US-CERT Current Activity

The US-CERT Current Activity web page is a regularly updated summary of the most frequent, high-impact types of security incidents currently being reported to the US-CERT.

Last reviewed: November 20, 2008 11:30:25 EST

Malicious Code Spreading Through USB Flash Drive Devices

US-CERT is aware of public reports of an increase in malicious code propagating via USB flash drive devices. Currently, there are two popular methods by which USB flash drives are being infected with malicious code. Please note that these are not the only two methods available.

The first of these methods is referred to as simple file copy. This means that the malicious code initially resides on an infected computer and copies itself to all the storage devices connected to the affected computer. This method requires the user to access the USB flash drive and execute the malicious code.

The second method is referred to as AutoRun.inf modification. This means that the malicious code alters or creates an autorun.inf file on targeted storage devices connected to the affected computer. When an infected USB flash drive is connected to another computer, the malicious code can be automatically executed with no additional user interaction.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Install antivirus software and keep the virus signatures up to date.
• Do not connect an unknown or untrusted USB drive to your computer.
• Disable AutoRun or AutoPlay features for removable media.
• Review the Using Caution with USB Drives Cyber Security Tip for more information on protecting your USB flash drive.
• Review The Dangers of Windows AutoRun Vulnerability Analysis Blog entry for more information regarding AutoRun.

Adobe Releases Update for AIR

Adobe has released a security bulletin to address a vulnerability in Adobe AIR. This vulnerability can be triggered if an Adobe AIR application loads data from an untrusted source. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to execute JavaScript code with elevated privileges.

US-CERT encourages users to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB08-23 and upgrade to Adobe AIR 1.5 to help mitigate the risks.

Apple Releases Security Updates for Safari

Apple has released Safari 3.2 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users to review Apple Article HT3298 and apply any necessary updates.

U.S. Federal Reserve Fraudulent Email Scam

US-CERT is aware of public reports of a fraudulent email scam circulating via messages that falsely appear to be from the U.S. Federal Reserve. These email messages contain information about a phishing scam and links for users to follow to obtain additional information about the scam. If a user follows the links, they will be redirected to a malicious website where a PDF exploit is used to install malicious code on the affected system.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Do not follow unsolicited links.
• Use caution when visiting untrusted websites.
• Install antivirus software and keep the virus signatures up to date.
  
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Mozilla Releases Updates to Address Vulnerabilities in Multiple Products

Mozilla has released Firefox 2.0.0.18, Firefox 3.0.4, and SeaMonkey 1.1.13 to address multiple vulnerabilities. The impacts of these vulnerabilities include arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, security bypass, cross-site scripting, denial of service, and information disclosure. As described in the Mozilla Foundation security advisories, some of these vulnerabilities may also affect Thunderbird.

US-CERT encourages users to review the Mozilla Foundation security advisories and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Apple Releases iLife Support 8.3.1

Apple has released iLife Support 8.3.1 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.

US-CERT encourages users to review Apple Article HT3276 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Microsoft Releases November Security Bulletin

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for November 2008. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the bulletins and follow best-practice security policies to determine which updates should be applied.

VMware Releases Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0018 and Updates VMSA-2008-0016.1

VMware has released Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0018 and has updated Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0016.1 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks, operate with escalated privileges, or obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review VMware Security Advisories VMSA-2008-0018 and VMSA-2008-0016.1 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Adobe Reader Exploit Circulating

US-CERT is aware of public reports of active exploitation of a recent Adobe Reader vulnerability. This exploit appears to arrive in the form of a maliciously crafted PDF file and leverages the JavaScript buffer overflow vulnerability addressed in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB08-19. Successful exploitation may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition. Additionally, the reports indicate that this exploit is currently undetectable by common antivirus applications.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to do the following to help mitigate the risk:

• Review Adobe Security Bulletin APS08-19 and update to Adobe Reader 9.
• Use caution when opening untrusted files.
• Install antivirus software and keep the virus signatures up to date.

Microsoft Releases Advance Notification for November Security Bulletin

Microsoft has issued a Security Bulletin Advance Notification indicating that its November release cycle will contain two bulletins, one of which will have the severity rating of Critical. The notification states that this Critical bulletin is for Microsoft Windows and Office. There will also be one Important bulletin for Microsoft Windows. Release of these bulletins is scheduled for Tuesday,  November 11.

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.