Cybersecurity threats in 2024 have been more sophisticated and damaging than ever. Major cyber attacks targeted corporations, governments, and individuals, often exploiting known vulnerabilities cataloged in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. Let’s explore some of the most significant breaches and their connections to specific CVEs.
1. MOVEit Transfer Exploit (CVE-2023-34362 & Variants)
One of the most devastating attacks of 2024 was the continued exploitation of MOVEit Transfer, a popular file transfer software. Attackers leveraged an SQL injection vulnerability (CVE-2023-34362) to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This flaw led to a widespread data breach affecting businesses and government agencies. The exploitation of older CVEs highlights the importance of patching software regularly to prevent cascading security incidents.
2. Microsoft Exchange Zero-Day Attack (CVE-2024-XXXXX)
A newly discovered zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange was exploited by state-sponsored hackers. The flaw allowed remote code execution, granting attackers complete control over email servers. Despite rapid response efforts, thousands of organizations fell victim to data theft and ransomware attacks. This incident underscores the critical need for proactive vulnerability management and threat intelligence monitoring.
3. 23andMe Credential Stuffing Attack (CVE-2024-XXXXX)
Although not caused by a direct software vulnerability, the 23andMe data breach resulted from credential stuffing, where attackers used leaked passwords from other breaches to access accounts. This event highlights the risks associated with weak passwords and reused credentials, emphasizing the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Analysis
MOVEit Transfer Exploit (CVE-2023-34362 & Variants)One of the most devastating attacks of 2024 was the continued exploitation of MOVEit Transfer, a popular file transfer software. Attackers leveraged an SQL injection vulnerability (CVE-2023-34362) to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This flaw led to a widespread data breach affecting businesses and government agencies. The exploitation of older CVEs highlights the importance of patching software regularly to prevent cascading security incidents.
Microsoft Exchange Zero-Day Attack (CVE-2024-XXXXX)
A newly discovered zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange was exploited by state-sponsored hackers. The flaw allowed remote code execution, granting attackers complete control over email servers. Despite rapid response efforts, thousands of organizations fell victim to data theft and ransomware attacks. This incident underscores the critical need for proactive vulnerability management and threat intelligence monitoring.
23andMe Credential Stuffing Attack (CVE-2024-XXXXX)
Although not caused by a direct software vulnerability, the 23andMe data breach resulted from credential stuffing, where attackers used leaked passwords from other breaches to access accounts. This event highlights the risks associated with weak passwords and reused credentials, emphasizing the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Stay Ahead of CVEs
These attacks demonstrate that known vulnerabilities remain the biggest cybersecurity risks. Organizations must prioritize timely patching, vulnerability scanning, and security best practices to mitigate threats before they escalate into major breaches. Stay updated on CVEs—because hackers surely do!
One way to stay ahead is by using Codenotary’s Guardian. Guardian continuously monitors your assets for known vulnerabilities and autonomously mitigates these risks using our AI.
Try it our now: https://guardian.codenotary.com/
