CyberSecurity news
FlagThis - #supplychainattack
|
Aman Mishra@gbhackers.com
//
Hackers have successfully compromised the popular WordPress plugin Gravity Forms, embedding malicious code into versions downloaded directly from the official gravityforms.com website. This sophisticated supply chain attack targets a significant portion of WordPress websites relying on Gravity Forms for form creation and data collection. The attackers are reportedly exploiting a vulnerability within the plugin, specifically targeting the gf_api_token parameter. This allows them to inject malicious PHP code into core plugin files, such as gravityforms/common.php and includes/settings/class-settings.php, creating backdoors that can lead to remote code execution and unauthorized access.
The malicious campaign was first detected when security researchers observed suspicious HTTP POST requests to a newly registered domain, gravityapi.org, which served as a command-and-control server. The injected malware is capable of exfiltrating sensitive WordPress site data, including URLs, plugin lists, user counts, and environment details, transmitting this information to the attacker-controlled domain. Upon receiving a response, the malware can deploy further payloads, such as writing a backdoored PHP file to the server that masquerades as legitimate content management tools. This backdoor enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, create new administrator accounts, upload files, and manipulate site content with devastating effects. In response to the discovered vulnerability, Gravity Forms has swiftly released version 2.9.13 of the plugin, which is confirmed to be free of the backdoor. Additionally, the registrar Namecheap has suspended the malicious gravityapi.org domain to disrupt ongoing exploitation efforts. Website administrators are strongly advised to update their Gravity Forms plugin to the latest version immediately to mitigate the risk of compromise. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, particularly POST requests to the identified malicious domain, is also a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access and code execution on affected WordPress sites.
Share:
References :
Classification:
@securebulletin.com
//
A concerning trend of hackers exploiting open-source software supply chains has been identified, with malicious backdoors being planted in Python and NPM packages. Security researchers at Checkmarx Zero have uncovered a sophisticated campaign where attackers are using typosquatting and name-confusion tactics to trick users into downloading harmful software. This cross-ecosystem approach targets both Windows and Linux systems, deploying multi-platform payloads with the capability to steal data and establish remote control. These findings highlight the growing need for enhanced security measures within open-source ecosystems to combat supply chain attacks.
This campaign leverages the Python Package Index (PyPI) and Node Package Manager (NPM) by mimicking legitimate software. Specifically, the attack targeted users of "colorama," a popular Python tool, and "colorizr," a similar JavaScript package, by uploading packages with names like "coloramapkgs" and "colorizator". The malicious packages carry dangerous payloads designed to give attackers remote access and control, allowing them to harvest and exfiltrate sensitive data. On Windows systems, the malware attempts to bypass antivirus software, while on Linux, it establishes encrypted connections, steals information, and maintains a hidden presence. Fortunately, the identified malicious packages have been removed from public software repositories, limiting their immediate potential for damage. However, the lack of clear attribution data makes it difficult to trace the campaign back to a known adversary. Vet, an open-source tool designed to help developers and security engineers spot risks in their software supply chains, goes beyond traditional software composition analysis by detecting known vulnerabilities and flagging malicious packages. It supports ecosystems like npm, PyPI, Maven, Go, Docker, and GitHub Actions, assisting in the detection of supply chain attacks.
Share:
References :
Classification:
|