January 2025 – Page 2 – My information Resource (blog.mir.net)

CISO Digest | Debut Issue Microsoft.

CISO Digest Welcome to the first edition of CISO Digest, a bimonthly publication, delivering expert insights, industry trends, cutting-edge research, and essential security knowledge to empower Security Leaders and their teams stay ahead in the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Featured Stories & Insights
CISO Executive Summary: Microsoft Digital Defense Report (MDDR)
The CISO executive summary of the MDDR is a condensed edition of Microsoft’s annual report, focusing on the analysis and highlights most important to CISOs. This report comes at a time when the cybersecurity threat landscape has intensified for every sector around the world.
Rethinking Security from the Inside Out: An Overview for CISOs
Technological advances bring both opportunities and risks, such as data breaches and insider threats. The guide highlights key insights for CISOs to enhance security: including insider risks, balancing controls and productivity, comprehensive solutions, and effective integration.
AI-ready in 4 steps: A Data Preparation Guide
Data drives AI, but it introduces challenges like data oversharing, leakage, and noncompliant usage. Follow the steps in this guide to secure and manage your data effectively
3 Reasons to Ditch the Point-Solution Approach
A CISOs guide to more proactive and efficient security operations. Learn why opting for a unified approach, leads to more proactive, efficient security operations.
Learn how to deploy generative AI securely and responsibly
Read this comprehensive guide on navigating the challenges and opportunities of using generative AI. Learn how to strike a balance between addressing the potential risks and embracing innovation.

Industry News & Trends
The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Briefing: Healthcare
This report discusses the increasing threat of ransomware attacks on healthcare institutions in the US. It highlights the financial and operational impacts of these attacks and outlines strategies for enhancing cybersecurity resilience and response.
Preparing for NIS2: Critical Insights for Organizations
In partnership with Microsoft, IDC conducted research providing insights into how prepared for NIS2 are organizations across different countries in Europe. This report offers recommendations that CISOs can use to accelerate their NIS2 implementation journeys.

Upcoming Events
Microsoft Ignite / On demand
Explore the expansive Microsoft Ignite session catalogue available on demand. Microsoft AI Tour / Multiple dates and cities / In person
Join experts, industry leaders and peers to explore the ways AI can drive growth and create lasting value. Multiple cities and dates available.

Learning & Skilling Learn how to deploy the Microsoft Zero Trust Workshop The Zero Trust Workshop is a guided framework from Microsoft to help you translate Zero Trust Strategy into a deployment reality.

Registration Open | Microsoft Security Public Webinars

January 23 – Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | Improved SecOps Efficiency with New Detections, Advanced Hunting, and Response Flows
January 28 – Azure Network Security | Azure WAF Bot Protection: Features, Benefits, and Best Practices
January 28 – Microsoft Entra ID Protection – Detect Password Spray and Attacker in the Middle Threats
January 29 – Microsoft Intune’s frontline worker offerings
February 05 – Secure Your Resources and Roles with Entra Verified ID
February 05 – Secure Your Resources and Roles with Entra Verified ID (SPANISH) February 12 – Microsoft Defender XDR | How to Get the Most Out of Microsoft Defender for Vulnerability Management (MDVM)
February 18 – Microsoft Defender XDR | AMA – Automatic Attack Disruption February 19 – Security Copilot in Entra: Addressing App Risks and High-Privilege Permissions
February 19 – Microsoft Sentinel | Microsoft Sentinel Repositories: Manage Your SIEM Content Like a Pro

Microsoft.Source Newsletter | Issue 67

Oracle Quarterly Critical Patches Issued January 21, 2025 – PATCH NOW

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Oracle products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Enterprise Manager for MySQL Database, version 13.5.2.0.0
JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Orchestrator, versions prior to 9.2.9.2
JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Tools, versions prior to 9.2.9.2
MySQL Cluster, versions 7.6.32 and prior, 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, 9.1.0 and prior
MySQL Connectors, versions 9.1.0 and prior
MySQL Enterprise Backup, versions 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, 9.1.0 and prior
MySQL Enterprise Firewall, versions 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, 9.1.0 and prior
MySQL Server, versions 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, 9.0.1 and prior, 9.1.0 and prior
MySQL Shell, versions 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, 9.1.0 and prior
Oracle Agile Engineering Data Management, version 6.2.1
Oracle Agile PLM Framework, version 9.3.6
Oracle Analytics Desktop, versions prior to 8.1.0
Oracle Application Express, versions 23.2, 24.1
Oracle Application Testing Suite, version 13.3.0.1
Oracle Banking Corporate Lending Process Management, versions 14.4.0.0.0-14.7.0.0.0
Oracle Banking Liquidity Management, version 14.7.5.0.0
Oracle Banking Origination, versions 14.5.0.0.0-14.7.0.0.0
Oracle BI Publisher, versions 7.0.0.0.0, 7.6.0.0.0
Oracle Big Data Spatial and Graph, version 3.7
Oracle Blockchain Platform, versions 21.1.2, 24.1.3
Oracle Business Activity Monitoring, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, versions 7.0.0.0.0, 7.6.0.0.0, 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Business Process Management Suite, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Coherence, versions 12.2.1.4.0, 14.1.1.0.0
Oracle Commerce Guided Search, version 11.3.2
Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management, versions 12.0.0.4-12.0.0.8, 15.0.0.0-15.0.0.1
Oracle Communications BRM – Elastic Charging Engine, versions 12.0.0.4-12.0.0.8, 15.0.0.0, 15.0.1.0
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Automated Test Suite, version 24.2.0
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Binding Support Function, versions 24.2.0, 24.2.1
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Certificate Management, version 24.2.1
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Console, version 24.2.1
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core DBTier, version 24.3.0
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Network Function Cloud Native Environment, versions 24.2.0, 24.3.0
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Network Repository Function, version 24.2.2
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Policy, versions 24.2.0-24.2.2
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Security Edge Protection Proxy, versions 23.4.0, 24.2.0, 24.2.1, 24.2.2
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Service Communication Proxy, versions 24.2.0, 24.3.0
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Unified Data Repository, versions 23.4.4, 24.1.1, 24.2.2, 24.2.3, 24.3.0
Oracle Communications Converged Application Server, versions 8.0, 8.1
Oracle Communications Convergence, versions 3.0.2.0.0, 3.0.3.0.0, 3.0.3.3.0
Oracle Communications Diameter Signaling Router, versions 8.2.3.0.0, 8.6.0.4.0, 9.0, 9.0.0.0.0-9.0.2.0.0
Oracle Communications EAGLE Element Management System, version 47.0.0.0.0
Oracle Communications Messaging Server, version 8.1.0.26
Oracle Communications Network Analytics Data Director, versions 24.1.0, 24.2.0
Oracle Communications Offline Mediation Controller, versions 12.0.0.8, 15.0.0.0, 15.0.1.0
Oracle Communications Operations Monitor, versions 5.1, 5.2
Oracle Communications Order and Service Management, versions 7.4.0, 7.4.1, 7.5.0
Oracle Communications Policy Management, version 15.0.0.0.0
Oracle Communications Service Catalog and Design, versions 8.0.0.3, 8.1.0.1
Oracle Communications Session Border Controller, versions 9.2.0, 9.3.0
Oracle Communications Unified Assurance, versions 6.0.0-6.0.5
Oracle Communications Unified Inventory Management, versions 7.4.1, 7.4.2, 7.5.1, 7.6.0
Oracle Communications User Data Repository, versions 12.11, 14.0, 15.0
Oracle Database Server, versions 19.1, 19.3-19.25, 21.3-21.16, 23.4-23.6
Oracle Documaker, versions 12.7.1, 12.7.2, 13.0.0
Oracle E-Business Suite, versions 12.2.3-12.2.14
Oracle Enterprise Communications Broker, versions 4.1.0, 4.2.0
Oracle Enterprise Manager Base Platform, version 13.5.0.0
Oracle Enterprise Session Border Controller, versions 9.2.0, 9.3.0
Oracle Essbase, version 21.7
Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications Infrastructure, versions 8.0.7.8, 8.0.8.6, 8.1.2.5
Oracle Financial Services Behavior Detection Platform, versions 8.0.8.1, 8.1.2.7, 8.1.2.8
Oracle Financial Services Compliance Studio, versions 8.1.2.5, 8.1.2.6
Oracle Financial Services Enterprise Case Management, versions 8.0.8.2, 8.1.2.7, 8.1.2.8
Oracle Financial Services Model Management and Governance, versions 8.1.2.6, 8.1.2.7, 8.1.3.0
Oracle Financial Services Regulatory Reporting, versions 8.1.2.7, 8.1.2.8
Oracle Financial Services Revenue Management and Billing, versions 2.9.0.0.0-7.0.0.0.0
Oracle Financial Services Trade-Based Anti Money Laundering Enterprise Edition, version 8.0.8
Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle GoldenGate, versions 19.1.0.0.0-19.25.0.0.241015, 21.3-21.16, 23.4-23.6
Oracle GoldenGate Big Data and Application Adapters, versions 19.1.0.0.0-19.1.0.0.18, 21.3.0.0.0-21.16.0.0.0, 23.4-23.6
Oracle GoldenGate Studio, version 12.2.0.4.0
Oracle GoldenGate Veridata, versions 12.2.1.4.0-12.2.1.4.240430
Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition, versions 20.3.16, 21.3.12
Oracle GraalVM for JDK, versions 17.0.13, 21.0.5, 23.0.1
Oracle Graph Server and Client, versions 23.4.4, 24.4.0
Oracle Hospitality OPERA 5, versions 5.6.19.20, 5.6.25.8, 5.6.26.6, 5.6.27.1
Oracle HTTP Server, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Hyperion Data Relationship Management, version 11.2.19.0.0
Oracle Identity Manager, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Java SE, versions 8u431, 8u431-perf, 11.0.25, 17.0.13, 21.0.5, 23.0.1
Oracle Life Sciences Argus Safety, version 8.2.3
Oracle Life Sciences Empirica Signal, versions prior to 9.2.3
Oracle Managed File Transfer, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Middleware Common Libraries and Tools, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Outside In Technology, version 8.5.7
Oracle Policy Automation, versions 12.2.18-12.2.36
Oracle REST Data Services, versions 23.3.0.289.1830, 23.3.1.305.1055, 23.4.0.346.1619, 23.4.1.38.1857, 24.1.0.108.942, 24.1.1.120.1228, 24.1.2.163.1158, 24.2.0, 24.2.0.169.2208, 24.2.1.180.1634, 24.2.2.187.1943, 24.3.0
Oracle Retail Financial Integration, versions 14.1.3.2, 15.0.3.1, 16.0.3.0, 19.0.1.0
Oracle Retail Integration Bus, versions 14.1.3.2, 15.0.3.1, 16.0.3.0, 19.0.1.0
Oracle SD-WAN Edge, versions 9.1.1.0-9.1.1.9
Oracle Secure Backup, versions 18.1.0.1.0, 18.1.0.2.0, 19.1.0.0.0
Oracle Security Service, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle Solaris, version 11
Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database, versions 18.1, 22.1
Oracle Utilities Application Framework, versions 4.3.0.3.0-4.3.0.6.0, 4.4.0.0.0, 4.4.0.2.0, 4.4.0.3.0, 4.5.0.0.0, 4.5.0.1.1, 4.5.0.1.3, 24.1.0.0.0-24.3.0.0.0
Oracle Utilities Network Management System, versions 2.5.0.1.14, 2.5.0.1.15, 2.5.0.2.9, 2.6.0.1.5, 2.6.0.1.7
Oracle Utilities Testing Accelerator, versions 6.0.0.1.0-6.0.0.3.0, 7.0.0.0.0-7.0.0.1.0
Oracle VM VirtualBox, versions prior to 7.0.24, prior to 7.1.6
Oracle WebCenter Portal, version 12.2.1.4.0
Oracle WebLogic Server, versions 12.2.1.4.0, 14.1.1.0.0, 14.1.2.0.0
PeopleSoft Enterprise CC Common Application Objects, version 9.2
PeopleSoft Enterprise FIN Cash Management, version 9.2
PeopleSoft Enterprise FIN eSettlements, version 9.2
PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools, versions 8.60, 8.61
PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM Purchasing, version 9.2
Primavera Gateway, versions 20.12.0-20.12.15, 21.12.0-21.12.13
Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, versions 20.12.1.0-20.12.21.5, 21.12.1.0-21.12.20.0, 22.12.1.0-22.12.16.0, 23.12.1.0-23.12.10.0
Primavera Unifier, versions 20.12.0-20.12.16, 21.12.0-21.12.17, 22.12.0-22.12.15, 23.12.0-23.12.12, 24.12.0
Siebel Applications, versions 24.11 and prior

RISK:

Government:

Large and medium government entities: High
Small government entities: High

Businesses:

Large and medium business entities: High
Small business entities: High

Home users: Low

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply appropriate patches or appropriate mitigations provided by Oracle to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update Software)
- Safeguard 7.1: Establish and Maintain a Vulnerability Management Process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
- Safeguard 7.2: Establish and Maintain a Remediation Process: Establish and maintain a risk-based remediation strategy documented in a remediation process, with monthly, or more frequent, reviews.
- Safeguard 7.4: Perform Automated Application Patch Management: Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
- Safeguard 7.5 : Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Internal Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal enterprise assets on a quarterly, or more frequent, basis. Conduct both authenticated and unauthenticated scans, using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool.
- Safeguard 7.7: Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities: Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tooling on a monthly, or more frequent, basis, based on the remediation process.
- Safeguard 12.1: Ensure Network Infrastructure is Up-to-Date: Ensure network infrastructure is kept up-to-date. Example implementations include running the latest stable release of software and/or using currently supported network-as-a-service (NaaS) offerings. Review software versions monthly, or more frequently, to verify software support.
- Safeguard 18.1: Establish and Maintain a Penetration Testing Program: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity, and maturity of the enterprise. Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, Application Programming Interface (API), hosted services, and physical premise controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours, and excluded attack types; point of contact information; remediation, such as how findings will be routed internally; and retrospective requirements.
- Safeguard 18.2: Perform Periodic External Penetration Tests: Perform periodic external penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. External penetration testing must include enterprise and environmental reconnaissance to detect exploitable information. Penetration testing requires specialized skills and experience and must be conducted through a qualified party. The testing may be clear box or opaque box.
- Safeguard 18.3: Remediate Penetration Test Findings: Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation scope and prioritization.
Vulnerability scanning is used to find potentially exploitable software vulnerabilities to remediate them. (M1016: Vulnerability Scanning)
- Safeguard 16.13: Conduct Application Penetration Testing: Conduct application penetration testing. For critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to finding business logic vulnerabilities than code scanning and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the skill of the tester to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.
Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services, and run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative rights) to diminish the effects of a successful attack. (M1026: Privileged Account Management)
- Safeguard 4.7: Manage Default Accounts on Enterprise Assets and Software: Manage default accounts on enterprise assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other pre-configured vendor accounts. Example implementations can include: disabling default accounts or making them unusable.
- Safeguard 5.4: Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts: Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user’s primary, non-privileged account.
- Safeguard 5.5: Establish and Maintain an Inventory of Service Accounts: Establish and maintain an inventory of service accounts. The inventory, at a minimum, must contain department owner, review date, and purpose. Perform service account reviews to validate that all active accounts are authorized, on a recurring schedule at a minimum quarterly, or more frequently.
Remind all users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links/open files provided by unknown or untrusted sources. (M1017: User Training)
- Safeguard 14.1: Establish and Maintain a Security Awareness Program: Establish and maintain a security awareness program. The purpose of a security awareness program is to educate the enterprise’s workforce on how to interact with enterprise assets and data in a secure manner. Conduct training at hire and, at a minimum, annually. Review and update content annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
- Safeguard 14.2: Train Workforce Members to Recognize Social Engineering Attacks: Train workforce members to recognize social engineering attacks, such as phishing, pre-texting, and tailgating.
Use capabilities to prevent suspicious behavior patterns from occurring on endpoint systems. This could include suspicious process, file, API call, etc. behavior. (M1040 : Behavior Prevention on Endpoint)
- Safeguard 13.2 : Deploy a Host-Based Intrusion Detection Solution: Deploy a host-based intrusion detection solution on enterprise assets, where appropriate and/or supported.
- Safeguard 13.7 : Deploy a Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Solution: Deploy a host-based intrusion prevention solution on enterprise assets, where appropriate and/or supported. Example implementations include use of an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) client or host-based IPS agent.
Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring. (M1050: Exploit Protection)
- Safeguard 10.5: Enable Anti-Exploitation Features: Enable anti-exploitation features on enterprise assets and software, where possible, such as Microsoft® Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Windows® Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG), or Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper™.

REFERENCES:

Oracle:
https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2025.html

Unpaid Road Toll SMiShing Scams Resurface

In April 2024, the NJCCIC reported an uptick in unpaid road toll SMiShing scams. Similar SMiShing scams have resurfaced, as threat actors are impersonating multiple road toll agencies nationwide to target New Jersey residents to collect personal and financial information. Threat actors also target residents in other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Threat actors create a sense of urgency by convincing their targets to pay a purported unpaid toll bill of $6.99 to avoid late fees. Other messages contain threats to revoke the target’s driver’s license or take legal action if immediate payment is not made. In the above example, the text message impersonates the legitimate EZDriveMA agency by including a link referencing EZDriveMA. The link is already active; therefore, users are advised not to reply “Y” for yes or follow the further instructions to activate the link. Other examples impersonate the legitimate EZPass and FasTrak agencies by including a link referencing EZPass and The Toll Roads (the company that operates FasTrak), respectively. If the fraudulent link is clicked, unsuspecting victims may be directed to enter their personal and financial information, which is sent to the threat actors in the background to commit further malicious activity.

Some reports indicate that threat actors send multiple text messages to their targets. Additionally, the text messages appear to be sent randomly since some targets reported that they do not drive or own a car or have not traveled anywhere in the region, requiring a toll to be paid. Official toll agencies will not send toll bills or requests for payment via text messages.

Recommendations

Avoid clicking links, responding to, or acting on unsolicited text messages.

Confirm requests from senders via contact information obtained from verified and official sources.

Check your toll agency’s account by manually typing the official website URL into the browser or contacting the toll agency’s customer service phone number.

Report SMiShing to the FTC, FBI’s IC3, and NJCCIC, and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).

FunkSec RaaS Dominates the Ransomware Landscape in December

An emerging ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) called FunkSec claimed over 80 victims in December alone, making it the most prolific threat actor that month. FunkSec uses recycled datasets from previous hacks and is likely made up of inexperienced hackers seeking recognition. The group typically demanded modest ransoms as low as $10,000 and was observed selling the stolen data to third parties at discounted prices. Victims include a travel company, an energy service provider, and a household appliance retailer, primarily targeting entities in the United States, India, Italy, Brazil, Israel, Spain, and Mongolia.

The development of the group’s tools, including the encryptor, was likely assisted by artificial intelligence, which may have facilitated their rapid iteration despite the author’s apparent lack of technical expertise. The group also provides DDOS tools and claims affiliations with hacktivist movements, particularly the “Free Palestine” initiative. Researchers suggest these associations may be strategic attempts to bolster FunkSec’s credibility rather than evidence of collaboration with established hacktivist organizations.

Recommendations

Implement a defense-in-depth strategy using multiple layers of security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, and EDR.
Creating redundancy can reduce risk and increase resiliency to cyber threats.

Keep systems up to date and apply patches after appropriate testing.

Enforce the principles of least privilege, use strong, unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts where available, choosing authentication apps or hardware tokens over SMS text-based codes.

Ensure operational technology (OT) environments are segmented from information technology (IT) environments.

Perform scheduled backups regularly, keeping an updated copy offline in a separate and secure location and testing it regularly.

Conduct continuous monitoring and threat hunting. Ingest indicators of compromise (IOCs) and techniques found in the CheckPoint report into endpoint security solutions and consider leveraging behavior-based detection tools rather than signature-based tools.

Report cyber incidents to the FBI’s IC3 and the NJCCIC.

Fasthttp Abused to Compromise Microsoft 365 Accounts

Analysts discovered threat actors leveraging the Fasthttp Go library to gain unauthorized access to Microsoft 365 accounts through high-speed brute-force login attempts and MFA fatigue as recently as January 6. Fasthttp is a high-performance HTTP server and client library designed for more efficient HTTP request handling, resulting in lower latency under high load. These attacks specifically target the Azure Active Directory Graph API, achieving a success rate of approximately 10 percent for account takeovers. Retirement of new and existing Azure AD Graph API service applications began in September 2024 and will be fully retired as of July.

Analysis indicates that 65 percent of malicious traffic geolocated to Brazil, leveraging a diverse range of ASN providers and IP addresses. Other source countries include Turkey, Argentina, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, each contributing approximately two to three percent of the observed traffic. While 41.5 percent of these attacks failed, 21 percent led to account lockouts, policy settings stopped 17.7 percent, and MFA prevented 10 percent of attempts, 9.7 percent of attempts were successfully authenticated and required immediate action.

In light of these developments, SpearTip developed a PowerShell script designed to help administrators identify such attacks by monitoring for the Fasthttp user agent in audit logs. Additionally, the SpearTip bulletin provides a detailed list of ASN providers, recommendations, and indicators of compromise.

Recommendations

If investigations reveal successful authentication:
Follow your established incident response procedures.
Expire user sessions and reset affected user credentials immediately.
Remove and re-add MFA devices as needed to ensure unauthorized additions are removed.
Monitor for unauthorized changes in user settings or permissions.

Have HIPAA DATA

Read this

SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or “Department”) is issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to solicit comment on its proposal to modify the Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information (“Security Rule”) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH Act).
The proposed modifications would revise existing standards to better protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The proposals in this NPRM would increase the cybersecurity for ePHI by revising the Security Rule to address:
changes in the environment in which health care is provided; significant increases in breaches and cyberattacks; common deficiencies the Office for Civil Rights has observed in investigations into Security Rule compliance by covered entities and their business associates (collectively, “regulated entities”); other cybersecurity guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes; and court decisions that affect enforcement of the Security Rule.

The full document can be found here

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Fortinet Products Could Allow for Remote Code Execution – PATCH: NOW

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered Fortinet Products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. FortiManager is a network and security management tool that provides centralized management of Fortinet devices from a single console. FortiOS is the Fortinet’s proprietary Operation System which is utilized across multiple product lines. FortiProxy is a secure web gateway that attempts to protects users against internet-borne attacks, and provides protection and visibility to the network against unauthorized access and threats. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for remote code execution in the context of the affected service account. Depending on the privileges associated with the service account an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Service accounts that are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
Fortinet is aware that CVE-2024-55591 has been exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

FortiManager 7.4.0
FortiManager 7.2.3
FortiManager 7.0.7 through 7.0.8
FortiManager 6.4.12
FortiAnalyzer 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
FortiAnalyzer 7.2.0 through 7.2.5
FortiAnalyzer 7.0 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 6.4 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 6.2 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 6.0 all versions
FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
FortiManager 7.2.0 through 7.2.5
FortiManager 7.0 all versions
FortiManager 6.4 all versions
FortiManager 6.2 all versions
FortiManager 6.0 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 7.4.0 through 7.4.3
FortiAnalyzer 7.0.2 through 7.0.12
FortiAnalyzer 6.2.10 through 6.2.13
FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.3
FortiManager 7.0.2 through 7.0.12
FortiManager 6.2.10 through 6.2.13
FortiOS 7.0.0 through 7.0.16
FortiProxy 7.2.0 through 7.2.12
FortiProxy 7.0.0 through 7.0.19
FortiManager Cloud 7.4 7.4.1 through 7.4.3
FortiManager 7.4.1 through 7.4.3
FortiOS 7.6.0
FortiOS 7.4.0 through 7.4.4
FortiOS 7.2.0 through 7.2.8
FortiProxy 7.4.0 through 7.4.5
FortiProxy 7.2.0 through 7.2.11
FortiAP 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
FortiAP 7.2.0 through 7.2.3
FortiAP 7.0 all versions
FortiAP 6.4 all versions
FortiAP-S 6.4 6.4.0 through 6.4.9
FortiAP-S 6.2 all versions
FortiAP-W2 7.4 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
FortiAP-W2 7.2 7.2.0 through 7.2.3
FortiAP-W2 7.0 all versions
FortiAP-W2 6.4 all versions
FortiSwitch 7.4.0
FortiSwitch 7.2.0 through 7.2.5
FortiSwitch 7.0.0 through 7.0.7
FortiSwitch 6.4.0 through 6.4.13
FortiSwitch 6.2.0 through 6.2.7
FortiSwitch 6.0.0 through 6.0.7
FortiOS 7.4.0 through 7.4.1
FortiOS 7.2 all versions
FortiOS 7.0 all versions
FortiOS 6.4 all versions
FortiOS 6.2 all versions
FortiManager Cloud 7.4 7.4.1 through 7.4.2
FortiManager Cloud 7.2 7.2.1 through 7.2.5
FortiManager Cloud 7.0 7.0.1 through 7.0.12
FortiManager 7.0.0 through 7.0.12
FortiManager 6.4.0 through 6.4.14
FortiOS 7.0.0 through 7.0.15
FortiOS 6.4.0 through 6.4.15
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.4 7.4.1 through 7.4.2
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.2 7.2.1 through 7.2.6
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.0 all versions
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 6.4 all versions
FortiManager Cloud 7.0 all versions
FortiOS 7.2.0 through 7.2.5
FortiManager Cloud 7.6 7.6.0 through 7.6.1
FortiManager Cloud 7.4 7.4.0 through 7.4.4
FortiManager Cloud 7.2 7.2.2 through 7.2.7
FortiManager 7.6.0 through 7.6.1
FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.5
FortiManager 7.2.1 through 7.2.8
FortiSandbox 4.4.0 through 4.4.4
FortiSandbox 4.2.0 through 4.2.6
FortiSandbox 4.0.0 through 4.0.4
FortiSandbox 3.2 all versions
FortiSandbox 3.1 all versions
FortiSandbox 3.0.5 through 3.0.7
FortiOS 7.2.0 through 7.2.9
FortiOS 7.4 all versions
FortiProxy 7.0.0 through 7.0.18
FortiProxy 2.0 all versions
FortiProxy 1.2 all versions
FortiProxy 1.1 all versions
FortiProxy 1.0 all versions
FortiRecorder 7.2.0 through 7.2.1
FortiRecorder 7.0.0 through 7.0.4
FortiVoice 7.0.0 through 7.0.4
FortiVoice 6.4.0 through 6.4.9
FortiVoice 6.0 all versions
FortiWeb 7.6.0
FortiWeb 7.4.0 through 7.4.4
FortiWeb 7.2 all versions
FortiWeb 7.0 all versions
FortiWeb 6.4 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 7.0.0 through 7.0.12
FortiAnalyzer 6.4.0 through 6.4.14
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.4 7.4.1 through 7.4.3
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.2 7.2.1 through 7.2.5
FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.0 7.0.1 through 7.0.11
FortiManager Cloud 7.0 7.0.1 through 7.0.11
FortiManager Cloud 6.4 all versions
FortiAnalyzer 7.6.0 through 7.6.1
FortiAnalyzer 7.4.1 through 7.4.3
FortiProxy 7.4.0 through 7.4.4
FortiProxy 7.2.0 through 7.2.10
FortiProxy 7.0.0 through 7.0.17
FortiProxy 2.0.0 through 2.0.14
FortiOS version 7.2.0
FortiOS version 7.0.0 through 7.0.5
FortiOS version s 7.2.0 through 7.2.4
FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.4
FortiOS version 7.0.0 through 7.0.11
FortiOS version 6.4.0 through 6.4.12

RISK:
Government:

Large and medium government entities: High
Small government entities: Medium

Businesses:

Large and medium business entities: High
Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Fortinet products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. Details of the vulnerabilities are as follows:

Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001):
Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190):

An Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability [CWE-288] affecting FortiOS and FortiProxy may allow a remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges via crafted requests to Node. (CVE-2024-55591)
A use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability [CWE-321] in FortiSwitch may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker in possession of the key to execute unauthorized code via crafted cryptographic requests. (CVE-2023-37936)
A missing authentication for critical function vulnerability [CWE-306] in FortiManager and FortiPortal may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to extract the configuration of all managed devices. (CVE-2024-35277)

Details of lower severity vulnerabilities:

An operation on a resource after expiration or release vulnerability [CWE-672] in FortiManager may allow a Fortigate admin account that is deleted through FortiManager to still be able to login to the FortiGate via valid credentials. (CVE-2024-47571)
A relative path traversal vulnerability [CWE-23] in FortiManager administrative interface may allow a privileged attacker to delete files from the underlying filesystem via crafted HTTP or HTTPs requests. (CVE-2024-33502)
A relative path traversal vulnerability [CWE-23] in FortiManager administrative interface may allow a privileged attacker to delete files from the underlying filesystem via crafted HTTP or HTTPs requests. (CVE-2024-32115)
A relative path traversal vulnerability [CWE-23] in FortiManager & FortiAnalyzer may allow a privileged attacker with super-admin profile and CLI access to write files on the underlying system via crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests. (CVE-2024-36512)
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiManager csfd daemon may allow an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized commands via specifically crafted packets. (CVE-2024-46662)
An insertion of sensitive information into sent data vulnerability [CWE-201] in FortiOS may allow an attacker in a man-in-the-middle position to retrieve the RADIUS accounting server shared secret via intercepting accounting-requests. (CVE-2024-46665)
An Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences in HTTP Headers (‘http response splitting’) vulnerability [CWE-113] in FortiOS, FortiProxy and FortiSASE may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass the file filter via crafted HTTP header. (CVE-2024-54021)
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78] in FortiAP may allow a local authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code via the FortiAP CLI. (CVE-2024-26012)
An origin validation error [CWE-346] vulnerability in FortiOS IPSec VPN may allow an authenticated IPSec VPN user with dynamic IP addressing to send (but not receive) packets spoofing the IP of another user via crafted network packets. (CVE-2023-46715)
An Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerability [CWE-190] in FortiOS and FortiSASE FortiOS tenant IPsec IKE service may allow an authenticated attacker to crash the IPsec tunnel via crafted requests, resulting in potential denial of service. (CVE-2024-46669)
An allocation of resources without limits or throttling vulnerability [CWE-770] in some FortiOS API endpoints may allow an unauthenticated remote user to consume all system memory via multiple large file uploads. (CVE-2024-46668)
An improper privilege management vulnerability [CWE 269] in FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer may allow a local attacker to escalate their privileges by abusing incorrect filesystem permissions. (CVE-2024-33503, CVE-2024-45331)
Two null pointer dereference [CWE-476] vulnerabilities in FortiOS may allow a remote attacker with low privileges to crash vpn service via a crafted http request. (CVE-2023-42785, CVE-2023-42786)
An Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command (‘OS Command Injection’) vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiManager may allow an authenticated remote attacker to execute unauthorized code via FGFM crafted requests. (CVE-2024-50566)
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS Command vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiSandbox may allow an authenticated attacker with at least read-only permission to execute unauthorized commands via crafted requests. (CVE-2024-27778)
An Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability [CWE-125] in FortiOS and FortiSASE FortiOS tenant IPsec IKE service may allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to trigger memory consumption leading to Denial of Service via crafted requests. (CVE-2024-46670)
An Out-of-bounds Write in FortiOS IPSEC daemon may allow an unauthenticated attacker to perform a denial of service under certains conditions that are outside the control of the attacker. (CVE-2024-52963)
An out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] in FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer sndproxy daemon may allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via specially crafted HTTP requests. (CVE-2024-35273)
An improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability (‘path traversal’) [CWE-22] in FortiManager, FortiOS, FortiProxy, FortiRecorder, FortiVoice and FortiWeb may allow a remote authenticated attacker with access to the security fabric interface and port to write arbitrary files and a remote unauthenticated attacker with the same network access to delete an arbitrary folder. (CVE-2024-48884, CVE-2024-48885)
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS Command [CWE-78] in FortiSwitch may allow a local authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code via FortiSwitch CLI. (CVE-2023-37937)
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL Command (‘SQL Injection’) vulnerability [CWE-89] in FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer may allow an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted requests. (CVE-2024-35275)
A NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability [CWE-476] in FortiOS SSLVPN web portal may allow an authenticated attacker to perform a denial of service on the SSLVPN web portal via a specially crafted URL. (CVE-2024-36504)
A stack-based overflow vulnerability [CWE-124] in FortiManager & FortiAnalyzer may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or command as a low privileged user via specially crafted packets. (CVE-2024-35276)
An allocation of resources without limits or throttling [CWE-770] vulnerability in FortiOS may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to prevent access to the GUI via specially crafted requests directed at specific endpoints. (CVE-2024-46666)
A Weak Authentication vulnerability [CWE 1390] in FortiOS, FortiPAM and FortiProxy csfd daemon may allow an unauthenticated attacker with access to the Security Fabric interface and port to bruteforce the authentication process in the Security Fabric protocol and take control of the devices of the Fabric. (CVE-2024-48886, CVE-2024-50563)
An externally controlled reference to a resource in another sphere vulnerability [CWE-610] in multiple products may allow an unauthenticated attacker to poison web caches between the device and the attacker via crafted HTTP requests, where the Host header points to an arbitrary webserver. (CVE-2022-23439)

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute remote code in the context of the system. Depending on the privileges associated with the system, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply appropriate updates provided by Fortinet to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update Software)
- Safeguard 7.1 : Establish and Maintain a Vulnerability Management Process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
- Safeguard 7.2: Establish and Maintain a Remediation Process: Establish and maintain a risk-based remediation strategy documented in a remediation process, with monthly, or more frequent, reviews.
- Safeguard 7.4: Perform Automated Application Patch Management: Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
- Safeguard 7.5 : Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Internal Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal enterprise assets on a quarterly, or more frequent, basis. Conduct both authenticated and unauthenticated scans, using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool.
- Safeguard 7.7: Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities: Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tooling on a monthly, or more frequent, basis, based on the remediation process.
- Safeguard 12.1: Ensure Network Infrastructure is Up-to-Date: Ensure network infrastructure is kept up-to-date. Example implementations include running the latest stable release of software and/or using currently supported network-as-a-service (NaaS) offerings. Review software versions monthly, or more frequently, to verify software support.
- Safeguard 18.1: Establish and Maintain a Penetration Testing Program: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity, and maturity of the enterprise. Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, Application Programming Interface (API), hosted services, and physical premise controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours, and excluded attack types; point of contact information; remediation, such as how findings will be routed internally; and retrospective requirements.
- Safeguard 18.2: Perform Periodic External Penetration Tests: Perform periodic external penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. External penetration testing must include enterprise and environmental reconnaissance to detect exploitable information. Penetration testing requires specialized skills and experience and must be conducted through a qualified party. The testing may be clear box or opaque box.
- Safeguard 18.3: Remediate Penetration Test Findings: Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation scope and prioritization.
Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services. Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack. (M1026: Privileged Account Management)
- Safeguard 4.7: Manage Default Accounts on Enterprise Assets and Software: Manage default accounts on enterprise assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other pre-configured vendor accounts. Example implementations can include: disabling default accounts or making them unusable.
- Safeguard 5.5: Establish and Maintain an Inventory of Service Accounts: Establish and maintain an inventory of service accounts. The inventory, at a minimum, must contain department owner, review date, and purpose. Perform service account reviews to validate that all active accounts are authorized, on a recurring schedule at a minimum quarterly, or more frequently.
Vulnerability scanning is used to find potentially exploitable software vulnerabilities to remediate them. (M1016: Vulnerability Scanning)
- Safeguard 16.13: Conduct Application Penetration Testing: Conduct application penetration testing. For critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to finding business logic vulnerabilities than code scanning and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the skill of the tester to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.
Architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services that should not be exposed from the internal network. Configure separate virtual private cloud (VPC) instances to isolate critical cloud systems. (M1030: Network Segmentation)
- Safeguard 12.2: Establish and Maintain a Secure Network Architecture: Establish and maintain a secure network architecture. A secure network architecture must address segmentation, least privilege, and availability, at a minimum.

Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring. (M1050: Exploit Protection)
- Safeguard 10.5: Enable Anti-Exploitation Features: Enable anti-exploitation features on enterprise assets and software, where possible, such as Microsoft® Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Windows® Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG), or Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper™.

REFERENCES:

Comment Period Extended: Mitigating Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks in Telehealth Smart Home Integration Cybersecurity White Paper

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) has released for public comment the draft of NIST Cybersecurity White Paper (CSWP) 34, Mitigating Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks in Telehealth Smart Home Integration.

The public comment period for this draft has been extended until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 21, 2025. All comments that are received will be reviewed and adjudicated to inform the final publication.

About the White Paper

Hospital-at-Home (HaH) is a form of telehealth where patients receive in-patient care, including clinical care and monitoring, at their place of residence. Healthcare systems have begun incorporating communications interfaces, patient monitors, and other medical devices into the patient’s residence to provide advice and perform clinical care while leveraging the advantages associated with patients receiving treatment in an amenable location. HaH offers several benefits to healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs), including improving patient outcomes, alleviating in-patient bed capacity limits, and providing safety for patients and care team members in infectious scenarios.

While these are desirable benefits, HaH introduces privacy and cybersecurity risks by introducing medical-grade equipment and information systems into environments the hospital does not control. This paper examines risks found in HaH deployments when using smart speakers as a representative IoT device and provides recommended steps to address these risks. This paper also describes applying controls that include access control, authentication, continuous monitoring, data security, governance, and network segmentation.

We Want to Hear from You!

The public comment period for this draft is open until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 21, 2025. You can view the publication and submit comments by visiting the NCCoE project page. If you have any questions, please email our team at [email protected].

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Comment Period Extended: Mitigating Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks in Telehealth Smart Home Integration Cybersecurity White Paper

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