CISA and FBI Update Advisory on Destructive Malware Targeting Organizations in Ukraine

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have updated joint Cybersecurity Advisory AA22-057A: Destructive Malware Targeting Organizations in Ukraine, originally released February 26, 2022. The advisory has been updated to include additional indicators of compromise for WhisperGate and technical details for HermeticWiper, IsaacWiper, HermeticWizard, and CaddyWiper destructive malware.

CISA and the FBI encourage organizations to review the update to AA22-057A as well as the Shields Up Technical Guidance webpage for ways to identify, respond to, and mitigate disruptive cyber activity. 


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MAR-10376640-2.v1 – CaddyWiper

MAR-10376640-2.v1 – CaddyWiper

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

 

Notification

This report is provided “as is” for informational purposes only. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not provide any warranties of any kind regarding any information contained herein. The DHS does not endorse any commercial product or service referenced in this bulletin or otherwise.

This document is marked TLP:WHITE–Disclosure is not limited. Sources may use TLP:WHITE when information carries minimal or no foreseeable risk of misuse, in accordance with applicable rules and procedures for public release. Subject to standard copyright rules, TLP:WHITE information may be distributed without restriction. For more information on the Traffic Light Protocol (TLP), see http://www.cisa.gov/tlp.

Summary

Description

CISA received one unique file for analysis. This file is a malicious 32-bit Windows Portable Executable (PE). During runtime, this malware attempts to overwrite the victim user’s files with null bytes. The malware also attempts to overwrite the Master Boot Record of attached drives with null bytes, thereby corrupting them and rendering it impossible for the victim to access the victim’s stored data.

For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see: MAR-10376640-2.v1.stix.

Submitted Files (1)

a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680a0786f4b9a216d75b55cfd28f39e9430ea (a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680…)

Findings

a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680a0786f4b9a216d75b55cfd28f39e9430ea

Tags

trojanviruswiper

Details
Name a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680a0786f4b9a216d75b55cfd28f39e9430ea
Size 9216 bytes
Type PE32 executable (GUI) Intel 80386, for MS Windows
MD5 42e52b8daf63e6e26c3aa91e7e971492
SHA1 98b3fb74b3e8b3f9b05a82473551c5a77b576d54
SHA256 a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680a0786f4b9a216d75b55cfd28f39e9430ea
SHA512 b21039ad67e07a77bbcfe73a89afd22c7e1fd782a5293c41edd0ae1dbd75c4fdf6404d8cfe5cf2191ad1822e32877ded1675e48895e8b9898778855d3dd56636
ssdeep 192:76f0CW5P2Io4evFrDv2ZRJzCn7URRsjVJaZF:76fPWl24evFrT2ZR5Cn7UR0VJo
Entropy 5.108650
Antivirus
AhnLab Trojan/Win.Agent
Avira TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen
Bitdefender Gen:Variant.CaddyWiper.2
ClamAV Win.Malware.CaddyWiper-9941573-1
Cyren W32/Trojan.WXHP-9071
ESET Win32/KillDisk.NCX trojan
Emsisoft Gen:Variant.CaddyWiper.2 (B)
IKARUS Trojan.Win32.KillDisk
K7 Trojan ( 0058f88b1 )
Lavasoft Gen:Trojan.Heur.FU.amW@aiAsbgg
McAfee Trojan-caddywiper.b
NANOAV Virus.Win32.Gen.ccmw
Quick Heal SM.mal.generic
Sophos Troj/KillDisk-G
Symantec Trojan.Gen.MBT
TACHYON Trojan/W32.Agent.9216.ABY
Trend Micro Trojan.F383D2EE
Trend Micro HouseCall Trojan.F383D2EE
Vir.IT eXplorer Trojan.Win32.CaddyWiper.DGP
VirusBlokAda Trojan.DoS.CaddyBlade
Zillya! Trojan.KillDisk.Win32.311
YARA Rules
  • rule CISA_10376640_04 : trojan wiper CADDYWIPER
    {
       meta:
           Author = “CISA Code & Media Analysis”
           Incident = “10376640”
           Date = “2022-03-23”
           Last_Modified = “20220324_1700”
           Actor = “n/a”
           Category = “Trojan Wiper”
           Family = “CADDYWIPER”
           Description = “Detects Caddy wiper samples”
           MD5_1 = “42e52b8daf63e6e26c3aa91e7e971492”
           SHA256_1 = “a294620543334a721a2ae8eaaf9680a0786f4b9a216d75b55cfd28f39e9430ea”
       strings:
           $s0 = { 44 73 52 6F 6C 65 47 65 74 50 72 69 6D 61 72 79 44 6F 6D 61 69 6E }
           $s1 = { 50 C6 45 A1 00 C6 45 A2 48 C6 45 A3 00 C6 45 A4 59 C6 }
           $s2 = { C6 45 A6 53 C6 45 A7 00 C6 45 A8 49 C6 }
           $s3 = { C6 45 B0 44 C6 45 B1 00 C6 45 B2 52 }
           $s4 = { C6 45 B8 45 C6 45 B9 00 C6 45 BA 39 }
           $s5 = { C6 45 AC 43 C6 45 AD 3A C6 45 AE 5C C6 45 AF }
           $s6 = { 55 C6 45 B0 73 C6 45 B1 65 C6 45 B2 72 C6 45 B3 }
           $s7 = { C6 45 E0 44 C6 45 E1 3A C6 45 E2 5C C6 45 E3 }
           $s8 = { 21 54 68 69 73 20 70 72 6F 67 72 61 6D 20 63 61 6E 6E 6F }
       condition:
           all of them
    }
ssdeep Matches

No matches found.

PE Metadata
Compile Date 2022-03-14 03:19:36-04:00
Import Hash ea8609d4dad999f73ec4b6f8e7b28e55
PE Sections
MD5 Name Raw Size Entropy
6194652d04e28dad063a1b6e60d110ab header 1024 1.873192
f0d4c11521fc3891965534e6c52e128b .text 7168 5.644240
d4b14cf770a6e660ba6a6e63f7c22451 .rdata 512 0.988058
0f1286f7c8817e0974ddc3ce1edc1b59 .reloc 512 0.081539
Packers/Compilers/Cryptors
Borland Delphi 3.0 (???)
Description

This file is a 32 bit Windows PE that has been identified as a variant of the malware family known as Caddy Wiper. Static analysis of this application indicates its primary purpose is to destroy victim user data. First the malware attempts to enumerate all files in the directory “C:Users”. The malware will then attempt to recursively overwrite files that it can access in this directory with null bytes, effectively “zeroing” the files out.

The malware will then attempt to access drives attached to the target system, starting with the drive “D:”, and recursively “zero” out all the files it can access on those drives too. Finally, the malware attempts to use the API DeviceIoControl to directly access the physical memory of attached drives. If it is able to access these drives, the malware will zero out the first 1920 bytes of the physical drives, effectively wiping its Master Boot Record and corrupting the drive.

Screenshots

Figure 1. - This screenshot illustrates the main structure of the malware. As illustrated, the malware's main purpose is to recursively overwrite victim user's files and physical drives with null bytes.

Figure 1. – This screenshot illustrates the main structure of the malware. As illustrated, the malware’s main purpose is to recursively overwrite victim user’s files and physical drives with null bytes.

Figure 2. - Structure that malware uses to build null buffer. This buffer is utilized to overwrite the victim user's target files.

Figure 2. – Structure that malware uses to build null buffer. This buffer is utilized to overwrite the victim user’s target files.

Figure 3. - Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE7

Figure 3. – Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE7

Figure 4. - Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE4

Figure 4. – Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE4

Figure 5. - Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE3

Figure 5. – Malware trying to zero out .PHYSICALDRIVE3

Figure 6. - Malware attempting to zero out first 1920 bytes of a physical drive attached to the target system.

Figure 6. – Malware attempting to zero out first 1920 bytes of a physical drive attached to the target system.

Recommendations

CISA recommends that users and administrators consider using the following best practices to strengthen the security posture of their organization’s systems. Any configuration changes should be reviewed by system owners and administrators prior to implementation to avoid unwanted impacts.

  • Maintain up-to-date antivirus signatures and engines.
  • Keep operating system patches up-to-date.
  • Disable File and Printer sharing services. If these services are required, use strong passwords or Active Directory authentication.
  • Restrict users’ ability (permissions) to install and run unwanted software applications. Do not add users to the local administrators group unless required.
  • Enforce a strong password policy and implement regular password changes.
  • Exercise caution when opening e-mail attachments even if the attachment is expected and the sender appears to be known.
  • Enable a personal firewall on agency workstations, configured to deny unsolicited connection requests.
  • Disable unnecessary services on agency workstations and servers.
  • Scan for and remove suspicious e-mail attachments; ensure the scanned attachment is its “true file type” (i.e., the extension matches the file header).
  • Monitor users’ web browsing habits; restrict access to sites with unfavorable content.
  • Exercise caution when using removable media (e.g., USB thumb drives, external drives, CDs, etc.).
  • Scan all software downloaded from the Internet prior to executing.
  • Maintain situational awareness of the latest threats and implement appropriate Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Additional information on malware incident prevention and handling can be found in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-83, “Guide to Malware Incident Prevention & Handling for Desktops and Laptops”.

Contact Information

CISA continuously strives to improve its products and services. You can help by answering a very short series of questions about this product at the following URL: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/forms/feedback/

Document FAQ

What is a MIFR? A Malware Initial Findings Report (MIFR) is intended to provide organizations with malware analysis in a timely manner. In most instances this report will provide initial indicators for computer and network defense. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

What is a MAR? A Malware Analysis Report (MAR) is intended to provide organizations with more detailed malware analysis acquired via manual reverse engineering. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

Can I edit this document? This document is not to be edited in any way by recipients. All comments or questions related to this document should be directed to the CISA at 1-888-282-0870 or CISA Service Desk.

Can I submit malware to CISA? Malware samples can be submitted via three methods:

CISA encourages you to report any suspicious activity, including cybersecurity incidents, possible malicious code, software vulnerabilities, and phishing-related scams. Reporting forms can be found on CISA’s homepage at www.cisa.gov.

Voices of Healthcare Cloud brings you “Machine Vision Pilot for Central Line Dressing Maintenance “

Voices of Healthcare Cloud brings you “Machine Vision Pilot for Central Line Dressing Maintenance “

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

On March 15, Synaptiq and Microsoft issued a press release announcing a new Machine Vision pilot program for hospitals. In collaboration with Microsoft, Synaptiq built a demo solution to proactively inform care teams of potential Central Line dressing compliance issues.


 


The pilot program is designed to help reduce preventable injuries from hospital-borne Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) and improve speed of care and patient outcomes. It also helps providers standardize care for new and existing staff, identify education opportunities, and decrease documentation time.


 


According to the NIH, CLABSIs are largely preventable infections that occur in more than 400,000 patients annually in the United States alone, resulting in over 28,000 deaths and costing U.S. hospitals $2 billion. A key piece of preventing CLABSIs is maintaining Central Line dressings as clean and intact as possible.


 


Machine vision is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers to derive information from visual inputs. It is able to collect more precise visual data than human vision ever could, and uses processing power to analyze the visual data faster and more thoroughly than the human mind.


 


Because visual cues play such a vital role in ensuring patient safety and preventing CLABSIs, machine vision has the potential to exponentially enhance care teams’ ability to recognize and respond to possible infections – before the human eye can even detect a problem is present.


 


I am truly excited to provide our Voices of Healthcare viewers with a first-look at this incredibly important pilot. I had the opportunity to assist in building the demo solution alongside Synaptiq and cannot wait to see how it helps save many, many lives in the years to come.


 


For this session on May 11, 2022, Synaptiq’s CEO Stephen Sklarew and Mariana Gattegno, Quality and Patient Safety consultant at Volpini Solutions LLC, will discuss the current status of Central Line dressing maintenance in hospitals today, review the pilot program details, and demo the solution. They will also answer questions and discuss how hospitals joining this effort will benefit.


 


ShellyAvery_0-1651005692911.png


 


Synaptiq’s solution to assess Central Line dressings using Microsoft Technologies


 


Synaptiq’s Machine Vision Pilot Program for Central Line Dressing Maintenance is an example of how Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare can rapidly deliver a machine vision application that works seamlessly with care teams to help provide superior patient experiences.


 


We see many benefits, such as:


 



  • Hospitals in the pilot program will have an exclusive early adopter opportunity to test the solution first-hand, and their care teams will be able to help design the future solution that best meets their needs.

  • It is powered by Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare and leverages many Microsoft technologies that are already licensed by most major hospital systems in the United States.

  • There are three applications that are part of the solution that support this process: The Central Line Assessment app (Microsoft PowerApps); CLABSI Prevention Team (Microsoft Teams); and Central Line Maintenance dashboard (Microsoft Power BI)

  • The Central Line Assessment app runs on a smartphone for convenient bedside access and is used to capture and analyze photos of patients’ dressings. If a potential compliance issue is identified, the care team is alerted to take action. Over time, data from the provider’s electronic medical record (EMR) system accumulates information from the Central Line Assessment app and the patient’s medical record, and the Central Line Maintenance dashboard provides canned reports and ad hoc analysis capabilities to identify trends.

  • Most importantly, Synaptiq’s Pilot Program for this solution is an example of how Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare can rapidly deliver a machine vision application that works seamlessly with care teams to help provide superior patient experience – and help save lives.


 


Come join us to hear how this hospital pilot program will work and how your organization can get involved.


 


This session will be on May 11th at 11:00 PT / 12:00 MT/ 1:00 CT / 2:00 ET


Please click here to join or download the calendar invite here


 


As always, we will record the session and post the recording afterward for future consumption. We have a new landing page for this series, so favorite or follow https://aka.ms/VoicesofHealthcareCloud to make sure you never miss a future session.


 


Please follow the aka.ms/HLSBlog for all this great content.

How Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality on HoloLens 2 is accelerating ROI for the healthcare industry

How Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality on HoloLens 2 is accelerating ROI for the healthcare industry

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

Healthcare providers around the world are accelerating their digital journey and embracing secure solutions that empower health team collaboration and boost clinician productivity. Embracing mixed realitya set of technologies that superimposes digital data and images in the physical worldbrings new opportunities for healthcare providers to work together more effectively, optimize operations, and accelerate learning all while improving patient care.

With HoloLens 2 and mixed reality, health professionals can connect with remote experts, and call up patient data and go beyond x-rays to consult Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in 3D at the point of care. Microsoft’s comprehensive ecosystem of mixed reality solutions, including Microsoft HoloLens 2, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides, empower teams to cooperate more effectively and reduce time-to-care.

The benefits of adopting mixed reality in healthcare are significant. According to the commissioned Total Economic Impact of Mixed Reality Using Microsoft HoloLens 2 (“HoloLens 2 TEI study”), Forrester found that healthcare organizations experienced the following benefits:

  • Improved efficiency to complete ward rounds by 30 percent at an average savings of $41 per hour.
  • Reduced training time by 30 percent, at an average savings of $63 per labor hour.
  • Reduced average annual PPE costs by 75 percent, saving $954 per employee.  

Forrester also estimates an ROI of 177 percent and a net present value of $7.6 million over three years with a payback of 13 months with HoloLens 2 and mixed reality.

Adapt to the speed of change and improve clinical operations

Dynamics 365 mixed reality on HoloLens 2 is enabling healthcare providers to train medical staff more effectively and efficiently with holographic step-by-step guidance. Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2 enables medical institutions to provide continuous learning and widespread knowledge sharing while removing the need for subject matter experts to be physically present. Simply use your PC and the HoloLens app to author instructions and easily place 2D and 3D content in the real-world environment, showing users how and where to complete tasks.

Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2 empowers doctors, nurses, and technicians to train and to practice using hands-on, simulated learningensuring the entire organization keeps pace with the technological advances in science and technology. According to the HoloLens 2 TEI study, Healthcare providers reduced 80 hours of training time by 30 percent, at an average savings of $63 per labor hour.

Clock images communicating time and saving benefits.

When the pandemic hit, like many hospitals, Sheba Medical Center, a comprehensive hospital in the Middle East, sought solutions that would allow it to scale its workforce and expedite task shifting. With Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2, Sheba Medical Center deployed a self-serve training solution that supported staff to learn to operate physical ventilators quickly and easily. With holographic instructions overlaid in their physical environment, hospital staff were able to walk through a guided training simulation proficiently and successfully without requiring a supervisor. As a result, Sheba Medical Center was able to expedite task shifting across medical staff and meet staffing demands, enabling over 60 members of its staff to learn how to operate new devices in just 20 minutes.

A nurse using Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens 2 to collaborate with a remote expert in real-time to troubleshoot a piece of equipment.

“One of the key advantages of the technology is that it works on several layers of the brain you hear it talk, see the presentation in front of you, and also physically touch the ventilator. The more senses involved simultaneously, the better the brain can recall. I ‘tested’ myself later to check what my brain remembered, and it was incredible. It also gave me a sense of empowerment that I can learn and embrace new technologies.”Shiraz Shushan, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, Sheba Medical Center. Learn more about how Sheba Medical Center optimized staff training.

Empower care teams to collaborate effectively and securely from anywhere

Multidisciplinary care teams encompassing specialized clinicians, clinical staff, and healthcare administrators often span multiple hospitals or locations, adding time, cost, and complexity to patient care. Enable care teams to collaborate remotely and conduct virtual patient consultations with real-time spatial information to accelerate diagnoses and reduce time-to-treatment with HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 mixed reality solutions.

Using Dynamics 365 mixed reality solutions on HoloLens 2, medical staff can consult colleagues’ heads-up, hands-free through an interactive collaborative experience from anywhere in the world. Additionally, healthcare providers can improve access and care delivery to aging and underserved populations with remote assisted care consultations. These remote consultations also lead to major cost savingsthe HoloLens 2 TEI study shows that healthcare providers reduced ward round time by 30 percent saving $41 per hour.

Track line image communicating increased efficiency and cost saving benefits.

Each year, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust provides acute and specialist healthcare in northwest London for over a million and a half people. Like many healthcare providers around the world, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust rapidly began to redeploy and retrain its staff while at the same time coping with an increasing number of affected patients. With Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens 2, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust was able to successfully conduct virtual ward rounds and treat very ill patients while limiting staff exposure to the deadly virus. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust reduced ward rounds from four doctors to one doctor by holding video calls with colleagues and experts from anywhere in the world heads-up, hands free. Doctors were also able to simultaneously access patient data such as medical notes, X-rays, and MRIs to effectively treat patients.

Three doctors using Microsoft HoloLens 2 to analyze the human brain. Contains hologram scenario.

“What it means is that you have all the information, all the specialist care you need at the patient’s bedside there and then and it’s all in one headset.”Dr. James Kinross, consultant surgeon and senior lecturer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Learn more about how Imperial College NHS Trust enabled virtual ward rounds.

Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals while reducing costs

According to World Health Organization (WHO), to achieve the goal of universal health coverage by 2030, the world needs nine million more nurses and midwives.2 Dynamics 365 mixed reality and HoloLens 2 are advancing the learning of nurses and removing location barriers of in-person training while reducing costs.

Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2 enables healthcare providers and institutions to enhance the upskilling of nurses and reduce PPE costs with continuous, hands-on learning experiences remotely. Instructors and supervisors can track and monitor student and faculty progress with Power BI dashboards that pull in real-time performance data to maximize participant development and identify areas for operational improvements. The HoloLens TEI study reports that healthcare providers reduced annual PPE costs by 75 percent, saving $954 per employee.

Bar graph image communicating the reduced cost benefits.

The pandemic disrupted the operations of institutions around the world casting a clear gap in the effectiveness of hybrid learning tools. The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan (the University) turned to Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2 to support hybrid learning because of its ability to provide hands-on skills to nursing students remotely. The University piloted a program allowing students to conduct simulated, repeatable augmented medical procedures one step at a time. Dynamics 365 Guides on HoloLens 2 enabled students to follow the guided training heads-up, hands-free and simultaneously perform the procedures on mannequins. The University is continuing to develop and scale the program for more advanced nursing procedures.

Nursing student conducting guided training on a mannequin with HoloLens 2.

Once we were introduced to HoloLens 2 we learned about Dynamics 365 Guides, and it was pretty exciting because we realized that we could use the guides to create training tools to teach the nursing students how to do these necessary, rudimentary, required skills, and procedures that they have to do in order to move to the next level and go out and practice.”Deborah Lee, clinical assistant professor, School of Nursing at the University of Michigan. Learn more about how University is transforming nursing education.

Next steps

Our customer evidence stories, in addition to the material ROI showcased above, demonstrate that Microsoft offers not only innovative results, but long-term and sustainable solutions for healthcare organizations and beyond.

Learn more about how to get started today:


Sources:

1- The Total Economic Impact Of Mixed Reality Using Microsoft HoloLens 2 Report, Forrester, 2022

2- Nursing and Midwifery, World Health Organization

The post How Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality on HoloLens 2 is accelerating ROI for the healthcare industry appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.

2021 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

This joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) was coauthored by cybersecurity authorities of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom: the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NZ NCSC), and United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK). This advisory provides details on the top 15 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) routinely exploited by malicious cyber actors in 2021, as well as other CVEs frequently exploited.

U.S., Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK cybersecurity authorities assess, in 2021, malicious cyber actors aggressively targeted newly disclosed critical software vulnerabilities against broad target sets, including public and private sector organizations worldwide. To a lesser extent, malicious cyber actors continued to exploit publicly known, dated software vulnerabilities across a broad spectrum of targets. 

The cybersecurity authorities encourage organizations to apply the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this CSA. These mitigations include applying timely patches to systems and implementing a centralized patch management system to reduce the risk of compromise by malicious cyber actors.

Click here for a PDF version of this report. 

Key Findings

Globally, in 2021, malicious cyber actors targeted internet-facing systems, such as email servers and virtual private network (VPN) servers, with exploits of newly disclosed vulnerabilities. For most of the top exploited vulnerabilities, researchers or other actors released proof of concept (POC) code within two weeks of the vulnerability’s disclosure, likely facilitating exploitation by a broader range of malicious actors.

To a lesser extent, malicious cyber actors continued to exploit publicly known, dated software vulnerabilities—some of which were also routinely exploited in 2020 or earlier. The exploitation of older vulnerabilities demonstrates the continued risk to organizations that fail to patch software in a timely manner or are using software that is no longer supported by a vendor.

Top 15 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

Table 1 shows the top 15 vulnerabilities U.S., Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK cybersecurity authorities observed malicious actors routinely exploiting in 2021, which include:

  • CVE-2021-44228. This vulnerability, known as Log4Shell, affects Apache’s Log4j library, an open-source logging framework. An actor can exploit this vulnerability by submitting a specially crafted request to a vulnerable system that causes that system to execute arbitrary code. The request allows a cyber actor to take full control over the system. The actor can then steal information, launch ransomware, or conduct other malicious activity.[1] Log4j is incorporated into thousands of products worldwide. This vulnerability was disclosed in December 2021; the rapid widespread exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the ability of malicious actors to quickly weaponize known vulnerabilities and target organizations before they patch.
  • CVE-2021-26855, CVE-2021-26858, CVE-2021-26857, CVE-2021-27065. These vulnerabilities, known as ProxyLogon, affect Microsoft Exchange email servers. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities in combination (i.e., “vulnerability chaining”) allows an unauthenticated cyber actor to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Exchange Servers, which, in turn, enables the actor to gain persistent access to files and mailboxes on the servers, as well as to credentials stored on the servers. Successful exploitation may additionally enable the cyber actor to compromise trust and identity in a vulnerable network.
  • CVE-2021-34523, CVE-2021-34473, CVE-2021-31207. These vulnerabilities, known as ProxyShell, also affect Microsoft Exchange email servers. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities in combination enables a remote actor to execute arbitrary code. These vulnerabilities reside within the Microsoft Client Access Service (CAS), which typically runs on port 443 in Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) (e.g., Microsoft’s web server). CAS is commonly exposed to the internet to enable users to access their email via mobile devices and web browsers. 
  • CVE-2021-26084. This vulnerability, affecting Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center, could enable an unauthenticated actor to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability quickly became one of the most routinely exploited vulnerabilities after a POC was released within a week of its disclosure. Attempted mass exploitation of this vulnerability was observed in September 2021.

Three of the top 15 routinely exploited vulnerabilities were also routinely exploited in 2020: CVE-2020-1472, CVE-2018-13379, and CVE-2019-11510. Their continued exploitation indicates that many organizations fail to patch software in a timely manner and remain vulnerable to malicious cyber actors.

Table 1: Top 15 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities in 2021

Additional Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

In addition to the 15 vulnerabilities listed in table 1, U.S., Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK cybersecurity authorities identified vulnerabilities, listed in table 2, that were also routinely exploited by malicious cyber actors in 2021. 

These vulnerabilities include multiple vulnerabilities affecting internet-facing systems, including Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA), Windows Print Spooler, and Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure. Three of these vulnerabilities were also routinely exploited in 2020: CVE-2019-19781, CVE-2019-18935, and CVE-2017-11882.

Table 2: Additional Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities in 2021

Vulnerability and Configuration Management

  • Update software, operating systems, applications, and firmware on IT network assets in a timely manner. Prioritize patching known exploited vulnerabilities, especially those CVEs identified in this CSA, and then critical and high vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution or denial-of-service on internet-facing equipment. For patch information on CVEs identified in this CSA, refer to the appendix. 
    • If a patch for a known exploited or critical vulnerability cannot be quickly applied, implement vendor-approved workarounds.
  • Use a centralized patch management system.
  • Replace end-of-life software, i.e., software that is no longer supported by the vendor. For example, Accellion FTA was retired in April 2021.
  • Organizations that are unable to perform rapid scanning and patching of internet-facing systems should consider moving these services to mature, reputable cloud service providers (CSPs) or other managed service providers (MSPs). Reputable MSPs can patch applications—such as webmail, file storage, file sharing, and chat and other employee collaboration tools—for their customers. However, as MSPs and CSPs expand their client organization’s attack surface and may introduce unanticipated risks, organizations should proactively collaborate with their MSPs and CSPs to jointly reduce that risk. For more information and guidance, see the following resources.

Identity and Access Management

  • Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users, without exception.
  • Enforce MFA on all VPN connections. If MFA is unavailable, require employees engaging in remote work to use strong passwords. 
  • Regularly review, validate, or remove privileged accounts (annually at a minimum).
  • Configure access control under the concept of least privilege principle.
    • Ensure software service accounts only provide necessary permissions (least privilege) to perform intended functions (non-administrative privileges).

Note: see CISA Capacity Enhancement Guide – Implementing Strong Authentication and ACSC guidance on Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication for more information on hardening authentication systems.

Protective Controls and Architecture 

  • Properly configure and secure internet-facing network devices, disable unused or unnecessary network ports and protocols, encrypt network traffic, and disable unused network services and devices. 
    • Harden commonly exploited enterprise network services, including Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) protocol, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Common Internet File System (CIFS), Active Directory, and OpenLDAP.
    • Manage Windows Key Distribution Center (KDC) accounts (e.g., KRBTGT) to minimize Golden Ticket attacks and Kerberoasting.
    • Strictly control the use of native scripting applications, such as command-line, PowerShell, WinRM, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM).
  • Segment networks to limit or block lateral movement by controlling access to applications, devices, and databases. Use private virtual local area networks. 
  • Continuously monitor the attack surface and investigate abnormal activity that may indicate lateral movement of a threat actor or malware.
    • Use security tools, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools. Consider using an information technology asset management (ITAM) solution to ensure your EDR, SIEM, vulnerability scanner etc., are reporting the same number of assets.
    • Monitor the environment for potentially unwanted programs.
  • Reduce third-party applications and unique system/application builds; provide exceptions only if required to support business critical functions.
  • Implement application allowlisting. 

Resources

Disclaimer

The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. CISA, the FBI, NSA, ACSC, CCCS, NZ NCSC, and NCSC-UK do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring.

Purpose 

This document was developed by U.S., Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK cybersecurity authorities in furtherance of their respective cybersecurity missions, including their responsibilities to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations.

References

[1] CISA’s Apache Log4j Vulnerability Guidance

Appendix: Patch Information and Additional Resources for  Top Exploited Vulnerabilities

CVE

Vendor

Affected Products

Patch Information

Resources

CVE-2021-42237

Sitecore

Sitecore XP 7.5.0 – Sitecore XP 7.5.2

Sitecore XP 8.0.0 – Sitecore XP 8.2.7

Sitecore Security Bulletin SC2021-003-499266

ACSC Alert Active Exploitation of vulnerable Sitecore Experience Platform Content Management Systems

CVE-2021-35464

ForgeRock

Access Management (AM) 5.x, 6.0.0.x, 6.5.0.x, 6.5.1, 6.5.2.x and 6.5.3

OpenAM 9.x, 10.x, 11.x, 12.x and 13.x

ForgeRock AM Security Advisory #202104

ACSC Advisory Active exploitation of ForgeRock Access Manager / OpenAM servers

CCCS ForgeRock Security Advisory

CVE-2021-27104

Accellion

FTA 9_12_370 and earlier

Accellion Press Release: Update to Recent FTA Security Incident

Joint CSA Exploitation of Accellion File Transfer Appliance

ACSC Alert Potential Accellion File Transfer Appliance compromise

CVE-2021-27103

FTA 9_12_411 and earlier

CVE-2021-27102

FTA versions 9_12_411 and earlier

CVE-2021-27101

FTA 9_12_370 and earlier

CVE-2021-21985

VMware

vCenter Server 7.0, 6.7, 6.5

Cloud Foundation (vCenter Server) 4.x and 3.x

VMware Advisory VMSA-2021-0010

CCCS VMware Security Advisory

CVE-2021-21972

VMware

vCenter Server 7.0, 6.7, 6.5

Cloud Foundation (vCenter Server) 4.x and 3.x

VMware Advisory VMSA-2021-0002

ACSC Alert VMware vCenter Server plugin remote code execution vulnerability

CCCS VMware Security Advisory

CCCS Alert APT Actors Target U.S. and Allied Networks – Update 1

CVE-2021-20038

SonicWall

SMA 100 Series (SMA 200, 210, 400, 410, 500v), versions 10.2.0.8-37sv, 10.2.1.1-19sv, 10.2.1.2-24sv

SonicWall Security Advisory SNWLID-2021-0026

ACSC Alert Remote code execution vulnerability present in SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances

CCCS SonicWall Security Advisory

CVE-2021-44228

Apache

Log4j, all versions from 2.0-beta9 to 2.14.1

For other affected vendors and products, see CISA’s GitHub repository.

Log4j: Apache Log4j Security Vulnerabilities

For additional information, see joint CSA: Mitigating Log4Shell and Other Log4j-Related Vulnerabilities

CISA webpage Apache Log4j Vulnerability Guidance

CCCS Active exploitation of Apache Log4j vulnerability – Update 7

CVE-2021-40539

Zoho ManageEngine

ADSelfService Plus version 6113 and prior

Zoho ManageEngine: ADSelfService Plus 6114 Security Fix Release

Joint CSA APT Actors Exploiting Newly Identified Vulnerability in ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus

CCCS Zoho Security Advisory

CVE-2021-40444

Microsoft

Multiple Windows products; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-40444

Microsoft Security Update Guide: MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-40444

CVE-2021-34527

Microsoft

Multiple Windows products; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-34527

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-34527

Joint CSA Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Gain Network Access by Exploiting Default Multifactor Authentication Protocols and “PrintNightmare” Vulnerability

CCCS Alert Windows Print Spooler Vulnerability Remains Unpatched – Update 3

CVE-2021-34523

Microsoft

Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23

Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Updates 19 and 20

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Updates 8 and 9

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, CVE-2021-34523

Joint CSA Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities in Furtherance of Malicious Activities

ACSC Alert Microsoft Exchange ProxyShell Targeting in Australia

CVE-2021-34473

Microsoft

Multiple Exchange Server versions; see: Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-34473

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-34473

CVE-2021-31207

Microsoft

Multiple Exchange Server versions; see Microsoft Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability, CVE-2021-31207

Microsoft Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability, CVE-2021-31207

CVE-2021-3156

Sudo

Sudo before 1.9.5p2

Sudo Stable Release 1.9.5p2

CVE-2021-27852

Checkbox Survey

Checkbox Survey versions prior to 7

CVE-2021-27065

Microsoft Exchange Server

Multiple versions; see: Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-27065

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-27065

CISA Alert: Mitigate Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerabilities

ACSC Advisory Active exploitation of Vulnerable Microsoft Exchange servers

CCCS Alert Active Exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities – Update 4

CVE-2021-26858

Microsoft

Exchange Server, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26858

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26858

CVE-2021-26857

Microsoft

Exchange Server, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26857

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26857

CVE-2021-26855

Microsoft

Exchange Server, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26855

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-26855

CVE-2021-26084

Jira Atlassian

Confluence Server and Data Center, versions 6.13.23, from version 6.14.0 before 7.4.11, from version 7.5.0 before 7.11.6, and from version 7.12.0 before 7.12.5.

Jira Atlassian: Confluence Server Webwork OGNL injection – CVE-2021-26084

ACSC Alert Remote code execution vulnerability present in certain versions of Atlassian Confluence

CCCS Atlassian Security Advisory

CVE-2021-22893

Pulse Secure

PCS 9.0R3/9.1R1 and Higher

Pulse Secure SA44784 – 2021-04: Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple Vulnerabilities Resolved in Pulse Connect Secure 9.1R11.4

CCCS Alert  Active Exploitation of Pulse Connect Secure Vulnerabilities – Update 1

CVE-2021-20016

SonicWall

SMA 100 devices (SMA 200, SMA 210, SMA 400, SMA 410, SMA 500v)

SonicWall Security Advisory SNWLID-2021-0001

CVE-2021-1675

Microsoft

Multiple Windows products; see Microsoft Security Update Guide Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-1675

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2021-1675

CCCS Alert Windows Print Spooler Vulnerability Remains Unpatched – Update 3

CVE-2020-2509

QNAP

QTS, multiple versions; see QNAP: Command Injection Vulnerability in QTS and QuTS hero

QuTS hero h4.5.1.1491 build 20201119 and later

QNAP: Command Injection Vulnerability in QTS and QuTS hero

CVE-2020-1472

Microsoft

Windows Server, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, CVE-2020-1472

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, CVE-2020-1472

ACSC Alert Netlogon elevation of privilege vulnerability (CVE-2020-1472)

Joint CSA APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations

CCCS Alert Microsoft Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability – CVE-2020-1472 – Update 1

CVE-2020-0688

Microsoft

Exchange Server, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2020-0688

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Exchange Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, CVE-2020-0688

CISA Alert Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity

Joint CSA Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology

CCCS Alert Microsoft Exchange Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE-2019-19781

Citrix

ADC and Gateway version 13.0 all supported builds before 13.0.47.24

NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway, version 12.1 all supported builds before 12.1.55.18; version 12.0 all supported builds before 12.0.63.13; version 11.1 all supported builds before 11.1.63.15; version 10.5 all supported builds before 10.5.70.12

SD-WAN WANOP appliance models 4000-WO, 4100-WO, 5000-WO, and 5100-WO all supported software release builds before 10.2.6b and 11.0.3b

Citrix Security Bulletin CTX267027

Joint CSA APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations

CISA Alert Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity

CCCS Alert Detecting Compromises relating to Citrix CVE-2019-19781

CVE-2019-18935

Progress Telerik

UI for ASP.NET AJAX through 2019.3.1023

Telerik UI for ASP.NET AJAX Allows JavaScriptSerializer Deserialization

ACSC Alert Active exploitation of vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Information Services

CVE-2019-11510

Pulse Secure

Pulse Connect Secure 8.2 before 8.2R12.1, 8.3 before 8.3R7.1, and 9.0 before 9.0R3.4

Pulse Secure: SA44101 – 2019-04: Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple vulnerabilities resolved in Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure 9.0RX

CISA Alert Continued Exploitation of Pulse Secure VPN Vulnerability

CISA Alert Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity

ACSC Advisory Recommendations to mitigate vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure VPN Software

Joint CSA APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations

CCCS Alert APT Actors Target U.S. and Allied Networks – Update 1

CVE-2018-13379

Fortinet

FortiProxy 2.0.2, 2.0.1, 2.0.0, 1.2.8, 1.2.7, 1.2.6, 1.2.5, 1.2.4, 1.2.3, 1.2.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.0, 1.1.6

Fortinet FortiGuard Labs: FG-IR-20-233

Joint CSA Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology

Joint CSA Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities in Furtherance of Malicious Activities

Joint CSA APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations

ACSC Alert APT exploitation of Fortinet Vulnerabilities

CCCS Alert Exploitation of Fortinet FortiOS vulnerabilities (CISA, FBI) – Update 1

CVE-2018-0171

Cisco

See Cisco Security Advisory: cisco-sa-20180328-smi2

Cisco Security Advisory: cisco-sa-20180328-smi2

CCCS Action Required to Secure the Cisco IOS and IOS XE Smart Install Feature

CVE-2017-11882

Microsoft

Office, multiple versions; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability, CVE-2017-11882

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability, CVE-2017-11882

CCCS Alert Microsoft Office Security Update

CVE-2017-0199

Microsoft

Multiple products; see Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Office/WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability w/Windows, CVE-2017-0199

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Microsoft Office/WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability w/Windows, CVE-2017-0199

CCCS Microsoft Security Updates