Microsoft's August 2024 Security Updates: Analysing Critical Vulnerabilities and Cybersecurity Threats
Executive Summary:
Microsoft rolled out a set of major security updates in August, 2024 that fixed 90 cracks in the MS operating systems and the office suite; 10 of these had been exploited in actual hacker attacks and were zero-days. In the following discussion, these vulnerabilities are first outlined and then a general analysis of the contemporary cyber security threats is also undertaken in this blog. This blog seeks to give an acquainted and non-acquainted audience about these updates, the threat that these exploits pose, and prevent measures concerning such dangers.
1. Introduction
Nowadays, people and organisations face the problem of cybersecurity as technologies develop and more and more actions take place online. These cyber threats have not ceased to mutate and hence safeguarding organisations’ digital assets requires a proactive stand. This report is concerned with the vulnerabilities fixed by Microsoft in August 2024 that comprised a cumulative of 90 security weaknesses where six of them were zero-day exploits. All these make a terrible risk pose and thus, it is important to understand them as we seek to safeguard virtual properties.
2. Overview of Microsoft’s August 2024 Security Updates
August 2024 security update provided by Microsoft to its products involved 90 vulnerabilities for Windows, Office, and well known programs and applications. These updates are of the latest type which are released by Microsoft under its Patch Tuesday program, a regular cum monthly release of all Patch updates.
- Critical Flaws: As expected, seven of the 90 were categorised as Critical, meaning that these are flaws that could be leveraged by hackers to compromise the targeted systems or bring operations to a halt.
- Zero-Day Exploits: A zero-day attack can be defined as exploits, which are as of now being exploited by attackers while the software vendor has not yet developed a patch for the same. It had managed 10 zero-days with the August update, which underlines that Microsoft and its ecosystems remain at risk.
- Broader Impact: These are not isolated to the products of Microsoft only They still persist Despite this, these vulnerabilities are not exclusive to the Microsoft products only. Other vendors such as Adobe, Cisco, Google, and others also released security advisories to fix a variety of issues which proves today’s security world is highly connected.
3. Detailed Analysis of Key Vulnerabilities
This section provides an in-depth analysis of some of the most critical vulnerabilities patched in August 2024. Each vulnerability is explained in layman’s terms to ensure accessibility for all readers.
3. 1 CVE-2024-38189: Microsoft Project Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVSS score:8. 8) :
The problem is in programs that belong to the Microsoft Project family which is known to be a popular project management system. The vulnerability enables an attacker to produce a file to entice an user into opening it and in the process execute code on the affected system. This could possibly get the attacker full control of the user’s system as mentioned in the following section.
Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: Let us assume that one day you received a file which appears to be a normal word document. When it is opened, it is in a format that it secretly downloads a problematic program in the computer and this goes unnoticed. This is what could happen with this vulnerability, that is why it is very dangerous.
3. 2 CVE-2024-38178: Windows Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.5):
Some of the risks relate to a feature known as the Windows Scripting Engine, which is an important system allowing a browser or an application to run scripts in a web page or an application. The weak point can result in corruption of memory space and an attacker can perform remote code execution with the possibility to affect the entire system.
Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: For the purpose of understanding how your computer memory works, imagine if your computer’s memory is a library. This vulnerability corrupts the structure of the library so that an intruder can inject malicious books (programs) which you may read (execute) on your computer and create havoc.
3. 3 CVE-2024-38193: WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7. 8 )
It opens up a security weakness in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, which is an essential model that masks the communication between the two. It enables the attacker to gain new privileges on the particular system they have attacked, in this case they gain some more privileges on the attacked system and can access other higher activities or details.
Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: This flaw is like somebody gaining access to the key to your house master bedroom. They can also steal all your valuable items that were earlier locked and could only be accessed by you. It lets the attacker cause more havoc as soon as he gets inside your computer.
3. 4 CVE-2024-38106: Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7. 0)
This vulnerability targets what is known as the Windows Kernel which forms the heart or main frameworks of the operating system that controls and oversees the functions of the computer components. This particular weakness can be exploited and an opponent will be able to get high-level access and ownership of the system.
Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: The kernel can be compared to the brain of your computer. It is especially dangerous that if someone can control the brain he can control all the rest, which makes it a severe weakness.
3. 5 CVE-2024-38213: Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability (CVSS score: 6.5).
This vulnerability enables the attackers to evade the SmartScreen component of Windows which is used to safeguard users from accessing unsafe files. This weakness can be easily used by the attackers to influence the users to open files that are otherwise malicious.
Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: Usually, before opening a file your computer would ask you in advance that opening the file may harm your computer. This weak point makes your computer believe that this dangerous file is good and then no warning will be given to you.
4. Implications of the Vulnerabilities
These vulnerabilities, importantly the zero-day exploits, have significant implications on all users.
- Data Breaches: These weaknesses can therefore be manipulated to cause exposures of various data, occasioning data leaks that put individual and corporate information and wealth.
- System Compromise: The bad guys could end up fully compromising the impacted systems meaning that they can put in malware, pilfer data or simply shut down a program.
- Financial Loss: The organisations that do not patch these vulnerabilities on the shortest notice may end up experiencing a lot of losses because of having to deal with a lot of downtimes on their systems, having to incur the costs of remediating the systems that have been breached and also dealing with legal repercussions.
- Reputation Damage: Security breaches and IT system corruptions can result in loss of customer and partner confidence in an organisation’s ability to protect their information affecting its reputation and its position in the market.
5. Recommendations for Mitigating Risks
Immediate measures should be taken regarding the risks linked to these issues since such weaknesses pose a rather high threat. The following are recommendations suitable for both technical and non-technical users.
5. 1 Regular Software Updates
Make it a point that all the software, particularly operating systems and all Microsoft applications are updated. Any system out there needs to update it from Microsoft, and its Patch Tuesday release is crucial.
For Non-Technical Users: As much as possible, reply ‘yes’ to updates whenever your computer or smartphone prompts for it. These updates correct security matters and secure your instruments.
5. 2 Realisation of Phishing Attacks
Most of the risks are normally realised through phishing techniques. People should be taught diversifiable actions that come with crazy emails like clicking on links and opening attachments.
For Non-Technical Users: Do not respond to emails from unknown people and if they make you follow a link or download a file, do not do it. If it looks like spam, do not click on it.
5. 3 Security Software
Strong and reliable antivirus and anti-malware software can be used to identify and avoid the attacks that might have high chances of using these vulnerabilities.
For Non-Technical Users: Ensure you download a quality antivirus and always update it. This works like a security guard to your computer by preventing bad programs.
5. 4 Introduce Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA works in a way to enforce a second factor of authentication before the account can be accessed; for instance, a user will be asked to input a text message or an authentication application.
For Non-Technical Users: NS is to make use of two-factor authentication on your accounts. It is like increasing the security measures that a man who has to burgle a house has to undergo by having to hammer an additional lock on the door.
5. 5 Network segmentations and Privileges management
Network segmentation should be adopted by organisations to prevent the spread of attacks while users should only be granted the privileges required to do their activities.
For Non- Technical Users: Perform the assessments of user privileges and the networks frequently and alter them in an effort of reducing the extent of the attacks.
6. Global Cybersecurity Landscape and Vendor Patches
The other major vendors have also released patches to address security vulnerabilities in their products. The interdependent nature of technology has the effect on the entire digital ecosystem.
- Adobe, Cisco, Google, and Others: These companies have released updates to address the weaknesses in their products that are applied in different sectors. These patches should be applied promptly to enhance cybersecurity.
- Collaboration and Information Sharing:Security vendors as well as researchers and experts in the cybersecurity domain, need to remain vigilant and keep on sharing information on emerging threats in cyberspace.
7. Conclusion
The security updates companies such as Microsoft and other vendors illustrate the present day fight between cybersecurity experts and cybercriminals. All the vulnerabilities addressed in this August 2024 update cycle are a call for prudence and constant protection of digital platforms. These vulnerabilities explain the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems, being aware of potential threats, and implementing robust security practices. Therefore, it is important to fortify our shield in this ever expanding threat domain, in order to be safe from attackers who use this weakness for their malicious purposes.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
A video online alleges that people are chanting "India India" as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance meets them at the Republican National Convention (RNC). This claim is not correct. The CyberPeace Research team’s investigation showed that the video was digitally changed to include the chanting. The unaltered video was shared by “The Wall Street Journal” and confirmed via the YouTube channel of “Forbes Breaking News”, which features different music performing while Mr. and Mrs. Usha Vance greeted those present in the gathering. So the claim that participants chanted "India India" is not real.
Claims:
A video spreading on social media shows attendees chanting "India-India" as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance greet them at the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the posts, we did keyword search related to the context of the viral video. We found a video uploaded by The Wall Street Journal on July 16, titled "Watch: J.D. Vance Is Nominated as Vice Presidential Nominee at the RNC," at the time stamp 0:49. We couldn’t hear any India-India chants whereas in the viral video, we can clearly hear it.
We also found the video on the YouTube channel of Forbes Breaking News. In the timestamp at 3:00:58, we can see the same clip as the viral video but no “India-India” chant could be heard.
Hence, the claim made in the viral video is false and misleading.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming to show "India-India" chants during Ohio Senator J.D. Vance's greeting at the Republican National Convention is altered. The original video, confirmed by sources including “The Wall Street Journal” and “Forbes Breaking News” features different music without any such chants. Therefore, the claim is false and misleading.
Claim: A video spreading on social media shows attendees chanting "India-India" as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance greet them at the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Claimed on: X
Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Executive Summary:
In the end of January 2024, India sees an inauguration of Ram Mandir that is a historical event to which people came culturally and spiritually. All communities in the world acknowledge this point of life as a victory and also understand how it unites people. In the midst of this genuine joy over success, there has been a disconcerting increase in malpractices designed to exploit people’s enthusiasm. This report aims at providing awareness and guidelines on how one can avoid the fraud activities that could be circulating as a celebration of Ram Mandir inauguration. An example cited here is on scams that give fake free recharge to users making them connect with the Prime Minister of India and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
False Claim:
According to the message passed in WhatsApp, as a commemoration of the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in January 2024, free Rs.749 mobile recharge for three months would be offered to all Indians across India by both the PM and UP CM. The message prompts the recipients to click on the blue link provided and then recharge their numbers.
The Deceptive Scheme:
We have been informed of a circulating link (https://mahacashhback[.]in/#1705296887543) stating that it offers ₹719 recharge in honor of the Ram Mandir inauguration. It is worth mentioning that this link does not belong to any legitimate movement concerning the inauguration; public excitement and trust were used for personal gain.
Analyzing the Fraudulent Campaign:
- Exploiting Emotional Significance:Scammers are using the cultural and religious significance of Ram mandir inauguration as a cover to fool people into participating in its fraudulent scheme.
- Fake Recharge Offers:The broadcasted link is offering a recharge pretending that they celebrate it’s inauguration. Such offers should be handled with care and established through authorized avenues.
- Bogus Landing Pages and Comments:The landing page linked to the link typically shows images of Ram Mandir and fake comments succeeding in a make-believe appearance. Legitimate projects linked to major events rely on official and trustworthy communication mechanisms.
- Data Collection Attempts:However, users may be asked for personal details like mobile numbers under the false pretext of winning a fake recharge. Legitimate organizations practice secure protocols for data collection and communication.
- Sharing for Activation:After the data entry, users are prompted to share a link in other people’s posts; it is said that this will help “activate” recharge. This is a popular trick among swindlers to keep the fraud going on due to sending misleading messages.
What do we Analyze?
- It is important to note that at this particular point, there has not been any official declaration or a proper confirmation of such offers on any official channel.
- The campaign is hosted on a third party domain instead of any official Government Website, this raised suspicion. Also the domain has been registered in very recent times.
- Domain Name: mahacashhback[.]in
- Registry Domain ID: D1FCF1B5751244310A2FA723B62CE83E9-IN
- Registrar URL: https://publicdomainregistry[.]com/
- Registrar: Endurance Digital Domain Technology LLP
- Registrar IANA ID: 801217
- Updated Date: 2024-01-18T08:09:00Z
- Creation Date: 2023-05-27T12:01:17Z
- Registry Expiry Date: 2024-05-27T12:01:17Z
- Registrant Organization: Sachin Kumar
- Registrant State/Province: Bihar
- Name Server: ns2.suspended-domain[.]com
- Name Server: ns1.suspended-domain[.]com
CyberPeace Advisory and Best Practices:
- Verify Authenticity:Authenticate any offers or promotions linked to the Ram Mandir inauguration through official channels.
- Exercise Caution with Links:Do not engage with questionable URLs, in particular those without secure encryption (HTTPS). Official announcements and initiatives are disseminated through secure outlets.
- Protect Personal Information:Do not provide personal information and do not respond to unsolicited offers on nonofficial platforms. Genuine organizations employ safe and official routes for communication.
- Report Fraudulent Activity:When you see scams or fraudulent activities, immediately report them to authorities and platforms so that no one falls into their trap.
Conclusion:
In the coming days, let us be cautious from such cheating strategies which would be misutilized or create false situations. Individuals should stay informed, verify sources and defend their personal information to ensure a safer world wide web. Official and secure channels are used to communicate authentic initiatives linked with notable events. When an offer sounds too favorable or attractive, exercise due caution and check its genuineness to avoid being defrauded. Thus by undertaking the research we found this campaign to be fake.
Introduction
The mysteries of the universe have been a subject of curiosity for humans over thousands of years. To solve these unfolding mysteries of the universe, astrophysicists are always busy, and with the growing technology this seems to be achievable. Recently, with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), scientists have discovered the depths of the cosmos. AI has revealed the secret equation that properly “weighs” galaxy clusters. This groundbreaking discovery not only sheds light on the formation and behavior of these clusters but also marks a turning point in the investigation and discoveries of new cosmos. Scientists and AI have collaborated to uncover an astounding 430,000 galaxies strewn throughout the cosmos. The large haul includes 30,000 ring galaxies, which are considered the most unusual of all galaxy forms. The discoveries are the first outcomes of the "GALAXY CRUISE" citizen science initiative. They were given by 10,000 volunteers who sifted through data from the Subaru Telescope. After training the AI on 20,000 human-classified galaxies, scientists released it loose on 700,000 galaxies from the Subaru data.
Brief Analysis
A group of astronomers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) have successfully applied AI to ultra-wide field-of-view images captured by the Subaru Telescope. The researchers achieved a high accuracy rate in finding and classifying spiral galaxies, with the technique being used alongside citizen science for future discoveries.
Astronomers are increasingly using AI to analyse and clean raw astronomical images for scientific research. This involves feeding photos of galaxies into neural network algorithms, which can identify patterns in real data more quickly and less prone to error than manual classification. These networks have numerous interconnected nodes and can recognise patterns, with algorithms now 98% accurate in categorising galaxies.
Another application of AI is to explore the nature of the universe, particularly dark matter and dark energy, which make up over 95% energy of the universe. The quantity and changes in these elements have significant implications for everything from galaxy arrangement.
AI is capable of analysing massive amounts of data, as training data for dark matter and energy comes from complex computer simulations. The neural network is fed these findings to learn about the changing parameters of the universe, allowing cosmologists to target the network towards actual data.
These methods are becoming increasingly important as astronomical observatories generate enormous amounts of data. High-resolution photographs of the sky will be produced from over 60 petabytes of raw data by the Vera C. AI-assisted computers are being utilized for this.
Data annotation techniques for training neural networks include simple tagging and more advanced types like image classification, which classify an image to understand it as a whole. More advanced data annotation methods, such as semantic segmentation, involve grouping an image into clusters and giving each cluster a label.
This way, AI is being used for space exploration and is becoming a crucial tool. It also enables the processing and analysis of vast amounts of data. This advanced technology is fostering the understanding of the universe. However, clear policy guidelines and ethical use of technology should be prioritized while harnessing the true potential of contemporary technology.
Policy Recommendation
- Real-Time Data Sharing and Collaboration - Effective policies and frameworks should be established to promote real-time data sharing among astronomers, AI developers and research institutes. Open access to astronomical data should be encouraged to facilitate better innovation and bolster the application of AI in space exploration.
- Ethical AI Use - Proper guidelines and a well-structured ethical framework can facilitate judicious AI use in space exploration. The framework can play a critical role in addressing AI issues pertaining to data privacy, AI Algorithm bias and transparent decision-making processes involving AI-based tech.
- Investing in Research and Development (R&D) in the AI sector - Government and corporate giants should prioritise this opportunity to capitalise on the avenue of AI R&D in the field of space tech and exploration. Such as funding initiatives focusing on developing AI algorithms coded for processing astronomical data, optimising telescope operations and detecting celestial bodies.
- Citizen Science and Public Engagement - Promotion of citizen science initiatives can allow better leverage of AI tools to involve the public in astronomical research. Prominent examples include the SETI @ Home program (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), encouraging better outreach to educate and engage citizens in AI-enabled discovery programs such as the identification of exoplanets, classification of galaxies and discovery of life beyond earth through detecting anomalies in radio waves.
- Education and Training - Training programs should be implemented to educate astronomers in AI techniques and the intricacies of data science. There is a need to foster collaboration between AI experts, data scientists and astronomers to harness the full potential of AI in space exploration.
- Bolster Computing Infrastructure - Authorities should ensure proper computing infrastructure should be implemented to facilitate better application of AI in astronomy. This further calls for greater investment in high-performance computing devices and structures to process large amounts of data and AI modelling to analyze astronomical data.
Conclusion
AI has seen an expansive growth in the field of space exploration. As seen, its multifaceted use cases include discovering new galaxies and classifying celestial objects by analyzing the changing parameters of outer space. Nevertheless, to fully harness its potential, robust policy and regulatory initiatives are required to bolster real-time data sharing not just within the scientific community but also between nations. Policy considerations such as investment in research, promoting citizen scientific initiatives and ensuring education and funding for astronomers. A critical aspect is improving key computing infrastructure, which is crucial for processing the vast amount of data generated by astronomical observatories.
References
- https://mindy-support.com/news-post/astronomers-are-using-ai-to-make-discoveries/
- https://www.space.com/citizen-scientists-artificial-intelligence-galaxy-discovery
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240325114118.htm
- https://phys.org/news/2023-03-artificial-intelligence-secret-equation-galaxy.html
- https://www.space.com/astronomy-research-ai-future
