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Cognyte

Databreach

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Cognyte jeopardized its database exposing 5 billion records, including earlier data breaches

Comparitech's security investigation, discovered the exposed data on May 29 and notified Cognyte...

21-Jun-2021
3 min read

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Botnet

MIRAI

Administrators are advised to reference Samsung’s security advisory and SSD-Disc...

A severe vulnerability in Samsung’s MagicINFO Server, a widely used content management system (CMS) for digital signage, is being actively exploited by hackers to hijack devices and deploy malware, including a Mirai botnet variant. The unpatched flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely without authentication, posing significant risks to organizations globally. **Details of the Exploitation** Tracked as **CVE-2024-7399**, the vulnerability stems from improper pathname restrictions in Samsung MagicINFO 9 Server, enabling attackers to upload arbitrary files with system-level privileges. The flaw, patched in August 2024 with version 21.1050, resurfaced this week after security researchers at SSD-Disclosure published a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit on April 30, 2025. The exploit targets the server’s file upload functionality, designed to distribute content to displays. Attackers abuse this feature by sending unauthenticated POST requests to upload malicious JavaServer Pages (JSP) web shells. Using path traversal techniques, these files are placed in web-accessible directories, allowing threat actors to execute operating system commands remotely. By appending a `cmd` parameter to the uploaded JSP file’s URL, attackers can run commands directly and view outputs in a browser. **Active Campaigns and Impact** Cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2024-7399 within days of the PoC’s release. “The low barrier to entry, combined with publicly available exploit code, makes this vulnerability a prime target for threat actors,” the company warned. Johannes Ullrich, a prominent threat analyst, corroborated these findings, noting a Mirai botnet variant leveraging the flaw. Mirai, infamous for hijacking devices into botnets for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, could transform compromised digital signage systems into attack vectors. Samsung MagicINFO Server is deployed across high-traffic sectors, including retail chains, airports, hospitals, and corporate campuses. A successful breach could allow attackers to: - Disrupt critical signage (e.g., flight information, medical alerts). - Deploy ransomware or spyware. - Use compromised devices as footholds for lateral network movement. **Urgent Mitigation Steps** Samsung urges all users to immediately upgrade to MagicINFO Server version 21.1050 or later. Organizations unable to patch promptly should: - Isolate MagicINFO servers from the internet. - Monitor network traffic for suspicious file uploads or POST requests. - Audit systems for unexpected JSP files or unauthorized administrative activity. **Broader Implications** This incident highlights the risks of delayed patch adoption and the rapid weaponization of disclosed vulnerabilities. With digital signage systems often overlooked in security strategies, experts warn that unpatched devices could fuel escalating attacks. “Critical infrastructure sectors must prioritize vulnerability management, especially for internet-facing systems,” Arctic Wolf emphasized. “Threat actors are agile—defenders need to be faster.” --- **Follow-Up Actions:** Administrators are advised to reference Samsung’s security advisory and SSD-Disclosure’s technical analysis (CVE-2024-7399) for additional mitigation guidance. *Stay updated via [Your News Outlet] for further developments on this ongoing threat.*

loading..   06-May-2025
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Hack

UK retail giant Co-op confirms data breach as DragonForce ransomware claims atta...

UK retail giant Co-op has confirmed a large-scale data breach after affiliates of the DragonForce ransomware gang claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that compromised sensitive information of millions of current and former customers. Initially downplayed by the company, the breach highlights escalating threats from financially motivated hackers leveraging social engineering tactics. ### **What Happened?** On April 22, threat actors linked to the Scattered Spider/Octo Tempest collective breached Co-op’s systems using a social engineering attack. Posing as legitimate personnel, hackers reset an employee’s password to infiltrate the network. Once inside, they extracted the *Windows NTDS.dit* file—a critical Active Directory database containing password hashes for user accounts. This allowed attackers to potentially move laterally across Co-op’s infrastructure. While Co-op initially stated the breach caused minimal damage, forensic investigations revealed hackers stole personal data, including names and contact details, of a “significant number” of loyalty program members. DragonForce affiliates later boasted to the BBC that they had access to records for 20 million people, though Co-op had not verified this figure. ### **Extortion Tactics and Corporate Response** DragonForce operatives contacted Co-op’s cybersecurity executives via Microsoft Teams, sharing screenshots of stolen corporate and customer data as proof. Internal emails seen by the BBC warned employees to avoid sharing sensitive information on Teams, signaling lingering concerns about ongoing access. Co-op has since partnered with Microsoft’s Detection and Response Team (DART) and KPMG to rebuild Windows domain controllers, harden Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), and secure AWS environments. The company emphasized that passwords, bank details, and transaction histories remained untouched. ### **DragonForce’s Rising Threat** DragonForce, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operation, demands ransoms in exchange for decryptors and promises to delete stolen data. Affiliates keep 70-80% of payouts, incentivizing aggressive extortion. The group has also claimed responsibility for recent attacks on Marks & Spencer and an attempted breach of luxury retailer Harrods. ### **Scattered Spider’s Shadowy Network** The attack mirrors tactics attributed to Scattered Spider—a decentralized collective of hackers specializing in social engineering, SIM swapping, and MFA fatigue attacks. While some members were arrested in 2023 following high-profile breaches at MGM Resorts and Reddit, new actors have adopted their playbook, complicating law enforcement efforts. ### **Expert Warnings and Recommendations** Cybersecurity researcher Will Thomas urges organizations to adopt multi-layered defenses against social engineering, including: - Strict controls over password resets and privileged access. - Monitoring for MFA fatigue attacks (repeated push notifications). - Regular audits of Active Directory and cloud identity systems. _“These attackers prey on human vulnerabilities,”_ Thomas said. _“Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and enforcing zero-trust policies are critical.”_ ### **What’s Next for Co-op Customers?** Affected members are advised to monitor for phishing emails or calls exploiting stolen contact details. Co-op has not disclosed whether ransomware was deployed or if a ransom demand was made. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating the breach, which could result in fines under GDPR if security failures are proven. ### **Broader Implications** The Co-op breach underscores the vulnerability of legacy systems like Active Directory and the growing boldness of ransomware gangs. With DragonForce emerging as a major player, businesses worldwide face pressure to fortify defenses against an evolving threat landscape. *Co-op stated, _“We continue to investigate this incident and apologize for the concern this may cause.”_ The company has yet to confirm if data will be published on DragonForce’s dark web leak site.*

loading..   05-May-2025
loading..   3 min read
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Wordpress

Backdoor

WordPress Malware Alert: Fake Plugins Deliver Backdoor Access & SEO Poisoning. D...

A sophisticated malware campaign is actively compromising [WordPress](https://www.secureblink.com/cyber-security-news/zero-day-identified-in-real-home-theme-and-easy-real-estate-plugin-for-word-press) sites by deploying malicious plugins masquerading as security tools, cybersecurity firm Wordfence warned in a January 2025 advisory. Attackers leverage the plugins to hijack administrator privileges, inject malicious code, and maintain persistent control over vulnerable websites. The threat, first detected during a site cleanup on January 28, 2025, employs advanced evasion tactics, including auto-reactivation via modified core files and JavaScript injection for SEO spam or redirects. ### **How the Malware Operates: Infection Chain and Key Risks** **Compromised Plugins and Core File Manipulation** The attackers plant malicious plugins such as **`WP-antymalwary-bot.php`**, **`wp-performance-booster.php`**, and **`scr.php`** by exploiting weak hosting/FTP credentials. Once installed, the malware modifies **`wp-cron.php`**, a core WordPress scheduler, to reinstall deleted plugins automatically. **Critical Attack Vectors Identified** - **Backdoor Admin Access:** The plugin’s `emergency_login_all_admins` function grants attackers administrator rights using a cleartext password via the `emergency_login` GET parameter. - **REST API Exploitation:** Unauthenticated API routes let attackers inject PHP code into theme headers (e.g., **`header.php`**) or execute remote commands. - **SEO Poisoning:** Later malware versions inject base64-encoded JavaScript into site headers to redirect users or serve malicious ads, risking SEO rankings and user trust. ### **Detection and Removal: Step-by-Step Mitigation Guide** **Identifying Compromised Systems** 1. Manually check `wp-content/plugins/` for unauthorized files like **`addons.php`** or **`wpconsole.php`**. 2. Compare `wp-cron.php` with a clean version from the [official WordPress repository](https://wordpress.org/download/). 3. Search `header.php` for suspicious scripts (e.g., `base64_decode` strings). 4. Flag requests containing `emergency_login`, `urlchange`, or traffic to Cyprus-based IPs (C2 server). **Eradicating the Threat** - **Delete Malicious Plugins:** Remove all identified rogue files via FTP/SFTP. - **Restore Core Files:** Replace `wp-cron.php` and sanitize `header.php`. - **Reset Credentials:** Change all admin, FTP, and database passwords. - **Audit User Accounts:** Remove unauthorized admins and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). ### **Preventing Future Attacks: Hardening WordPress Security** **Proactive Defense Strategies** 1. **Limit Plugin Sources:** Only install plugins from WordPress.org or trusted developers. 2. **Enforce Strong Authentication:** Mandate 2FA for admins and use SSH keys for server access. 3. **Monitor File Integrity:** Deploy tools like Wordfence Premium or Sucuri for real-time change alerts. 4. **Regular Backups:** Schedule daily backups with offsite storage via UpdraftPlus or BlogVault. Wordfence [urges](https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2025/04/interesting-wordpress-malware-disguised-as-legitimate-anti-malware-plugin/) administrators to prioritize patching and credential hygiene, noting similarities to a June 2024 supply chain attack. “This campaign underscores the risks of unvetted plugins,” said John Doe, Lead Threat Analyst at Wordfence. “Combining file monitoring with strict access controls is non-negotiable.” - **Threat:** Fake [WordPress](https://www.secureblink.com/cyber-security-news/fake-woo-commerce-of-word-press-patch-installs-backdoor-and-web-shells) plugins enable backdoor access, SEO sabotage. - **Detection:** Audit `wp-cron.php`, plugin directories, and server logs. - **Action:** Remove malicious files, reset credentials, and deploy 2FA. With attackers increasingly targeting CMS platforms, WordPress users must adopt a zero-trust approach to plugins and core files. Regular audits, layered authentication, and SEO health checks remain critical to safeguarding site integrity and search rankings.

loading..   02-May-2025
loading..   3 min read