Users often ignore security warnings in their operating systems, claiming they don’t have the time or patience to update the system. software. This exposes them to more cyberattacks, some more sophisticated than others. This gives the cybercriminal full access to the data and the software installed on your device.
In a perfect world, applications, systems and programs would work without crashes and without sudden crashes in the middle of a task. However, in real life, the complexity of the software it often leaves room for bugs to be searched for, found, and used against the user.
It takes them months or even years to investigate the inner workings of the apps. software and find ways to force them to behave unexpectedly. To give you an idea, cybersecurity experts are always wary when they hear the word “exploit“, And for good reason.
These are often the preferred channel through which cybercriminals like to reach their targets. What makes it easier for these is that the exploits it can be anything and everywhere, literally making it a maze for experts.
What is an ‘exploit’?
A exploit is a piece of softwarea piece of data, or a script exploiting a bug or vulnerability in an application or system to cause unwanted or unintended behavior to occur.
The name comes from the English verb to exploit, which means “to use something for one’s own benefit”. Essentially, this means that the attack target has a design flaw that allows hackers to create the means to access it and use it in their interest.
When a cybercriminal identifies a vulnerability of this type will try to develop a exploit or program that serves as a vehicle to carry out the attack. A exploit it does not execute malicious tasks as such, it only allows the hacker to enter the system he wants to attack.
The period of time between the first use of the exploit and the release of a patch to fix it is called a “vulnerability window” and represents the period during which the user can be attacked without being able to fix the exploited flaw.
In clandestine forums, the exploits Zero-days sell for between $10,000 and $500,000, depending on the affected platform and its popularity in the marketplace.
When a hacker “exploits” a device, it means that the said bug or vulnerability software has been armed (that is, it has been combined with malware) and is actively delivered to the user via web pages or removable media.
Operating systems are not the only victims. These types of attacks target any software, hardware or electronic device that can download files from the Internet. Some of the most common targets are Microsoft Office, web browsers like Internet Explorer, media players like Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, and unpatched versions of Oracle Java.
How do these attacks work?
As with most attacks, the exploits often occur through attacks from malware. These include emails from phishingattacks of phishing by SMS —smishing—, phishing selective and others.
After interacting in an attempt to phishingsuch as clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected attachment, the exploit code or program enters your computer and scans it for vulnerabilities.
If gaps are found, the program can take advantage of them and send malware. Therefore, security breaches play a key role in the success of this type of attack.
This is the reason why application developers or software and computer manufacturers release regular security updates. These allow you to patch any vulnerabilities and fix bugs that could make it easier for hackers to take advantage of your devices.
Two types, known and unknown or zero-day
The exploits computer they are classified into one of 2 categories: known and unknown or zero-day and their explanation is really very simple.
In the first case and as the name suggests, cybersecurity experts know the exploits existing. The security loopholes of the affected network, computer or the affected have already been identified and the developers have published the relevant fixes and patches.software
Despite all this, the exploits Known files may continue to persist on the affected device or network. This is because the owners and users of the computers do not always update the software as regularly as they should, leading to more vulnerabilities.
Conversely, the unknowns are exploits that cybersecurity experts have yet to discover. These types of exploits They are also known as zero-day attacks or exploits zero-day due to the speed with which they are carried out.
Cybercriminals attack victims the same day they discover a vulnerability. They often move too fast for security experts, who must work around the clock to identify and report them.
Better safe than sorry: methods to follow
The exploits those that society faces today are more aggressive and spread throughout the system in a matter of minutes, compared to those of the early 90s, which were slower and more passive due to lack of internet connectivity.
Now exploit kits are widely available for purchase on the Dark Web turning any newbie into a true cybercriminal. The problem with exploits it’s that they’re part of a more complex attack, which makes them a nuisance: they never come alone and always infect the device with some kind of malicious code.
Although security specialists and vendors work together to detect vulnerabilities as quickly as possible and issue patches to fix them, they can’t always protect users from zero-day vulnerabilities.
Even worse, they cannot protect users against their own negligence. You can take action on the matter and always make a backup of your data, avoid weak passwords and constantly update all the software.
Never run vulnerable versions of plugins, browsers, or media players. Remember that any minute you “waste” upgrading your operating system will save you hours of computer maintenance when disaster strikes.
Because the exploits They can be spread via emails and untrustworthy web pages, so be vigilant and careful what you click on. applications of software security and firewall on your computer should be a good start for first layer protection, but remember that there is still a high risk of zero-day security vulnerabilities.
The most famous examples in history
Computer vulnerabilities are common, but some have caused so much trouble that they are hard to forget.
EternalBlue
EternalBlue is a hacking tool developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) that uses a loophole found in Microsoft’s legacy operating systems. The loophole in question was the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
A group of hackers known as Shadow Brokers leaked EternalBlue in April 2017, shortly after Microsoft identified and fixed the vulnerability in March. Although Microsoft released a patch for the vulnerability, the damage was already done, as many users failed to implement an update in time.
WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware attack that leveraged EternalBlue to infect 200,000 computers in 150 countries worldwide in May 2017. The cybercriminals demanded payment in bitcoins.
WannaCry has been spreading automatically and although Microsoft released a patch the day after its release, many users fell victim to it. since they did not update their operating systems on time.
Petya/NotPetya
Like WannaCry, Petya, and NotPetya, they are EternalBlue-inspired ransomware attacks. NotPetya is a state-sponsored Russian attack that targeted Ukraine in 2017. However, it affected organizations around the world, including Rosneft, a Russian oil company.
NotPetya encrypted the computers’ Master File Tables (MFTs), but the computers could not be decrypted when the payment was made and the vulnerabilities made them inoperable. Petya’s exploits caused more than $10 billion in damage.