Storm Watch by GreyNoise Intelligence

Forecast = Prepare for scattered CVEs, rising bot storms, and real-time threat lightning. Keep your digital umbrellas handy! ‍ On this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, we’re breaking down the latest shifts in the vulnerability tracking landscape, starting with the ongoing turbulence in the CVE program. As the MITRE-run CVE system faces funding uncertainty and a potential transition to nonprofit status, the global security community is rapidly adapting. New standards and databases are emerging to fill the gaps—Europe’s ENISA is rolling out the EU Vulnerability Database to ensure regional control, while China continues to operate its own state-mandated systems. Meanwhile, the CVE ecosystem’s chronic delays and the NVD’s new “Deferred” status for tens of thousands of older vulnerabilities are pushing teams to look elsewhere for timely, enriched vulnerability data. Open-source projects like OSV.dev and commercial players such as VulnCheck and Snyk are stepping up, offering real-time enrichment, exploit intelligence, and predictive scoring to help organizations prioritize what matters most. The result is a fragmented but innovative patchwork of regional, decentralized, open-source, and commercial solutions, with hybrid approaches quickly becoming the norm for defenders worldwide. We’re also diving into Imperva’s 2024 Bad Bot Report, which reveals that nearly a third of all internet traffic last year came from malicious bots. These bots are getting more sophisticated—using residential proxies, mimicking human behavior, and bypassing traditional defenses. The report highlights a surge in account takeover attacks and shows that industries like entertainment and retail are especially hard hit, with bot traffic now outpacing human visitors in some sectors. The rise of simple bots, fueled by easy-to-use AI tools, is reshaping the threat landscape, while advanced and evasive bots continue to challenge even the best detection systems. On the threat intelligence front, GreyNoise has just launched its Global Observation Grid—now the largest deception sensor network in the world, with thousands of sensors in over 80 countries. This expansion enables real-time, verifiable intelligence on internet scanning and exploitation, helping defenders cut through the noise and focus on the threats that matter. GreyNoise’s latest research shows attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities within hours of disclosure, with a significant portion of attacks targeting legacy flaws from years past. Their data-driven insights are empowering security teams to prioritize patching and response based on what’s actually being exploited in the wild, not just theoretical risk. We’re also spotlighting Censys and its tools for tracking botnets and advanced threats, including collaborative projects with GreyNoise and CursorAI. Their automated infrastructure mapping and pivoting capabilities are helping researchers quickly identify related malicious hosts and uncover the infrastructure behind large-scale attacks. Finally, VulnCheck continues to bridge the gap during the CVE program’s uncertainty, offering autonomous enrichment, real-time exploit tracking, and comprehensive coverage—including for CVEs that NVD has deprioritized. Their Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and enhanced NVD++ service are giving defenders a broader, faster view of the threat landscape, often surfacing critical exploitation activity weeks before it’s reflected in official government feeds. As the vulnerability management ecosystem splinters and evolves, organizations are being forced to rethink their strategies—embracing a mix of regional, open-source, and commercial intelligence to maintain visibility and stay ahead of attackers. The days of relying on a single source of truth for vulnerability data are over, and the future is all about agility, automation, and real-time insight. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast = Scattered exploits, Mirai storms brewing, and rogue drones dropping malware over Russia. Keep your firewalls up—a vulnerability front is rolling in fast! ‍ On this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, we’re bringing you a packed episode that covers the latest in cyber threat intelligence, industry news, and a few stories you won’t want to miss. We kick things off with our usual round of introductions and a quick look at the cyber weather, setting the stage for what’s happening across the threat landscape. In our first segment, Tod shares his wrap-up from VulnCon 2025, highlighting the key takeaways and emerging trends from this year’s conference. From new vulnerability research to the latest in exploit techniques, Tod breaks down what security professionals need to know and what’s likely to shape the industry in the coming months. Next up, we sit down with Tracy Z. Maleeff, better known as InfosecSherpa, for an interview that traces her journey from librarian to cybersecurity professional. Tracy shares insights on career pivots, the importance of information literacy in security, and her ongoing work to make the field more accessible. Her story is a must-listen for anyone considering a move into cyber or looking for inspiration from someone who’s successfully navigated the transition. We then turn our attention to a headline-grabbing story out of Ukraine, where reports indicate that drones sent into Russian territory are not just for surveillance or kinetic impact—they’re also carrying malware designed to infect military systems if captured. This blend of physical and cyber warfare is a stark reminder of how modern conflicts are increasingly fought on multiple fronts, with digital payloads now as critical as traditional munitions. If we need to fill a little extra time, we’ll explore some of the more bizarre aspects of hybrid warfare, including reports of weaponized consumer goods—think exploding sex toys and cosmetics—being used as part of psychological and disruption campaigns targeting the West. It’s a strange new world where almost anything can be turned into a tool of conflict. We also spotlight recent research from Censys on the Salt Typhoon attacks, which underscore the need for advanced defenses as attackers continue to exploit edge devices and cloud infrastructure. Their findings highlight the importance of proactive monitoring and rapid response to emerging threats. On the GreyNoise front, we’ve observed a threefold surge in exploitation attempts targeting TVT DVRs, likely linked to Mirai botnet activity. This uptick is a clear signal that attackers are constantly scanning for vulnerable devices to conscript into their botnets, and it’s a reminder for defenders to stay vigilant and patch exposed systems. As always, we wrap up with a round of goodbyes and a reminder to subscribe for more insights, interviews, and real-time threat intelligence. Thanks for tuning in to Storm⚡️Watch—where we keep you ahead of the cyber storms. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast: Patchy with a 32% backlog surge, CVE squalls causing auth bypass showers, and Lazarus fronts looming—keep your threat umbrellas handy!" 🌩️☔ We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the chaotic world of CVEs. The CrushFTP vulnerability saga is a case study in how bureaucracy can collide with real-world threats. When a critical auth bypass flaw emerged in March 2025, patches rolled out quickly, but the CVE process stumbled—two different identifiers (CVE-2025-2825 and CVE-2025-31161) were assigned by competing firms, VulnCheck and Outpost24. The resulting confusion left organizations scrambling as exploit activity spiked, with Shadowserver tracking over 1,800 vulnerable instances initially. CrushFTP blamed security researchers for accelerating attacks, while defenders faced the nightmare of reconciling conflicting vulnerability tracking. The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) isn’t making life easier either. Despite processing CVEs at pre-2024 rates, a 32% surge in submissions has created a growing backlog. NIST’s March 2025 update reveals they’re exploring machine learning to automate tasks, but with older CVEs now being marked “deferred,” many legacy systems might fly under the radar. It’s a stark reminder that even foundational security infrastructure is buckling under scale. Shifting gears to nation-state threats, North Korean IT workers are running a global shadow IT empire. Google’s threat team uncovered operatives managing 12+ fake personas across Europe and the US, targeting defense contractors and governments. Their projects range from blockchain job marketplaces to AI-driven web apps, funded through crypto and freelance platforms like Upwork. The plot thickens with BYOD policies becoming an unwitting accomplice—these workers exploit virtualized environments to avoid detection, while extortion schemes spike amid increased law enforcement pressure.   Rounding out the episode, we’ll touch on critical advisories from Censys, VulnCheck, runZero, and GreyNoise—including the CrushFTP auth bypass and a new Ivanti Connect Secure RCE flaw.   Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast = Cloudy with a chance of cyber meatballs. ‍ We're not fooling around in this episode of Storm⚡️Watch! The show kicks off with some positive news about the Journal Times returning to full operations following a cyberattack. This is followed by important information for VMware users regarding Broadcom's significant licensing changes effective April 10, including an increase in minimum core requirements from 16 to 72 cores per command line and a new 20% penalty for late subscription renewals that will be applied retroactively. The crew then reviews results from their recent poll asking listeners which feature of encrypted messaging apps concerns them most, with options including data storage, unencrypted backups, metadata, and accidental adds. In our first segment, we discuss security concerns with the Unitree Go1 consumer-grade robot dog, specifically focusing on the recently disclosed Zhexi Oray Tunnel backdoor that has raised alarm in the security community. Next up, the team explores FamousSparrow and their SparrowDoor malware, examining the techniques and implications of this threat actor's operations. In light of recent event, the hosts provide comprehensive guidance on secure messaging practices, drawing from recent Washington Post and Wired articles. They emphasize that secure communication depends not just on the app but also on how you use it. Key recommendations include choosing contacts wisely, securing your devices by using personal rather than work equipment, setting messages to automatically delete, and selecting the right messaging apps with Signal being the top recommendation for its verifiable end-to-end encryption. They also warn about potential vulnerabilities in cross-platform messaging and advise caution with apps like Telegram. We quickly review Europol's 2025 report on the evolving landscape of organized crime, which now heavily intersects with cybercrime. Traditional criminal networks have transformed into technology-driven enterprises using AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency to enhance their operations. The internet has become the primary theater for organized crime with data as the new currency of power. The report identifies seven key threat areas and calls for improved global financial security measures, noting that criminal asset confiscation remains stagnant at around 2%. Finally, we conclude with updates from our benevolent overlords, including Censys' reports on JunOS vulnerabilities and Kubernetes issues, VulnCheck's partnership with Filigran, runZero's approach to exposure management, and GreyNoise's observations on DrayTek router activity and Palo Alto Networks scanner activity that may indicate upcoming threats. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of SSRF attacks. OpenAI's skies clear, but third-party wrappers bring storms. ‍ This week’s episode kicks off with a poll asking listeners which virtual assistant they use—Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, or none at all due to privacy concerns. The results give us a snapshot of how people feel about these ubiquitous technologies and their trust levels in them. We then tackle the headlines surrounding OpenAI and the alleged "attack" on its systems. While media outlets are buzzing with claims of vulnerabilities in ChatGPT, the reality is less dramatic. A third-party wrapper using OpenAI’s API introduced an SSRF vulnerability that’s being actively exploited. This issue highlights the risks of insecure third-party implementations rather than flaws in OpenAI's core infrastructure. It’s a reminder that integrations can be a weak link in the cybersecurity chain, and we explore how this misunderstanding has fueled sensationalized reporting. Next up is a discussion on cybersecurity labeling for consumer IoT devices that have reached their End-of-Life (EOL) or End-of-Service (EOS). The idea is to inform users when their devices will no longer receive updates, but the execution is fraught with challenges. From complex software stacks to secondary markets breaking communication chains between vendors and consumers, we unpack why this labeling initiative is easier said than done. With home networks increasingly tied to employer networks, outdated IoT devices could become major security risks, especially in remote work setups. Privacy concerns take center stage as we examine Amazon’s controversial decision to eliminate the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" feature on Echo devices starting March 28, 2025. This change means all voice data will be processed in Amazon’s cloud as part of its Alexa+ upgrade, which promises advanced generative AI capabilities. Critics argue this move erodes user privacy by removing local processing options entirely, raising questions about data retention and misuse. For privacy-conscious users, this might signal the end of their relationship with Echo devices. We also cover two critical vulnerabilities making waves in the cybersecurity world. First is CVE-2025-23120, a post-authentication Remote Code Execution flaw in Veeam Backup & Replication software. Exploitable by any domain user due to weak authentication measures and unsafe deserialization practices, this vulnerability underscores why blacklist-based approaches are insufficient for robust security. Then there’s CVE-2025-24813, a remote code execution vulnerability affecting Apache Tomcat servers that can be exploited with just one PUT request. This attack leverages session persistence mechanisms and deserialization processes to gain full remote access without authentication—a stark reminder of how seemingly benign requests can lead to catastrophic breaches. Finally, we touch on updates from our benevolent overlords, including insights into ServiceNow vulnerabilities and upcoming events like NoiseFest at RSAC 2025. These resources continue to provide valuable intelligence for staying ahead of emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast = Router-geddon: Ballista storms brewing with a chance of unforgivable vulnerabilities. Patch umbrella required. ‍ In this episode of Storm ⚡ ️Watch, the crew laments the sorry state of modern edge computing through the lens of Steve Coley's 2007 paper on "Unforgivable Vulnerabilities". The discussion examines security flaws that should never appear in properly developed software yet continue to plague systems today. These vulnerabilities demonstrate a systematic disregard for secure development practices and would be immediately obvious to anyone with basic security awareness. The team breaks down "The Lucky 13" vulnerabilities, including buffer overflows, cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and hard-coded credentials, while also exploring how modern AI tools might inadvertently introduce these same issues into today's codebase, and how one might go about properly and safely use them in coding and security engineering. The episode also features an in-depth analysis of the newly discovered Ballista botnet that's actively targeting TP-Link Archer routers through a vulnerability discovered two years ago. First detected on January 10, 2025, this botnet has already infected over 6,000 devices worldwide, with the most recent activity observed in mid-February. The threat actors behind Ballista, believed to be based in Italy, have targeted organizations across multiple sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, services, and technology in the US, Australia, China, and Mexico. The botnet exploits CVE-2023-1389 to spread malware that establishes encrypted command and control channels, enabling attackers to launch DDoS attacks and further compromise vulnerable systems.\ The team rounds out the episode with updates from their partner organizations. Censys shares insights on JunOS vulnerabilities and the RedPenguin threat actor, along with an investigation into server misidentification issues. RunZero discusses the importance of cybersecurity labeling for end-of-life and end-of-support consumer IoT devices. GreyNoise alerts listeners to a new surge in SSRF exploitation attempts reminiscent of the 2019 Capital One breach and promotes their upcoming webinar on March 24th. As always, the Storm⚡️Watch crew delivers actionable intelligence and expert analysis to help security professionals stay ahead of emerging threats in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of compromised credentials and scattered vulnerabilities—stay alert out there! ‍ In this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, we’re unpacking some of the most pressing developments in cybersecurity and what they mean for the industry. First, we tackle the state of CISA and its mounting challenges. From allegations that the Trump administration ordered U.S. Cyber Command and CISA to stand down on addressing Russian cyber threats, to financial groups pushing back against CISA’s proposed incident reporting rule, there’s no shortage of turbulence. Adding fuel to the fire, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has disbanded eight federal advisory committees, including key cybersecurity groups, citing compliance with a Trump-era executive order. Critics argue these cuts could weaken public-private collaboration and hinder CISA’s ability to protect critical infrastructure. We’ll break down what all this means for the future of cybersecurity leadership in the U.S. Next, we revisit a shocking case involving a U.S. soldier who plans to plead guilty to hacking 15 telecom carriers. This story highlights the ongoing risks posed by insider threats and the vulnerabilities within telecom networks, which are often targeted for their treasure troves of sensitive data. We’ll explore how this case unfolded, what it reveals about vetting processes for individuals with access to critical systems, and the broader implications for cybersecurity in government-affiliated organizations. We also spotlight some fascinating research from Censys on a phishing scam exploiting toll systems across multiple states. Attackers are leveraging cheap foreign SIM cards and Chinese-hosted infrastructure in a campaign that keeps evolving. Plus, RunZero sheds light on a critical vulnerability affecting Edimax IP cameras (CVE-2025-1316), while GreyNoise reports on mass exploitation of a PHP-CGI vulnerability (CVE-2024-4577) and active threats linked to Silk Typhoon-associated CVEs. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast = Ransomware storms surge with an 87% spike in industrial attacks—brace for ICS strikes from GRAPHITE and BAUXITE! Infostealers hit healthcare and education, while VPN vulnerabilities pour in—grab your digital umbrella! ‍ It's report season and today the crew kicks things off with a breakdown of Veracode's State of Software Security 2025 Report, highlighting significant improvements in OWASP Top 10 pass rates but also noting concerning trends in high-severity flaws and security debt. Next, we take a peek at Dragos's 2025 OT/ICS Cybersecurity Report, which reveals an increase in ransomware attacks against industrial organizations and the emergence of new threat groups like GRAPHITE and BAUXITE. The report also details the evolution of malware targeting critical infrastructure, such as Fuxnet and FrostyGoop. The Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report is then discussed, showcasing the dominance of infostealers and malicious scripts in the threat landscape, with healthcare and education sectors being prime targets. The report also highlights the shift in ransomware tactics towards data theft and extortion. The team also quickly covers a recent and _massive_ $1.5 billion Ethereum heist. We *FINALLY* cover some recent findings from Censys, including their innovative approach to discovering non-standard port usage in Industrial Control System protocols. This segment also touches on the growing threat posed by vulnerabilities in edge security products. We also *FINALLY* get around to checking out VulnCheck's research, including an analysis of Black Basta ransomware group's tactics based on leaked chat logs, and their efforts to automate Stakeholder Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) for more effective vulnerability prioritization. The episode wraps up with mentions of GreyNoise's latest reports on mass internet exploitation and a newly discovered DDoS botnet, providing listeners with a well-rounded view of the current cybersecurity landscape. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast = Expect a storm of insights as we tackle cybersecurity's cloudy diversity gaps, edge device downpours, and ransomware winds blowing from Black Basta! ‍ In this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, we kick things off with an insightful interview with Mary N. Chaney, the CEO of Minorities in Cybersecurity (MiC). MiC is a groundbreaking organization dedicated to addressing the lack of support and representation for women and minority leaders in cybersecurity. Mary shares how MiC is building a community that fosters leadership development and equips members with essential skills for career advancement. We also discuss the alarming statistics that highlight the underrepresentation of minorities in cybersecurity leadership roles and explore how MiC’s programs, like The MiC Inclusive Community™ and The MiC Leadership Series™, are making a tangible difference. Next, the crew descends into a critical discussion about edge security products, drawing on insights from Censys. These devices, while vital for network protection, are increasingly becoming prime targets for attackers. We examine recent vulnerabilities added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, including flaws in products from Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall, and explore how state-sponsored actors like Salt Typhoon are exploiting these weaknesses. The conversation underscores the importance of proactive patch management and tools like attack surface monitoring to mitigate risks. In the next segment, we analyze leaked chat logs from the Black Basta ransomware group with insights from VulnCheck. These logs reveal how Black Basta prioritizes vulnerabilities in widely used enterprise technologies, their rapid response to new advisories, and even their pre-publication knowledge of certain CVEs. We break down their strategy for selecting targets based on financial viability, industry focus, and vulnerability presence, offering actionable advice for defenders to stay ahead. Finally, we turn our attention to GreyNoise’s recent observations of active exploitation campaigns targeting Cisco vulnerabilities by Salt Typhoon, a Chinese state-sponsored group. Using data from GreyNoise’s global observation grid, we discuss how legacy vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-0171 remain valuable tools for advanced threat actors. This segment highlights the importance of patching unaddressed issues and leveraging real-time threat intelligence to protect critical infrastructure. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

Forecast: Expect increased malicious activity targeting enterprise network infrastructure and remote work platforms. ‍ In this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, the crew tackles some of the most pressing stories in cybersecurity and tech. First, we explore the case of Christian Marie Chapman, an Arizona woman who faces federal prison time for orchestrating a scheme that allowed North Korean IT workers to pose as U.S.-based employees. This operation, which generated over $17 million for North Korea, involved Chapman running a "laptop farm" that enabled remote access to U.S. company networks. The scheme not only compromised sensitive company data but also funneled money to North Korea’s weapons programs. This story underscores the critical need for robust identity verification and background checks in hiring processes, especially in remote IT roles, to avoid inadvertently aiding malicious actors. Next, we discuss GreyNoise's findings on the active exploitation of a high-severity vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS (CVE-2025-0108). This authentication bypass flaw allows attackers to execute unauthorized PHP scripts, posing significant risks to unpatched systems. Organizations are urged to apply security patches immediately and restrict access to firewall management interfaces to mitigate potential breaches. GreyNoise’s real-time intelligence highlights the importance of staying vigilant against evolving threats. In our featured segment, we sit down with Dennis Fisher, a celebrated journalist with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity reporting. Fisher shares insights from his career, including his work as co-founder of *Threatpost* and Editor-in-Chief at *Decipher*. Known for his analytical approach, Fisher has covered major cybersecurity events and delved into the motivations behind both attackers and defenders. His expertise offers a unique perspective on the complexities of information security. Finally, we touch on broader issues in vulnerability management and encryption policies. From GreyNoise’s observations of exploitation surges in vulnerabilities like ThinkPHP and ownCloud to Censys’ argument against weakening encryption standards, these discussions emphasize the need for proactive measures and smarter prioritization in cybersecurity strategies. Whether it's patching overlooked vulnerabilities or resisting calls to weaken encryption under the guise of security, staying informed is key to navigating today’s threat landscape. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>