07/06/2023-07/12/2023 Python-Based PyLoose Fileless Attack, New Linux Kernel ‘StackRot’ Privilege Escalation Vulnerability, Microsoft Releases Patches for 132 Vulnerabilities And More.

1. Python-Based PyLoose Fileless Attack Targets Cloud Workloads for Cryptocurrency Mining

A new fileless attack dubbed PyLoose has been observed striking cloud workloads with the goal of delivering a cryptocurrency miner. The attack consists of Python code that loads an XMRig Miner directly into memory using memfd, a known Linux fileless technique.The cloud security firm said it found nearly 200 instances where the attack method was employed for cryptocurrency mining. No other details about the threat actor are currently known other than the fact that they possess sophisticated capabilities. In the infection chain documented by Wiz, initial access is achieved through the exploitation of a publicly accessible Jupyter Notebook service that allowed for the execution of system commands using Python modules.

2. Researchers Uncover New Linux Kernel ‘StackRot’ Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

A new security flaw in the Linux kernel, called StackRot (CVE-2023-3269, CVSS score: 7.8), has been discovered. It affects Linux versions 6.1 to 6.4 but has not been exploited in the wild. The vulnerability exists in the memory management subsystem, making it widespread and requiring minimal capabilities to trigger. However, exploiting it is considered challenging due to delayed memory deallocation. The flaw was responsibly disclosed on June 15, 2023, and has been patched in stable versions 6.1.37, 6.3.11, and 6.4.1 as of July 1, 2023. A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit and more technical details will be released soon. The vulnerability stems from a data structure called maple tree, introduced in Linux kernel 6.1 to manage virtual memory areas (VMAs). It is described as a use-after-free bug that can be exploited by a local user to gain elevated privileges.

3. Microsoft Releases Patches for 132 Vulnerabilities, Including 6 Under Active Attack

Microsoft has released updates addressing 132 new security flaws, including six zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild. Among the vulnerabilities, nine are rated Critical and 122 are rated Important.
The list of issues that have come under active exploitation is as follows –

• CVE-2023-32046 (CVSS score: 7.8) – Windows MSHTML Platform Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
• CVE-2023-32049 (CVSS score: 8.8) – Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
• CVE-2023-35311 (CVSS score: 8.8) – Microsoft Outlook Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
• CVE-2023-36874 (CVSS score: 7.8) – Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
• CVE-2023-36884 (CVSS score: 8.3) – Office and Windows HTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (Also publicly known at the time of the release)
• ADV230001 – Malicious use of Microsoft-signed drivers for post-exploitation activity (no CVE assigned).

One flaw, CVE-2023-36884, is being actively exploited through specially-crafted Microsoft Office documents related to the Ukrainian World Congress. Microsoft has identified the intrusion campaign as the work of the Russian cybercriminal group Storm-0978, also known as RomCom. The group is deploying Underground ransomware and a backdoor similar to RomCom RAT.

4. Hackers Exploit Windows Policy Loophole to Forge Kernel-Mode Driver Signatures

A Windows policy loophole is being exploited by threat actors, primarily native Chinese speakers, to forge signatures on kernel-mode drivers. By altering the signing date of drivers, malicious and unverified drivers can be loaded, bypassing Windows certificate policies. Cisco Talos discovered open-source tools like HookSignTool and FuckCertVerifyTimeValidity being used to forge signatures and bypass security measures. These tools manipulate the signing timestamp and remove the need for valid certificates, enabling the deployment of thousands of malicious signed drivers without Microsoft verification. Threat actors have gained administrative privileges on compromised systems prior to using these drivers. Microsoft has taken steps to block the certificates and suspend developer program accounts involved. The use of rogue kernel-mode drivers allows threat actors to establish persistence and interfere with security software.

5. Revolut Faces $20 Million Loss as Attackers Exploit Payment System Weakness

Malicious actors exploited an unknown flaw in Revolut’s payment systems to steal more than $20 million of the company’s funds in early 2022. The development was reported by the Financial Times, citing multiple unnamed sources with knowledge of the incident. The breach has not been disclosed publicly. The fault stemmed from discrepancies between Revolut’s U.S. and European systems, causing funds to be erroneously refunded using its own money when some transactions were declined. The problem was first detected in late 2021. But before it could be closed, the report said organized criminal groups leveraged the loophole by “encouraging individuals to try to make expensive purchases that would go on to be declined.” The refunded amounts would then be withdrawn from ATMs. The exact technical details associated with the flaw are currently unclear.

6. Another Critical Unauthenticated SQLi Flaw Discovered in MOVEit Transfer Software

Progress Software has patched a critical SQL injection vulnerability (CVE-2023-36934) in its popular MOVEit Transfer software, which enables secure file transfer. The flaw could allow unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to the software’s database. This vulnerability is particularly severe because it can be exploited without valid credentials. However, there have been no reports of active exploitation yet. Progress Software also addressed two other high-severity vulnerabilities: CVE-2023-36932, a SQL injection flaw allowing unauthorized access for logged-in attackers, and CVE-2023-36933, a vulnerability that allows unexpected shutdowns of MOVEit Transfer. These vulnerabilities affect multiple versions of MOVEit Transfer, including 12.1.10 and earlier.

7. JumpCloud Resets API Keys Amid Ongoing Cybersecurity Incident

JumpCloud, a cloud-based identity and access management provider, has taken swift action in response to a cybersecurity incident affecting some of its clients. As a precautionary measure, JumpCloud has reset the API keys of affected customers to protect their data. While this reset may cause disruptions to certain functionalities, such as AD import and HRIS integrations, the company emphasizes that it is for the benefit of its clients’ security. JumpCloud is offering support to those needing assistance with resetting or re-establishing their API keys. The incident underscores the importance of API security and the need for robust protective measures. The specifics and scale of the incident, as well as the cause, are currently unknown as JumpCloud actively investigates the matter.

06/29/2023-07/05/2023 CVE-2023-27997 RCE Flaw, Critical SQL Injection Flaws, Unpatched WordPress Plugin Flaw And More

1. Alert: 330,000 FortiGate Firewalls Still Unpatched to CVE-2023-27997 RCE Flaw

No less than 330,000 FortiGate firewalls are still unpatched and vulnerable to CVE-2023-27997, a critical security flaw affecting Fortinet devices that has come under active exploitation in the wild. Cybersecurity firm Bishop Fox said that out of nearly 490,000 Fortinet SSL-VPN interfaces exposed on the internet, about 69 percent remain unpatched. CVE-2023-27997 (CVSS score: 9.8), also called XORtigate, is a critical vulnerability impacting Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN appliances that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via specifically crafted requests. Patches were released by Fortinet last month in versions 6.0.17, 6.2.15, 6.4.13, 7.0.12, and 7.2.5, although the company acknowledged that the flaw may have been “exploited in a limited number of cases” in attacks targeting government, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors.  Many of the publicly accessible Fortinet devices did not receive an update for the past eight years, with the installations running FortiOS versions 5 and 6.

2. Critical SQL Injection Flaws Expose Gentoo Soko to Remote Code Execution

Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities have been disclosed in Gentoo Soko that could lead to remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable systems. These SQL injections happened despite the use of an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library and prepared statements. The two issues, which were discovered in the search feature of Soko, have been collectively tracked as CVE-2023-28424 (CVSS score: 9.1). They were addressed within 24 hours of responsible disclosure on March 17, 2023. The shortcomings identified in the service meant that it could have been possible for a malicious actor to inject specially crafted code, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information. The development comes months after SonarSource uncovered a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in an open-source business suite called Odoo that could be exploited to impersonate any victim on a vulnerable Odoo instance as well as exfiltrate valuable data.

3. New Python Tool Checks NPM Packages For Manifest Confusion Issues

A security researcher and sysadmin created a tool to detect manifest mismatches in NPM JavaScript packages. “Manifest confusion” is a security issue in NPM where the package’s manifest data differs between the NPM registry and the ‘package.json’ file, potentially leading to malware or script execution during installation. The inconsistency allows malicious actors to hide scripts or dependencies in the ‘package.json’ file while removing them from the NPM registry. This poses risks like cache poisoning, unknown dependencies, and downgrade attacks. While GitHub hasn’t addressed the problem yet, users can use a Python-based tool by sysadmin Felix Pankratz. By installing the required packages and passing the package’s name as an argument, developers can detect mismatches in version, dependencies, scripts, and package name. Multiple packages can be checked by adding them to a file and using a wrapper script. Understanding the tool’s usage is possible through the help command. Although not widespread, manifest confusion should not be ignored to prevent potential supply-chain attacks.

4. Hackers Exploiting Unpatched WordPress Plugin Flaw to Create Secret Admin Accounts

Around 200,000 WordPress websites are under ongoing attack due to a critical unpatched vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin. The vulnerability (CVE-2023-3460) affects all versions, including the latest one released on June 29, 2023. Exploiting the flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to create new user accounts with administrative privileges, granting them complete control over targeted sites. The issue stems from inadequate blocklist logic, enabling attackers to modify the wp_capabilities user meta value and gain full access. Although partial fixes have been released, they are insufficient, and the vulnerability is actively exploitable. Attackers are adding rogue administrator accounts to affected sites, uploading malicious plugins and themes. Users are advised to disable the plugin and conduct audits to identify unauthorized accounts until a comprehensive patch is available.

5. Cybercriminals Hijacking Vulnerable SSH Servers in New Proxyjacking Campaign

An active financially motivated campaign is exploiting vulnerable SSH servers to create a covert proxy network. Attackers use SSH for remote access, running malicious scripts that enlist victim servers into a peer-to-peer (P2P) proxy network. This proxyjacking technique allows threat actors to utilize the victim’s unused bandwidth for various services, providing them with reduced resource load and increased stealth compared to cryptojacking. The campaign aims to breach susceptible SSH servers, deploying an obfuscated Bash script that fetches dependencies from a compromised web server. The script terminates competing bandwidth-sharing programs and launches Docker services to profit from the victim’s bandwidth. The attackers also host a cryptocurrency miner on the web server, indicating involvement in both cryptojacking and proxyjacking attacks. The use of proxyware services adds anonymity but can be abused to obfuscate the source of attacks.

6. Hackers exploit zero-day in Ultimate Member WordPress plugin with 200K installs

Hackers are exploiting a zero-day privilege escalation vulnerability in the ‘Ultimate Member’ WordPress plugin to compromise websites by registering rogue administrator accounts. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2023-3460, affects all versions of the plugin, including the latest one (v2.6.6). While attempts have been made to fix the vulnerability in previous versions, the issue remains exploitable. The attacks were discovered by Wordfence, who found that threat actors exploit the flaw by manipulating the plugin’s registration forms. By setting specific user meta values, attackers can grant themselves administrator access to the targeted site. Indicators of hacked WordPress sites include the appearance of new administrator accounts, usage of specific usernames, access records from known malicious IPs, and the installation of new plugins and themes. Users are advised to update to version 2.6.6 and remain vigilant for security updates.

06/21/2023-06/28/2023 Critical SQL Injection Flaws, New Fortinet’s FortiNAC Vulnerability, Million of GitHub Repositories Likely Vulnerable to RepoJacking Attack And More.

1. Critical SQL Injection Flaws Expose Gentoo Soko to Remote Code Execution

Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities have been disclosed in Gentoo Soko that could lead to remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable systems. The two issues have been collectively tracked as CVE-2023-28424 (CVSS score: 9.1). Soko is a Go software module that powers packages.gentoo.org, offering users an easy way to search through different Portage packages that are available for Gentoo Linux distribution. The SQL injections were exploitable and had the ability to disclose the PostgreSQL server’s version and execute arbitrary commands on the system. The development comes months after SonarSource uncovered a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in an open-source business suite called Odoo that could be exploited to impersonate any victim on a vulnerable Odoo instance as well as exfiltrate valuable data.

2. New Ongoing Campaign Targets npm Ecosystem with Unique Execution Chain

Cybersecurity researchers found an ongoing campaign targeting the npm ecosystem. The attack involves pairs of packages that work together to fetch and decode additional resources. The order of installation is crucial for a successful attack. The first package stores a token locally, retrieved from a remote server, while the second package passes the token and operating system type in an HTTP GET request to acquire a second script. A decoded Base64 string is executed if it exceeds 100 characters. The endpoint has returned the string “no history available,” suggesting the attack is either a work in progress or time-specific. The threat actor remains unknown, but the attack demonstrates sophisticated supply chain tactics. In a separate discovery, Sonatype found malicious packages on the Python Package Index targeting Windows with a Trojan downloaded from Discord’s servers, while a package called libiobe targeted both Windows and Linux, stealing information from Windows and profiling Linux systems.

3. New Fortinet’s FortiNAC Vulnerability Exposes Networks to Code Execution Attacks

Fortinet has released updates to fix a critical vulnerability in its FortiNAC network access control solution. Tracked as CVE-2023-33299, the flaw allows the execution of arbitrary code through Java untrusted object deserialization. An advisory by Fortinet states that the vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthenticated user sending crafted requests to the tcp/1050 service. The affected versions range from 7.2.0 to 9.4.3. Fortinet also addressed another vulnerability, CVE-2023-33300, which is an improper access control issue affecting versions 7.2.0 to 9.4.3. The discovery of both bugs is credited to Florian Hauser from CODE WHITE. This update comes after the active exploitation of a critical vulnerability in FortiOS and FortiProxy (CVE-2023-27997) and a previously fixed severe bug (CVE-2022-39952) that was later exploited.

4. U.S. Cybersecurity Agency Adds 6 Flaws to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added six vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. This includes three patched flaws in Apple (CVE-2023-32434, CVE-2023-32435, and CVE-2023-32439), two vulnerabilities in VMware (CVE-2023-20867 and CVE-2023-20887), and one affecting Zyxel devices (CVE-2023-27992). CVE-2023-32434 and CVE-2023-32435 have been exploited in a long-running cyber espionage campaign called Operation Triangulation. The attack involves a malicious iMessage attachment that triggers code execution without user interaction. Kaspersky discovered the campaign and found that the compromised devices are targeted to gather various information and execute operations. Additionally, CISA issued an alert for three vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-2828, CVE-2023-2829, and CVE-2023-2911) in BIND 9 DNS software that could lead to denial-of-service conditions.

5. Powerful JavaScript Dropper PindOS Distributes Bumblebee and IcedID Malware

A new JavaScript dropper called PindOS has been identified, delivering payloads such as Bumblebee and IcedID. PindOS, tracked by Deep Instinct, contains the name in its “User-Agent” string. Both Bumblebee and IcedID act as loaders, serving as a vehicle for other malware, including ransomware. IcedID has recently shifted its focus solely to malware delivery. Bumblebee replaces the BazarLoader and has been associated with groups like TrickBot and Conti. PindOS’s source code contains Russian comments, indicating potential collaboration between e-crime groups. The loader downloads malicious executables from remote servers using two URLs, with fallback functionality. Each payload is fetched pseudo-randomly, resulting in unique sample hashes. It launches DLL files using the legitimate Windows tool rundll32.exe. The long-term adoption of PindOS by Bumblebee and IcedID actors remains uncertain.

6. Alert: Million of GitHub Repositories Likely Vulnerable to RepoJacking Attack

A new study by Aqua has revealed that millions of software repositories on GitHub are susceptible to an attack called RepoJacking. This vulnerability allows threat actors to take over retired organization or user names and publish malicious versions of repositories. When a repository owner changes their username or transfers ownership to another user, a link is created between the old and new names. However, anyone can create the old username and break this link, allowing them to poison the software supply chain. Aqua’s analysis showed that approximately 2.95% of repositories were vulnerable to RepoJacking in June 2019, suggesting a significant number of repositories are at risk. Users are advised to regularly inspect their code for links fetching resources from external GitHub repositories to mitigate this threat.

7. Critical Flaw Found in WordPress Plugin for WooCommerce Used by 30,000 Websites

A critical security flaw has been discovered in the WordPress plugin “Abandoned Cart Lite for WooCommerce” installed on over 30,000 websites. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-2986, allows attackers to gain access to user accounts that have abandoned their shopping carts. The flaw is due to an authentication bypass resulting from insufficient encryption protections. The encryption key is hardcoded, enabling malicious actors to login as a user with an abandoned cart and potentially gain access to higher-level accounts. The issue has been addressed by the plugin developer, Tyche Softwares, with version 5.15.0. In a separate disclosure, an authentication bypass flaw was also found in the “Booking Calendar | Appointment Booking | BookIt” plugin by StylemixThemes, impacting over 10,000 WordPress installs.