August 28, 2008 - Current Activity

SSH Key-based Attacks

US-CERT is aware of active attacks against linux-based computing infrastructures using compromised SSH keys. The attack appears to initially use stolen SSH keys to gain access to a system, and then uses local kernel exploits to gain root access. Once root access has been obtained, a rootkit known as "phalanx2" is installed.

Phalanx2 appears to be a derivative of an older rootkit named "phalanx". Phalanx2 and the support scripts within the rootkit, are configured to systematically steal SSH keys from the compromised system. These SSH keys are sent to the attackers, who then use them to try to compromise other sites and other systems of interest at the attacked site.

Detection of phalanx2 as used in this attack may be performed as follows:

• "ls" does not show a directory "/etc/khubd.p2/", but it can be entered with "cd /etc/khubd.p2".
• "/dev/shm/" may contain files from the attack.
• Any directory named "khubd.p2" is hidden from "ls", but may be entered by using "cd".
• Changes in the configuration of the rootkit might change the attack indicators listed above. Other detection methods may include searching for hidden processes and checking the reference count in "/etc" against the number of directories shown by "ls".

• Proactively identify and examine systems where SSH keys are used as part of automated processes. These keys will typically not have passphrases or passwords.
• Encourage users to use the keys with passphrase or passwords to reduce the risk if a key is compromised.
• Review access paths to internet facing systems and ensure that systems are fully patched.

• Disable key-based SSH authentication on the affected systems, where possible.
• Perform an audit of all SSH keys on the affected systems.
• Notify all key owners of the potential compromise of their keys.

Microsoft Revised Security Bulletin MS08-051

Microsoft has revised Security Bulletin MS08-051, which addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint. This revision describes a rerelease of the standalone update package for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003.

According to Microsoft, users who applied the update provided through Microsoft Update or Office Update do not need to take further action. Users who installed the original standalone update should apply the updated package as described in the revised Microsoft Security Bulletin.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-051 and apply or reapply any necessary updates.

Red Hat Releases OpenSSH Security Update

Red Hat has released Security Advisory RHSA-2008:0855-6 to address a recent security incident. In the advisory, Red Hat indicates that the incident involved an intrusion on several of their computer systems. During the intrusion, an attacker was able to sign a small number of OpenSSH packages. Red Hat has provided a list of the compromised packages and has released updated versions of the OpenSSH packages as a precautionary measure.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Red Hat Security Advisory RHSA-2008:0855-6 and apply the solution provided in the document.

Malware Circulating via Russia/Georgia Conflict Spam Messages

US-CERT is aware of public reports of malware circulating via spam email messages related to the Russia/Georgia conflict. These messages contain factual information about the conflict. The messages also contain download instructions for the user to watch a video that is attached to the message. If a user opens the attachment, malware may be downloaded and installed onto their system.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to take the following preventative measures to help mitigate the security risks:

• Install anti-virus software, and keep its virus signature files up-to-date.
• Do not follow unsolicited web links received in email messages.
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Opera Releases Version 9.52

Opera Software has released version 9.52 of the Opera web browser to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, inject malicious content into a page on a trusted website, obtain sensitive information, or cause a denial-of-service condition.

US-CERT encourages users to review the latest Opera Security Advisories and upgrade to Opera 9.52 to help mitigate the risks.

Webex Meeting Manager ActiveX Control Vulnerability

Cisco has released a Security Advisory to address a vulnerability that affects Cisco Webex Meeting Manager. This vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow condition in the "NewObject()" method within the WebexUCFObject ActiveX control (atucfobj.dll). By convincing a user to visit a specially crafted web page, open an e-mail message that contains embedded malicious HTML code, or by sending malicious HTML code via instant messaging applications, a remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users to review Cisco Security Advisory 107751 and apply any necessary updates or workarounds listed in the document. Additional information about this vulnerability can be found in the Vulnerability Notes Database.

Joomla! Password Reset Vulnerability

The Joomla! Project has released an advisory to address a password reset vulnerability in the Joomla! content management system. This vulnerability, which may allow non-validating tokens to be forged, is due to a flaw in the reset token validation mechanism. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow an unauthenticated attacker to reset the password of the first enabled user, which is typically an administrator user.

US-CERT encourages users to review the Joomla! advisory and upgrade to version 1.5.6 (or newer) or apply the patch listed in the advisory.

Apple MobileMe Phishing Scam

US-CERT is aware of public reports of a phishing attack circulating via email messages that appear to be targeting Apple MobileMe users. These messages claim that there is a problem with the user's billing information and instruct the user to follow a web link to update personal information. Clicking on this link directs the user to a web page that contains a seemingly legetimate web form requesting personal and financial information. Any information entered in this form is not sent to Apple but rather, to a malicious attacker.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages.
• Use caution when entering sensitive information online.
  
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Microsoft Releases August Security Bulletin

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and Windows Messenger as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for August 2008. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users to review the bulletins and follow best-practice security policies to determine which updates should be applied.

Microsoft Releases Advanced Notification for August Security Bulletin

Microsoft has issued a Security Bulletin Advance Notification indicating that the August release cycle will contain 12 bulletins, seven of which will have a severity rating of Critical. The notification states that these Critical bulletins are for Microsoft Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer. There will also be five important bulletins for Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and Windows Messenger. Release of these bulletins is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12.

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.