Highlights
- Cyberattackers Target Remote Access Tools: Exploiting vulnerabilities in ScreenConnect (ConnectWise Control) for unauthorized access to networks.
- Microsoft 365 at Risk: Cybercriminals increasingly targeting Microsoft 365 through phishing, misconfigurations, and privilege escalation.
- Rising Threats: Growing concerns over weak security configurations, unpatched systems, and the abuse of admin privileges.
- Urgent Mitigation Needed: Emphasis on multi-factor authentication (MFA), software updates, and user education to defend against breaches.
- Key Recommendations: Strengthening remote access tools, securing cloud environments, and ensuring proper security protocols for third-party integrations.
Exploitation of ScreenConnect (ConnectWise Control):
ScreenConnect is a remote support and remote desktop tool used by IT professionals for providing remote access to client machines. Unfortunately, this type of software, if not properly secured, can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to networks.
Exploits: Attackers often target misconfigurations, weak authentication mechanisms, or known vulnerabilities within ScreenConnect to gain remote access to the targeted systems. If the system is not updated with the latest security patches, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the software for lateral movement, executing malicious actions or stealing data.
Targeted Attack Vectors: Attackers may leverage stolen or weak credentials to gain remote access to systems, or they might exploit specific vulnerabilities to bypass security controls.
Mitigation: To defend against such attacks, it’s critical to ensure strong authentication (including multi-factor authentication), to regularly update software with security patches, and to monitor for any unauthorized use of remote access tools.
Exploitation of Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365):
Microsoft 365 is one of the most widely used cloud productivity suites, making it a prime target for attackers. Cybercriminals use various methods to exploit weaknesses within Microsoft 365 environments.
Phishing Attacks: One of the most common ways attackers gain access to Microsoft 365 accounts is through phishing. Cybercriminals often send fake emails impersonating legitimate services, tricking users into providing their credentials.
Misconfigurations: Many organizations do not properly configure Microsoft 365’s security settings. For example, leaving ports like PowerShell or SMTP open or not using strong policies like conditional access or multi-factor authentication can open the door for attackers.
Abuse of Admin Rights: If an attacker manages to compromise a low-level user account, they may later escalate their privileges to gain administrative rights within Microsoft 365, giving them full access to emails, calendars, and other sensitive data.
Exploiting Flaws in Third-Party Add-ons: Many organizations use third-party applications integrated with Microsoft 365. If these applications have security weaknesses or are poorly maintained, they can serve as entry points for attackers.
Mitigation: It’s important to configure multi-factor authentication (MFA), regularly update and patch all software, conduct regular security audits, and educate users about phishing and other social engineering attacks.
General Security Best Practices for Both:
Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly patch and update all software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Employ Strong Authentication: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access and critical systems, such as Microsoft 365 and remote desktop solutions like ScreenConnect.
Monitor and Audit: Continuously monitor network traffic and audit logins to remote access tools, ensuring no unauthorized access has occurred.
User Training: Educate users about phishing, social engineering, and other methods attackers might use to compromise accounts.