Microsoft Issues June 2020 Security Updates Addressing Critical Vulnerabilities Microsoft has announced the release of its software security updates for June 2020, which provide critical patches for 129 vulnerabilities found across various Windows operating systems and related products. This round of updates marks the third Patch Tuesday since the onset…
A critical vulnerability has recently been identified within the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, exposing systems to the risk of remote kernel memory leakage. Researchers from cybersecurity firm ZecOps have labeled this vulnerability “SMBleed” (CVE-2020-1206). The flaw is particularly concerning, as it can be coupled with a previously reported “wormable”…
A gunman attempted to breach the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, last weekend, where President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and various administration officials were present. Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, an engineer and computer scientist from California. He was apprehended at…
In a recent update during its November 2020 Patch Tuesday, Microsoft disclosed fixes for 112 newly identified security vulnerabilities. This release notably includes a zero-day flaw that was actively exploited and brought to light by Google’s security team the previous week. The series of patches issued addresses a variety of…
Recent Security Breaches Underscore Growing Cyber Threats In an alarming series of recent cyber incidents, it has become evident that some of the most significant security breaches often unfold quietly, without immediate alert signals. These breaches usually involve subtle actions that may appear innocuous, highlighting a troubling trend in which…
SolarWinds, a provider of network monitoring services, has issued a critical hotfix to resolve a significant vulnerability within its Orion platform. This security flaw has been linked to a large-scale espionage campaign that exploited the platform to install malware, affecting both public and private sector entities. In an advisory posted…
Google Unveils Unpatched and Poorly Fixed Windows 0-Day Vulnerability
Dec 24, 2020
Google’s Project Zero team has disclosed details about a poorly addressed zero-day security flaw in the Windows print spooler API, potentially allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary code. The flaw was made public after Microsoft failed to resolve it within 90 days of responsible disclosure on September 24. Initially identified as CVE-2020-0986, the vulnerability involves an elevation of privilege exploit in the GDI Print / Print Spooler API (“splwow64.exe”) reported to Microsoft by an anonymous user collaborating with Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) in late December 2019. With no patch provided for nearly six months, ZDI publicly issued a zero-day advisory on May 19, which led to exploitation in a campaign known as “Operation PowerFall” targeting an unnamed South Korean company. “splwow64.exe” is a core Windows system binary that facilitates 32-bit application compatibility.
Google Exposes Unpatched Windows Zero-Day Vulnerability On December 24, 2020, Google’s Project Zero disclosed details about a critical yet poorly patched zero-day vulnerability within the Windows print spooler API. This flaw opens the door for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code, creating significant risks for affected systems. The decision to…
Google Unveils Unpatched and Poorly Fixed Windows 0-Day Vulnerability
Dec 24, 2020
Google’s Project Zero team has disclosed details about a poorly addressed zero-day security flaw in the Windows print spooler API, potentially allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary code. The flaw was made public after Microsoft failed to resolve it within 90 days of responsible disclosure on September 24. Initially identified as CVE-2020-0986, the vulnerability involves an elevation of privilege exploit in the GDI Print / Print Spooler API (“splwow64.exe”) reported to Microsoft by an anonymous user collaborating with Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) in late December 2019. With no patch provided for nearly six months, ZDI publicly issued a zero-day advisory on May 19, which led to exploitation in a campaign known as “Operation PowerFall” targeting an unnamed South Korean company. “splwow64.exe” is a core Windows system binary that facilitates 32-bit application compatibility.
On February 10, 2021, Microsoft addressed a total of 56 vulnerabilities, including a critical 0-day exploit that is currently being targeted in the wild. Among these, 11 vulnerabilities are classified as Critical, 43 as Important, and 2 as Moderate in severity, with six being previously disclosed. The updates enhance security across various platforms, including .NET Framework, Azure IoT, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Edge for Android, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Office, Windows Codecs Library, Skype for Business, Visual Studio, Windows Defender, and key system components such as Kernel, TCP/IP, Print Spooler, and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
The most critical vulnerability addressed is a Windows Win32k privilege escalation issue (CVE-2021-1732, CVSS score 7.8), which could allow attackers with access to a system to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Microsoft acknowledges the contributions of JinQuan, MaDongZe, TuXiaoYi, and LiHao from DBAPPSecurity in identifying this vulnerability.
Microsoft Releases Security Updates Addressing 0-Day Vulnerability and 55 Additional Windows Flaws On February 10, 2021, Microsoft rolled out critical updates targeting 56 vulnerabilities, among which is a severe exploit that is currently being actively utilized in cyber-attacks. The updates categorize 11 vulnerabilities as Critical, 43 as Important, and 2…
On February 10, 2021, Microsoft addressed a total of 56 vulnerabilities, including a critical 0-day exploit that is currently being targeted in the wild. Among these, 11 vulnerabilities are classified as Critical, 43 as Important, and 2 as Moderate in severity, with six being previously disclosed. The updates enhance security across various platforms, including .NET Framework, Azure IoT, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Edge for Android, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Office, Windows Codecs Library, Skype for Business, Visual Studio, Windows Defender, and key system components such as Kernel, TCP/IP, Print Spooler, and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
The most critical vulnerability addressed is a Windows Win32k privilege escalation issue (CVE-2021-1732, CVSS score 7.8), which could allow attackers with access to a system to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Microsoft acknowledges the contributions of JinQuan, MaDongZe, TuXiaoYi, and LiHao from DBAPPSecurity in identifying this vulnerability.
Russian Group EncryptHub Utilizes MSC EvilTwin Vulnerability to Distribute Fickle Stealer Malware
August 16, 2025
Malware / Vulnerability
The cybercriminal organization known as EncryptHub is continuing to take advantage of a recently patched vulnerability in Microsoft Windows to deliver harmful payloads. Trustwave SpiderLabs has reported observing an EncryptHub campaign that combines social engineering tactics with the exploitation of a flaw in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) framework (CVE-2025-26633, also referred to as MSC EvilTwin), initiating the infection process through a malicious Microsoft Console (MSC) file. According to Trustwave researchers Nathaniel Morales and Nikita Kazymirskyi, “These actions are part of a larger, ongoing wave of malicious activity blending social engineering with technical exploitation to circumvent security defenses and gain control of internal networks.” EncryptHub, also recognized as LARVA-208 and Water Gamayun, is a Russian hacking group that first emerged in mid-2024. Operating at a high pace, this financially motivated team is known for using various strategies, including fraudulent job postings…
Russian Group EncryptHub Exploits MSC EvilTwin Vulnerability to Distribute Fickle Stealer Malware On August 16, 2025, reports emerged that the Russian cybercriminal group known as EncryptHub is actively leveraging a recently patched vulnerability in Microsoft Windows to propagate malware. This group, also referred to as LARVA-208 and Water Gamayun, has…
Russian Group EncryptHub Utilizes MSC EvilTwin Vulnerability to Distribute Fickle Stealer Malware
August 16, 2025
Malware / Vulnerability
The cybercriminal organization known as EncryptHub is continuing to take advantage of a recently patched vulnerability in Microsoft Windows to deliver harmful payloads. Trustwave SpiderLabs has reported observing an EncryptHub campaign that combines social engineering tactics with the exploitation of a flaw in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) framework (CVE-2025-26633, also referred to as MSC EvilTwin), initiating the infection process through a malicious Microsoft Console (MSC) file. According to Trustwave researchers Nathaniel Morales and Nikita Kazymirskyi, “These actions are part of a larger, ongoing wave of malicious activity blending social engineering with technical exploitation to circumvent security defenses and gain control of internal networks.” EncryptHub, also recognized as LARVA-208 and Water Gamayun, is a Russian hacking group that first emerged in mid-2024. Operating at a high pace, this financially motivated team is known for using various strategies, including fraudulent job postings…
