Critical CVEs and Associated Threats

This report was prepared by Barricade Cyber Solutions and aims to inform our clients and prospects about critical Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) identified in the CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report. These known critical vulnerabilities pose significant risks; understanding these risks can help protect your systems from emerging cyber threats.

Critical CVEs and Associated Threats

Our Critical CVEs and Associated Threats Report lists 26 CVEs, categorized by the type of system or application they affect. Below, we outline the threats and recommendations for each category to help you prioritize your security efforts.

Network Appliances (Palo Alto Networks, Cisco IOS)

These CVEs impact network devices, which are often targeted due to their exposure.

• CVEs: CVE-2024-3400, CVE-2024-0012, CVE-2024-9474, CVE-2023-20198, CVE-2023-20273, CVE-2024-9463, CVE-2024-9464, CVE-2024-9465, CVE-2024-9466, CVE-2024-9467, CVE-2024-5910
• Threats: Unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE), privilege escalation, exploit chaining (e.g., CVE-2024-0012 with CVE-2024-9474), rapid exploitation after public disclosure, and potential compromise of network traffic monitoring.
• Recommendations: Apply vendor patches promptly, use extended detection and response (XDR) technology, implement network-level access controls, and regularly analyze logs for suspicious activity.

Operating Systems (Windows)

These vulnerabilities affect Windows systems, particularly the mskssrv driver, and can lead to privilege escalation.

• CVEs: CVE-2023-29360, CVE-2024-38245, CVE-2024-43554, CVE-2024-35250
• Threats: Privilege escalation to SYSTEM level, with active exploitation following public disclosure of proof-of-concept exploits.
• Recommendations: Regularly patch Windows systems, monitor for privilege escalation attempts, and use XDR and SIEM solutions for detection and response.

Applications (Microsoft SQL Server, Apache OFBiz, Microsoft Outlook)

These CVEs target specific applications, often exploited through legitimate features or authentication bypasses.

• CVEs: CVE-2023-48788, CVE-2023-27532, CVE-2024-45195, CVE-2024-32113, CVE-2024-36104, CVE-2024-38856, CVE-2023-29324, CVE-2023-35384, CVE-2023-23397
• Threats: Unauthenticated RCE via legitimate feature abuse (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server’s xp_cmdshell), bypassing authentication, and spear-phishing campaigns exploiting email vulnerabilities.
• Recommendations: Apply patches for affected applications, monitor for exploitation based on public guidance, educate users on social engineering, and use identity threat detection tools.

General Best Practices

To enhance your overall security, consider these practices:

• Secure identities with phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong access policies.
• Use XDR and next-generation SIEM solutions for unified monitoring across endpoints, networks, and cloud.
• Defend cloud environments with cloud-native protection platforms and strict access controls.
• Prioritize vulnerability management, focusing on patching internet-facing services.
• Stay informed about threat actor tactics and conduct regular security awareness training.

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Comprehensive Analysis: Awareness Report on Critical CVEs and Threats for Our Clients and Prospects

Executive Summary

This comprehensive report, derived from the CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report, aims to enhance awareness among Barricade Cyber Solutions' clients and prospects regarding critical Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and associated threats. The report identifies 26 CVEs exploited by adversaries in 2024, categorized by system type, and provides detailed threats and mitigation strategies. It also includes general best practices to strengthen cybersecurity defenses, ensuring organizations are well-equipped to face emerging threats as of April 14, 2025.

Background and Context

The CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report, published recently, offers insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, noting a 79% increase in malware-free detections and a 150% rise in China-nexus cyber espionage operations in 2024. This report emphasizes the rapid exploitation of vulnerabilities, particularly through exploit chaining and living-off-the-land techniques, making it imperative for organizations to prioritize vulnerability management and threat monitoring.

Detailed CVE Analysis

The report lists 26 CVEs, extracted from various sections discussing enterprise vulnerability exploitation and adversary tactics. These are categorized below by the type of system or application affected, with associated threats and recommendations for mitigation.

1. Network Appliances (Palo Alto Networks, Cisco IOS)

CVEs and Details:

• CVE-2024-3400: A command injection vulnerability in GlobalProtect PAN-OS Gateway, potentially developed using generative AI, with observed exploitation attempts despite being ineffective.
• CVE-2024-0012 and CVE-2024-9474: Authentication bypass and privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS, chained for unauthenticated RCE, observed since November 14, 2024, with rapid adoption post-disclosure.
• CVE-2023-20198 and CVE-2023-20273: Privilege escalation and command injection in Cisco IOS, chained by China-nexus adversary OPERATOR PANDA targeting U.S. telecom and professional services in November 2024.
• CVE-2024-9463 to CVE-2024-9467 and CVE-2024-5910: Vulnerabilities in Palo Alto Networks Expedition and other PAN-OS components, exploited within 24 hours of disclosure on October 9, 2024, linked to China-nexus ORB networks for cryptomining and malware deployment.

Associated Threats:

• Unauthenticated RCE and privilege escalation, often through exploit chaining, compromising network traffic monitoring and control. Rapid exploitation post-disclosure, especially for internet-facing devices, is a significant concern, with China-nexus adversaries leveraging ORB networks for obfuscation.

Recommendations:

• Apply vendor patches promptly, as advised on CrowdStrike's website. Use XDR technology like CrowdStrike Falcon Insight XDR for monitoring, implement network-level access controls, and regularly collect logs to facilitate incident response. Prioritize patching critical systems using tools like Falcon Exposure Management to reduce patching fatigue.

2. Operating Systems (Windows)

CVEs and Details:

• CVE-2023-29360: A logical vulnerability in the Windows mskssrv driver, exploited at Pwn2Own Vancouver in March 2023, leading to at least 16 related disclosures since August 2023, with ongoing attention from threat actors.
• CVE-2024-38245, CVE-2024-43554, CVE-2024-35250: Part of the mskssrv driver series, with CVE-2024-35250 seeing a PoC exploit released in October 2024 and first observed in the wild on October 15, 2024, with exploitation attempts on November 21, 2024.

Associated Threats:

• Privilege escalation to SYSTEM level, with active exploitation following public disclosure, particularly after PoC availability, highlighting the risk to Windows environments.

Recommendations:

• Regularly patch Windows systems, focusing on critical vulnerabilities. Monitor for signs of privilege escalation, such as unexpected system crashes, using XDR and SIEM solutions. Leverage Falcon Exposure Management to prioritize patching based on exposure risk.

3. Applications (Microsoft SQL Server, Apache OFBiz, Microsoft Outlook)

CVEs and Details:

• CVE-2023-48788 and CVE-2023-27532: Microsoft SQL Server vulnerabilities abused via xp_cmdshell for unauthenticated RCE, reflecting living-off-the-land techniques.
• CVE-2024-45195, CVE-2024-32113, CVE-2024-36104, CVE-2024-38856: Direct request vulnerabilities in Apache OFBiz, exploited in September 2024, with earlier vulnerabilities showing persistent desynchronization flaws.
• CVE-2023-29324, CVE-2023-35384, CVE-2023-23397: Microsoft Outlook bypass vulnerabilities, exploited by FANCY BEAR since March 2022, used in spear-phishing campaigns, with CVE-2023-29324 mitigating to CVE-2023-23397.

Associated Threats:

• Unauthenticated RCE through legitimate feature abuse, bypassing authentication mechanisms, and spear-phishing campaigns targeting email systems. These threats often leverage public guidance for exploitation, with rapid adoption by threat actors.

Recommendations:

• Apply patches for affected applications, monitor for exploitation based on public guidance, and educate users on recognizing social engineering tactics. Use identity threat detection tools and XDR to detect and respond to credential theft and phishing attempts.

General Best Practices for Enhanced Cybersecurity

To complement specific CVE mitigation, organizations should adopt the following best practices, as outlined in the report:

• Secure Identities: Implement phishing-resistant MFA, enforce strong access policies, and use identity threat detection to protect against credential-based attacks.
• Eliminate Visibility Gaps: Deploy XDR and next-generation SIEM solutions for unified monitoring across endpoints, networks, and cloud, ensuring comprehensive visibility.
• Defend Cloud Environments: Utilize cloud-native protection platforms, implement strict access controls, and monitor cloud activity for anomalies to secure core infrastructure.
• Prioritize Vulnerability Management: Use adversary-centric approaches, focusing on patching internet-facing services and leveraging tools like Falcon Exposure Management to reduce noise and prioritize critical vulnerabilities.
• Know Your Adversary: Stay informed about threat actor TTPs, conduct regular security awareness training, and perform security exercises to test incident response plans.

Conclusion

This report provides a detailed overview of the 26 CVEs from the CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report, categorized by system type, with associated threats and mitigation strategies. By implementing the recommended actions and adopting general best practices, Barricade Cyber Solutions' clients and prospects can enhance their defenses against the sophisticated threats anticipated in 2025. Proactive, intelligence-driven cybersecurity is essential to maintaining a secure digital environment.

Key Citations

• CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report Detailed Analysis

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