Tech
Kaspersky uncovers zero-day vulnerability in Google Chrome exploited in the wild by threat actors
In a press release on Thursday (7 Nov), global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky noted that its automated technologies have detected a new exploited vulnerability in the Google Chrome web browser instigated by threat actors.
According to the release, Kaspersky has allocated the vulnerability as CVE-2019-13720 and reported it to Google, after which a patch has been released. Upon review of the PoC provided, Google confirmed that it is a zero-day vulnerability.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are previously unknown software bugs that can be exploited by attackers to inflict serious and unexpected damage.
The new exploit is used in attacks that leverage a waterhole-style injection in a Korean-language news portal. A malicious JavaScript code is inserted in the main page, which in turn, loads a profiling script from a remote site to further check if the victim’s system could be infected by examining versions of the browser’s user credentials.
The vulnerability tries to exploit the bug through the Google Chrome browser and the script checks if version 65 or later is being used. The exploit gives an attacker a Use-After-Free (UaF) condition, which is very dangerous because it can lead to code execution scenarios.
The detected exploit was used in what Kaspersky experts call “Operation WizardOpium”. Certain similarities in the code point to a possible link between this campaign and Lazarus attacks. Additionally, the profile of the targeted website is similar to what has been found in previous DarkHotel attacks, which have recently deployed comparable false flag attacks.
The exploited vulnerability was detected by Kaspersky’s Exploit Prevention technology, embedded in most of the company’s products.
“The finding of a new Google Chrome zero-day in the wild once again demonstrates that it is only collaboration between the security community and software developers, as well as constant investment in exploit prevention technologies, that can keep us safe from sudden and hidden strikes by threat actors,” said Anton Ivanov, a security expert at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky products detect the exploit as PDM:Exploit.Win32.Generic.
Kaspersky recommends taking the following security measures:
- Install the Google patch for the new vulnerability as soon as possible.
- Make sure you update all software used in your organization on a regular basis, and whenever a new security patch is released. Security products with Vulnerability Assessment and Patch Management capabilities may help to automate these processes.
- Choose a proven security solution, such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, that is equipped with behavior-based detection capabilities for effective protection against known and unknown threats, including exploits.
- In addition to adopting essential endpoint protection, implement a corporate-grade security solution that detects advanced threats on the network level at an early stage, such as Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack Platform.
- Make sure your security team has access to the most recent cyberthreat intelligence. Private reports on the latest developments in the threat landscape are available to Kaspersky Intelligence Reporting customers. For further details, contact: [email protected].
- Last, but not least, ensure your staff is trained to understand and implement the basics in cybersecurity hygiene.
For further details on the new exploit, refer to the report on Securelist.
-
Crime6 days ago
Singapore police did not arrest fugitive due to no request from China
-
Community1 week ago
Jalan Besar residents question MP Josephine Teo on Gaza and border policies
-
International3 days ago
Israel conducts large-scale military operations in Syria and seizes Golan Heights positions
-
Community1 day ago
Hougang knife attack: Dispute over medical claim reportedly leads to mother of three’s death
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Media silence on sensitive issues highlights a troubling pattern of selective reporting
-
Property1 day ago
Bloomberg: Nearly half of 2024 GCB transactions lack public record, raising transparency concerns
-
Politics3 days ago
Parties may not display face of individuals other than party leader: ELD
-
Media4 days ago
CheckMate faces scrutiny over government ties, GE2025 focus, and uncritical ST coverage