Source: Top 7 zero-day exploitation trends of 2024 | CSO Online Author: unknown URL: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3629815/top-7-zero-day-exploitation-trends-of-2024.html

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:

In 2024, zero-day vulnerabilities surged, targeting enterprise systems through network devices and tools, highlighting critical cybersecurity trends for defenders.

MAIN POINTS:

1. Attacks on network security devices escalated significantly, becoming prime targets for attackers in 2024.
2. Remote monitoring and management tools are exploited for unauthorized access and persistence by cybercriminals.
3. Managed file transfer software drawn interest from ransomware groups for gaining initial access to networks.
4. CI/CD tools are increasingly targeted, posing risks for software supply chain attacks.
5. Supply chain compromises reveal vulnerabilities in open-source projects, emphasizing risks associated with unvetted developers.
6. AI-related frameworks are improperly configured, presenting new attack surfaces for malicious actors.
7. Security feature bypasses enable attackers to circumvent defenses like Windows SmartScreen, enhancing threat effectiveness.
8. Numerous zero-days in Windows allowed attackers to gain higher privileges through exploitation.
9. Ransomware groups particularly focus on enterprise security device vulnerabilities for tactical advantages.
10. The vulnerability landscape evolves rapidly as organizations adopt newer technologies and services.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Organizations must prioritize securing network edge devices against rising zero-day exploits.
2. Continuous monitoring of remote management tools is essential to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Implement stringent software supply chain security practices to mitigate risks from open-source contributions.
4. Regularly evaluate AI-related deployments for potential vulnerabilities and secure configurations.
5. Maintain vigilance against privilege escalation vulnerabilities that could lead to complete system compromises.