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Microsoft.Source Newsletter | Issue 65

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Remote Code Execution – PATCH: NOW

OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Android OS, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. Android is an operating system developed by Google for mobile devices, including, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, and watches. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Android OS patch levels prior to 2024-12-05

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 Google Android OS, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution in the context of the logged on user. Following the MITRE ATT&CK framework, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities can be classified as follows:

Tactic: Execution (TA0002)

Technique: Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203):

A vulnerability in System that could allow for remote code execution. (CVE-2024-43767)
Multiple vulnerabilities in Framework that could allow for elevation of privilege. (CVE-2024-43764, CVE-2024-43769)
Multiple vulnerabilities in System that could allow for elevation of privilege. (CVE-2024-43097, CVE-2024-43768)

Details of lower-severity vulnerabilities are as follows:

Multiple vulnerabilities in Imagination Technologies. (CVE-2024-43077, CVE-2024-43701)
A vulnerability in MediaTek components. (CVE-2024-20125)
A vulnerability in Qualcomm components. (CVE-2024-33063)
Multiple vulnerabilities in Qualcomm closed-source components. (CVE-2024-33044, CVE-2024-33056, CVE-2024-43048, CVE-2024-43052)

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution. Depending on the privileges associated with the exploited component, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply appropriate patches provided by Google 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 7.4: 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.
Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources. Inform and educate users regarding threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments, especially from un-trusted sources. (M1017: User Training)
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 Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper™.
- Safeguard 13.10 : Perform Application Layer Filtering: Perform application layer filtering. Example implementations include a filtering proxy, application layer firewall, or gateway.

REFERENCES:

Google:
https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/2024-12-01

Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Security Agency (NSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and international partners, have released a Guide which provides best practices to protect against a People’s Republic of China (PRC)-affiliated threat actor that has compromised networks of major global telecommunications providers. The recommended practices will strengthen visibility and harden network devices against this broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.

This guidance was crafted in response to a PRC affiliated threat actor’s compromise of networks of major global telecommunications providers to conduct a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign. The compromise of private communications impacted a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity.

Although tailored to the Communications Sector, CISA and partners encourage network defenders and engineers of communications infrastructure, and other critical infrastructure organizations with on-premises enterprise equipment, to review and apply the provided best practices, including patching vulnerable devices and services, to reduce opportunities for intrusion. For more information on PRC state-sponsored threat actor activity, see CISA’s People’s Republic of China Cyber Threat.

NIST Guidance on Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture

Requesting Public Comment | NIST Guidance on Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture

The NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) has released the draft of the practice guide, Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture (NIST SP 1800-35), for public comment. This publication outlines results and best practices from the NCCoE effort working with 24 vendors to demonstrate end-to-end zero trust architectures.

As an enterprise’s data and resources have become distributed across on-premises and multiple cloud environments, protecting them has become increasingly challenging. Many users need options to access information across the globe, at all hours, across devices. The NCCoE addressed these unique challenges by collaborating with industry participants to demonstrate 19 sample zero trust architecture implementations.

Detailed technical information for each sample implementation can serve as a valuable resource for technology implementers by providing models they can replicate. The lessons learned from the implementations and integrations can help organizations save time and resources.

Two resources of NIST SP 1800-35 have been released. The “High-Level Document in PDF Format” serves as introductory reading with insight into the project effort, including a high-level summary of project goals, reference architecture, various ZTA implementations, and findings.

The “Full Document in Web Format” provides in-depth details about technologies leveraged, their integrations and configurations, and the use cases and scenarios demonstrated. It also contains information on the implemented security capabilities and their mappings to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) versions 1.1 and 2.0, NIST SP 800-53r5, and security measures outlined in “EO-Critical Software” under Executive Order 14028.

This is the last draft being released for comment before the document will be finalized.

We Want to Hear from You!

We welcome your input and look forward to your comments by January 31, 2025. We also invite you to join our mailing list to receive news and updates about this project.

Comment Now

Critical Patches Issued for Microsoft Products, December 10, 2024 – PATCH NOW

OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Microsoft products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution in the context of the logged-on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Office SharePoint
GitHub
Microsoft Office Word
Microsoft Office Excel
Windows Task Scheduler
Windows Mobile Broadband
Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers
Windows Remote Desktop Services
Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Microsoft Office Publisher
Windows IP Routing Management Snapin
Windows Wireless Wide Area Network Service
Windows File Explorer
Windows Kernel
Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
Windows Common Log File System Driver
Role: DNS Server
Windows Resilient File System (ReFS)
Windows PrintWorkflowUserSvc
Windows Message Queuing
Remote Desktop Client
WmsRepair Service
Windows LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver
Role: Windows Hyper-V
Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS)
Windows Remote Desktop
Microsoft Office Access

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 Microsoft products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution.

A full list of all vulnerabilities can be found in the Microsoft link in the References section.

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could result in remote code execution in the context of the logged-on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

REFERENCES:

Microsoft:
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2024-Dec

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Chrome Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution – PATCH NOW

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLEGENCE:
There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Chrome versions prior to 131.0.6778.139/.140 for Windows and Mac
Chrome versions prior to 131.0.6778.139 for Linux

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 Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:

Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001):

Technique: Drive-By Compromise (T1189):

Type Confusion in V8 (CVE-2024-12381)
Use after free in Translate (CVE-2024-12382)

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply appropriate updates provided by Google 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 7.4: Perform Automated Application Patch Management: Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
- Safeguard 7.7: 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 9.1: Ensure Use of Only Fully Supported Browsers and Email Clients: Ensure only fully supported browsers and email clients are allowed to execute in the enterprise, only using the latest version of browsers and email clients provided through the vendor.
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 5.4: 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.
Restrict execution of code to a virtual environment on or in transit to an endpoint system. (M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing)
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™.
Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc. (M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content)
- Safeguard 9.2: Use DNS Filtering Services: Use DNS filtering services on all enterprise assets to block access to known malicious domains.
- Safeguard 9.3: Maintain and Enforce Network-Based URL Filters: Enforce and update network-based URL filters to limit an enterprise asset from connecting to potentially malicious or unapproved websites. Example implementations include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or through the use of block lists. Enforce filters for all enterprise assets.
- Safeguard 9.6: Block Unnecessary File Types: Block unnecessary file types attempting to enter the enterprise’s email gateway.
Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources. Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted 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.

REFERENCES:

Google:
https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2024/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_10.html

CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12381
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12382

NIST Requests Public Comments on SP 800-56A, SP 800-56B and SP 800-56C

NIST Requests Public Comments on SP 800-56A, SP 800-56B and SP 800-56C | Recommendations for Key Establishment

NIST maintains its cryptography standards and guidelines using a periodic review process.

Currently, we are reviewing the following publications:

NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-56Ar3, Recommendation for Pair-Wise Key-Establishment Schemes Using Discrete Logarithm Cryptography, 2018
NIST SP 800-56Br2, Recommendation for Pair-Wise Key-Establishment Using Integer Factorization Cryptography, 2019
NIST SP 800-56Cr2, Recommendation for Key-Derivation Methods in Key-establishment Schemes, 2020.

NIST requests feedback on all aspects of these publications. In particular, NIST would appreciate guidance for modifications to SP 800-56C when used with quantum-resistant Key-Establishment Mechanisms (KEMs) (e.g., as specified in FIPS 203) as well as in hybrid key-establishment schemes.

The public comment period is open through January 31, 2025. Comments may address the concerns raised in this announcement or other issues around security, implementation, clarity, risk, or relevance to current applications.

Send comments to [email protected] with “Comments on SP 800-56A,” “Comments on SP 800-56B,” or “Comments on SP 800-56C” as the subject.

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.

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple Products Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution – PATCH NOW

OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLEGENCE:
There are currently no reports of the vulnerabilities being exploited.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Versions prior to Safari 18.2
Versions prior to iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2
Versions prior to iPadOS 17.7.3
Versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.2
Versions prior to macOS Sonoma 14.7.2
Versions prior to macOS Ventura 13.7.2
Versions prior to watchOS 11.2
Versions prior to tvOS 18.2
Versions prior to visionOS 2.2

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 Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Details of the vulnerabilities are as follows:

Tactic: Execution (TA0002):

Technique: Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203):

A remote attacker may cause an unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution. (CVE-2024-45490)
An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. (CVE-2024-54529)
Running a mount command may unexpectedly execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2024-54489)
An attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or arbitrary code execution in DCP firmware. (CVE-2024-54506)
An app may be able to elevate privileges. (CVE-2024-54465)

Additional lower severity vulnerabilities include:

On a device with Private Relay enabled, adding a website to the Safari Reading List may reveal the originating IP address to the website. (CVE-2024-44246)
Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to an unexpected process crash. (CVE-2024-54479, CVE-2024-54502, CVE-2024-54508)
Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to memory corruption. (CVE-2024-54505, CVE-2024-54534)
A malicious app may be able to access private information. (CVE-2024-54526)
An app may be able to access sensitive user data. (CVE-2024-54527, CVE-2024-54513)
Muting a call while ringing may not result in mute being enabled. (CVE-2024-54503)
Processing a maliciously crafted font may result in the disclosure of process memory. (CVE-2024-54486)
Processing a maliciously crafted image may result in disclosure of process memory. (CVE-2024-54500)
An attacker may be able to create a read-only memory mapping that can be written to. (CVE-2024-54494)
An app may be able to leak sensitive kernel state. (CVE-2024-54510)
An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory. (CVE-2024-44245)
An app may be able to break out of its sandbox. (CVE-2024-54514, CVE-2024-54498)
An app may be able to gain elevated privileges. (CVE-2024-44225)
An attacker in a privileged network position may be able to alter network traffic. (CVE-2024-54492)
Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to a denial of service. (CVE-2024-54501)
An attacker with physical access to an iOS device may be able to view notification content from the lock screen. (CVE-2024-54485)
Processing a malicious crafted file may lead to a denial-of-service. (CVE-2024-44201)
An attacker with physical access to an iPadOS device may be able to view notification content from the lock screen. (CVE-2024-54485)
An app may be able to access user-sensitive data. (CVE-2024-54477, CVE-2024-54484, CVE-2024-54504, CVE-2024-54474, CVE-2024-54476)
Parsing a maliciously crafted video file may lead to unexpected system termination. (CVE-2024-44220)
A local attacker may gain access to user’s Keychain items. (CVE-2024-54490)
An app may be able to access protected user data. (CVE-2024-44300)
An encrypted volume may be accessed by a different user without prompting for the password. (CVE-2024-54466)
A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges. (CVE-2024-44291, CVE-2024-54515, CVE-2024-44224)
An app may be able to bypass kASLR. (CVE-2024-54531)
A malicious application may be able to determine a user’s current location. (CVE-2024-54491)
An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system. (CVE-2023-32395, CVE-2024-44243, CVE-2024-54495)
An app may be able to overwrite arbitrary files. (CVE-2024-54528)
A malicious app may be able to access arbitrary files. (CVE-2024-54524)
Privacy indicators for microphone access may be attributed incorrectly. (CVE-2024-54493)
A user with screen sharing access may be able to view another user’s screen. (CVE-2024-44248)

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply the stable channel update provided by Apple 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 7.6 : Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Externally-Exposed Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of externally-exposed enterprise assets using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool. Perform scans on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
- 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 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.
- 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 5.4: 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.
Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc. (M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content)
- Safeguard 2.3: Address Unauthorized Software: Ensure that unauthorized software is either removed from use on enterprise assets or receives a documented exception. Review monthly, or more frequently.
- Safeguard 2.7: Allowlist Authorized Scripts: Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that only authorized scripts, such as specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute. Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassessbi-annually, or more frequently.
- Safeguard 9.3: Maintain and Enforce Network-Based URL Filters: Enforce and update network-based URL filters to limit an enterprise asset from connecting to potentially malicious or unapproved websites. Example implementations include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or through the use of block lists. Enforce filters for all enterprise assets.
- Safeguard 9.6: Block Unnecessary File Types: Block unnecessary file types attempting to enter the enterprise’s email gateway.
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™.
Block execution of code on a system through application control, and/or script blocking. (M1038:Execution Prevention)
- Safeguard 2.5 : Allowlist Authorized Software: Use technical controls, such as application allowlisting, to ensure that only authorized software can execute or be accessed. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.
- Safeguard 2.6 : Allowlist Authorized Libraries: Use technical controls to ensure that only authorized software libraries, such as specific .dll, .ocx, .so, etc., files, are allowed to load into a system process. Block unauthorized libraries from loading into a system process. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.
- Safeguard 2.7 : Allowlist Authorized Scripts: Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that only authorized scripts, such as specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute. Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.
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.

REFERENCES:

NIST Continues to Expand Its Suite of CSF 2.0 Resources

Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 - One Pager Info Sheet

NIST Releases More CSF 2.0 Resources for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month—and we’re celebrating by sharing that we have even more Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 resources to help organizations of all sizes manage your cybersecurity risks. The new resources include, but are not limited to:

A new CSF 2.0 introductory video
A finalized cybersecurity supply chain risk management quick start guide
Updated FAQs
And much more!

Learn More

Cyber Review Board Investigate Salt Typhoon’s Targeting of US Telecommunications

Recent open-source reporting details the activity of Chinese nation-state advanced persistent threat (APT) Salt Typhoon amidst the 2024 presidential election. Salt Typhoon has compromised telecommunications infrastructure, including infrastructure associated with court-ordered wiretaps. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) panel is currently reviewing the incident and assesses that it will likely take months before any findings will be publicized. Confirmed compromised organizations include telecommunications companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. The impact on Foreign Influence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts is currently unclear. Compromising FISA courts could provide Beijing insight into overseas surveillance targets. Salt Typhoon’s operation likely began months ago, as assessed by DHS, and no clear initial access method is publicly known.

Salt Typhoon targeted key political figures’ cell phones and communications in the 2024 presidential election. The targeting is largely bipartisan and impacted Democrats, such as the staff of Majority Speaker of the House Chuck Schumer, and Republicans within the Trump campaign, including Donald Trump and JD Vance. According to reporting from The Washington Post, Salt Typhoon accessed the unencrypted messages of Trump’s campaign advisors.

This targeting is the second publicly reported incident of an adversary compromising campaign officials’ communications in the 2024 presidential election following Iran’s compromise of the Trump campaign in August 2024. Salt Typhoon is not the first People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored APT to compromise US telecommunications. Salt Typhoon activity reflects Beijing’s espionage goals of counterintelligence operations to uncover key US targets of surveillance and presidential communications. The telecommunications industry is key to facilitating operations throughout other sectors and in the data it possesses. In response to Salt Typhoon activity, the White House established the Cyber Unified Coordination Group in October.

Salt Typhoon’s actions contribute to the PRC’s greater overall strategy of espionage and gaining prepositioned access to US critical infrastructure. According to a Congressional Research Service report, the Intelligence Community (IC) assessed that the PRC is the most active and persistent cyber threat to US institutions.

Recommendations

Implement cybersecurity best practices, including a robust patch management program, user awareness training, and identity and access management controls. Develop and exercise incident response plans and preparedness activities. Employ strong encryption standards for sensitive communications.