Top 7 Zero-Day Exploitation Trends of 2024: What CISOs Need to Know

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, zero-day vulnerabilities continue to be a significant threat. How can organizations defend themselves when attackers exploit flaws that have no available patch? According to reports from industry experts, zero-day attacks skyrocketed in 2024, forcing companies to rethink their security strategies. But what specific trends are shaping these threats, and how can businesses stay ahead of the curve?

1. Surge in Attacks Targeting Network Security Devices

One of the most alarming trends in 2024 is the increased targeting of network security devices, such as firewalls, VPN gateways, and email security systems. These devices serve as crucial entry points into corporate networks, often running outdated or under-monitored systems. A notable case early in the year involved two zero-day vulnerabilities in Ivanti Connect Secure, exploited by a state-sponsored actor to gain unauthorized access.

Vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-21887 (command injection) and CVE-2024-21893 (server-side request forgery) are prime examples of how attackers can chain multiple flaws to bypass authentication and escalate privileges. The trend underscores the critical need for ongoing monitoring and patch management to defend against these high-value targets.

2. Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Tools at Greater Risk

RMM tools, essential for managing IT systems remotely, are another frequent target for attackers. In early 2024, attackers exploited two vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-1708 and CVE-2024-1709) in ConnectWise ScreenConnect, an RMM platform used by thousands of managed service providers. These flaws allowed attackers to reset administrative passwords, effectively gaining control over the network.

RMM vulnerabilities have been a known entry point for ransomware groups, making them an attractive target for initial access brokers. This trend highlights the importance of securing remote management tools, especially in a world where remote work and outsourcing are becoming the norm.

3. Managed File Transfer (MFT) Systems Under Fire

Managed File Transfer (MFT) software is another area facing increased exploitation. Attackers often use these systems to move laterally within networks. For instance, a CVE-2024-55956 vulnerability in Cleo LexiCom, VLTrader, and Harmony allowed attackers to inject malicious files into an application directory, potentially leading to a full system compromise.

In addition, ransomware groups continue to target MFT systems like MOVEit Transfer, which experienced critical flaws in CVE-2024-5805 and CVE-2024-5806. With ransomware groups constantly seeking ways to infiltrate enterprise networks, MFT systems should be a top priority for patching and hardening.

4. CI/CD Vulnerabilities: A Growing Threat to Software Supply Chains

Cybercriminals are also eyeing vulnerabilities in Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools. Flaws in platforms like Jenkins (CVE-2024-23897) and JetBrains TeamCity (CVE-2024-27198) offer attackers the chance to inject malicious code into development pipelines, potentially leading to software supply chain attacks. The SolarWinds breach remains a stark reminder of how a vulnerability in development tools can have catastrophic consequences.

With the rapid adoption of DevOps and CI/CD methodologies, securing these environments is essential to prevent attackers from injecting malicious code into trusted software updates.

5. Supply Chain Compromises: Open-Source Libraries Are Vulnerable

In 2024, the open-source ecosystem has been increasingly targeted by attackers. A CVE-2024-3094 vulnerability in XZ Utils, a widely used open-source compression library, exposed the risks of unvetted developers gaining access to critical code repositories. Similarly, vulnerabilities in GitHub Actions have allowed attackers to exploit script injection flaws, compromising popular open-source projects like Ultralytics YOLO.

As more organizations rely on open-source software for their tech stacks, attackers are likely to continue exploiting these vulnerabilities to compromise systems and steal data.

6. AI & Machine Learning Frameworks: A New Frontier for Attackers

The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into business workflows has created new opportunities for attackers. In 2024, Jupyter Notebooks faced a critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-35178) that allowed attackers to leak NTLMv2 password hashes. Moreover, vulnerabilities in popular machine learning tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch have raised alarms about the security risks inherent in deploying AI frameworks.

As organizations rush to deploy AI solutions, it's crucial to implement robust security measures around these newer technologies, ensuring that misconfigurations and flaws don’t lead to data breaches or unauthorized access.

7. Security Feature Bypasses: A Growing Tool for Attackers

While high-profile zero-day exploits are often the focus, security feature bypasses should not be underestimated. In 2024, five zero-day vulnerabilities in Windows SmartScreen were discovered, allowing attackers to bypass security alerts that flag suspicious files. These bypasses made it easier for ransomware and other malware to infiltrate networks without detection.

Privilege escalation flaws also continue to be a favorite tool for attackers, providing them with the ability to elevate their privileges and gain full system control, even from a compromised user account. These vulnerabilities serve as critical building blocks for more sophisticated attacks.

With attackers continuously innovating, 2024 has proven that proactive defense and a comprehensive security strategy are essential to mitigate the risks of zero-day attacks. By understanding these trends and staying ahead of emerging threats, CISOs can better protect their organizations from evolving cybersecurity challenges. Stay ahead of the curve with MASL!