Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/22/palo_alto_firewalls_under_exploit/
Source: The Register
Title: 1000s of Palo Alto Networks firewalls hijacked as miscreants exploit critical hole
Feedly Summary: PAN-PAN! Intruders inject web shell backdoors, crypto-coin miners, more
Thousands of Palo Alto Networks firewalls were compromised by attackers exploiting two recently patched security bugs. The intruders were able to deploy web-accessible backdoors to remotely control the equipment as well as cryptocurrency miners and other malware.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text outlines a significant security breach involving the exploitation of vulnerabilities in Palo Alto Networks firewalls, specifically allowing attackers to execute remote code and deploy malicious software. This incident highlights the critical need for prompt patching of security flaws and vigilance against emerging threats in network security tools.
Detailed Description: The report details a series of security vulnerabilities in Palo Alto Networks firewalls that were exploited by attackers, resulting in unauthorized access to approximately 2,000 devices. After the release of patches, the number of compromised devices decreased, but the incident underscores the ongoing risk posed by such vulnerabilities in essential cybersecurity infrastructure.
– **Key Points**:
– Attackers exploited two recently patched vulnerabilities, allowing for remote control and deployment of malware, including cryptocurrency miners.
– Initial reports indicated around 2,000 compromised devices, which later reduced to about 800 following the vendor’s patch implementation.
– The vulnerabilities include an authentication bypass flaw (CVE-2024-0012) rated critical (9.3 CVSS) and a privilege escalation bug (CVE-2024-9474) rated medium severity (6.9 CVSS), which together enable remote code execution.
– Attack patterns included the use of web-accessible backdoors, Sliver implants, and specific command-and-control (C2) addresses.
– Threat intelligence indicates that exploiting these vulnerabilities increased following the public release of a proof-of-concept exploit.
– Continuous monitoring and rapid response to vulnerability disclosures are crucial for maintaining security and preventing larger-scale exploitation.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for professionals in security and compliance, emphasizing the importance of timely updates and effective threat monitoring to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure.