Category: XP

Threat actors can use phone numbers obtained from past data breaches and public records to randomly call or send messages claiming to be a member of a loan processing team and providing a loan offer that appears too good to be true. They may provide vague details, impose urgent demands, or require advanced fees of a purported loan offer with the intent of stealing personally identifiable information (PII) and financial information, including Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.

The NJCCIC received reports of an advanced fee loan scam in which threat actors posed as lenders, guaranteed the loan approval without official credit checks, offered low rates or fees, and asked for money upfront. The victims submitted a supposed loan application and paid a deposit via peer-to-peer money transfer platforms typically used with these scams. The deposits were nominal due to a false claim of a low credit score or based on a percentage of the fake loan amount. In one scam, the victim applied for a loan and paid a $1,350 deposit via Zelle. In another scam, the victim was offered a several million-dollar loan with a reasonable rate and a four percent deposit. Once the victims paid the deposits, the so-called lenders stole their information and funds and never responded to the victims’ subsequent inquiries. Threat actors can use this stolen information to impersonate victims, apply for loans or lines of credit, access bank accounts, and steal additional funds.

Threat actors typically initiate their cyberattacks by performing reconnaissance against an organization’s people, processes, and technology. They primarily seek to exploit vulnerabilities in people and software to gain initial access. The threat actors then attempt to access internal systems. VPNs and firewalls are often targeted by threat actors as they serve as primary gateways to these internal systems and networks and provide remote access to organizations. Successful cyberattacks can have cascading impacts, including operational disruptions, financial losses, and the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and information systems.

Credentials (usernames and passwords) provide a way to authenticate users and control access to online accounts, email systems, network resources, and more. Threat actors attempt to harvest or steal these credentials and gain initial access primarily through phishing and other methods, such as keylogging malware, brute force attacks, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and credential stuffing attacks. The convenient practice of password reuse across multiple accounts is risky behavior that can result in account compromises. Credential harvesting and password reuse allow threat actors to easily compromise accounts, escalate privileges, exploit vulnerabilities, move laterally within a network, deploy malware, and access data. As highlighted by recent Medusa and Hellcat ransomware attacks, users are advised to activate MFA for all accounts and services, including email and VPNs.

Threat actors also attempt to exploit software vulnerabilities, especially in VPNs and firewalls and other edge devices, to infiltrate systems and networks. Multiple security advisories were issued during the first quarter of 2025, including the Ivanti Connect Secure, Policy Secure, and ZTA Gateways remote code execution vulnerability, the Cisco Meraki MX and Z Series AnyConnect VPN denial of service vulnerability, the Fortinet unverified password change vulnerability, and the OpenVPN denial of service vulnerability. Additionally, at least five VPN services have been linked  to a sanctioned Chinese firm, inadvertently impacting millions of free VPN users in the United States. There was also a significant surge in Palo Alto Networks scanner activity, suggesting a coordinated effort to test network defenses and exploit vulnerable systems. Furthermore, threat actors exploited two Fortinet vulnerabilities in Fortigate firewall appliances that led to a series of intrusions deploying the SuperBlack ransomware variant.

The combination of weak credentials without MFA and unpatched or misconfigured systems creates a ticking timebomb for organizations to have threat actors compromise accounts and infiltrate perimeter security devices, resulting in cyber incidents such as ransomware and large-scale attacks.

Recommendations

Participate in security awareness training to help better understand cyber threats, provide a strong line of defense, and identify red flags in potentially malicious communications. Use strong, unique passwords and enable MFA where available, choosing authentication apps or hardware tokens over SMS text-based codes. Keep systems up to date and apply patches after appropriate testing. Utilize network segmentation to isolate valuable assets and help prevent the spread of ransomware and malware. Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege, disable unused ports and services, and use web application firewalls (WAFs). Maintain robust and up-to-date endpoint detection tools on every endpoint. Consider leveraging behavior-based detection tools rather than signature-based tools. Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit. Establish a comprehensive data backup plan that includes performing scheduled backups regularly, keeping an updated copy offline in a separate and secure location, and testing regularly. Create and test continuity of operations plans (COOPs) and incident response plans. Review the Ransomware: Risk Mitigation Strategies Employ tools such as haveibeenpwned.com to determine if your PII has been exposed via a public data breach.

Free Training

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A vulnerability has been discovered in Google Chrome, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability 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 this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. 

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Chrome prior to 135.0.7049.84/.85 for Windows and Mac
• Chrome prior to 135.0.7049.84 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:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Google Chrome, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Details of the vulnerability are as follows:

Tactic: Initial Access (TA0001):

Technique: Drive-By Compromise (T1189):

• Use after free in Site Isolation (CVE-2025-3066)

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability 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/2025/04/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_8.html
 
CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-3066

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:

• Visual Studio Code
• Windows Standards-Based Storage Management Service
• Windows Local Security Authority (LSA)
• Windows NTFS
• Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
• Windows Update Stack
• Windows Telephony Service
• Windows DWM Core Library
• Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
• Azure Local Cluster
• Windows Hello
• Windows BitLocker
• Windows USB Print Driver
• Windows Digital Media
• Windows Cryptographic Services
• Microsoft Office
• Windows Kerberos
• Windows Kernel
• Windows Secure Channel
• Windows Local Session Manager (LSM)
• Windows LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
• Windows upnphost.dll
• Windows Media
• Windows Remote Desktop Services
• Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)
• RPC Endpoint Mapper Service
• Windows Win32K – GRFX
• ASP.NET Core
• Windows TCP/IP
• Microsoft Virtual Hard Drive
• Microsoft Streaming Service
• Windows Mark of the Web (MOTW)
• Windows HTTP.sys
• Remote Desktop Gateway Service
• Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host
• Remote Desktop Client
• Azure Local
• Windows Bluetooth Service
• Windows Hyper-V
• Windows Installer
• Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers
• Windows Shell
• OpenSSH for Windows
• Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
• Windows Power Dependency Coordinator
• Windows Security Zone Mapping
• Windows Resilient File System (ReFS)
• Windows Active Directory Certificate Services
• System Center
• Microsoft Office Word
• Microsoft Office Excel
• Microsoft Office SharePoint
• Microsoft Edge for iOS
• Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU)
• Visual Studio
• Visual Studio Tools for Applications and SQL Server Management Studio
• Outlook for Android
• Active Directory Domain Services
• Windows Mobile Broadband
• Windows Kernel Memory
• Power Automate
• Azure Portal Windows Admin Center
• Dynamics Business Central
• Microsoft Office OneNote
• Windows Common Log File System Driver

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 an attacker gaining the same privileges as 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 patches or appropriate mitigations provided by Microsoft 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.
• 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.
• 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.

REFERENCES:

Microsoft:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2025-Apr 
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered Fortinet Products, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. 

• FortiAnalyzer is a log management, analytics, and reporting platform that provides organizations with a single console to manage, automate, orchestrate, and respond, enabling simplified security operations, proactive identification and remediation of risks, and complete visibility of the entire attack landscape.
• FortiClient Endpoint Management Server (EMS) is a centralized platform for managing and deploying FortiClient software on endpoints, providing visibility, policy enforcement, and compliance management for organizations using FortiClient for endpoint security. 
• FortiIsolator is a browser isolation solution from Fortinet designed to protect users from zero-day malware and phishing threats delivered over the web and email by creating a visual “air gap” between the user’s browser and the web content.
• FortiManager is a comprehensive network management solution designed to streamline the administration, configuration, and monitoring of Fortinet devices across complex network environments.
• FortiOS is the Fortinet’s proprietary Operation System which is utilized across multiple product lines.
• FortiProxy is a secure web proxy solution that enhances network security by filtering web traffic and providing advanced threat protection.
• FortiSwitch Manager enables network administrators to cut through the complexities of non-FortiGate-managed FortiSwitch deployments.
• FortiVoice is a robust communication solution that integrates voice, conferencing, and messaging services to enhance business collaboration and productivity.
• FortiWeb is a web application firewall (WAF) that protects web applications and APIs from attacks that target known and unknown exploits and helps maintain compliance with regulations. 

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities 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:

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

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• FortiAnalyzer 6.2.0 through 6.2.13
• FortiAnalyzer 6.4.0 through 6.4.14
• FortiAnalyzer 7.0.0 through 7.0.11
• FortiAnalyzer 7.0.0 through 7.0.13
• FortiAnalyzer 7.2.0 through 7.2.4
• FortiAnalyzer 7.2.0 through 7.2.8
• FortiAnalyzer 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
• FortiAnalyzer 7.4.0 through 7.4.5
• FortiAnalyzer 7.6.0 through 7.6.1
• FortiClientEMS 7.2.1 through 7.2.8
• FortiClientEMS 7.4.0 through 7.4.1
• FortiIsolator 2.4.3 through 2.4.6
• FortiManager 6.2.0 through 6.2.13
• FortiManager 6.4.0 through 6.4.14
• FortiManager 7.0.0 through 7.0.11
• FortiManager 7.0.0 through 7.0.13
• FortiManager 7.2.0 through 7.2.4
• FortiManager 7.2.0 through 7.2.8
• FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
• FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.5
• FortiManager 7.6.0 through 7.6.1
• FortiOS 6.2.0 through 6.2.16
• FortiOS 6.4 all versions
• FortiOS 7.0 all versions
• FortiOS 7.0.0 through 7.0.15
• FortiOS 7.0.1 through 7.0.12
• FortiOS 7.2 all versions
• FortiOS 7.4 all versions
• FortiProxy 2.0 all versions
• FortiSwitch
• FortiSwitch 6.4.0 through 6.4.14
• FortiSwitch 7.0.0 through 7.0.10
• FortiSwitch 7.2.0 through 7.2.8
• FortiSwitch 7.4.0 through 7.4.4
• FortiSwitch 7.6.0
• FortiVoice 6.0 all versions
• FortiVoice 6.4.0 through 6.4.8
• FortiVoice 7.0.0 through 7.0.2
• FortiWeb 7.0 all versions
• FortiWeb 7.2 all versions
• FortiWeb 7.4.0 through 7.4.2
• FortiWeb 7.4.0 through 7.4.6
• FortiWeb 7.6.0 through 7.6.2 

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 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 unverified password change vulnerability [CWE-620] in FortiSwitch GUI may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to modify admin passwords via a specially crafted request. (CVE-2024-48887)
• An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (‘OS Command Injection’) vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiIsolator may allow a privileged attacker with super-admin profile and CLI access to execute unauthorized code via specifically crafted HTTP requests. (CVE-2024-54024)
• A improper restriction of communication channel to intended endpoints vulnerability [CWE-923] in FortiOS, FortiProxy, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiVoice and FortiWeb may allow an unauthenticated attacker in a man-in-the-middle position to impersonate the management device (FortiCloud server or/and in certain conditions, FortiManager), via intercepting the FGFM authentication request between the management device and the managed device (CVE-2024-26013, CVE-2024-50565) 

Details of lower severity vulnerabilities:

• An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (‘OS Command Injection’) vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiIsolator CLI may allow a privileged attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via crafted CLI requests. (CVE-2024-54025)
• An Improper Output Neutralization for Logs vulnerability [CWE-117] in FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer may allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to pollute the logs via crafted login requests. (CVE-2024-52962)
• An insufficiently protected credentials [CWE-522] vulnerability in FortiOS may allow a privileged authenticated attacker to retrieve LDAP credentials via modifying the LDAP server IP address in the FortiOS configuration to point to a malicious attacker-controlled server. (CVE-2024-32122)
• An Incorrect User Management vulnerability [CWE-286] in FortiWeb widgets dashboard may allow an authenticated attacker with at least read-only admin permission to perform operations on the dashboard of other administrators via crafted requests. (CVE-2024-46671)
• An improper neutralization of input during web page generation (‘Cross-site Scripting’) [CWE-79] vulnerability in FortiClient may allow the EMS administrator to send messages containing javascript code. (CVE-2025-22855)
• An Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (‘Path Traversal’) vulnerability [CWE-22] in FortiWeb endpoint may allow an authenticated admin to access and modify the filesystem via crafted requests. (CVE-2025-25254)
• Multiple potential issues, including the use of uninitialized resources [CWE-908] and excessive iteration [CWE-834] in FortiOS & FortiProxy SSLVPN webmode may allow a VPN user to corrupt memory, potentially leading to code or commands execution via specifically crafted requests. (CVE-2023-37930) 

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:

Fortinet:
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-474
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-344
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-184
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-111
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-453
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-046
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-397
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-392
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-435
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-165

CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-37930
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-26013
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-32122
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-46671
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-48887
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-50565
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-52962
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-54024
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-54025
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-22855
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-25254

A vulnerability has been discovered in Ivanti Connect Secure, Policy Secure, and ZTA Gateways which could allow for remote code execution. Ivanti Connect Secure (formerly Pulse Connect Secure) is a widely deployed SSL VPN solution that provides secure and controlled access to corporate data and applications for remote and mobile users, offering features like single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and integration with various security frameworks. Ivanti Policy Secure (IPS) is a Network Access Control (NAC) solution that provides network access only to authorized and secured users and devices, offering comprehensive NAC management, visibility, and monitoring to protect networks and sensitive data. Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access (ZTA) Gateway is a component of Ivanti’s zero-trust network access solution. Successful exploitation could allow for remote code execution in the context of the system. Depending on the privileges associated with the system, a threat actor could then install programs and view, change, or delete data.

Threat Intelligence Ivanti is aware of a limited number of customers whose Ivanti Connect Secure (22.7R2.5 or earlier) and End-of-Support (EOS) Pulse Connect Secure 9.1x appliances have been exploited at the time of disclosure.

Systems Affected

Pulse Connect Secure 9.1R18.9 and prior (EOS) Ivanti Connect Secure 22.7R2.5 and prior Ivanti Policy Secure 22.7R1.3 and prior ZTA Gateways 22.8R2 and prior

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

Recommendations

Apply appropriate updates provided by Ivanti to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. 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. Use vulnerability scanning to find potentially exploitable software vulnerabilities to remediate them. 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. Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring.

References Ivanti: https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/April-Security-Advisory-Ivanti-Connect-Secure-Policy-Secure-ZTA-Gateways-CVE-2025-22457?language=en_US CVE: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-22457

Session highlights

After the keynote, you can listen or watch all the way through or pick and choose from mostly 30-minute sessions according to your interests. Here is a small sample of the sessions we have planned:

• Upgrades made easy with Windows Server 2025: Discover why Windows Server 2025 is the easiest version to upgrade ever. Join Rob Hindman and Jeff Woolsey as they delve into media upgrades and feature updates.
• Securing Active Directory: Join Active Directory Program Manager Cliff Fisher for a deep dive into new security features, policies, and defaults for Windows Server 2025. Learn about the new Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) features, Delegated Managed Service Accounts, and more.
• Windows Server Hyper-V Architecture, features, GPUs, and more! Explore the new GPU partitioning innovation in Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V. This session will cover use cases and hardware considerations.
• Modernize server management and connectivity with Azure Arc: Connect Windows Servers across hybrid, multicloud, and edge environments to Azure. This session will showcase connectivity options and highlight Azure capabilities focused on SCCM modernization.
• What’s next for advanced storage: Discover the major improvements to storage in Windows Server 2025 and get a sneak peek at innovations like Native NVMe (nonvolatile memory express) and rack-aware clustering.
• Fine-tuned host networking for Windows Server 2025: Transform your network setup and management for Windows Server 2025 clusters with Network ATC and Network HUD. Learn how to achieve peak network performance for your workloads with AccelNet.
• SDN magic—Windows Server 2025 innovations: Uncover the power of software-defined networking on Windows Server 2025, including effortless deployments with native SDN (Software-defined networking) and enhanced security posture for your applications.
• Harden security and build resiliency with Windows Server 2025: Stay up-to-date with the latest security features and best practices for securing Windows Server. Learn about Microsoft Defender for Cloud and more.
• Hotpatching and update management for Windows Server with Azure Arc: Learn about the popular new hotpatching feature in Windows Server 2025 and watch demos on managing updates with Azure Arc.
• The Support Case Files—Windows Server troubleshooting tips: Join our Windows Server support engineers as they break down your most requested support cases.
• From on-premises to cloud with Azure File Sync: Learn how to use Azure File Sync to employ hybrid topologies and migrate seamlessly from on-premises to cloud.

Don’t miss out!

Windows Server Summit is a special virtual event with a community-driven, educational focus, and Microsoft engineers as featured speakers. While most of the sessions are advanced and assume good Windows Server experience, you will get something out of this event, whether you are a seasoned IT professional or just starting your journey. We hope you will join us live so you can participate in the Q&A, but if you cannot, sessions will be available on demand a few days after the event. Sign up now and join us for two days of learning together.

Click Here to register

Incident response is a critical part of cybersecurity risk management and should be integrated across organizational operations. The six Functions of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 all play vital roles in incident response.

NIST has finalized Special Publication (SP) 800-61r3 (Revision 3), Incident Response Recommendations and Considerations for Cybersecurity Risk Management: A CSF 2.0 Community Profile, which describes how to incorporate incident response recommendations into cybersecurity risk management activities in alignment with CSF 2.0. This guidance will help organizations reduce the number and impact of incidents that occur and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their incident detection, response, and recovery activities.

SP 800-61r3 supersedes SP 800-61r2 (Revision 2), Computer Security Incident Handling Guide.

Readers of SP 800-61r3 are encouraged to utilize the resources on NIST’s Incident Response project page in conjunction with this document to implement these recommendations and considerations. 

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Many networks have a gap in their defenses for detecting and blocking a malicious technique known as “fast flux.” This technique poses a significant threat to national security, enabling malicious cyber actors to consistently evade detection. Malicious cyber actors, including cybercriminals and nation-state actors, use fast flux to obfuscate the locations of malicious servers by rapidly changing Domain Name System (DNS) records. Additionally, they can create resilient, highly available command and control (C2) infrastructure, concealing their subsequent malicious operations. This resilient and fast changing infrastructure makes tracking and blocking malicious activities that use fast flux more difficult.

The National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), and New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) are releasing this Joint Cybersecurity Advisory  to warn organizations, Internet service providers (ISPs), and cybersecurity service providers of the ongoing threat of fast flux enabled malicious activities as a defensive gap in many networks. This advisory is meant to encourage service providers, especially Protective DNS (PDNS) providers, to help mitigate this threat by taking proactive steps to develop accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics and blocking capabilities for their customers. This joint advisory also provides guidance on detecting and mitigating elements of malicious fast flux by adopting a multi-layered approach that combines DNS analysis, network monitoring, and threat intelligence.

The authoring agencies recommend all stakeholders—government and providers— collaborate to develop and implement scalable solutions to close this ongoing gap in network defenses against malicious fast flux activity.