04/10/2024-04/17/2024 Potential JavaScript Project Takeover Attempt, Java G1 fix would speed JIT compilation, Hackers Exploit Fortinet Flaw And More.

1. OpenJS Foundation Targeted in Potential JavaScript Project Takeover Attempt

Security researchers have discovered a credible takeover attempt on the OpenJS Foundation, reminiscent of a recent incident involving the XZ Utils project. The OpenJS Foundation and Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) issued a joint alert after receiving suspicious emails urging updates to JavaScript projects without specifics. The emails also sought to designate new maintainers without prior involvement. While no privileged access was granted, the incident echoes the XZ Utils case, where fictitious personas aimed to make Jia Tan a co-maintainer through social engineering. This suggests a broader campaign to undermine project security. The sophistication of these attacks underscores the vulnerability of open-source projects, as highlighted by CISA. CISA urges technology manufacturers to support maintainers, audit source code periodically, and implement secure design principles to mitigate such risks.

2. Java G1 fix would speed JIT compilation

A proposed change to Java’s G1 garbage collector aims to enhance Java’s C2 optimizing JIT compiler, particularly benefiting cloud deployments. The proposal simplifies G1’s barrier implementation, delaying their expansion in the C2 JIT compilation pipeline. This adjustment responds to the growing demand for minimizing JVM overhead in cloud-based Java deployments. Objectives include reducing C2 execution time with G1, enhancing comprehensibility for HotSpot developers, and maintaining code quality. Notably, the proposal does not aim to retain G1’s early barrier expansion as a legacy mode. Instead, it prioritizes transparency in the transition to late barrier expansion. Initial experiments show early barrier expansion increases C2 overhead by 10% to 20%, emphasizing the need to reduce such overhead for Java’s cloud suitability. Moreover, decoupling G1 barrier instrumentation from C2 internals can further optimize GC overhead through algorithmic enhancements and micro-optimizations. Lastly, the proposal suggests expanding G1 barriers as late as possible in C2’s compilation pipeline to maintain code quality.

3. Invision Community Vulnerabilities Risk E-Commerce Websites

Invision Community software has been found vulnerable, risking websites including major brands like Evernote, Sony, Corsair, Mattel, LEGO, and more. Researcher Egidio Romano uncovered a blind SQL injection flaw in Invision Community software, present for five years since version 4.4.0. This flaw (CVE-2024-30163) allowed unauthorized access to the AdminCP, enabling password resets and remote code execution. Version 4.7.16 patched this flaw. However, another vulnerability (CVE-2024-30162) persists, affecting even the latest version, 4.7.16. This flaw enables arbitrary PHP code execution via ZIP file uploads, requiring “toolbar_manage” permission. Romano has a track record of discovering such vulnerabilities, previously revealing critical flaws in phpFox. Vendors often take time to address these issues.

4. Quarkus 3.2.12.Final released – Maintenance LTS release

Quarkus 3.2.12.Final, the eleventh maintenance release of the 3.2 LTS release train has been released.
This release includes the following security-related fixes:

• CVE-2024-2700 io.quarkus/quarkus-core: Leak of local configuration properties into Quarkus applications;
• CVE-2024-29025 io.netty/netty-codec-http: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling;
• CVE-2023-51775 org.bitbucket.b_c/jose4j: Dos Attack Via specifically crafted JWE.

The upgrade from 3.2.11.Final to the latest release is safe. However, be aware that fixing CVE-2024-2700 alters how configuration options are recorded during build. Properties from local sources (like environment variables, system properties, Maven and Gradle project properties) won’t override default values of runtime configuration properties. This prevents local environment values from leaking into production builds.

5. Hackers Exploit Fortinet Flaw, Deploy ScreenConnect, Metasploit in New Campaign

Cybersecurity researchers have found a new cyber campaign exploiting a recent security flaw (CVE-2023-48788, CVSS score: 9.3) in Fortinet FortiClient EMS devices. The flaw enables attackers to execute unauthorized code via crafted requests. Forescout named the campaign Connect:fun due to its use of ScreenConnect and Powerfun post-exploitation. The intrusion targeted an unnamed media company whose vulnerable device was exposed to the internet after a proof-of-concept exploit release on March 21, 2024. The attacker attempted to download ScreenConnect unsuccessfully but succeeded in installing it via msiexec utility on March 25, alongside initiating a reverse connection with a PowerShell script. The attacker also used SQL statements to download ScreenConnect from “ursketz[.]com” and establish connections with a command-and-control server. The campaign appears to be manually operated, targeting specific environments with VPN appliances.

6. Palo Alto Networks Releases Urgent Fixes for Exploited PAN-OS Vulnerability

Palo Alto Networks has released urgent hotfixes for a critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-3400, CVSS score: 10.0) in PAN-OS software actively exploited in the wild. The flaw, a command injection in GlobalProtect, allows attackers to execute code with root privileges. Fixes are available for PAN-OS 10.2.9-h1, 11.0.4-h1, and 11.1.2-h3, with more patches expected soon. The vulnerability affects firewalls configured with GlobalProtect and device telemetry enabled. Cloud NGFW firewalls are unaffected, but certain PAN-OS versions in cloud-deployed firewalls are vulnerable. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 is tracking the exploitation under “Operation MidnightEclipse.” Attackers have leveraged the flaw since at least March 26, 2024, deploying a Python-based backdoor called UPSTYLE. Users are urged to apply patches and monitor for signs of compromise using provided CLI commands.