ngCERT VMware Tools vulnerability
A vulnerability in VMware Tools is a functionality that was removed from VMware Tools 11.0.0 and it has been determined to affect VMware Tools for Windows version 10.x.y.
The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and a vulnerability in the implementation of the Server Message Block SMB protocol of Microsoft Windows Operating System is currently being exploited by a ransomware called WannaCry worm. The worm encrypts all files on an infected computer’s hard drive.
Multiple Security Vulnerabilities on D-LINK Home Routers
Researchers discovered six new vulnerabilities in D-Link wireless cloud routers running their latest firmware. The reported vulnerabilities were found in the DIR-865L model of D-Link routers, which is meant for home network use. There are also likelihood that some of these vulnerabilities are present in newer models of the router because of the similiarities in codebase.
Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability for VMware
VMware Fusion, VMRC, and Horizon Client contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability due to a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOC/TOU) issue in the service opener. Furthermore, another local privilege escalation was discovered, which allows the application to blindly executes files from an untrusted location. Both vulnerabilities result in arbitrary code execution as root.
Multiple Security Vulnerabilities for Adobe Products
Adobe has released an update for multiple adobe products in Windows, MacOS, and Linux. The updates resolves critical out-of-bounds Read and Write vulnerabilities that could lead to arbitrary code execution and information disclosure.
SaltStack FrameWork Vulnerabilities in Cisco Products
Researchers discovered numerous critical security vulnerabilities in SaltStack Salt framework – a configuration tool for cloud servers and data centers. Salt is used to monitor and update the state of servers. Each server runs an agent called a "minion" which connects to a "master", a Salt installation that collects state reports from minions and publishes update messages that minions can act on. The vulnerabilities allows attackers to bypass authentication and authorization for arbitrary code execution.
Webex Desktop App Vulnerability
A critical vulnerability was discovered in Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App which might allow a malicious remote attacker to execute programs on affected end-user system. This vulnerability is caused by improper validation of input that is supplied to application URLs. Also, the attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to follow a malicious URL.
New EvilQuest Ransomware for macOS Systems
A new ransomware known as EvilQuest has been discovered by security researchers. This ransomware was first spotted to be impersonating the Google Software Update program, and on torrent sites, injected in installers wrapping pirated versions of popular macOS software such as Little Snitch, Ableton Live, and Mixed in key. EvilQuest ransomware is discovered to encrypt macOS systems, installs a keylogger and a reverse shell for full control over infected host, and exfiltrates files that contain valuable information (keys to cryptocurrency wallets, code-signing certificates, and many more) with a variety of extensions (eg .pdf, .doc, .jpg, .txt, .pages, .wallet, .zip, etc).
Cisco Small Business Routers Vulnerabilities
According to Cisco, different categories of vulnerabilities were discovered from different Cisco routers. This vulnerabilities ranges from static default credential, Management interface remote command execution, authentication bypass, arbitrary code execution, and privilege escalation.
Researchers discovered that attackers can access organizations ‘networks through remote access systems to carry out ransomware attack. This is performed through the remote desktop protocol (RDP) and virtual private networks (VPN). The impact of these attacks can be severe on business operations because data are stolen and sold. Also, the recovery from this attacks is very costly to investigate and remediate the compromised network, and restore encrypted files from backup.
RV Series Routers Command Injection Vulnerabilities
Researchers discovered multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 Series Routers and Cisco Small Business RV016, RV042, and RV082 Routers. This vulnerabilities could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device.
ReVoLTE Networks Vulnerability
Recently, a group of security researchers discovered a new vulnerability named ReVoLTE attack. This vulnerability is due to mobile operators often utilizing similarly encryption key to obtain multiple 4G voice calls that takes place through similarly base station. This vulnerability could allow a malicious attacker to manipulate encrypted content of a recorded Volte call so as to eavesdrop the conversation.
Researchers has discovered critical security risk with Tecno Android phones which has a pre-installed malware called Triada. Malware which signed users up to subscription services without their permission was discovered on thousands of Tecno mobile phones sold in Africa. Anti-fraud firm Upstream found the malicious code on Tecno handsets sold in Ethiopia, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana and South Africa.
ADVISORY ON SQL INJECTION VULNERABILITY AND OTHER BASIC NETWORK SECURITY MEASURES
An SQL injection is a technique that attackers apply to insert SQL query into input fields to then be processed by the underlying SQL database. These weaknesses are then able to be abused when entry forms allow user-generated SQL statements to query the database directly. The attack results in the unauthorized viewing of user lists, the deletion of database entries and stealing of data.
Advisory on Intended Nationwide Cyber attack
The recent Classification of Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt by Kaspersky lab as easiest Cyberattack target in Africa with about Five Hundred and seventy-seven (577) attempted malware attacks hourly, is a serious wake up call to the government and the stakeholders in the Cybersecurity industry. This was disclosed in the company’s second quarter Spam and phishing 2020 report.
APT Compromise of Orion Platforms
Reports revealed recent compromises of U.S. government agencies, critical infrastructure entities, and private sector organizations by an advanced persistent threat (APT) actor which began at least since March 2020. It is expected that removing this threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging for organizations hence the need to take proactive actions in the protection of government critical national information infrastructures. The cyber-security firm that identified the large-scale hacking of US government agencies says it "genuinely impacted" around 50 organisations. The US Treasury and departments of homeland security, state and defence are known to have been targeted. Russian Intelligence has been accused by the US for the cyber intrusion. Several other organisations around the world are understood to have been targeted by hackers using the same network management software.
Update Advisory for APT Attacks on the SolarWinds Products
After conducting investigations into the Advanced Persistent Threat Compromise of Government Critical National Infrastructure, and Private Sector Organizations Infrastructures, SolarWinds have released an updated advisory for the Sunburst and the SuperNova backdoor that was discovered while investigating the recent SolarWinds Orion supply-chain attack. It was discovered that the SuperNova backdoor was likely used by a separate threat actor. Several teams of researchers have mentioned the existence of two second-stage payloads after the initial disclosure of the SolarWinds attacks.
Security Advisory on Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are the most common and effective cyber security threat to individuals, businesses and organizations. Phishing is the delivery mechanism of choice for ransomware and other malware and it is a critical problem that every organization must address through a variety of means. Most phishing messages indicate immediate action is needed to avoid an unwanted time-sensitive consequence. It is important to be suspicious of all requests, and review messages carefully to determine if the message may be a phishing scam.
Security Advisory on Apple Chips Malware
A new malware has been discovered to be crafting multi-architecture applications so that their code will run natively on Apple’s M1 Silicon chips. This is an attempt by malicious actors to target the company’s latest generation of Macs powered by its own processors. The malware is in the form of a Safari adware extension originally written to run on Intel x86 chips. The malicious extension, called "GoSearch22," is a well-known member of the "Pirrit" Mac adware family.
Advisory on Windows Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals are actively taking advantage of weaknesses in Windows and deploying malware for nefarious purposes. Windows has been a direct target of attacks by malware, more than 80% of malware detected are from windows according to latest discovery. This amongst others includes two updated versions of LodaRAT malware, TrickBot malware and the Zerologon flaws.
Microsoft Exchange Servers Zero-Day Vulnerability
Microsoft has confirmed the attacks against the Exchange servers aimed at stealing email addresses and installing malware to gain persistence in the target networks. This attacks campaign has been attributed to China-based hacker group called HAFNIUM who were exploiting unknown software bugs in Exchange Server to steal sensitive data from select targets. The vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild by several cyber espionage groups, including LuckyMouse, Tick, and Calypso targeting servers around the world.
Phishing Attack Using Fake Google reCAPTCHA to Steal Credential from Microsoft Users
A Microsoft-themed phishing campaign is using phony Google reCAPTCHA in an attempt to steal credentials from senior employees of various organizations. At least 2,500 such emails have been sent to senior-level employees, over the past three months. The emails first take recipients to a fake Google reCAPTCHA system page. Once victims “pass” the reCAPTCHA test, they are then redirected to a phishing landing page, which asks for their Office 365 credentials. After filling out the fake reCAPTCHA system, victims are then directed to what appears to be a Microsoft login screen.
Fake LinkedIn Job Offer Malware
A new spear-phishing campaign has been discovered to be targeting professionals on LinkedIn with weaponized job offers in an attempt to infect targets with a sophisticated and dangerous backdoor trojan called "more_eggs." According to researchers, the threat actors are using zip files to trick LinkedIn users into executing the More_eggs backdoor.
Cellebrite Forensic Software Security Vulnerabilities
Signal CEO in a successful hacking of the Cellebrite cellphone hacking and cracking tool revealed that the software lacks industry-standard exploit mitigation defenses, thereby making the software vulnerable to exploitations. This is coming after Cellebrite claimed in 2019 that its new tool unlocks almost any iOS and Android device, and in December 2020, that it could easily crack Signal’s encryption. Marlinspike accused Cellebrite of making a living from undisclosed vulnerabilities hence the decision to play it smart with the company by publicly publishing the vulnerability.
Cybercriminals Using Telegram messaging service to Distribute ToxicEye Malware
Researchers discovered that Telegram instant messaging service is being used by malicious actors to manage a remote access trojan (RAT) called ToxicEye. These cyber criminals are increasingly abusing Telegram as a "command-and-control" system to distribute malware into organizations that could then be used to capture sensitive information from targeted systems. More than 130 attacks involving the ToxicEye RAT has been discovered recently, and warning that even when Telegram is not installed or being used, the system allows hackers to send malicious commands and operations remotely via the instant messaging app.
Best Practices for Preventing Business Disruption from Ransomware Attacks
Malicious cyber actors has consistently deployed ransomware against government and private companies with recently trending attack on the US pipeline company’s information technology (IT) network, and the Japanese Conglomerate Toshiba unit by the DarkSide ransomware group. Critical Information asset owners and operators in Nigeria are therefore advised to adopt a heightened state of awareness and implement the recommendations listed in the Mitigations section of this Advisory, including implementing robust network segmentation between IT (Information technology) and OT (Operational Technology) networks; regularly testing manual controls; and ensuring that backups are implemented, regularly tested, and isolated from network connections. These mitigations will help CI owners and operators improve their entity's functional resilience by reducing their vulnerability to ransomware and the risk of severe business degradation if impacted by ransomware.
Apple Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
Apple has reported a zero-day vulnerability affecting its iOS, macOS and watchOS operating system being exploited by attackers in the wild to craft malicious web content, which may lead to remote code execution. Apple has therefore, released security patches for the zero-day bugs under active attacks.
Microsoft Edge Browser Vulnerabilities
A Microsoft Edge vulnerability that could allow hackers steal secrets from any website was discovered and thereby prompting Microsoft to release updates for the Edge browser, including a fix. This bypass vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions to inject and execute arbitrary code on any website just by sending a message.
Russian GRU Global Brute Force Attacks
The Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) 85th Main Special Service Center (GTsSS), military unit 26165, is reported to be conducting a Global anonymized Brute Force Campaign to Compromise Enterprise and Cloud Environments. This attack is discovered to be targeting government and foreign organizations using brute force access to penetrate government and private sector victim networks.
There has been an increase in ransomware attacks targeting government and private networks globally with the latest on the Kaseya VSA products, hence it is necessary to disseminate this security advisory to all Stakeholders and Ministries Departments and Agencies in Nigeria in order to take adequate preventive measures against ransomware attacks. It is noteworthy to know that all the recent ransomware attack on the Solarwinds, McDonald’s, Microsoft exchange server, JBS, US colonial Pipeline Company, etc has been estimated that the number of the ransomware attacks in 2021 may end up to be as high as 100,000 attacks with each one costing an average of $170,000. The ransom paid by Colonial and JBS combined was about $15 million against FBI advice. Therefore, the growing number of such attacks highlights the critical importance of making cyber preparedness a priority and taking the necessary steps to secure our networks against adversaries.
Several fake portals requesting beneficiaries' account details to get the Federal Government’s 2021 Survival Fund, check the N-Power Batch-C eligibility, and apply for CBN The COVID-19 Loan has been discovered to be circulating on the social media and through email messages to unsuspecting members of the public. These fraudsters parade themselves as operators of the Federal Government’s schemes.
Fortinet Leaked VPN Account Credentials
A malicious actor has leaked a list of almost 500,000 Fortinet VPN login names and passwords that were allegedly scraped from exploitable devices last summer. These credentials were reported to be obtained from systems that remained unpatched against FG-IR-18-384 / CVE-2018-13379 at the time of the actor's scan.
Browser’s DNS Rebinding Attacks
Cybercriminals have been discovered to be using a technique known as DNS rebinding to compromise internal networks by abusing web-based consoles. This method exposes the attack surface of internal web applications to malicious websites after being launched on victims' browsers. The DNS rebinding attack can use victims' browsers as a proxy to expand the attack surface to private networks.
Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp global outage
Some social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are currently experiencing technical downtime due to unknown causes resulting to a major global outage with many users unable to use the platforms. The outage is affecting every Facebook owned platforms according to data on Downdetector and Twitter. These Facebook owned Platforms are Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The outages appear to have started around 16:40pm and all services on the affected platforms remain inaccessible. The outages generated trends on Twitter as users flocked to the competing social network to see if other users were affected by the downtime. Humorously, the hashtag “#DeleteFacebook” is also trending on Twitter as Facebook battles negative reactions to its current challenge.
OpenOffice and LibreOffice Digital Signature Spoofing Vulnerabilities
Three flaws has been uncovered in OpenOffice and LibreOffice that if successfully exploited could permit an attacker to manipulate the timestamp of signed ODF documents, and worse, alter the contents of a document or self-sign a document with an untrusted signature, which is then tweaked to change the signature algorithm to an invalid or unknown algorithm.
Google Warn Users of Government-Sponsored Attacks
Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) has revealed that it is monitoring over 270 government-backed threat actors from over 50 countries. Since the beginning of 2021, the tech giant has sent approximately 50,000 alerts to customers about state-sponsored phishing or malware attempts.
Flubot Malware Targets Androids With Fake Security Updates and App Installations
A newly discovered Android malware, dubbed FluBot, impersonates Android mobile banking applications to draw fake webview on targeted applications. The malware primarily focuses on stealing credit card details or online banking credentials, apart from personal data.
A new Android malware that can gain root access to smartphones, take complete control over infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection has been discovered. The malware named “AbstractEmu” has been found to be distributed via Google Play Store and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.
An Iranian threat group known as Lyceum (aka Hexane, Siamesekitten, or Spirlin) has been reported to be targeting Telcoms, ISPs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Africa in a recent politically motivated attacks with an active focus on cyberespionage. This group is known to be focused on infiltrating the networks of telecoms companies and internet service providers (ISPs). Between July and October, Lyceum was spotted in attacks against ISPs and telecoms organizations across Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. The advanced persistent threat (APT) group has been linked to campaigns striking Middle Eastern oil and gas companies in the past and now appears to have expanded its focus to include the technology sector. In addition, the APT is responsible for a campaign against an unnamed African ministry of foreign affairs.
Rootkits are one of the most damaging types of malware. They are very difficult to detect & remove and provide the Threat Actors almost complete access to the target computer. A hacker who installs a rootkit into a computer can access & steal data, delete or corrupt files, spy on all system activities, modify programs, etc. Since rootkits remain constantly hidden and avoid detection, most commercially available anti-virus software is ineffective against them.
New Windows Installer Zero-Day Vulnerability
A security researcher discovered and reported a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Installer software component, which was later fixed by Microsoft. The flaw not only allows for the bypass of Microsoft's previous fix, but it also allows for local privilege escalation via the newly discovered zero-day bug. As a result, attackers are actively attempting to exploit the newly disclosed variant of the disclosed vulnerability in order to potentially execute arbitrary code on fully patched systems.
Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp global outage
Some social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are currently experiencing technical downtime due to unknown causes resulting to a major global outage with many users unable to use the platforms. The outage is affecting every Facebook owned platforms according to data on Downdetector and Twitter. These Facebook owned Platforms are Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The outages appear to have started around 16:40pm and all services on the affected platforms remain inaccessible. The outages generated trends on Twitter as users flocked to the competing social network to see if other users were affected by the downtime. Humorously, the hashtag “#DeleteFacebook” is also trending on Twitter as Facebook battles negative reactions to its current challenge.
OpenOffice and LibreOffice Digital Signature Spoofing Vulnerabilities
Three flaws has been uncovered in OpenOffice and LibreOffice that if successfully exploited could permit an attacker to manipulate the timestamp of signed ODF documents, and worse, alter the contents of a document or self-sign a document with an untrusted signature, which is then tweaked to change the signature algorithm to an invalid or unknown algorithm.
Google Warn Users of Government-Sponsored Attacks
Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) has revealed that it is monitoring over 270 government-backed threat actors from over 50 countries. Since the beginning of 2021, the tech giant has sent approximately 50,000 alerts to customers about state-sponsored phishing or malware attempts.
Flubot Malware Targets Androids With Fake Security Updates and App Installations
A newly discovered Android malware, dubbed FluBot, impersonates Android mobile banking applications to draw fake webview on targeted applications. The malware primarily focuses on stealing credit card details or online banking credentials, apart from personal data.
A new Android malware that can gain root access to smartphones, take complete control over infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection has been discovered. The malware named “AbstractEmu” has been found to be distributed via Google Play Store and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.
An Iranian threat group known as Lyceum (aka Hexane, Siamesekitten, or Spirlin) has been reported to be targeting Telcoms, ISPs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Africa in a recent politically motivated attacks with an active focus on cyberespionage. This group is known to be focused on infiltrating the networks of telecoms companies and internet service providers (ISPs). Between July and October, Lyceum was spotted in attacks against ISPs and telecoms organizations across Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. The advanced persistent threat (APT) group has been linked to campaigns striking Middle Eastern oil and gas companies in the past and now appears to have expanded its focus to include the technology sector. In addition, the APT is responsible for a campaign against an unnamed African ministry of foreign affairs.
Rootkits are one of the most damaging types of malware. They are very difficult to detect & remove and provide the Threat Actors almost complete access to the target computer. A hacker who installs a rootkit into a computer can access & steal data, delete or corrupt files, spy on all system activities, modify programs, etc. Since rootkits remain constantly hidden and avoid detection, most commercially available anti-virus software is ineffective against them.
New Windows Installer Zero-Day Vulnerability
A security researcher discovered and reported a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Installer software component, which was later fixed by Microsoft. The flaw not only allows for the bypass of Microsoft's previous fix, but it also allows for local privilege escalation via the newly discovered zero-day bug. As a result, attackers are actively attempting to exploit the newly disclosed variant of the disclosed vulnerability in order to potentially execute arbitrary code on fully patched systems.
