Top 7 zero-day exploitation trends of 2024

The article highlights key trends in zero-day vulnerabilities and their exploitation in 2024, emphasizing the increasing sophistication and impact of these attacks on enterprise systems. Here’s a summary of the main points:

1. Zero-Day Attacks on Network Security Devices: Attackers increasingly targeted VPNs, firewalls, and email gateways, exploiting flaws in products from vendors like Ivanti, Cisco, Citrix, and Palo Alto Networks. These devices are appealing due to their privileged network access and limited visibility.

2. Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Tools: Vulnerabilities in tools like ConnectWise ScreenConnect were exploited by ransomware groups, allowing attackers to reset administrative passwords and maintain persistence on networks.

3. Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software: Ransomware gangs targeted MFT tools like MOVEit Transfer and Cleo products for initial access, exploiting vulnerabilities to steal data and deploy malware.

4. CI/CD Tools and Supply Chain Risks: Attackers exploited CI/CD vulnerabilities in tools like Jenkins and JetBrains TeamCity, as well as infiltrated open-source projects, demonstrating the risks of supply chain attacks.

5. AI Security Concerns: Misconfigured AI frameworks and vulnerabilities in tools like Jupyter Notebooks provided attackers access to intellectual property and footholds on servers. Research revealed numerous security flaws in AI/ML tools.

6. Security Feature Bypasses: Attackers exploited Windows SmartScreen bypass vulnerabilities, making malware delivery easier. Privilege escalation flaws in Windows were also widely used to gain administrative access.

The rise in zero-day exploits underscores the need for enterprises to prioritize patching, strengthen security measures, and monitor emerging threats in critical systems and new technologies.

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