Recommendations for Key-Encapsulation Mechanisms | Draft SP 800-227 is Available for Comment

The initial public draft of NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-227, Recommendations for Key-Encapsulation Mechanisms, is now available for public comment.

NIST recently published Federal Information Process Standard (FIPS) 203, Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard, to update its cryptographic standards with an algorithm designed to provide protection from quantum attacks. In addition, NIST will select one or two additional quantum-resistant key-encapsulation mechanisms (KEMs) for standardization. To provide guidance on using KEMs, NIST is introducing SP 800-227, Recommendations for Key-Encapsulation Mechanisms. This draft document describes the basic definitions, properties, and applications of KEMs. It also provides recommendations for implementing and using KEMs in a secure manner.

The public comment period is open through March 7, 2025. See the publication details for a copy of the draft and instructions for submitting comments.

NIST will also hold a virtual Workshop on Guidance for KEMs on February 25-26, 2025, to gather additional feedback on SP 800-227.

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NIST Proposes to Revise SP 800-38B, “CMAC” and SP 800-38C, “CCM

In June 2024, NIST’s Crypto Publication Review Board initiated a review of the following publications:

In response, NIST received public comments on SP 800-38B and SP 800-38C.

 NIST proposes to revise both publications. The main technical changes would be the following:

  • Harmonize the tag length guidance in SP 800-38B with that of SP 800-38C (i.e., a minimum of 32 bits with a recommendation for at least 64 bits in general)
  • Strengthen the example formatting function for CCM to a requirement
  • Remove support for the disallowed Triple DES block cipher from CMAC

NIST would also consider other technical changes that were suggested in the public comments, in addition to editorial improvements.

Submit your comments on this decision proposal by February 28, 2025 to cryptopubreviewboard@nist.gov with “Comments on SP 800-38B Decision Proposal” or “Comments on SP 800-38C Decision Proposal” in the subject line.  

Comments received in response to this request will be posted on the Crypto Publication Review Project site after the due date. Submitters’ names and affiliations (when provided) will be included, while contact information will be removed. See the project site for additional information about the review process.  

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A Vulnerability in SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 1000 Series Appliances Could Allow for Remote Code Execution – PATCH NOW

A vulnerability has been discovered in SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 1000 Series Appliances which could allow for remote code execution. SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) is a unified secure access gateway used by organizations to provide employees access to applications from anywhere. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for remote code execution. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data.

THREAT INTELLEGENCE:
SonicWall PSIRT has been notified of possible active exploitation of the referenced vulnerability by threat actors. 

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • Version 12.4.3-02804 (platform-hotfix) and earlier versions.

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:
A vulnerability has been discovered in SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 1000 Series Appliances which could allow for remote code execution.  Details of the vulnerability are as follows:

Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001):

Technique: Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190):

  • Pre-authentication deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability has been identified in the SMA1000 Appliance Management Console (AMC) and Central Management Console (CMC), which in specific conditions could potentially enable a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands. (CVE-2025-23006)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply appropriate updates provided by SonicWall 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:

SonicWall:
https://psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-detail/SNWLID-2025-0002
 
CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=2025-23006

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

Register now >
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

Microsoft AI Tour
Join experts, industry leaders and peers to explore the ways AI can drive growth and create lasting value. Multiple cities and dates available.
Featured
Announcing a free GitHub Copilot for Visual Studio Code > Get code suggestions, ask Chat questions, search the web or your code, and edit multiple files at once. Burke Holland demonstrates some of these new additions and provides step by step tasks to try it for yourself.  
What’s New
video icon 10 Days of GenAI > Ten video shorts on how to build a GenAI Application. Each video comes with a GenAI for Beginners lesson on GitHub to get started. (YouTube) documentation icon Become an AI security expert using OpenAI > Learn how to build OpenAI apps securely without needing to manage unsafe API Keys.  
blog icon Kick off the new year with resources to learn new skills > Learn how to build intelligent apps, get started with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code (for free), discover new possibilities in .NET 9, and more.  
Events See Local Events >
online event icon GitHub Copilot Bootcamp / February / Online > In this 4 part live bootcamp, you’ll learn how to streamline your workflow with GitHub Copilot.  
online event icon GenAI for Developers / Multiple Dates / Online and on demand > This series of free webinars explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the software development landscape.  
online event icon Powerful Devs Conference + Hackathon / February 12-28 / Online > The online sessions and hackathon will include real-world use cases, best practices, and deep dives on Power Platform tools for developers.  
on demand event icon Learn Together: SQL database in Fabric / On demand > Databases experts and the Microsoft product team demonstrate how to build reliable, scalable apps where cloud authentication and encryption are secured by default.  
Azure AI-900 Fundamentals training / Through January > This series is designed to provide a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and how AI services can be utilized on Azure.  
Learning
learning icon From C# to ChatGPT: Build GenAI Solutions with Azure > This learning path introduces you to building generative AI solutions, leveraging REST APIs, SDKs, and Azure tools to create smarter, more interactive applications.  
learning icon Introduction to Azure AI Foundry > By the end of this learning path, you’ll be proficient in describing, provisioning, managing, and utilizing Azure AI Foundry.   video icon Master Distributed Application Development with .NET Aspire > This comprehensive series covers everything from setup to deployment equipping you with the skills to earn the official .NET Aspire credential. (YouTube)  

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.