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Weekly Digest Week 47 – 2024

Publication date

22.11.2024

Featured Story

Critical RCE Bug in VMware vCenter Server Now Exploited in Attacks

Broadcom warned that attackers are actively exploiting two VMware vCenter Server vulnerabilities, including a critical remote code execution flaw (CVE-2024-38812) discovered at China’s 2024 Matrix Cup hacking contest. The flaw is due to a heap overflow in the DCE/RPC protocol implementation.

The second vulnerability, CVE-2024-38813, allows privilege escalation to root. These issues impact VMware vSphere and Cloud Foundation platforms.

SOC Analysis:
These flaws present significant risks, with exploitation already observed. Admins who previously applied patches must re-check their systems, as early fixes were incomplete. Patch now, audit for compromise, and restrict network access to vCenter environments to prevent lateral movement and ransomware deployments.

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Apple Confirms Zero-Day Attacks Hitting macOS Systems

Apple has issued urgent updates for macOS and iOS, fixing two zero-day vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-44308 and CVE-2024-44309) exploited in the wild. These affect Intel-based macOS devices and were discovered by Google TAG.

SOC Analysis:
Apple has not shared indicators of compromise, limiting threat hunting. Update to iOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 or 17.7.2 for older versions. Organizations should monitor endpoints closely for abnormal behavior and reinforce endpoint integrity checks.

Palo Alto Networks Patches Two Firewall Zero-Days Used in Attacks

Palo Alto NGFWs were hit by two vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-0012 (authentication bypass) and CVE-2024-9474 (privilege escalation). The bypass affects the PAN-OS web interface, while the escalation allows local admin-to-root privilege gain.

SOC Analysis:
Over 8,700 firewalls have exposed management interfaces. Restrict access now, patch urgently, and review logs using Palo Alto’s shared IoCs. Organizations must treat firewall management as a protected asset—not just a convenience.

Beware of Fraudulent Websites Selling Firewood and Pellets

As energy prices rise, scammers are targeting consumers via fake firewood and pellet websites. Victims report lost payments and no deliveries, with scammers often spoofing real company details to gain trust.

SOC Analysis:
Always verify a site’s legitimacy—suspiciously low prices are a red flag. If you’re a victim:
  • Contact your bank to block the transaction
  • File a report with police
  • Email the scam URL to suspicious@safeonweb.be

Our SOC team is available to help verify suspicious sites or messages.


Want to enhance your organization’s cyber awareness or compliance strategy?
Contact the Approach Cyber SOC team for tailored support and training programs.

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