Complexities Compounding in Cyber Landscape; WEF Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 Analysis
WEF Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025
Continue ReadingWEF Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025
Continue ReadingHigh-Severity SMB Server Flaws (CVE-2024-56626 & CVE-2024-56627) in Linux Kernel
Jordy Zomer, a Security researcher have recently discovered two critical vulnerabilities in KSMBD, the in-kernel SMB server for Linux. These vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-56626 and CVE-2024-56627, could allow attackers to gain control of vulnerable systems.
SUMMARY
OEM | Linux |
Severity | High |
CVSS | 7.8 |
CVEs | CVE-2024-56626, CVE-2024-56627 |
Exploited in Wild | No |
Publicly POC Available | Yes |
Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
These vulnerabilities affect Linux kernel versions greater than 5.15 and have been addressed in version 6.13-rc2. Proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits have been publicly released, emphasizing the critical nature of these issues.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity | Affected Version |
Out-of-bounds write vulnerability in ksmbd. | CVE-2024-56626 | Linux | High | Linux kernel versions greater than 5.15 |
Out-of-bounds read vulnerability in ksmbd. | CVE-2024-56627 | Linux | High | Linux kernel versions greater than 5.15 |
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2024-56626 | Linux Kernel | A vulnerability in ksmbd’s ksmbd_vfs_stream_write allowed negative offsets from clients, causing out-of-bounds writes and potential memory corruption. It was triggered when using vfs objects = streams_xattr in ksmbd.conf. The issue has been fixed in recent kernel updates. | Attackers can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges |
CVE-2024-56627 | Linux Kernel | A vulnerability in ksmbd’s ksmbd_vfs_stream_write allowed negative client offsets, enabling out-of-bounds writes and potential memory corruption. This issue occurred when the vfs objects = streams_xattr parameter was set in ksmbd.conf and has been resolved in recent kernel updates. | Attackers can read sensitive kernel memory, leading to information disclosure |
listed below
Version | Fixes and Releases |
kernel version > 5.15 | kernel version 6.13-rc2 |
The discovery of CVE-2024-56626 and CVE-2024-56627 highlights critical security flaws in the Linux kernel’s SMB server implementation. Given the availability of proof-of-concept exploits, immediate action is essential to protect systems from potential exploitation. Regularly updating systems and applying security patches are vital practices to maintain a secure environment.
Cisco has warned about a new privilege escalation vulnerability in its Meeting Management tool that could allow a remote attacker to gain administrator privileges on exposed instances.
The vulnerability, CVE-2025-20156 was disclosed by Cisco on January 22 and is awaiting further analysis by the US National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
OEM | Cisco |
Severity | Critical |
CVSS | 9.9 |
CVEs | CVE-2025-20156 |
Exploited in Wild | No |
Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Overview
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-20156) in Cisco Meeting Management could allow attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access. This issue affects versions prior to 3.9.1 and has been classified as critical. Cisco strongly recommends updating to the latest fixed version to address this risk.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity |
Privilege Escalation Vulnerability | CVE-2025-20156 | Cisco | Critical |
Technical Summary
A critical security vulnerability has been identified in Cisco Meeting Management. This flaw resides in the REST API and stems from improper enforcement of authorization protocols for REST API users. Remote, authenticated attackers with low-level privileges can exploit this issue by sending specially crafted API requests to specific endpoints. A successful exploit could allow attackers to escalate their privileges to administrator level and gain control over edge nodes managed by Cisco Meeting Management.
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2025-20156 | Cisco Meeting Management prior to version 3.9.1 | Insufficient authorization checks in the REST API allow attackers to send crafted API requests to escalate privileges. | Attackers can gain full administrative control and disrupt business operations. |
Remediation:
Conclusion:
CVE-2025-20156 poses a critical risk to Cisco Meeting Management users. Exploiting this flaw could disrupt operations by granting attacker’s administrative control. Immediate updates are crucial to mitigate the risk and protect affected systems.
References:
DORA & NIS2
EU Regulations to Strengthen Cyber defense
OEM | Microsoft |
Severity | Critical |
CVSS Score | 7.8 |
CVE | CVE-2024-49138 |
Exploited in Wild | Yes |
Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Publicly POC Available | Yes |
The vulnerability CVE-2024-49138, affecting the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, enables attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges via a heap-based buffer overflow. Security researcher MrAle_98 published a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit, increasing its potential misuse.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity |
CLFS Privilege Escalation | CVE-2024-49138 | Microsoft Windows | High |
CVE-2024-49138 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, allowing attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. It affects a wide range of Windows systems, including the latest versions, such as Windows 11 23H2. Initially discovered by CrowdStrike’s Advanced Research Team, Microsoft confirmed active exploitation prior to its December 2024 patch release. Security researcher MrAle_98 published a proof-of-concept exploit on GitHub, increasing the likelihood of threat actor replication and exploitation.
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2024-49138 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2008–2025 | Heap buffer overflow in CLFS driver enabling SYSTEM access. Exploited in the wild and PoC publicly released. | Enables attackers to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, granting them complete control over an affected device. |
The public release of a proof-of-concept exploit heightens risks, making immediate patching essential. Organizations must prioritize updates, monitor for exploitation, and implement strict access controls.
OEM | WordPress |
Severity | Critical |
Date of Announcement | 2025-01-17 |
CVSS score | 9.8 |
CVE | CVE-2024-9636 |
Exploited in Wild | No |
Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
ComboBlocks, a plugin designed to enhance website design and functionality, was found to have a critical security flaw (CVE-2024-9636) that could allow unauthenticated attackers to register as administrators, granting them full control over the affected websites.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity | CVSS Score |
Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation | CVE-2024-9636 | ComboBlocks WordPress Plugin | Critical | 9.8 |
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2024-9636 | ComboBlocks plugin (2.2.85 - 2.3.3) | The vulnerability stems from improper restriction of user meta updates during profile registration. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to register as administrators, granting them full control over the website. | Complete website takeover and malware injection. |
Summary
Microsoft has released its January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, delivering critical fixes. Key products impacted include Windows Telephony Service, Windows Digital Media, and MSMQ, among others.
Key take away:
OEM | Microsoft |
Severity | Critical |
Date of Announcement | 2025-01-14 |
No. of Vulnerabilities Patched | 159 |
Actively Exploited | yes |
Exploited in Wild | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Overview
Critical updates were issued for Windows Hyper-V, Windows Themes, Microsoft Access, and Windows App Package Installer. The vulnerabilities include elevation of privilege, remote code execution, and spoofing attacks, impacting various systems. The patch targets a range of critical issues across Microsoft products, categorized as follows:
The highlighted vulnerabilities include 8 zero-day flaws, 3 of which are currently being actively exploited.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity | CVSS Score |
Elevation of privilege vulnerability | CVE-2025-21333, CVE-2025-21334, CVE-2025-21335 | Windows | High | 7.8 |
Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability | CVE-2025-21275 | Windows | High | 7.8 |
Remote Code Execution Vulnerability | CVE-2025-21186,CVE-2025-21366, CVE-2025-21395 | Windows | High | 7.8 |
Spoofing Vulnerability | CVE-2025-21308 | Windows | Medium | 6.5 |
Technical Summary
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2025-21333, CVE-2025-21334, CVE-2025-21335 | Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel | No information has been released on how elevation of privilege vulnerabilities in Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP, which allow attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges, were exploited in attacks, as they were disclosed anonymously. | Allow attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges |
CVE-2025-21275 | Windows App Package Installer | Elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows App Package Installer, potentially leading to SYSTEM privileges. | Attackers could gain SYSTEM privileges |
CVE-2025-21186,CVE-2025-21366, CVE-2025-21395 | Microsoft Access | Remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Access, exploitable via specially crafted Access documents. | Remote Code Execution |
CVE-2025-21308 | Windows Themes | Spoofing vulnerability in Windows Themes; viewing a specially crafted theme file in Windows Explorer can lead to NTLM credential theft. | NTLM credential theft |
Source: Microsoft
Additional Critical Patches Address High-Severity Vulnerabilities
Remediation:
Conclusion:
The January 2025 Patch Tuesday release addresses critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, or steal credentials. Prompt application of these updates is essential to maintain system security. Additionally, implementing recommended mitigations, such as disabling NTLM, can provide further protection against potential exploits.
References:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2025-Jan
Overview
Cybersecurity researchers at Check Point Research (CPR) have discovered a sophisticated macOS malware called Banshee Stealer, putting over 100 million macOS users globally at risk. The malware, designed to exfiltrate sensitive user data, demonstrates advanced evasion techniques, posing a significant threat to users and organizations relying on macOS.
Key Threat Details:
Malware Capabilities:
C&C decryption Source: Cybersecurity News
Evasion Tactics:
Distribution Mechanisms:
Repository releases source: Cybersecurity News
Recent Developments:
Impact:
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs):
The IOCs listed below are associated with the threat. For the full list of IOCs, please refer to the link .
IP Address and Domain | File Hash |
41.216.183[.]49 | 00c68fb8bcb44581f15cb4f888b4dec8cd6d528cacb287dc1bdeeb34299b8c93 |
Alden[.]io | 1dcf3b607d2c9e181643dd6bf1fd85e39d3dc4f95b6992e5a435d0d900333416 |
api7[.]cfd | 3bcd41e8da4cf68bb38d9ef97789ec069d393306a5d1ea5846f0c4dc0d5beaab |
Authorisev[.]site | b978c70331fc81804dea11bf0b334aa324d94a2540a285ba266dd5bbfbcbc114 |
Recommendations:
To mitigate the risks associated with Banshee Stealer, consider implementing the following proactive measures:
Conclusion:
The rise of the Banshee malware exemplifies the increasing sophistication of threats targeting macOS. Users and organizations must adopt layered security defenses, maintain vigilance, and prioritize awareness to mitigate the risks of advanced malware like Banshee. By leveraging updated tools and practices, you can safeguard critical systems and data from evolving cyber threats.
References:
Cyber security trends as per research and data available shows that responsible AI will gain importance with more public scrutiny of risks growing along with remediation practices. Organizations will now require to balance taking risks with AI and having rapid remediation strategies available.
As per experts the areas that will get attention will be cloud security and data location. In 2025, new laws may require that sensitive data stay within national borders, affecting how companies manage and store data across regions. As businesses and critical services become increasingly dependent on cloud services, some countries may prioritize cloud availability in national emergency plans, recognizing that stable cloud access is mandatory for crisis management. This shift could lead towards the establishment of a new program like Cloud Service Priority (CSP), treating cloud infrastructure as important as utilities like electricity and telecoms.
How organization need to prepare themselves as big and small businesses and brands will see dramatically increased risks, as bad actors using AI will launch convincing impersonation attacks. This will make it easier with higher accuracy than ever to fool customers and clients.
Key Cyber Security Trends of 2025
Gen-AI
Digitalization
IoT Devices Vulnerable
Ransomware
AI /ML
Quantum Computing
Regulations
Organizations need bespoke solutions to defend against attacks across email, social, and other channels as we witness evolving nature of attacks demands continuous weekly innovation to stay ahead. The use of Multifactor authentication reduces the danger in identity and access management EDR solutions with feeds of threat intelligence will gain prominence. Intrucept is dedicated in helping organizations to run fast and be secure. We will always find that being easy and slowing down is a tendency but we as organization try to enable our customers to maintain speed (and even accelerate).
References:
SonicWall has released an Critical advisory urging administrators to address a critical vulnerability in its SSL-VPN product.
The flaw, identified as CVE-2024-53704, poses a significant security risk, allowing attackers to exploit the system remotely. Administrators are strongly encouraged to update their systems immediately to mitigate potential threats. SonicWall has released an Critical advisory urging administrators to address a critical vulnerability in its SSL-VPN product.
Key Details:
Summary
OEM | SonicWall |
Severity | High |
CVSS | 8.2 |
CVEs | CVE-2024-53704 |
Exploited in Wild | No |
Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Overview
The security flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-53704, presents a serious risk, enabling remote exploitation by attackers. Administrators are highly advised to apply the necessary patches without delay to protect against potential threats.
Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity | Affected Version |
Improper Authentication | CVE-2024-53704 | SonicWall | High | 7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 8.0.0-8035 |
A privilege escalation vulnerability | CVE-2024-53706 | SonicWall | High | 7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 |
A weakness in the SSLVPN authentication token generator | CVE-2024-40762 | SonicWall | High | 7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 |
A server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability | CVE-2024-53705 | SonicWall | Medium | 6.5.4.15-117n and older 7.0.x (7.0.1-5161 and older) |
Technical Summary
CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
CVE-2024-53704 | Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv, TZ80 | An Improper Authentication vulnerability in the SSLVPN authentication mechanism allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication. | Bypass authentication |
CVE-2024-53706 | Gen7 Cloud Platform NSv | A vulnerability in the Gen7 SonicOS Cloud platform NSv (AWS and Azure editions only), allows a remote authenticated local low-privileged attacker to elevate privileges to `root` and potentially lead to code execution. | Allow attackers to gain root privileges and potentially execute code. |
CVE-2024-40762 | Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv, TZ80 | Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in the SonicOS SSLVPN authentication token generator that, in certain cases, can be predicted by an attacker potentially resulting in authentication bypass. | Weak PRNG in authentication tokens can lead to authentication bypass in SSLVPN. |
CVE-2024-53705 | Gen6 Hardware Firewalls, Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv | A Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability in the SonicOS SSH management interface allows a remote attacker to establish a TCP connection to an IP address on any port when the user is logged in to the firewall. | Allow attackers to establish TCP connections to arbitrary IP addresses and ports |
Remediation:
Firewalls Versions | Fixes and Releases |
Gen 6 / 6.5 hardware firewalls | SonicOS 6.5.5.1-6n or newer |
Gen 6 / 6.5 NSv firewalls | SonicOS 6.5.4.v-21s-RC2457 or newer |
Gen 7 firewalls | SonicOS 7.0.1-5165 or newer; 7.1.3-7015 and higher |
TZ80: SonicOS | SonicOS 8.0.0-8037 or newer |
Recommendations:
References: