In early June, we reported on the discovery of a critical vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer—known as CVE-2023-34362. 

After the first vulnerability was discovered, MOVEit’s owner Progress Software partnered with third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct further detailed code reviews of the software. Now, Progress says it has discovered multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the MOVEit Transfer web application that could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain unauthorized access to the MOVEit Transfer database.

There are no CVEs yet available for the new vulnerabilities, but Progress has released patches.

Users of Progress MOVEit Transfer versions released before 2021.0.7 (13.0.7), 2021.1.5 (13.1.5), 2022.0.5 (14.0.5), 2022.1.6 (14.1.6), 2023.0.2 (15.0.2) should follow the recommendations in the security bulletin about the new vulnerabilities.

This code review was undoubtedly triggered by the severe consequences of the first vulnerability that was exploited by the Cl0p ransomware gang. Cl0p confirmed it was behind these attacks in responses to inquiries by Reuters and BleepingComputer

Cl0p is showing a very different behavior from other ransomware groups. The gang either found or bought the CVE-2023-34362 vulnerability and reportedly started testing it against victims as far back as 2021.

They felt comfortable enough to wait with actively deploying their ransomware, and didn’t launch a large scale campaign until the 2023 Memorial Day weekend in the US. This demonstrates a level of sophistication and planning that we don’t see in other ransomware groups.

Victims of this exploitation wave are plentiful and new ones keep coming forward. All the victims of this attack have been told to contact the Cl0p ransomware group before June 14, 2023 or “face the consequences,” which tends to suggest that their data will be published online.

How to avoid ransomware

• Block common forms of entry. Create a plan for patching vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems quickly; and disable or harden remote access like RDP and VPNs.
• Prevent intrusions. Stop threats early before they can even infiltrate or infect your endpoints. Use endpoint security software that can prevent exploits and malware used to deliver ransomware.
• Detect intrusions. Make it harder for intruders to operate inside your organization by segmenting networks and assigning access rights prudently. Use EDR or MDR to detect unusual activity before an attack occurs.
• Stop malicious encryption. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response software like Malwarebytes EDR that uses multiple different detection techniques to identify ransomware, and ransomware rollback to restore damaged system files.
• Create offsite, offline backups. Keep backups offsite and offline, beyond the reach of attackers. Test them regularly to make sure you can restore essential business functions swiftly.
• Don’t get attacked twice. Once you’ve isolated the outbreak and stopped the first attack, you must remove every trace of the attackers, their malware, their tools, and their methods of entry, to avoid being attacked again.

Malwarebytes EDR and MDR removes all remnants of ransomware and prevents you from getting reinfected. Want to learn more about how we can help protect your business? Get a free trial below.

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