This post is a cybersecurity investigation tutorial focusing on analyzing a security alert related to a web exploitation attempt on a Checkpoint Security Gateway. This is part of Let’s Defend SOC287 Case, aimed at guiding viewers through real-world cybersecurity incident response scenarios.
- The alert was triggered by a rule detecting a possible web exploitation attempt.
- Specifically, it involved an arbitrary file read vulnerability in the Checkpoint Security Gateway, associated with CVE-2024–24918.
- Checkpoint Security Gateway serves as a next-generation firewall for corporate networks.
- The attacker sent a POST request aiming to exploit the vulnerability.
- The URL in the request contained directory traversal (../) patterns, targeting the sensitive /etc/passwd file.
- The system detected this attempt due to recognizable exploitation patterns.
- This vulnerability could allow attackers to read system files on the security gateway when it’s connected to the internet with Remote Access VPN or Mobile Access enabled.
- A security patch is available, emphasizing the importance of updating firmware.
- An active proof-of-concept exploit for this vulnerability exists on GitHub, demonstrating how attackers can execute the exploit.
- Investigation into logs revealed two POST requests from the attacker:
- The first successfully accessed the /etc/passwd file (response code 200).
- The second attempt to access /etc/shadow was blocked (403 Forbidden response).
- The attacker used Local File Inclusion (LFI) and Directory Traversal techniques.
- Ownership of the case was taken, and a Playbook was initiated to guide the investigation.
- Log management tools were used to search for the attacker’s IP and assess network traffic.
- No evidence was found suggesting this was a planned penetration test.
- Threat intelligence tools like VirusTotal and ANY.RUN were used to assess the attacker’s IP.
- The traffic originated from the internet to the company network (external to internal).
- The attack was partially successful, as the attacker accessed sensitive files.
- Steps were initiated to contain the incident by isolating affected endpoints and applying security patches.
- Emphasis was placed on keeping systems updated and monitoring for similar threats.
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1 个月Great breakdown of the investigation, Motasem! This case highlights how critical it is to stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-24918, especially in perimeter security devices. The fact that the attacker successfully accessed /etc/passwd before being blocked at /etc/shadow reinforces the importance of layered defense strategies. One key takeaway here is the necessity of proactive patch management—firewalls and VPN gateways are high-value targets, and unpatched systems provide attackers with an easy foothold. It would be interesting to explore how organizations can enhance detection mechanisms beyond signature-based rules, perhaps leveraging behavioral analytics to catch such exploitation attempts earlier. Looking forward to more deep dives like this!