Chinese cyber attack sparks alert over six year old MS vuln

Chinese Cyber Attack Sparks Alert Over Six Year Old MS Vuln

A recent cyber attack originating from China has sparked concern over a six year old vulnerability in Microsoft’s (MS) software. The attack, which targeted several major organizations in the United States and Europe, highlights the ongoing threat posed by known vulnerabilities that remain unpatched.

The vulnerability in question is a buffer overflow flaw in MS Office, which was first identified in 2014. Despite Microsoft releasing a patch for the issue at the time, many organizations have yet to apply the update, leaving them exposed to potential attacks.

According to security researchers, the Chinese cyber attack exploited this vulnerability to deliver malware to targeted systems. The attackers used a technique known as “memory-based exploitation,” which involves manipulating the memory of a program to execute malicious code.

The attack was highly sophisticated and evaded detection by many security systems, leading some experts to suggest that it may have been state-sponsored. The motivations behind the attack are still unclear, but it is believed that the attackers were seeking sensitive information and intellectual property.

The vulnerability exploited in this attack is just one of many that have been identified in MS software over the years. While Microsoft has consistently released patches and updates to address these issues, many organizations struggle to keep up with the pace of updates, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

This incident highlights the importance of staying vigilant in the face of cyber threats. Organizations must prioritize the application of security patches and updates, as well as implement robust security measures to detect and prevent attacks.

In response to this attack, many organizations are re-evaluating their security protocols and taking steps to ensure that all software is up-to-date. Some are also turning to third-party security solutions to supplement their existing defenses.

Experts warn that this attack is just the latest in a series of escalating cyber threats, and that organizations must remain proactive in order to protect themselves from future attacks. This includes staying informed about known vulnerabilities and taking steps to mitigate them before they can be exploited.

In conclusion, the Chinese cyber attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by known vulnerabilities in MS software. It is crucial that organizations prioritize the application of security patches and updates, as well as implement robust security measures to detect and prevent attacks. By remaining vigilant and proactive, organizations can protect themselves from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.