XZ - Backdoors and The Fragile Supply Chain - PSW #823

On February 27, 2024, PCAST (President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology) sent a report to the President with recommendations to bolster the resilience and adaptability of the nation’s cyber-physical infrastructure resources. Phil was part of the team that worked on the report and comes on the show to talk about what was recommended and how we implement the suggestions. This week the crew discusses: When TVs scan your network, bad things can happen, PuTTY is vulnerable, Crush FTP, vulnerabilities that will never be fixed, CVEs are for vulnerabilities silly, you can test for easily guessable passwords too, FlipperZero can steal all your passwords, more XZ style attacks, more reasons why you shouldn't use a smart lock, and your keystrokes are showing! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-826

Version 4.0 of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) puts greater emphasis on application security than did previous versions of the standard. It also adds a new “customized approach” option that allows merchants and other entities to come up with their own ways to comply with requirements, and which also has implications for application security. Specifically, PCI DSS 4.0 requires that by March 31, 2025, more testing of public-facing applications related to payment processing or other activities be considered “in scope” for compliance. Generally, any system that touches payment-card data is in scope for PCI DSS compliance, whether or not the system or function is public-facing. We'll talk through what organizations should have gotten done by March 31, 2024, and what needs to happen by March 31, 2025. Segment Resources: https://info.obsglobal.com/pci-4.0-resources Pioneering the Cyber Battlefield: A Deep Dive with Winn Schwartau, Cybersecurity Luminary Get ready for an extraordinary episode as we sit down with Winn Schwartau, a true pioneer and luminary in the world of cybersecurity. Winn's impact on the field is nothing short of legendary, and in this podcast interview, we uncover the profound insights and experiences that have shaped his unparalleled career. Winn Schwartau's journey began long before the mainstream recognition of cybersecurity as a critical discipline. As a thought leader and visionary, he foresaw the digital threats that would come to define our interconnected age. Join us as we delve into the early days of cybersecurity and explore the foresight that led Winn to become a trailblazer in the industry. An accomplished author, speaker, and strategist, Winn Schwartau has been at the forefront of shaping cybersecurity policies and practices. From his groundbreaking book "Information Warfare" to his influential work on the concept of the "Electronic Pearl Harbor," Winn has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional thinking in cybersecurity. In this podcast episode, Winn shares his unique perspective on the evolution of cyber threats, the challenges faced by individuals and organizations, and the urgent need for a paradigm shift in cybersecurity strategy. Prepare to be captivated by the stories and experiences that have fueled Winn's advocacy for a more resilient and secure digital world. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, an enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the profound impact of technology on our lives, this conversation with Winn Schwartau promises to be a journey through the past, present, and future of cybersecurity. Don't miss the chance to gain unparalleled insights from a true cybersecurity luminary. Tune in and discover the wisdom that only Winn Schwartau can bring to the table in this illuminating podcast interview. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-825

Jim joins the Security Weekly crew to discuss all things supply chain! Given the recent events with XZ we still have many topics to explore, especially when it comes to practical advice surrounding supply chain threats. Ahoi new VM attacks ahead! HTTP/2 floods, USB Hid and run, forwarded email tricks, attackers be scanning, a bunch of nerds write software and give it away for free, your TV is on the Internet, Rust library issue, D-Link strikes again, EV charging station vulnerabilities, and rendering all cybersecurity useless. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-824

As most of you have probably heard there was a scary supply chain attack against the open source compression software called "xz". The security weekly hosts will break down all the details and provide valuable insights. https://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-threat-research/2024/03/29/xz-utils-sshd-backdoor https://gynvael.coldwind.pl/?id=782 https://isc.sans.edu/diary/The+xzutils+backdoor+in+security+advisories+by+national+CSIRTs/30800 https://lcamtuf.substack.com/p/technologist-vs-spy-the-xz-backdoor https://github.com/amlweems/xzbot https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-xz-utils-cve-2024-3094/ https://unicornriot.ninja/2024/xz-utils-software-backdoor-uncovered-in-years-long-hacking-plot/ https://gist.github.com/smx-smx/a6112d54777845d389bd7126d6e9f504 https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/04/what-we-know-about-the-xz-utils-backdoor-that-almost-infected-the-world/ https://xeiaso.net/notes/2024/xz-vuln/ https://infosec.exchange/@[email protected] https://github.com/notselwyn/cve-2024-1086?tab=readme-ov-file https://doublepulsar.com/inside-the-failed-attempt-to-backdoor-ssh-globally-that-got-caught-by-chance-bbfe628fafdd pfSense switches to Linux (April Fools?), Flipper panic in Oz, Tales from the Krypt, Funding to secure the Internet, Abusing SSH on Windows, Blinding EDR, more hotel hacking, Quantum Bleed, and more! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-823

Jason Healey comes on the show to discuss new ideas on whether the new national cybersecurity strategy is working. Segment Resources: DEFRAG Hacker Film Festival short documentary (https://youtu.be/NYvHWcQsIRE) on hackers and their favorite films. For educational purposes only, as we don’t have the rights to the clips. YouTube link to Wargames event with Jen Easterly, Matt Devost, Amelia Koran and Kevin Huyck (head of ops for NORAD) (https://youtu.be/iqx6STDYJ7c?si=73WQtSG4RnCGsBcT). https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/which-cyber-regulations-fit-which-sectors https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-national-cybersecurity-strategy-breaking-a-50-year-losing-streak https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/twenty-five-years-of-white-house-cyber-policies https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/understanding-offenses-systemwide-advantage-cyberspace The PSW crew discusses some crypto topics, such as post-quantum and GoFetch, new Flipper Zero projects, RFID hacking and hotel locks, BlueDucky, side channel attacks and more! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-822

Josh Corman joins us to explore how we can make things more secure, making companies make things more secure, and making regulations that make us make things more secure! We will also touch on supply chain security and the state of vulnerability tracking and scoring. We discuss the always controversial Flipper Zero devices the hidden risks in the undersea cables, and the landscape of government oversight, revealing the intricacies of CVE, KEV, and NVD systems that are the linchpins of our digital safety. The conversation takes a turn to the practicalities of risk management and the impact of individuals on the industry, like Daniel from the curl project, striking a chord with the significance of cybersecurity vulnerabilities compared to environmental pollution. We tackle the challenges of vulnerability prioritization and the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing the ever-evolving threats that target our digital infrastructure. (00:01) Security Practices and Flipper Zero (07:01) Technology and Privacy Concerns in Cars (17:33) Undersea Cables and NVD Issues (27:45) Government Oversight and Funding for Cybersecurity (33:33) Improving Vulnerability Prioritization in Cybersecurity (45:37) Risk Management and CVE Implementation (58:06) Cybersecurity Budget and Risk Management (01:10:48) Unique Challenges in Cybersecurity Industry (01:16:41) Discussion on Open Source and CNAs (01:26:44) Bluetooth Vulnerabilities and Exploits Discussed (01:39:46) Email Security and Compromised Accounts (01:46:23) Cybersecurity Threats and Vulnerabilities (01:52:06) GPU Security Vulnerabilities Explained Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-821

Omkhar Arasaratnam is the General Manager of the Open Source Software Foundation (OpenSSF) and appears on the show to discuss memory safety, why re-writing software isn't always the best option, open-source software supply chains, and more! Segment Resources: https://openssf.org/blog/2024/02/26/openssf-supports-efforts-to-build-more-secure-and-measurable-software/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Final-ONCD-Technical-Report.pdf In the security News end of life routers and exploits, SCCM mis-configurations lead to compromise, apparently you can hack anything with a Flipper Zero, do source code leaks matter?, visibility is important, printer vulnerabilities that no one cares about, friendship gets you firmware, lock hacking continues, VM escapes and risk, and multiple really cool Bluetooth hacking stories. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-820

Public information about exploits and vulnerabilities alone is not enough to inform prioritization, especially with the growing rate and variety of CVEs. Dan DeCloss, founder and CTO of PlexTrac, joins the show to discuss solving the challenges of risk prioritization to drive faster, more strategic assessment cycles. Spoiler: The key is adding context and prioritization to risk-scoring equations.   Segment Resources: https://plextrac.com/get-ready-to-prioritize-risk-with-our-new-contextual-scoring-engine/?utm_medium=tech_ptr&utm_source=security_weekly  https://plextrac.com/video/priorities/?utm_medium=tech_ptr&utm_source=security_weekly  This segment is sponsored by PlexTrac. Visit https://securityweekly.com/plextrac to learn more about them! BiaSciLab from DEF CON joins us to discuss DCNextGen! In the security News: MouseJacking still works, CISA recommends a complete rebuild, memory safety and re-writing code, not all doorbells are created equal, putting a firewall in front of your LLM, rugged gear and vulnerabilities, PLCs are not safe, neither are Windows kernels.. Segment Resources: https://www.defcon.kids  https://www.BiaSciLab.com  https://www.GirlsWhoHack.com  https://www.SecureOpenVote.com  Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-819

Jayson joins us to discuss how he is using, and social engineering, AI to help with his security engagements. We also talk about the low-tech tools he employs to get the job done, some tech tools that are in play, and the most important part of any security testing: Talking to people, creating awareness, and great reporting. The latest attacks against WiFi, its illegal to break encryption, BLE Padlocks are as secure as you think, when command not found attacks, how did your vibrator get infected...with malware, the OT jackpot, the backdoor in a random CSRF library, it’s a vulnerability but there is no CVE, car theft and Canada, Glubteba, and settings things on fire! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-818

Join us in this illuminating podcast episode as we sit down with Wendy Nather, a distinguished thought leader and cybersecurity strategist, who has left an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. Wendy's journey in cybersecurity is a narrative woven with expertise, innovation, and a deep understanding of the intersection between technology and risk. With a career that spans strategic roles in both the public and private sectors, Wendy has become a trusted voice in the industry, offering insights that resonate with cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike. As the Head of Advisory CISOs at Cisco, Wendy Nather brings a unique perspective to our conversation. Explore with us as she shares her experiences navigating the complex cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations today. Wendy's strategic vision has helped shape cybersecurity policies, risk management frameworks, and resilient strategies for a myriad of enterprises. Dive into Wendy's wealth of knowledge as she discusses the dynamic nature of cyber threats, the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, and the evolving role of technology in safeguarding our digital future. Her commitment to demystifying complex security concepts and fostering a culture of resilience makes this podcast episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about cybersecurity. Beyond her corporate role, Wendy is a prolific writer, speaker, and educator, contributing to the collective cybersecurity knowledge base. Join us as we explore her insights on emerging trends, best practices, and the human element in cybersecurity—a facet often overlooked but crucial in building robust defense strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from one of the industry's leading minds. Tune in to our podcast and discover the wisdom and foresight that Wendy Nather brings to the world of cybersecurity. Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/vault-psw-8