04/17/2024-04/24/2024 Details on Critical PAN-OS Flaw, Vulnerability for PHP (CVE-2024-2961), Critical Atlassian Flaw Exploited And More.

1. Apache Cordova App Harness Targeted in Dependency Confusion Attack

A dependency confusion vulnerability affects Cordova App Harness, an archived Apache project. Exploiting package manager behaviors, attackers can replace private packages with malicious ones in public repositories. This exposes downstream users to risks. Despite npm’s fixes, Cordova App Harness lacks proper dependency references. Legit Security demonstrated this flaw, highlighting the risk. Apache addressed the issue by taking control of the package. The incident underscores the importance of monitoring third-party dependencies, especially in archived projects. Security researcher Ofek Haviv emphasizes the need for vigilance, as such projects often harbor unfixed vulnerabilities. Organizations should use public packages as placeholders to mitigate such attacks. 

2. Palo Alto Networks Discloses More Details on Critical PAN-OS Flaw Under Attack

Palo Alto Networks disclosed a critical security flaw, CVE-2024-3400, in PAN-OS software versions 10.2, 11.0, and 11.1. This flaw allows attackers to execute remote shell commands. The exploit involves two bugs: one allowing storage of files with chosen filenames and another trusting those filenames as system-generated commands. Threat actor UTA0218 has exploited this flaw in Operation MidnightEclipse, deploying commands and tools like GOST. Recent findings by Bishop Fox revealed that device telemetry is not required for exploitation. Palo Alto Networks has issued patches for affected versions. Users should apply these fixes promptly due to active exploitation and the availability of exploit code. The U.S. CISA has listed the flaw as a Known Exploited Vulnerability, mandating federal agencies to secure their devices by April 19, 2024.
 

3. Mitigating the Iconv Vulnerability for PHP (CVE-2024-2961)

Recently, CVE-2024-2961 was released which identifies a buffer overflow vulnerability in GNU libc versions < 2.39 when converting charsets to certain Chinese Extended encodings. This vulnerability affects PHP when iconv is used to translate request encodings to/from the affected charsets and has the potential to be wide-ranging (e.g. the latest wordpress:apache image has iconv with the vulnerable charsets enabled).Obviously, the best mitigation is to update to a patched version of glibc. However, if you are unable to (or it's not available on your OS yet), you can mitigate this issue by disabling the affected charsets in gconv. The elaborated information on how to check for and mitigate this issue at the OS-level can be found in the link mentioned above. 

4. Recent Rust Security Advisory: CVE-2024-24576

The Rust Security Response WG announced CVE-2024-24576, which affects the Rust Standard Library on Windows. Some Tauri organization repositories use batch files (cmd.exe under the hood) for developer environment tooling such as build scripts. No reviewed repositories use batch files for runtime code. our Tauri app might be affected if it meets specific criteria, such as using Tauri v1 shell feature with certain configurations. Implementing custom commands exposing Rust Command with runtime arguments could also be a risk. Please upgrade your Rust version to 1.77.2 as soon as possible and distribute updates to your users.
 

5. Linux Cerber Ransomware Variant Exploits Atlassian Servers

Threat actors exploit unpatched Atlassian servers, deploying Cerber ransomware, aka C3RB3R, targeting CVE-2023-22518 in Atlassian Confluence. This critical flaw allows unauthorized access to reset Confluence and create admin accounts, granting control over systems. Financially motivated groups install the Effluence web shell plugin for arbitrary command execution. The ransomware, written in C++, carries additional harmful software fetched from attackers’ servers. After encryption, it self-removes, leaving behind components for permission checks and file encryption. Despite ransom notes, no data exfiltration occurs. The prevalence of C++ payloads stands out amidst language shifts. Cerber’s sophistication is noted, but encryption limited to Confluence data reduces victim payment incentives. New ransomware variants target Windows and VMware ESXi, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and a strong cybersecurity culture.

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.

04/03/2024-04/10/2024 New HTTP/2 Vulnerability, Ivanti Rushes Patches for 4 New Flaws, Critical ‘BatBadBut’ Rust Vulnerability And More.

1. New HTTP/2 Vulnerability Exposes Web Servers to DoS Attacks

New research reveals a vulnerability in the HTTP/2 protocol’s CONTINUATION frame, dubbed HTTP/2 CONTINUATION Flood. Security expert Bartek Nowotarski reported the issue to CERT/CC on January 25, 2024. Many HTTP/2 implementations lack proper limits on CONTINUATION frames within a single stream, enabling attackers to flood servers with frames, leading to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. These frames overwhelm server memory, causing crashes or performance degradation. Unlike HTTP/1, HTTP/2 uses header fields and CONTINUATION frames to transmit header blocks. Exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can send endless header frames, exhausting server resources. Nowotarski warns that this attack, more severe than the Rapid Reset attack, bypasses access logs and impacts server availability. Incorrect handling of CONTINUATION frames poses significant security risks, potentially leading to crashes, memory exhaustion, or CPU overload, as outlined in RFC 9113.

2. Ivanti Rushes Patches for 4 New Flaws in Connect Secure and Policy Secure

Ivanti has issued security updates for Connect Secure and Policy Secure Gateways, addressing four flaws that could lead to code execution and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
The flaws include heap overflow (CVE-2024-21894, CVE-2024-22053), null pointer dereference (CVE-2024-22052), and XML entity expansion (CVE-2024-22023) vulnerabilities. These affect various components of the mentioned products, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to crash services or execute arbitrary code.
Ivanti recently patched critical vulnerabilities in Standalone Sentry (CVE-2023-41724) and on-premises Neurons for ITSM (CVE-2023-46808), highlighting ongoing security concerns. CEO Jeff Abbott acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing Ivanti’s commitment to enhancing security measures. 

3. Critical ‘BatBadBut’ Rust Vulnerability Exposes Windows Systems to Attacks

A critical security flaw in Rust’s standard library (CVE-2024-24576, CVSS score: 10.0 allows command injection attacks on Windows systems when batch files are invoked with untrusted arguments. The vulnerability arises from improper argument escaping in batch file invocation using Rust’s Command API. Exploiting this flaw, an attacker can execute arbitrary shell commands. This issue affects Rust versions prior to 1.77.2. Security researcher RyotaK discovered and reported the bug to CERT/CC, naming it BatBadBut. The flaw impacts multiple programming languages that use similar mechanisms. Developers are advised to exercise caution and avoid executing commands from directories included in the PATH environment variable to mitigate risks.

4. Critical Flaws Leave 92,000 D-Link NAS Devices Vulnerable to Malware Attacks

Threat actors are targeting around 92,000 internet-exposed D-Link NAS devices, exploiting CVE-2024-3272 (CVSS score: 9.8) and CVE-2024-3273 (CVSS score: 7.3). These affect legacy D-Link products, now end-of-life (EoL). D-Link advises replacement as it won’t issue patches. Exploitation could lead to arbitrary command execution, granting access to sensitive data or enabling DoS attacks. Attackers use these flaws to distribute the Mirai botnet malware, potentially hijacking D-Link devices remotely. Shadowserver Foundation recommends firewalling remote access or taking devices offline until a fix is available.
Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 warns of increasing malware-initiated scanning attacks on network devices, underlining the evolving threat landscape.

5. OAuth 2.0 flows explained in GIFs

OAuth (Open Authorization) enables third-party websites or apps to access user’s data without requiring them to share their credentials. It is a set of rules that makes access delegation possible. The user gets to authorize which resources an app can access and limits access accordingly.
Post on the dev.to covering all OAuth 2.0 flows using GIFs that are simple and easier to understand. This post can be used as a cheat-sheet for future reference as well.