubernetes-for-cryptomining-d1a047cb
https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/new-kiss-a-dog-cryptojacking-campaign-targets-docker-and—-kubernetes/
After a much-hyped pre-announcement, a news advisory from OpenSSL describes a high-severity vulnerability in OpenSSL versions 3.0 to 3.0.6. The vulnerabilities are in the code that validates certificates. The pre-announcement labeled the vulnerabilities as critical. When the patch was released, the severity was downgraded to high.
The pre-announcement of this patch led to speculation that these vulnerabilities would have a widespread and damaging impact similar to the Heartbleed bug of 2014.
Fortunately, exploitation of CVE-2022-3602 and CVE-2022-3786 is only possible under specific conditions.
One potential vector is the validation of a server certificate by a client. This scenario requires that the server certificate be signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and that the client uses OpenSSL 3.0-3.0.6 for certificate validation. The second potential vector is a validation of client certificates in systems requiring client certificates for mutual authentication. Currently, the only proof-of-concept available for the referenced vulnerabilities results in denial of service, but remote code execution is possible.
If your organization runs OpenSSL 3.0-3.0.6, upgrade to version 3.0.7. If public-facing servers requiring mutual TLS authentication run OpenSSL 3.0-3.06, this should be considered a high-priority patch.
Sources
https://www.openssl.org/news/secadv/20221101.txt
CVE-2022-3786 – Security Update Guide – Microsoft – OpenSSL: CVE-2022-3786 X.509 certificate verification buffer overrun
CVE-2022-3602 – Security Update Guide – Microsoft – OpenSSL: CVE-2022-3602 X.509 certificate verification buffer overrun
On October 12, 2022, Juniper released upgrades that fixed several high-severity vulnerabilities affecting J-Web, the Juniper Web Device Manager. Details on these vulnerabilities are included in a blog post by Paulos Yibelo of Octagon Networks, credited with discovering them.
The vulnerabilities addressed in this upgrade to JunOS include remote code execution to Cross-Site-Scripting (XSS) based session stealing. Exploitation can lead to attackers controlling the appliance.
Organizations running Juniper devices with J-Web enabled should upgrade affected devices as soon as possible. Until patches are applied, consider disabling J-Web.
Sources
Juniper SSLVPN / JunOS RCE and Multiple Vulnerabilities – Blog | Octagon Networks
2022-10 Security Bulletin: Junos OS: Multiple vulnerabilities in J-Web (juniper.net)
For strategic clients, your vCISO will add this to your next Office Hours for further discussion. However, if you have an immediate need, concern, or question, please reach out to them directly.
For non-strategic clients, please reach out to your Advisor for further discussion.
For those not yet clients of GreyCastle Security, please click the “Contact Us” button below and we’ll be glad to provide assistance as well as answer any questions you might have.
Offerings
Industries
Compliance
Copyright © 2023 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
800-403-8350Copyright © 2022 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
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.
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.
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 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.
Our Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) have responded to hundreds of breaches, intrusions, malware infections, thefts, employee investigations, fraud cases and other incidents. Our highly-certified experts have extensive experience in command, coordination and correction of incidents in nearly every industry throughout North America, from local businesses to Fortune 500 international conglomerates.
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.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
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.
