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Programmer’s Digest #130

04/09/2025-04/16/2025 Critical Apache Roller Vulnerability, Incomplete Patching Leaves Nvidia, Docker Exposed to DOS Attacks, Vulnerability in OttoKit WordPress Plugin And More.

1. Critical Apache Roller Vulnerability (CVSS 10.0) Enables Unauthorized Session Persistence

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-24859, CVSS score: 10.0) has been discovered in Apache Roller, an open-source Java-based blogging platform, affecting versions up to 6.1.4. The flaw allows attackers to retain access through existing sessions even after a user changes their password, posing serious security risks. This is due to improper invalidation of active sessions, enabling continued unauthorized access if credentials were compromised. The issue has been fixed in version 6.1.5 with centralized session management that terminates sessions when passwords are changed or users are disabled. This comes amid other high-severity Apache issues, including a critical bug in Apache Parquet’s Java Library (CVE-2025-30065) allowing code execution, and a recent exploit targeting Apache Tomcat (CVE-2025-24813).

2. Malicious PyPI Package Targets MEXC Trading API to Steal Credentials and Redirect Orders

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a malicious Python package, ccxt-mexc-futures, on the PyPI repository that rerouted trading orders on the MEXC exchange to a malicious server, stealing crypto tokens and sensitive data. Masquerading as an extension of the legitimate ccxt library, the package was downloaded over 1,000 times before removal. It secretly modified MEXC-related APIs to redirect user requests to attacker-controlled domains, enabling unauthorized access and arbitrary code execution. The malicious code targeted three core ccxt functions—describe, sign, and prepare_request_headers—and exfiltrated API keys to a fake MEXC domain. Users are urged to revoke exposed tokens and uninstall the package immediately. This discovery comes amid growing concerns about supply chain attacks, including counterfeit packages across npm, PyPI, and other ecosystems. New research also warns that AI models can “hallucinate” non-existent packages, potentially leading developers to install malicious code—an emerging threat known as slopsquatting.

3. Hackers Exploit WordPress Plugin Auth Bypass Hours After Disclosure

Hackers began exploiting a high-severity authentication bypass flaw (CVE-2025-3102) in the OttoKit (formerly SureTriggers) WordPress plugin just hours after it was publicly disclosed. The vulnerability affects versions up to 1.0.78 and allows attackers to create admin accounts without authentication, risking full site takeover. The issue stems from a missing check in the authenticate_user() function when no API key is set, allowing an attacker to send an empty st_authorization header to gain unauthorized access. OttoKit, used on over 100,000 websites to automate tasks with tools like WooCommerce and Mailchimp, released a fix in version 1.0.79 on April 3.Users are strongly urged to upgrade to version 1.0.79.

4. Incomplete Patching Leaves Nvidia, Docker Exposed to DOS Attacks

A critical race condition bug (CVE-2024-0132) in the Nvidia Container Toolkit remains exploitable despite multiple patches. Rated CVSS 9.0, the Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaw could allow crafted container images to access the host file system, leading to container escapes, code execution, or data theft. Trend Micro found that versions 1.17.3 and earlier are still vulnerable, while version 1.17.4 can be exploited if the optional feature “allow-cuda-compat-libs-from-containers” is enabled. The bug can also trigger a denial-of-service (DoS) attack on Docker for Linux by bloating the mount table and exhausting file descriptors, potentially locking users out.

Attackers could chain exploits to gain root access and launch a DoS using malicious container images. Nvidia’s patch, issued in September 2024 and updated in February 2025, may still be incomplete. Trend Micro advises disabling the optional rollback feature and restricting Docker API access to prevent exploitation and maintain system integrity.

5. Vulnerability in OttoKit WordPress Plugin Exploited in the Wild

A high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2025-3102, CVSS 8.1) in the OttoKit WordPress plugin is being actively exploited, potentially exposing over 100,000 websites to takeover. Formerly known as SureTriggers, OttoKit allows admins to automate tasks and connect apps and plugins.

The flaw stems from a missing check in a permission function. If OttoKit is installed but not configured with an API key, an attacker can submit an empty secret key, matching the plugin’s database, and gain access to REST API endpoints. This allows the creation of admin accounts, enabling attackers to upload malicious files, inject spam, or redirect users.

Only unconfigured installations are vulnerable, but Defiant confirms real-world exploitation. Users are urged to update to version 1.0.79 or later, which includes a fix released on April 3.

2 mo   digest   programmers'

Programmer’s Digest #129

04/02/2025-04/09/2025 Flaw in Apache Parquet, CrushFTP Vulnerability, Malicious Python Packages And More.

1. Critical Flaw in Apache Parquet Allows Remote Attackers to Execute Arbitrary Code

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-30065) in Apache Parquet’s Java library could allow remote code execution if exploited. The flaw, rated with a maximum CVSS score of 10.0, affects versions up to 1.15.0 and has been fixed in version 1.15.1.

According to project maintainers, the issue lies in schema parsing within the parquet-avro module. Endor Labs warns that attackers can exploit it by tricking systems into processing specially crafted Parquet files—especially dangerous for data pipelines and analytics platforms handling untrusted input. Although no active exploitation has been reported, vulnerabilities in Apache projects often draw attacker interest. Keyi Li of Amazon reported the flaw. Separately, a recent CVE-2025-24813 vulnerability in Apache Tomcat was exploited within 30 hours of disclosure. Aqua Security found an attack campaign using weak credentials to deploy Java-based web shells, steal SSH keys, and hijack resources for crypto mining—highlighting the urgency of patching such flaws quickly.

2. CISA Adds CrushFTP Vulnerability to KEV Catalog Following Confirmed Active Exploitation

CISA has added a critical CrushFTP vulnerability (CVE-2025-31161, CVSS 9.8) to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog due to active exploitation. The flaw, an authentication bypass, allows remote attackers to access any known or guessable user account, potentially leading to full system compromise. It has been patched in versions 10.8.4 and 11.3.1. Initially tracked as CVE-2025-2825, the issue sparked confusion after VulnCheck published a CVE without coordinating with the vendor or discloser, Outpost24. MITRE later assigned the official CVE. VulnCheck accused CrushFTP of delaying disclosure and criticized MITRE’s process. Huntress confirmed exploitation in the wild as early as March 30, 2025. Attackers installed remote desktop tools like AnyDesk and MeshAgent, added admin users, and deployed malware linked to a Telegram bot. At least four organizations across marketing, retail, and semiconductor sectors have been targeted.

3. Malicious Python Packages Attacking Popular Cryptocurrency Library

Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a new threat targeting cryptocurrency developers and users. Two malicious Python packages—bitcoinlibdbfix and bitcoinlib-dev—were found on PyPI, posing as fixes for the widely used bitcoinlib library.

These packages secretly exfiltrate sensitive crypto wallet data by targeting bitcoinlib’s command-line interface. Once installed, they remove the legitimate clw tool and replace it with a malicious version that intercepts user commands and transmits private wallet data to attacker-controlled servers.
The bitcoinlib library is a key resource for developers building blockchain applications, making it a prime target. The malware campaign was discovered by ReversingLabs via its Spectra platform, which uses machine learning to detect suspicious behavior.

This attack is part of a broader trend of supply chain compromises in the crypto space, with nearly two dozen incidents reported in 2024 alone. The attackers used social engineering, claiming their packages fixed a database error to trick developers into installing the malware.

4. CISA Urges Patching For ‘Critical’ Ivanti VPN Flaw

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-22457) in Ivanti’s Connect Secure VPN is being actively exploited and must be patched immediately, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned.

The flaw allows remote code execution and has been linked to UNC5221, a suspected China-based espionage group responsible for earlier mass attacks on Ivanti VPNs in 2024. Mandiant researchers observed malware deployments and signs of exploitation dating back to mid-March.

The vulnerability affects Ivanti Connect Secure versions 22.7R2.5 and earlier, and unsupported Pulse Connect Secure 9.1x devices. Ivanti released a fix (version 22.7R2.6) on February 11, initially misclassifying the issue as a minor bug.
CISA added the flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, urging all organizations—not just federal agencies—to update vulnerable systems. Ivanti noted its Integrity Checker Tool helped detect compromises and stressed that customers using supported versions with recommended configurations are at lower risk. Immediate upgrades are strongly advised.

5. Microsoft Patches 126 Flaws Including Actively Exploited Windows CLFS Vulnerability

Microsoft has released patches for 126 security flaws, including one actively exploited vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) affecting the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) Driver. This elevation of privilege (EoP) bug allows attackers with local access to gain SYSTEM-level access via a use-after-free condition. It has a CVSS score of 7.8 and has been linked to ransomware attacks. Notably, no patch is yet available for Windows 10 (32/64-bit).

Of the 126 flaws, 11 are Critical and 112 Important, covering privilege escalation, remote code execution, and denial-of-service issues. Other key fixes include RCE flaws in Windows Remote Desktop, Kerberos, Office, Excel, TCP/IP, and Hyper-V.
CISA added CVE-2025-29824 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, mandating federal agencies to patch by April 29, 2025.

Microsoft’s updates follow fixes from other major vendors, including Apple, Adobe, Cisco, Google, VMware, Fortinet, and more, addressing a wide range of vulnerabilities across platforms.

3 mo   digest   programmers'

Programmer’s Digest #128

03/26/2025-04/02/2025 Over 1,500 PostgreSQL Servers Compromised, New Malware Loaders Use Call Stack Spoofing, GitHub C2, and .NET Reactor And More.

1. Over 1,500 PostgreSQL Servers Compromised in Fileless Cryptocurrency Mining Campaign

An ongoing campaign targets exposed PostgreSQL instances to deploy cryptocurrency miners, with over 1,500 victims reported. The attackers use PG_MEM malware and employ defense evasion techniques like fileless miner payloads and unique binary hashes per target.

The campaign exploits weak PostgreSQL configurations, using the COPY ... FROM PROGRAM command to run arbitrary shell commands. The attackers deploy a Base64-encoded shell script to disable competing miners and drop PG_CORE, along with an obfuscated Golang binary named postmaster. This binary creates a cron job for persistence, elevates privileges, and downloads the XMRig miner. Each compromised machine is assigned a unique mining worker, with the campaign reportedly utilizing over 1,500 machines across multiple wallets.

2. New Malware Loaders Use Call Stack Spoofing, GitHub C2, and .NET Reactor for Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have found an updated version of Hijack Loader, a malware loader that introduces new evasion techniques and enhances persistence. The loader now includes call stack spoofing to hide the origin of function calls and performs anti-VM checks to detect sandbox environments. First discovered in 2023, Hijack Loader delivers second-stage payloads like information stealers and bypasses security software.

The latest iteration includes improvements like call stack spoofing to conceal malicious calls, using fabricated stack frames. It also integrates the Heaven’s Gate technique for process injection and delays execution by blocking Avast Antivirus processes. Two new modules, ANTIVM and modTask, enhance detection evasion and establish persistence through scheduled tasks.

Meanwhile, Elastic Security Labs revealed a new malware family, SHELBY, which uses GitHub for command-and-control and data exfiltration. The loader communicates via commits to a private repository, allowing attackers to send commands and access data without leaving detectable traces on disk.

3. Hackers Abuse WordPress MU-Plugins to Hide Malicious Code

Hackers are increasingly using the WordPress mu-plugins directory to run malicious code on every page load, evading detection. This method involves three types of malicious code planted in the ‘wp-content/mu-plugins/’ folder, which runs automatically without activation from the admin dashboard.

Mu-plugins can be used for legitimate functions, but their automatic execution makes them ideal for stealthy attacks. Sucuri identified three payloads:

  1. redirect.php – Redirects users to a fake browser update site to download malware.
  2. index.php – A webshell that fetches and executes PHP code remotely.
  3. custom-js-loader.php – Injects malicious JavaScript to hijack images and links.

These attacks can steal credentials, harm a site’s reputation, and install malware. To prevent infections, Sucuri advises updating plugins, disabling unnecessary ones, and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication.

4. Multiple npm Crypto Packages Hijacked

Sonatype has uncovered multiple hijacked npm cryptocurrency packages designed to steal sensitive information like API keys and SSH keys. These packages, some of which have been on npm for up to 9 years, were recently updated with malicious, obfuscated scripts.

The hijacked packages, tracked as sonatype-2025-000924, include scripts that exfiltrate sensitive data to a remote server after installation. Notably, some packages had not been updated in years, like “bnb-javascript-sdk-nobroadcast,” which received a malicious release.

Sonatype researchers suspect the hijacks may be the result of compromised npm maintainer accounts, possibly due to credential stuffing or expired domain takeovers. This incident highlights the importance of securing developer accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) and improving supply chain security practices. Developers must remain vigilant in monitoring third-party software registries to mitigate risks associated with malicious updates in open-source packages.

5. RESURGE Malware Exploits Ivanti Flaw with Rootkit and Web Shell Features

CISA has uncovered a new malware called RESURGE, exploiting a now-patched vulnerability in Ivanti Connect Secure (ICS) appliances. RESURGE, which includes features of the SPAWNCHIMERA malware, has distinct commands altering its behavior and capabilities such as a rootkit, dropper, backdoor, proxy, and tunneler. The security flaw (CVE-2025-0282) affects several Ivanti products and could allow remote code execution. It has been weaponized to deliver the SPAWN ecosystem, linked to a China-based espionage group, UNC5337. SPAWNCHIMERA, the previous malware variant, was observed being used to patch this vulnerability.

RESURGE includes features like web shell deployment, credential harvesting, and manipulation of integrity checks. CISA also discovered two other malicious artifacts on compromised ICS devices. Organizations are urged to patch Ivanti systems, reset credentials, and monitor accounts for anomalous activity.

3 mo   digest   programmers'
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