03/06/2024-03/13/2024 Microsoft’s March Updates Fix 61 Vulnerabilities, OpenEdge Vulnerability, Vulnerability in the Popup Builder Plugin, PyPI Python Packages Can Drain Your Crypto Wallets And More.

1. Microsoft’s March Updates Fix 61 Vulnerabilities, Including Critical Hyper-V Flaws

Microsoft released its monthly security update, fixing 61 flaws across its software, including two critical issues in Windows Hyper-V that could lead to DoS and remote code execution. Of these vulnerabilities, two are Critical, 58 are Important, and one is Low severity. Although none are publicly known or actively attacked, six are tagged “Exploitation More Likely.” This update also patches 17 flaws in the Chromium-based Edge browser since February 2024. Critical issues include Hyper-V flaws CVE-2024-21407 and CVE-2024-21408. Additionally, there are privilege escalation flaws in Azure Kubernetes Service, Windows Composite Image File System, and Authenticator. Notably, CVE-2024-21390 could allow an attacker to access multi-factor authentication codes. Another critical flaw is CVE-2024-21334, a remote code execution in Open Management Infrastructure.

2. Proof-of-Concept Exploit Released for Progress Software OpenEdge Vulnerability

A critical security flaw (CVE-2024-1403) in Progress Software OpenEdge Authentication Gateway and AdminServer allows bypassing authentication protections. It affects OpenEdge versions 11.7.18 and earlier, 12.2.13 and earlier, and 12.8.0. The flaw, rated 10.0 on the CVSS scale, enables unauthorized access due to mishandling of usernames and passwords. Progress Software released fixes in versions OpenEdge LTS Update 11.7.19, 12.2.14, and 12.8.1. A PoC exploit has been released by Horizon3.ai, revealing the flaw’s root cause in a function called connect(). This function invokes authorizeUser(), which if supplied with specific credentials, can bypass authentication. However, accessing deeper attack surfaces, like deploying new applications, requires increased complexity due to internal service message brokers and custom messages, noted security researcher Zach Hanley.

3. Malware Campaign Exploits Popup Builder WordPress Plugin to Infect 3,900+ Sites

A malware campaign exploits a severe vulnerability in the Popup Builder plugin for WordPress, infecting over 3,900 sites within three weeks, as reported by Sucuri. Exploiting CVE-2023-6000, attackers create rogue admin users and install arbitrary plugins. This flaw was also exploited in a previous Balada Injector campaign, compromising over 7,000 sites in January. The current attacks inject malicious JavaScript code, redirecting visitors to phishing and scam pages. WordPress site owners are urged to update plugins, scan for suspicious code or users, and perform cleanup. Meanwhile, Wordfence disclosed a high-severity XSS bug (CVE-2024-2123) in the Ultimate Member plugin, patched in version 2.8.4 on March 6, 2024. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts, potentially gaining administrative access. 

4. Cisco Issues Patch for High-Severity VPN Hijacking Bug in Secure Client

Cisco has patched a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-20337, CVSS score: 8.2) in its Secure Client software, enabling a threat actor to initiate a VPN session with a targeted user. Arising from insufficient validation of user input, a malicious link could be used to execute arbitrary script code in the browser, accessing sensitive information like a valid SAML token. This token could then be exploited to establish a remote access VPN session as the affected user. The flaw affects Secure Client for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with fixes available in versions 4.10.08025, 5.1.2.42, and beyond. The vulnerability enables attackers to access internal networks when victims visit a controlled website. Additionally, Cisco addressed CVE-2024-20338 (CVSS score: 7.3) in Secure Client for Linux, allowing local attackers to elevate privileges; fixed in version 5.1.2.42.

5. CISA Warns of Actively Exploited JetBrains TeamCity Vulnerability

 CISA  added a critical security flaw impacting JetBrains TeamCity On-Premises software to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, based on evidence of active exploitation.The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-27198 (CVSS score: 9.8), refers to an authentication bypass bug that allows for a complete compromise of a susceptible server by a remote unauthenticated attacker. It was addressed by JetBrains earlier this week alongside CVE-2024-27199 (CVSS score: 7.3), another moderate-severity authentication bypass flaw that allows for a “limited amount” of information disclosure and system modification.The vulnerabilities may enable an unauthenticated attacker with HTTP(S) access to a TeamCity server to bypass authentication checks and gain administrative control of that TeamCity server. In light of active exploitation, users running on-premises versions of the software are advised to apply the updates as soon as possible to mitigate potential threats.

6. Watch Out: These PyPI Python Packages Can Drain Your Crypto Wallets

Threat hunters uncovered seven Python packages on PyPI designed to steal BIP39 mnemonic phrases for cryptocurrency wallets, dubbed BIPClip by ReversingLabs. The packages were downloaded 7,451 times before removal. Operating since December 2022, this campaign targeted crypto wallet developers. Though one package, mnemonic_to_address, lacked malicious functionality, it listed bip39-mnemonic-decrypt as a dependency, containing the harmful component. These packages stealthily exfiltrate mnemonic phrases to a controlled server. ReversingLabs identified two other packages, public-address-generator and erc20-scanner, working similarly. Hashdecrypts, meanwhile, functions independently to harvest data. The GitHub profile “HashSnake’’ is associated with these packages, with a repository named hCrypto advertised for phrase extraction. The packages were meticulously crafted to target crypto wallets, minimizing detection by security tools.

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.