Attackers

Security Advisory

Pre-Auth Remote Code Execution Flaws Patched in Sophos Firewall 

Summary : Sophos has resolved several critical security vulnerabilities in its Firewall products, the most severe vulnerability could allow remote code execution without authentication, potentially giving attackers full control over impacted systems.

OEM Sophos 
Severity Critical 
CVSS Score 9.8 
CVEs CVE-2025-6704, CVE-2025-7624 
POC Available No 
Actively Exploited Yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

To address the issue, the Sophos has issued hotfixes for five separate vulnerabilities. Two of these are rated as critical and present a serious threat to enterprise networks around the globe. 

                Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
Arbitrary file writing vulnerability in Secure PDF eXchange (SPX) feature  CVE-2025-6704 Sophos Firewall Critical   SFOS 21.0 MR2 (21.0.2) and later 
SQL injection vulnerability in legacy SMTP proxy CVE-2025-7624 Sophos Firewall Critical SFOS 21.0 MR2 (21.0.2) and later 

Technical Summary 

The CVE-2025-6704 and CVE-2025-7624 are identified in Sophos Firewall versions prior to 21.0 MR2 (21.0.2), both with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating critical severity.  

The CVE-2025-6704 involves an arbitrary file writing vulnerability within the Secure PDF eXchange (SPX) feature.

SPX is enabled and the firewall operates in High Availability (HA) mode, attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication. This pre-authentication remote code execution can lead to full system compromise, affecting confidentiality, integrity and availability. 

CVE-2025-7624 pertains to an SQL injection vulnerability in the legacy (transparent) SMTP proxy of Sophos Firewall. If a quarantining policy is active for email and the system was upgraded from a version older than 21.0 GA, this weakness could potentially allow remote code execution.

Exploitation of this flaw can lead to unauthorized access, manipulation of firewall configurations, and potential lateral movement within the network. 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
 CVE-2025-6704 v21.5 GA and older A rare SPX feature flaw in HA mode can allow pre-auth remote code execution, affecting 0.05% of devices.  Pre-auth remote code execution (RCE) in Sophos Firewall SPX feature 
CVE-2025-7624 v21.5 GA and older An SQL injection in the legacy SMTP proxy can enable remote code execution if email quarantine is active and SFOS was upgraded from pre-21.0 GA. It affects up to 0.73% of devices. Remote code execution via SMTP proxy 

In addition to the Critical Severity vulnerabilities, two other High and one medium severity issues were addressed. 

CVE-2025-7382 – Command Injection in WebAdmin Interface (CVSS 8.8) 

A WebAdmin command injection flaw allows adjacent pre-auth code execution on HA auxiliary devices if admin OTP is enabled.  

CVE-2024-13974 – Business Logic Vulnerability in Up2Date Component (CVSS 8.1) 

 A business logic flaw in Up2Date lets attackers control firewall DNS to enable remote code execution. 

CVE-2024-13973 – Post-Auth SQLi Vulnerability in WebAdmin (CVSS 6.8) 

A post-auth SQL injection in WebAdmin allows admins to execute arbitrary code. 

Remediation: 

Users should immediately update Sophos Firewall to the latest patched version: 

  • For CVE-2025-6704, CVE-2025-7624, CVE-2025-7382: Upgrade to Sophos Firewall 21.0 MR2 (21.0.2) or later. 
  • For CVE-2024-13974 and CVE-2024-13973: Upgrade to Sophos Firewall 21.0 MR1 (20.0.1) or later. 

If you are not using the Secure PDF eXchange (SPX) feature or legacy SMTP proxy, consider disabling them until they are patched. 

Users operating legacy versions prior to the supported range must upgrade their systems to receive these critical security protections and maintain adequate defense against potential exploitation attempts.

Conclusion: 
In Sophos Firewalls that allow attackers to execute code remotely without logging in. Although only a small percentage of devices are affected, the flaws are serious.

Fortunately, Sophos quickly pushed automatic fixes, and no attacks have been seen so far. Users should verify their firewalls are fully updated and have auto update enabled to stay protected. 

The impact scope for this vulnerability reaches up to 0.73% of deployed devices. Both critical vulnerabilities were discovered and responsibly disclosed through Sophos’ bug bounty program by external security researchers.

References: 

Security Advisory

Critical Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in VMware Exploited at Pwn2Own 2025 – Patch Immediately  

Summary : VMware fixed four vulnerabilities in VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and VMware Tools that were exploited as zero-days during the Pwn2Own Berlin 2025 hacking contest in May 2025.

OEM Broadcom 
Severity Critical 
CVSS Score 9.3 
CVEs CVE-2025-41236, CVE-2025-41237, CVE-2025-41238, CVE-2025-41239 
Actively Exploited No 
Exploited in Wild No 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 
These vulnerabilities, now tracked as CVE-2025-41236, CVE-2025-41237, CVE-2025-41238 and CVE-2025-41239, could allow attackers with local administrative privileges on a virtual machine to execute arbitrary code on the host system or leak sensitive memory content.

VMware has released critical patches for affected products, including ESXi 7/8, Workstation Pro 17.x, Fusion 13.x and VMware Tools. 

                   Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
VMXNET3 Integer Overflow CVE-2025-41236 ESXi, Workstation, Fusion Critical (CVSS 9.3) ESXi80U3f-24784735, ESXi70U3w-24784741, ESXi80U2e24789317, 
Workstation 17.6.4, Fusion 13.6.4 
VMCI Integer Underflow CVE-2025-41237 ESXi, Workstation, Fusion Critical (CVSS 9.3) Same as above 
PVSCSI Heap Overflow CVE-2025-41238 ESXi, Workstation, Fusion Critical (CVSS 9.3) Same as above 
vSockets Info Disclosure CVE-2025-41239 ESXi, Workstation, Fusion,  VMware Tools High (CVSS 7.1) VMware Tools 13.0.1.0, same ESXi/Workstation/Fusion versions 

Technical Summary 

These vulnerabilities impact key virtualization components, potentially enabling virtual machine breakout or data leakage from the host system.

The exploitation requires local admin privileges on the guest VM and varies in impact depending on the platform (ESXi, Workstation, or Fusion). 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-41236 ESXi 7/8, Workstation 17.x, Fusion 13.x Integer overflow in VMXNET3 adapter allows arbitrary code execution on the host via specially crafted network packets from a guest VM. Host code execution from guest VM 
CVE-2025-41237 Same as above Integer underflow in VMCI component can lead to out-of-bounds write and code execution in the VMX process on the host. VM breakout; Host compromise (Workstation/Fusion) 
CVE-2025-41238 Same as above Heap overflow in the PVSCSI controller allows out-of-bounds write more severe on Workstation/Fusion than ESXi due to sandbox restrictions. Host compromise (desktop platforms); limited on ESXi 
CVE-2025-41239 ESXi 7/8, Workstation 17.x, Fusion 13.x,  VMware Tools Use of uninitialized memory in vSockets allows information disclosure to attackers with local VM admin rights. Memory leak from host to guest 

Remediation: 

Users and administrators are strongly advised to immediately apply the following patches to mitigate the vulnerabilities: 

  • VMware ESXi users must update to ESXi80U3f-24784735, ESXi80U2e-24789317 for 8.x and ESXi70U3w-24784741 for 7.x versions. 
  • VMware Workstation Pro users should update to version 17.6.4 or later. 
  • VMware Fusion users to version 13.6.4 or later. 
  • For VMware Tools, apply the 13.0.1.0 or later, especially for Windows guests where the vSockets vulnerability (CVE-2025-41239) is relevant. 

Conclusion: 


These vulnerabilities pose a serious threat to virtualization security, especially in environments using VMware Workstation and Fusion. A successful exploit could enable attackers to escape the virtual machine and compromise the host system.

Administrators should prioritize patching to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of virtual infrastructure compromise. Regular audits of virtual networking components and least-privilege access controls within guest VMs are also recommended. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Google Addresses Actively Exploited Zero-Day Vulnerability CVE-2025-6558 in Chrome 

Google has issued a critical emergency update for the Chrome browser to address CVE-2025-6558, a zero-day vulnerability that is actively being exploited in the wild. This high-severity flaw exists in Chrome’s ANGLE and GPU components, which are responsible for rendering graphics in the browser.

Summary 

OEM Google 
Severity High 
CVSS Score 8.8 
CVEs CVE-2025-6558 
POC Available No 
Actively Exploited Yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious code or gain unauthorized access to user systems. The update is being rolled out for Windows, macOS and Linux platforms. 

                Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
​Improper Input Validation in ANGLE/GPU Stack vulnerability  CVE-2025-6558 Google Chrome  High (Zero-day)  138.0.7204.157/.158 (Windows/macOS), 138.0.7204.157 (Linux) 

Technical Summary 

CVE-2025-6558 is a high-severity vulnerability caused by improper validation of untrusted input in Chrome’s ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) and GPU components. These components translate graphics instructions and interact closely with the system’s native APIs.

The flaw was discovered by Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) and is being actively exploited in real-world attacks. If left unpatched, it could enable attackers to compromise the browser rendering process and potentially execute arbitrary code on the user’s device. 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-6558 Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux Untrusted input is incorrectly validated, allowing malicious manipulation of graphics rendering Remote code execution through active exploitation 

Additional Vulnerabilities Patched in This Update 

In addition to the zero-day CVE-2025-6558, Google also addressed two other high-severity vulnerabilities as part of this update: 

  • CVE-2025-7656 – An integer overflow vulnerability in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, which could be exploited to corrupt memory and potentially achieve remote code execution. This flaw was reported by security researcher Shaheen Fazim.  
  • CVE-2025-7657 – A use-after-free vulnerability in the WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) component. Improper memory handling in real-time communication features could allow attackers to crash the browser or execute arbitrary code remotely. This issue was reported by researcher jakebiles. 

Remediation: 

  • Users should immediately update Google Chrome to the latest patched version: 
  • Windows & Mac: 138.0.7204.157/.158 
  • Linux: 138.0.7204.157 

Conclusion: 
CVE-2025-6558 highlights the growing complexity of securing browser components such as ANGLE and GPU. With confirmed active exploitation, users and administrators must prioritize this update to prevent potential remote code execution attacks.

Timely patching remains one of the most effective defenses against modern browser-based threats. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Mercedes, VW, Skoda Cars at Risk from Critical PerfektBlue Bluetooth Vulnerabilities 

Summary 

Severity High 
CVSS Score 8.0 
CVEs CVE-2024-45431, CVE-2024-45432, CVE-2024-45433, CVE-2024-45434, 
Actively Exploited No 
Exploited in Wild No 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 
Researchers discovered critical Bluetooth flaws, called PerfektBlue, in the OpenSynergy BlueSDK stack used in millions of vehicles. These allow attackers nearby to remotely run malicious code through the infotainment system, potentially accessing GPS, audio and even vehicle controls depending on the car’s design.

Cars from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Skoda are affected. While patches were released, it is urged to update the systems and stay cautious during Bluetooth pairing to stay protected. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity 
Use-After-Free in AVRCP  CVE-2024-45434 Open Synergy BlueSDK (Bluetooth AVRCP service_ 8.0   
RFCOMM Improper Function Termination CVE-2024-45433 OpenSynergy BlueSDK (Bluetooth RFCOMM protocol) 5.7 
RFCOMM Parameter Misuse CVE-2024-45432 OpenSynergy BlueSDK (Bluetooth RFCOMM protocol) 5.7 
L2CAP Remote CID Validation Flaw CVE-2024-45431 OpenSynergy BlueSDK (Bluetooth L2CAP layer)  3.5 

Technical Summary 

A set of vulnerabilities has been identified in the Bluetooth stack of infotainment systems, affecting core protocols like AVRCP, L2CAP, and RFCOMM. These issues stem from improper memory handling, incorrect parameter usage and flawed validation logic. While some may only cause system instability or crashes, they can be combined in a coordinated attack to bypass defenses, disrupt communication or potentially execute code remotely. Overall, they expose critical weaknesses that could be exploited to compromise the system through crafted Bluetooth traffic. 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2024-45434 Vehicles using Open Synergy Blue SDK, including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Skoda and undisclosed OEM. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit free memory in the AVRCP service. By sending crafted Bluetooth commands, they can trigger a use-after-free condition, potentially leading to crashes or remote code execution inside the infotainment system. It can be part of a larger attack chain to take over the system. May allow attackers to run remote code on the infotainment system. 
CVE-2024-45433 Automotive systems running Blue SDK’s RFCOMM protocol implementation.  Due to faulty logic in RFCOMM, certain functions may not exist properly. This can cause the system to behave unpredictably, giving attackers a chance to manipulate control flow or trigger crashes. It can be used to stabilize or advance remote attacks on the Bluetooth stack.  May cause system crash or help in running further malicious actions. 
CVE-2024-45432 Vehicles using Open Synergy Blue SDK with Bluetooth RFCOMM services.  This issue involves functions in the RFCOMM protocol being called with wrong parameters. Attackers can exploit this to introduce unexpected behavior or weaken Bluetooth processing. On its own, it may cause a crash, but as part of an exploit chain, it helps attackers gain deeper access. Can create logic errors and make the system unstable. 
CVE-2024-45431 Infotainment systems in vehicles using Open Synergy Blue SDK Bluetooth stack. This flaw stems from incorrect validation of channel IDs in the L2CAP layer. Attackers can send malformed Bluetooth packets that bypass checks, possibly disrupting communication or preparing the system for further exploitation. Though low in severity alone, it can support chained attacks. Could help attackers bypass checks 

Remediation: 

To stay protected from the PerfektBlue vulnerabilities, users should update with the available latest patches provided by the manufacturer ensure once their vehicle’s software is fully updated.  

Here are some best practices below you can follow  

  • Disable Bluetooth when not in use and avoiding unnecessary pairing, especially in public areas, can reduce exposure to potential attacks.  
  • Always verify Bluetooth pairing requests and codes carefully before accepting any connection.  

Conclusion: 
The PerfektBlue flaws show that even car Bluetooth systems can be a way for hackers to attack. If not fixed, these issues can let attackers take control of your car’s infotainment features and maybe more. Timely patching and adopting secure Bluetooth practices are essential to minimize exposure. As vehicles grow increasingly connected, securing their wireless interfaces becomes crucial to maintaining overall system safety and privacy. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Critical Flaws Expose Schneider DCE to Remote Exploits – Patch Now 

Summary : Schneider Electric has found critical security flaws in its EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert software (version 8.3 and earlier) which allow attackers to run harmful codes, steal data or disrupt data center operations. The EcoStruxure IT Data Center is a scalable monitoring solution for data center equipment. Through the web interface the flaw allows unauthenticated remote code execution when HTTP is enabled, though it is disabled by default.

Severity Critical 
CVSS Score 10.0 
CVEs CVE-2025-50121, CVE-2025-50122, CVE-2025-50123, CVE-2025-50125 
POC Available No 
Actively Exploited No 
Exploited in Wild No 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

The most severe flaw lets attackers execute commands remotely without logging in and other risks include weak password generation and privilege misuse.

Schneider urges users to upgrade to version 9.0. as a priority, if users are unable to update right now, users should secure their systems by limiting access, disabling unused services, using VPNs and security best practices. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
​OS Command Injection  CVE-2025-50121 EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert (DCE)  Critical  v 9.0 
Insufficient Entropy (Weak Root Password Generation)  CVE-2025-50122 EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert (DCE)  High  v 9.0 
Insufficient Entropy (Weak Root Password Generation) CVE-2025-50123 EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert (DCE) High v 9.0 
Insufficient Entropy (Weak Root Password Generation)  CVE-2025-50125 EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert (DCE) High v 9.0 

Technical Summary 

The vulnerabilities have been identified in the system that exposes it to remote takeover, unauthorized access and internal data exposure.

At the core of the risk is a command injection flaw in the web interface, where unsanitized input allows attackers to execute system-level commands without authentication.

Compounding the issue is a weak password generation mechanism that uses low-entropy values, making root credentials easier to predict if installation or update packages are obtained.

Privileged users can also exploit unsafe input handling, specifically in fields like the hostname to inject and execute arbitrary code.

Furthermore, improper validation of internal HTTP requests allows attackers to perform server-side request forgery (SSRF), potentially accessing internal services and sensitive resources without credentials. 

CVE ID CVSS Score System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-50121 10.0 Web interface Allows unauthenticated attackers to run system commands via malicious folder in web interface. Unauthenticated RCE, full system compromise. 
CVE-2025-50122 8.3 Password generation system Allows unauthenticated attackers to run system commands via malicious folder in web interface. Root access by reverse-engineering password generation, leading to full control. 
CVE-2025-50123 7.2 Server console interface Allows unauthenticated attackers to run system commands via malicious folder in web interface. Arbitrary command execution by privileged users, risking internal misuse or escalation  
CVE-2025-50125 7.2 HTTP request handler Attackers manipulate hidden URLs to access internal services or run code without login. Unauthorized access to internal services, RCE and data exposure. 

In addition to the Critical and High Severity vulnerabilities, Two other medium severity issues were addressed. 

CVE-2025-50124 – Improper Privilege Management (CVSS 6.9) 
This issue allows privilege escalation through a setup script by a user already holding elevated access via the console. 

CVE-2025-6438 – XML External Entity (XXE) Injection (CVSS 6.8) 

 Attackers could exploit SOAP API calls to inject malicious XML entities and gain unauthorized file access. 

Remediation: 

  • Immediately upgrade to EcoStruxure DCE version 9.0 or the latest one to fix critical security flaws. 

Schneider recommends hardening DCE instances per the EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert Security Handbook and adopting cybersecurity best practices.

Attackers could gain full access, run harmful commands, or steal data. It is strongly advised to update to version 9.0 or apply strict security measures to reduce the risks immediately.

IoT and Evolving Threat landscape

Industrial IoT security threats have evolved from theoretical concerns to active, persistent dangers that target manufacturing operations worldwide.

The convergence of traditional operational technology with modern information technology has created attack vectors that cybercriminals, nation-state actors, and industrial espionage operations actively exploit.

The financial impact of industrial cybersecurity incidents continues to escalate, with the average cost of a manufacturing sector data breach reaching $4.97 million in 2024, not including potential regulatory fines, business interruption losses, and long-term reputation damage. 

The security flaws in Schneider’s EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert software exposes the dynamic threat landscape that may exist in Industrial IoT .


These vulnerabilities in Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure DCE can seriously affect system security and data center operations. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Microsoft Plug 140 Vulnerabilities in July Patch Tuesday; SQL Server Zero-Day Disclosed 

Summary : July Patch Tuesday

The July 2025 Patch Tuesday addresses a publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerability CVE-2025-49719 in Microsoft SQL Server.

OEM Microsoft 
Severity Critical 
Date of Announcement 2025-07-08 
No. of Patches  140 
Actively Exploited No 
Exploited in Wild No 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

Microsoft has released security updates addressing 140 vulnerabilities as part of July 2025 Patch Tuesday, including one publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerability affecting Microsoft SQL Server. Fourteen(14) of the vulnerabilities are classified as Critical, with ten(10) enabling Remote Code Execution (RCE).

Microsoft products impacted span across Windows, SQL Server, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Hyper-V, Visual Studio and Azure services 

  • 130 Microsoft CVEs addressed 
  • 10 non-Microsoft CVEs addressed 

Breakdown of July 2025 Vulnerabilities 

  • 41 Remote Code Execution (RCE) 
  • 18 Information Disclosure 
  • 53 Elevation of Privilege (EoP) 
  • 5 Denial of Service (DoS)  
  • 8 Security Feature Bypass 
  • 4 Spoofing 
  • 1 Data Tampering 
Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity CVSS Score 
SQL Server Information Disclosure CVE-2025-49719 Microsoft SQL Server High 7.5 

Technical Summary 

The information disclosure flaw arises from improper input validation, enabling a remote unauthenticated attacker to access data from uninitialized memory.

Microsoft also resolved a significant number of critical RCE vulnerabilities, particularly in Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Windows core components like Hyper-V and KDC Proxy. Several vulnerabilities can be triggered through minimal user interaction, such as viewing a document in the preview pane or interacting with network services. 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-49719 Microsoft SQL Server Publicly disclosed information disclosure via improper input validation; attackers may access uninitialized memory Unauthorized data disclosure 

Source: Microsoft and NVD 

In addition to the publicly disclosed vulnerability, several other critical and high-severity issues were addressed: 

  • CVE-2025-49701 and CVE-2025-49704: Microsoft SharePoint, RCE over the Internet via authenticated access (CVSS 8.8) 
  • CVE-2025-49735: Windows KDC Proxy Service, Use-after-free vulnerability allowing unauthenticated RCE (CVSS 8.1) 
  • CVE-2025-47981: SPNEGO Extended Negotiation, Heap buffer overflow enabling RCE through crafted messages (CVSS 9.8) 
  • CVE-2025-48822: Hyper-V Discrete Device Assignment (DDA), RCE via PCI passthrough flaw in virtual environments (CVSS 8.6) 
  • CVE-2025-49717: Microsoft SQL Server, Heap-based buffer overflow enabling authenticated RCE (CVSS 8.5) 
  • CVE-2025-49695 to CVE-2025-49703: Microsoft Office/Word, Multiple RCEs via heap overflow, out-of-bounds read, type confusion (CVSS 8.4 & 7.8) 
  • CVE-2025-36357: AMD L1 Data Queue, Side-channel transient execution attack. 
  • CVE-2025-36350: AMD Store Queue, Speculative execution side-channel leak. 

Key Affected Products and Services 

The vulnerabilities addressed in July 2025 impact a wide range of Microsoft products and services, including: 

  • Windows Components: 
    Windows Kernel, BitLocker, SSDP Service, Hyper-V, KDC Proxy and Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). 
  • Microsoft Office Suite: 
    Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint with several vulnerabilities enabling Remote Code Execution (RCE) or Elevation of Privilege (EoP). 
  • Cloud and Enterprise Services: 
    Azure Monitor Agent, Microsoft Intune and Microsoft SQL Server. 
  • Development Tools: 
    Visual Studio and the Python extension for Visual Studio Code. 
  • Browsers: 
    Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). 

Remediation: 

  • Apply Patches Promptly: Install the July 2025 security updates immediately to mitigate risks. 

Conclusion: 

The July 2025 Patch Tuesday reflects a large-scale update effort from Microsoft, addressing both known and undisclosed security risks. The zero-day (CVE-2025-49719) highlights ongoing concerns with SQL Server, while critical vulnerabilities in Office, SharePoint and core Windows services demand urgent patching.

Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches and remain vigilant for any post-patch exploitation attempts, especially in externally facing applications. 

References: 

Security Advisory

CitrixBleed 2: Critical CVE-2025-5777 Vulnerability Under Active Exploitation with Public PoC Available

Summary ; A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-5777 has been discovered in Citrix NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway products configured as Gateway or AAA virtual servers.

The Citrix NetScaler is a networking gadget that delivers application access across distributed enterprise environments.

Originally developed to optimize traffic and improve the performance of web applications, NetScaler has evolved into a comprehensive solution for load balancing, SSL offloading, web application firewalling (WAF), secure remote access, and gateway functionalities such as VPN and ICA proxy for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.

OEM Citrix 
Severity Critical 
CVSS Score 9.3 
CVEs CVE-2025-5777 
POC Available Yes 
Actively Exploited Yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

This out-of-bounds read flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to leak sensitive memory content, such as session tokens, by sending crafted HTTP POST requests. 

The vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, with public PoC exploits and scanning tools available. Citrix has released patches, and urgent remediation is strongly recommended. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
​ Out-of-bounds read vulnerability  CVE-2025-5777 NetScaler ADC & Gateway  Critical  14.1-43.56,   13.1-58.32, 13.1-FIPS/NDcPP 13.1 37.235, 12.1-FIPS 12.1-55.328 

Technical Summary 

CVE-2025-5777 arises from improper input validation during login requests on affected NetScaler devices. An attacker can exploit the flaw by submitting a malformed authentication request (eg. missing an equal sign in a POST login parameter). This leads the system to read uninitialized memory and leak up to 127 bytes of sensitive data. 

Attackers can extract session tokens and bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) to hijack legitimate user sessions. 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
 CVE-2025-5777 NetScaler ADC & Gateway 14.1 < 14.1-43.56 13.1 < 13.1-58.32 13.1-FIPS/NDcPP < 13.1-37.235 12.1-FIPS < 12.1-55.328 EOL: 12.1, 13.0. Insufficient input validation allows attackers to trigger a memory leak via malformed authentication requests. Session hijacking, MFA bypass, unauthorized access 

Proof of Concept (PoC): 

  • Execution Flow 

Attacker submits a malformed HTTP POST to: 

POST /p/u/doAuthentication.do HTTP/1.0 

Host: <NetScaler-IP> 

Content-Length: 5 

Connection: keep-alive 

login  

(Note: the ‘login’ parameter is included without an ‘=’ or value.) * 

  • Memory Leak Trigger 

Due to insufficient input validation, the backend neither initializes nor validates the ‘login’ field. This causes up to 127 bytes of uninitialized stack memory to be included in the XML response ‘<InitialValue>’ tag potentially containing session tokens or sensitive internal data.  

    Source: horizon3 

Remediation: 

  • Immediate Action: Upgrade to the latest fixed versions:  – NetScaler ADC & Gateway 14.1-43.56 or later 
    – NetScaler ADC & Gateway 13.1-58.32 or later 
    – NetScaler ADC 13.1-FIPS/NDcPP 13.1-37.235 or later 
     – NetScaler ADC 12.1-FIPS 12.1-55.328 or later 
     – EOL versions (12.1, 13.0) must be upgraded to supported releases. 

Recommendations: 

  • Session Invalidation: After patching, terminate all active ICA and PCoIP sessions using: 
      kill icaconnection -all 
      kill pcoipConnection -all. 
  • Audit: Review authentication and session logs for suspicious activity, including repeated POST requests and session reuse across unexpected IPs. 
  • Upgrade Legacy Systems: Migrate EOL devices to supported versions as they will not receive security fixes. 

Conclusion: 
CVE-2025-5777 (CitrixBleed 2) represents a critical memory leak vulnerability that is being actively exploited, with working public exploits widely circulated.

Attackers can extract session tokens and take over sessions even with MFA in place. Shodan scans reveal over 50,000 exposed NetScaler instances, with more than 1,200 unpatched as of late June 2025 

Given its severity, public exploitation, and impact, organizations must act immediately to patch vulnerable systems, revoke active sessions, and migrate away from unsupported versions.

This vulnerability echoes the risks of the original CitrixBleed, emphasizing the importance of proactive defense in depth. 

References: 

Hashtags 

#Infosec #CyberSecurity #Critix #NetScaler #SecurityAdvisory #Vulnerabilitymanagement # Patch Management #CISO #CXO #Intrucept  

Security Advisory

Grafana Rolls out Updates on Critical Chromium Vulnerabilities; CVE-2025-6554 a Zero day Vulnerability

Summary : Grafana has issued urgent patches to address multiple high-severity vulnerabilities stemming from underlying flaws in the Chromium V8 JavaScript engine.

OEM Google 
Severity High 
CVSS Score 8.1 
CVEs CVE-2025-6554, CVE-2025-5959, CVE-2025-6191 CVE-2025-6192 
POC Available No 
Actively Exploited Yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

The most critical of these, CVE-2025-6554, is a zero-day vulnerability that was actively exploited in the wild. Several of these bugs, if unpatched, could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, perform memory corruption or bypass sandbox protections via malicious HTML content.

Grafana users running affected versions of Image Renderer and Synthetic Monitoring Agent are strongly advised to update immediately. 

                Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
​Type Confusion in V8 Engine vulnerability  CVE-2025-6554 Google Chrome  High  138.0.7204.96/.97 (Windows)  
138.0.7204.92/.93 (Mac)  
138.0.7204.96 (Linux) 
Type Confusion in V8 Engine vulnerability CVE-2025-5959 Google Chrome High 137.0.7151.103/.104 (Windows & Mac) 137.0.7151.103 (Linux) 
Integer overflow in V8 Engine vulnerability CVE-2025-6191 Google- Chrome High 137.0.7151.119/.120 (Windows & Mac) 137.0.7151.119 (Linux) 
Use-after-free in Metrics (Profiler) in Google Chrome CVE-2025-6192 Google- Chrome High 137.0.7151.119/.120 (Windows & Mac) 137.0.7151.119 (Linux) 

Technical Summary 

Grafana has patched four high-severity Chromium V8 vulnerabilities in its Image Renderer and Synthetic Monitoring Agent. The most critical, CVE-2025-6554 is a zero-day type confusion bug that was actively exploited. Other flaws include CVE-2025-5959 (remote code execution), CVE-2025-6191 (integer overflow) and CVE-2025-6192 (use-after-free).

Affected versions are Image Renderer < 3.12.9 and Synthetic Monitoring Agent < 0.38.3. Users should update immediately to stay protected. 

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-6554 Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux Type confusion in the V8 JavaScript engine allows improper memory handling, leading to code execution  Remote code execution.  Potential system compromise.  
CVE-2025-5959 Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux Type Confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to allowing a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page. Remote code execution.  Potential system compromise. 
CVE-2025-6191 Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux Integer overflows in V8 in Google Chrome prior to allowing a remote attacker to potentially perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. Arbitrary code execution. Memory Corruption. 
CVE-2025-6192 Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux Use after free in Metrics in Google Chrome prior to allowing a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. Arbitrary code execution.  

Remediation: 

  • Users should immediately update Google Chrome to the latest patched version: 
  • Windows: 138.0.7204.96/.97, 137.0.7151.103/.104, 137.0.7151.119/.120 
  • macOS: 138.0.7204.92/.93, 137.0.7151.103/.104, 137.0.7151.119/.120 
  • Linux: 138.0.7204.96, 137.0.7151.103, 137.0.7151.119 

Other Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Opera etc.) should also be updated as patches become available from their respective vendors. 

Conclusion: 
The criticality of CVE-2025-6554, CVE-2025-5959, CVE-2025-6191, CVE-2025-6192 in the wild highlights the urgency of applying the latest Chrome security update.

Type confusion vulnerabilities like this can lead to full system compromise and are highly sought-after by cybercriminals. Users and organizations should take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Privilege Escalation in Notepad++ v8.8.1 Installer via Binary Planting with Public PoC Available 

Security Advisory: A high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability has been discovered in the Notepad++ v8.8.1 and prior installer, which allows local attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges through uncontrolled executable search paths (binary planting).

The installer searches for executable dependencies in the current working directory without verification, allowing attackers to place malicious executables that will be loaded with SYSTEM privileges during installation.

OEM Notepad++ 
Severity High 
CVSS Score 7.3 
CVEs CVE-2025-49144 
POC Available Yes 
Actively Exploited No 
Exploited in Wild No 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

Exploitation requires minimal user interaction and a public Proof of Concept (PoC) is available. The issue is resolved in version v8.8.2. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
​Privilege Escalation Vulnerability  CVE-2025-49144 Notepad++  High  v8.8.2 

Technical Summary 

The Notepad++ installer improperly searches for executable dependencies in the current directory without verifying their authenticity.

This insecure behavior allows attackers to place a malicious executable (e.g. regsvr32.exe) in the same directory as the installer. Upon execution the malicious file is loaded with SYSTEM-level privileges, granting full control over the machine. 

In real world scenario, an attacker could use social engineering or clickjacking to trick users into downloading both the legitimate installer and a malicious executable to the same directory (typically Downloads folder – which is known as Vulnerable directory). Upon running the installer, the attack executes automatically with SYSTEM privileges.

CVE ID System Affected  Vulnerability Details Impact 
  CVE-2025-49144  Notepad++ v8.8.1 and prior. The installer invokes executables without absolute path (e.g. regsvr32), allowing a malicious binary in the same directory to be executed with elevated privileges.  SYSTEM privilege escalation and full machine control 

Proof of Concept (PoC): 

  • Execution Flow: Attacker places a fake regsvr32.exe in the same directory as the Notepad++ installer. 
  • Trigger: When the user runs the installer, it loads the attacker’s file with SYSTEM privileges. 
  • Evidence: 
  • Process Monitor logs confirm that the installer is searching for executables in the local directory. 
  • Public PoC materials are hosted and shared, confirming reproducibility 

Remediation: 

  • Immediate Action: Upgrade to Notepad++ v8.8.2 or later which explicitly sets absolute paths when invoking executables like regsvr32. 

Recommendations: 

  • Configuration Check: Avoid executing installers from user-writable locations like the Downloads folder. Ensure installers are run from isolated, trusted directories. 
  • Environment Hardening: Implement endpoint detection for binary planting, restrict execution in commonly targeted directories. 

Conclusion: 
CVE-2025-49144 is a critical privilege escalation vulnerability with a working public PoC. It leverages a fundamental flaw in the Notepad++ installer’s handling of executable paths.

Given the low barrier to exploit and high impact, especially in environments where Notepad++ is widely used, immediate remediation is strongly advised. The presence of similar flaws in past versions highlights the persistent risk of insecure software packaging. 

This is a critical security vulnerability requiring immediate attention. While Microsoft classifies some binary planting issues as “Defense-in-Depth,” the severity of gaining SYSTEM privileges with minimal user interaction warrants priority remediation.

References: 

Blogs

Oxford City Council Latest Prey of Cyber criminal; Personal Data on legacy system exposed

The Oxford City Council informed it suffered a data breach where attackers accessed personally identifiable information from legacy systems. The incident which took place over the weekend of 7 and 8 June, witnessed how attackers accessed historic data stored over a decade held on legacy systems.

The leaked personal information are of individuals who worked on elections administered by the council between 2001 and 2022, including poll station workers and ballot counters. Most of these people, said the council, will be current or former council officers.

‘”No evidence to suggest that any of the accessed information has been shared with third parties,” said the council in a statement.

The automated systems were able to detect the breach and resulted in disruption to some of their services last week. But the have been working hard to minimize impact on residents.

The council’s email systems and wider digital services remain secure and safe to use, it said, and the council has reported the incident to the relevant government authorities and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), cyber attacks on local authority systems rose by a quarter between 2022 and 2023, while personal data breaches rocketed by 58%.

Major cyber attacks on institutions based in UK

The Oxford attack is the latest of many to affect UK councils. In 2025 alone, Gateshead and West Lothian councils have reported material attacks on their systems, with ransomware groups claiming responsibility for both.

Nottingham City Council also suffered a freak service outage earlier this year, which turned off the lights at the authority’s office building, although that was caused by a datacenter electrical fault rather than intruders.

Legacy Systems Vulnerable to cyber attacks:

A study by Accenture found that 85% of IT leaders in government agencies believe not updating legacy systems threatens their future.

When legacy systems were developed, these applications may have been on top of then-current cybersecurity practices. But with the passage of even a short time, the threat landscape evolves while many legacy systems get left behind.

Legacy systems are the workhorses of many businesses and dependable as these aging software and hardware applications keep core operations running. Legacy dependencies can stall a strategic move to the cloud and digital transformation. 

These outdated software applications, databases, and codebases were once reliable. Presently the software’s struggle to keep pace with digital trends.

Few examples of Legacy system

  • Old Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems: These were often built with a monolithic architecture, making them inflexible and difficult to integrate with newer technologies.
  • Outdated databases: Hierarchical and older relational database systems may lack the features and security needed for modern applications.
  • Custom code: Businesses may still rely on proprietary software written in languages like COBOL, posing challenges for maintenance and updates.

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(Sources: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/20/oxford_city_council_breach/)

https://www.secopsolution.com/blog/common-vulnerabilities-in-legacy-systems-and-how-to-mitigate-them

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