In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, new threats emerge and old ones find new life. One such threat is the Lazarus Group, a notorious hacking collective believed to be backed by North Korea. Recently, they have been found exploiting Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) servers to spread their malicious software.
Microsoft’s IIS is a popular web server used by many organizations worldwide. It’s a flexible, secure, and manageable web server that can host anything from websites to media streaming to web applications. However, like any software, it’s not impervious to attacks.
According to a recent report on BleepingComputer, the Lazarus Group has been leveraging a vulnerability in these servers to spread their malware. The group uses a technique called “FastCGI” to take control of the server and then deliver their malicious payload.
FastCGI is a protocol for interfacing interactive programs with a web server. It’s a variation of the earlier Common Gateway Interface (CGI). FastCGI’s main aim is to reduce the overhead related to interfacing the web server and CGI programs, allowing a server to handle more web page requests simultaneously.
The Lazarus Group’s exploitation of this protocol involves sending a specially crafted request to a vulnerable IIS server. The server, believing the request to be legitimate, then executes the malicious code. This allows the Lazarus Group to effectively hijack the server and use it to spread their malware.
This is not the first time the Lazarus Group has targeted IIS servers. In fact, they have a history of exploiting vulnerabilities in popular software to further their goals. However, this recent attack is particularly concerning due to the widespread use of IIS servers.
So, what can be done to protect against this threat? The first step is to ensure that your IIS servers are up to date. Microsoft regularly releases patches and updates to fix known vulnerabilities, and keeping your software updated is one of the best ways to protect against attacks.
Additionally, it’s important to monitor your servers for any unusual activity. This can include an unexpected increase in traffic, strange logs, or new files appearing on the server. Early detection is key in preventing a full-scale attack.
Finally, consider employing a robust cybersecurity solution. This can include everything from firewalls to intrusion detection systems. These tools can help detect and block attacks before they can do any significant damage.
The threat posed by the Lazarus Group is serious, but by taking the right precautions, you can protect your servers and your data. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay secure.