02/28/2024-03/06/2024 Security Patches for ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion Flaws, Critical JetBrains TeamCity On-Premises Flaws, 100 Malicious AI/ML Models And More.

1. VMware Issues Security Patches for ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion Flaws

VMware issued patches for four security flaws in ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion, including two critical ones allowing code execution (CVE-2024-22252 and CVE-2024-22253). These are described as use-after-free bugs in the XHCI USB controller, scoring 9.3 for Workstation/Fusion and 8.4 for ESXi. Exploitation could lead to code execution within VMX sandboxes or on the host machine. Researchers from Ant Group Light-Year Security Lab and QiAnXin discovered CVE-2024-22252, while VictorV and Wei reported CVE-2024-22253. Also fixed are CVE-2024-22254 (ESXi sandbox escape) and CVE-2024-22255 (VMX process memory leak). Patched versions include ESXi 6.5 to 8.0, Workstation 17.x, and Fusion 13.x. A workaround advises removing USB controllers from virtual machines. Virtual USB devices won’t function, but default keyboard/mouse inputs are unaffected.

2. Critical JetBrains TeamCity On-Premises Flaws Could Lead to Server Takeovers

Two new vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-27198 (CVSS: 9.8) and CVE-2024-27199 (CVSS: 7.3), have been disclosed in JetBrains TeamCity On-Premises software, impacting versions up to 2023.11.3. Fixed in version 2023.11.4, these flaws allow unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative control over affected servers. They enable bypassing authentication checks and manipulating server settings, including HTTPS certificate replacement. Rapid7 discovered and reported these issues on February 20, 2024. The company warned that compromising a server grants control over projects, builds, agents, and artifacts, making it a potential supply chain attack vector. Prior fixes addressed another critical flaw (CVE-2024-23917). With past exploits by threat actors, users should promptly update their servers to mitigate risks.

3. Over 100 Malicious AI/ML Models Found on Hugging Face Platform

Over 100 malicious AI/ML models were found on the Hugging Face platform, posing risks like code execution upon loading pickle files. This could lead to a backdoor granting attackers full control over compromised machines, potentially causing large-scale breaches or corporate espionage. One model initiates a reverse shell connection to a specific IP address. The incident raises concerns about open-source repositories being tainted for malicious purposes. Additionally, researchers have developed methods like BEAST to prompt harmful responses from large-language models (LLMs), and a generative AI worm named Morris II, capable of data theft and malware spread. This underscores the vulnerability of systems reliant on LLMs, with attacks like ComPromptMized exploiting their output for malicious ends, akin to traditional injection attacks. Such threats highlight the ongoing battle to secure LLMs against manipulation and exploitation.

4. Five Eyes Agencies Warn of Active Exploitation of Ivanti Gateway Vulnerabilities

The Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance issued a cybersecurity advisory warning of cyber threat actors exploiting known flaws in Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure gateways. They noted that Ivanti’s Integrity Checker Tool (ICT) can be misled, offering a false sense of security. Ivanti has disclosed five vulnerabilities since January 10, 2024, four of which are actively exploited. 

• CVE-2023-46805 (CVSS score: 8.2) – Authentication bypass vulnerability in web component;
• CVE-2024-21887 (CVSS score: 9.1) – Command injection vulnerability in web component;
• CVE-2024-21888 (CVSS score: 8.8) – Privilege escalation vulnerability in web component;
• CVE-2024-21893 (CVSS score: 8.2) – SSRF vulnerability in the SAML component;
• CVE-2024-22024 (CVSS score: 8.3) – XXE vulnerability in the SAML component.

Mandiant described how malware like BUSHWALK can evade detection by ICT. Directory exclusions allow attackers to bypass scans and install backdoors. Agencies urge caution and consider the risk of continued device operation. Akamai data shows thousands of daily exploitation attempts worldwide. Ivanti claims no instances of successful persistence post-security updates and factory resets. They’re releasing an updated ICT for enhanced visibility.

5. GitHub Rolls Out Default Secret Scanning Push Protection for Public Repositories

GitHub announced default secret scanning push protection for all pushes to public repositories. If a secret is detected, users can remove it from commits or bypass the block. Push protection was piloted as an opt-in feature in August 2023 and became generally available in May 2023. The feature identifies over 200 token types and patterns from 180+ service providers to prevent misuse. The development comes nearly five months after the Microsoft subsidiary expanded secret scanning to include validity checks for popular services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, and Slack.

It responds to an ongoing “repo confusion” attack targeting GitHub, flooding it with repositories containing obfuscated malware to steal passwords and cryptocurrency. The attacks are part of a malware distribution campaign discovered last year, using fake Python packages to deploy BlackCap Grabber.

6. Lazarus Exploits Typos to Sneak PyPI Malware into Dev Systems

North Korean hacking group Lazarus infiltrated the Python Package Index (PyPI), uploading four malware-infected packages: pycryptoenv, pycryptoconf, quasarlib, and swapmempool. Though taken down, they were downloaded collectively 3,269 times, with pycryptoconf accounting for 1,351 downloads. These packages mimic pycrypto, exploiting typos during installation. This revelation follows Phylum’s discovery of rogue npm packages in a campaign dubbed Contagious Interview, sharing a similar tactic of concealing malware within a test script. The malicious code, disguised as a test file (“test.py”), actually contains an XOR-encoded DLL file leading to the execution of Comebacker malware, establishing connections with a command-and-control server. This attack mirrors a campaign detailed by Phylum in November 2023, targeting developers with crypto-themed npm modules. Users are urged to be cautious during software installation to avoid unwittingly downloading malware.

02/21/2024-02/28/2024 WordPress LiteSpeed Plugin Vulnerability, Dormant PyPI Package, Malicious npm Packages And More.

1. WordPress LiteSpeed Plugin Vulnerability Puts 5 Million Sites at Risk

A security flaw in LiteSpeed Cache plugin for WordPress (CVE-2023-40000) allows unauthenticated users to escalate privileges. Patched in version 5.7.0.1 (Oct 2023), it’s caused by insufficient input sanitization. The plugin, with over 5 million installs, aims to enhance site performance. The latest version is 6.1 (Feb 5, 2024). Vulnerability stems from lack of user input sanitization, affecting the update_cdn_status() function. An XSS payload as an admin notice triggers the flaw, exploitable by any user in the wp-admin area. Four months earlier, Wordfence disclosed another XSS flaw (CVE-2023-4372) in the same plugin (version 5.7). This flaw permits authenticated attackers (contributor-level and above) to inject arbitrary web scripts, posing a risk to page visitors.

2. Dormant PyPI Package Compromised to Spread Nova Sentinel Malware

A Python package on PyPI, “django-log-tracker,” lay dormant for nearly two years before being updated with Nova Sentinel malware. Phylum, a security firm, detected the anomalous update on February 21, 2024. Although the linked GitHub repository remained unchanged since April 10, 2022, the malicious update suggests a compromised PyPI account. The package has been downloaded 3,866 times, with the rogue version (1.0.4) downloaded 107 times before its removal from PyPI. The update stripped most original content, leaving only “init.py” and “example.py.” It fetches and executes “Updater_1.4.4_x64.exe” from a remote server, embedding Nova Sentinel. This malware was initially found in fake Electron apps on dubious gaming sites. Phylum noted the attempted supply-chain attack via PyPI compromise. Such attacks could impact projects relying on unversioned or flexibly versioned dependencies.

3. North Korean Hackers Targeting Developers with Malicious npm Packages

Phylum’s recent findings reveal a group of fake npm packages linked to North Korean state actors. Among these are “execution-time-async” and others masquerading as legitimate Node.js utilities. “execution-time-async” alone, disguised as a widely used library, downloaded 302 times before removal, installing malware like cryptocurrency stealers. The attack includes obfuscated code in a test file fetching payloads from a remote server to steal credentials and execute malicious actions. The campaign involves GitHub accounts with repositories like “File-Uploader” and “auth-playground,” suggesting ongoing efforts to bypass takedowns. Additionally, a package called “next-assessment” references a dependency served from a suspicious domain, indicating potential social engineering tactics. This scheme shares similarities with “Contagious Interview,” targeting developers through fake job portals to distribute malware.

4. New Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities Expose Android and Linux Devices to Hackers

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered two authentication bypass flaws in Wi-Fi software used in Android, Linux, and ChromeOS, allowing attackers to deceive users into connecting to malicious networks or access trusted networks without passwords. Tracked as CVE-2023-52160 and CVE-2023-52161, the flaws were found in wpa_supplicant and Intel’s iNet Wireless Daemon (IWD), respectively. These vulnerabilities enable interception of traffic and unauthorized access to protected networks, posing risks like malware infections and data theft. While CVE-2023-52160 affects Android devices using wpa_supplicant, CVE-2023-52161 impacts Linux-based access points. Exploitation often requires physical proximity to victims. Major Linux distributions have issued advisories, and ChromeOS has addressed the wpa_supplicant issue. However, fixes for Android remain pending.

5. Open-Source Xeno RAT Trojan Emerges as a Potent Threat on GitHub

The Xeno RAT, an intricately designed remote access trojan (RAT), has surfaced on GitHub, available for free. Developed in C#, it’s compatible with Windows 10 and 11, boasting features like real-time audio recording and a hidden hVNC module. Its builder allows customization for tailored attacks. Notably, its creator, moom825, is also behind DiscordRAT 2.0. Xeno RAT distribution via Discord CDN highlights the growing trend of accessible malware. Its propagation involves disguised shortcuts as downloader vectors, employing DLL side-loading for execution. Concurrently, AhnLab discovered Nood RAT, a variant of Gh0st RAT, targeting Linux systems. Despite its simplicity, Nood RAT employs encryption and executes various malicious tasks commanded by threat actors, showcasing the evolving landscape of RAT-based attacks.

02/14/2024-02/21/2024 VMware Alert, New Malicious PyPI Packages,Critical Flaws in ConnectWise ScreenConnect Software And More.

1. VMware Alert: Uninstall EAP Now – Critical Flaw Puts Active Directory at Risk

VMware advises uninstalling the deprecated Enhanced Authentication Plugin (EAP) due to a critical security flaw (CVE-2024-22245, CVSS score: 9.6), described as an arbitrary authentication relay bug. This flaw could enable a malicious actor to manipulate service tickets for arbitrary Active Directory Service Principal Names (SPNs) through a user’s browser. Also discovered is a session hijack flaw (CVE-2024-22250, CVSS score: 7.8) in EAP, allowing a local actor to seize a privileged session. Users connecting to VMware vSphere via the vSphere Client on Windows systems may be affected. VMware will not patch these flaws, recommending complete removal of the plugin. Meanwhile, SonarSource disclosed cross-site scripting (XSS) flaws in Joomla! (CVE-2024-21726), addressed in versions 5.0.3 and 4.4.3, posing a moderate threat.

2. New Malicious PyPI Packages Caught Using Covert Side-Loading

TacticsCybersecurity researchers found two malicious packages on PyPI using DLL side-loading to evade detection and execute harmful code. Named NP6HelperHttptest and NP6HelperHttper, they were downloaded 537 and 166 times before removal. This discovery underscores the expanding threat of software supply chain attacks. The NP6 reference connects to a legitimate ChapsVision marketing solution, with the fake packages mimicking legitimate tools NP6HelperHttp and NP6HelperConfig. Their goal is to deceive developers into downloading rogue versions. These packages contain a setup.py script designed to download an executable vulnerable to DLL side-loading (“ComServer.exe”) and a malicious DLL (“dgdeskband64.dll”). The DLL aims to avoid detection, similar to previous cases like the npm package “aabquerys,” which deployed a remote access trojan. It communicates with an attacker-controlled domain to fetch malicious code, potentially part of a broader campaign targeting supply chain security in open-source repositories.

3. Critical Flaws Found in ConnectWise ScreenConnect Software – Patch Now

ConnectWise issued updates for its ScreenConnect remote desktop software to fix two security flaws, one critical allowing remote code execution. The vulnerabilities, lacking CVE identifiers, include authentication bypass (CVSS: 10.0) and path traversal (CVSS: 8.4). These critical issues affect versions 23.9.7 and below, with fixes in version 23.9.8, reported on February 13, 2024. Although no exploitation evidence exists, self-hosted users are urged to update. ConnectWise will provide updates for versions 22.4 through 23.9.7, but recommends version 23.9.8. Huntress found over 8,800 vulnerable servers and demonstrated an exploit bypassing authentication, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

4. WordPress Bricks Theme Under Active Attack: Critical Flaw Impacts 25,000+ Sites

The Bricks WordPress theme suffers a critical flaw (CVE-2024-25600, CVSS: 9.8) exploited for remote code execution by unauthenticated attackers. Versions up to 1.9.6 are vulnerable, fixed in 1.9.6.1 released on February 13, 2024. The flaw, reported by Snicco on February 10, involves a nonce-related vulnerability in the prepare_query_vars_from_settings() function. Attack attempts started on February 14, with over three dozen detected by Wordfence. The flaw exposes around 25,000 active installations. Users should promptly update to mitigate risks.

5. Ivanti Pulse Secure Found Using 11-Year-Old Linux Version and Outdated Libraries

A firmware analysis of Ivanti Pulse Secure appliances uncovered significant vulnerabilities, highlighting the ongoing challenge of securing software supply chains. The firmware, based on unsupported CentOS 6.4, exposes outdated Linux components dating back over a decade. Threat actors exploit these weaknesses, targeting Ivanti Connect Secure, Policy Secure, and ZTA gateways with various malware. Active exploits include CVE-2023-46805, CVE-2024-21887, and CVE-2024-21893, with Akamai reporting heightened scanning activity for CVE-2024-22024. Exploiting CVE-2024-21893, Eclypsium gained access to the appliance, revealing outdated packages and vulnerable libraries. Notably, Perl remains at version 5.6.1 from 2001, and the Linux kernel at 2.6.32, posing significant risks. Additionally, Ivanti’s Integrity Checker Tool (ICT) exhibits flaws, potentially allowing attackers to bypass detection. Eclypsium emphasizes the need for transparent validation processes to bolster supply chain security amid increasing exploitation attempts.