Secret CISO 2/21: Unpacking Breaches, Apple's Quantum Leap, ISO Milestones & Node.js Alerts

Secret CISO

Feb 22, 2024 — 7 min read

In today's issue of The Secret CISO newsletter, February 21, we dissect the pressing cybersecurity incidents and updates that have recently unfolded. We delve into the latest data breaches affecting sectors from government to healthcare, analyze the critical Node.js vulnerabilities reported this month, and review the significant cybersecurity appointments and salary trends. Our focus extends to the latest ISO certifications in the industry and Apple's innovative steps towards quantum-resistant security. This edition is designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the landscape as of February 21, equipping you with the necessary insights to navigate the evolving cybersecurity terrain.

1. Data Breaches

Butler County Data Breach

Butler County has initiated notifications to individuals impacted by a data breach that occurred in October. The breach highlights the ongoing challenge of securing sensitive information within government entities. This case underscores the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks and rapid response mechanisms to mitigate the consequences of such incidents. The county's efforts to communicate and rectify the breach reflect on the critical importance of transparency and accountability in handling personal data vulnerabilities.

Knight Barry Title, Inc. Breach

Knight Barry Title, Inc. has come under legal scrutiny following a cyberattack in 2023, leading to significant personal data compromise of its clients. This breach emphasizes the escalating risks facing the real estate sector and the paramount importance of safeguarding customer information. The ensuing class action lawsuit underscores the legal and financial repercussions of failing to implement adequate cybersecurity defenses, spotlighting the need for industry-wide security enhancements.

Washington National Data Breach

Washington National has faced a class action lawsuit following a data breach impacting sensitive customer information. This incident illustrates the vulnerabilities in the insurance sector and the profound implications of data security failures. It prompts a reevaluation of data protection strategies and emphasizes the necessity for insurance companies to fortify their cybersecurity measures to protect client data effectively and maintain trust.

Toronto Public Library Ransomware Attack

The Toronto Public Library is still assessing the full impact of a recent ransomware attack, marking a significant breach within the public sector. This incident highlights the increasing threat of ransomware to public institutions and the critical need for improved security protocols and education on cyber threats. The ongoing investigation and the involvement of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario indicate the severe implications and the growing concern over cybersecurity in public services.

American Vision Partners Data Breach

American Vision Partners reported a data breach exposing sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and medical details. This breach points to the significant cybersecurity risks in the healthcare sector and the devastating impact of data breaches on patient privacy and trust. The incident calls for heightened security measures and regulatory compliance to protect patients' sensitive information and prevent similar breaches in the future.

2. Top CVE

Node.js Environment Variable Handling Error

CVE-2024-21892. This vulnerability in Node.js underlines a critical flaw where the platform ignores specific environment variables when set by unprivileged users, except for CAP_NET_BIND_SERVICE, due to a bug. This could potentially lead to security bypasses or unintended behavior in applications running with elevated privileges. The exposure calls for immediate attention to review and update Node.js environments, emphasizing the intricate balance between security measures and functionality in development platforms.

Node.js HTTP Server Denial of Service

CVE-2024-22019 A significant vulnerability within Node.js HTTP servers, where a specially crafted HTTP request with chunked encoding can cause resource exhaustion and denial of service. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input and resource management mechanisms in server applications to prevent potential DoS attacks, prompting developers to apply updates or patches to mitigate the risk of service disruptions.

Apache DolphinScheduler MITM Attack Vulnerability

CVE-2023-49250. This security flaw in Apache DolphinScheduler stems from the HttpUtils class not verifying certificates correctly, allowing an attacker to perform a Man-in-the-Middle attack on outgoing HTTPS connections. It underscores the vital importance of certificate validation in maintaining the integrity and security of data in transit, urging users to upgrade to a safer version to avoid impersonation risks.

Apache DolphinScheduler Arbitrary File Read Vulnerability

CVE-2023-51770. This issue in Apache DolphinScheduler allows for an arbitrary file read vulnerability, which could enable attackers to access sensitive information beyond their permission levels. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for strict access controls and file permissions in software applications, encouraging users to update their systems to prevent unauthorized data access.

Apache DolphinScheduler Remote Code Execution Exposure

CVE-2023-49109. This vulnerability represents a severe risk in Apache DolphinScheduler, where remote code execution is possible due to software weaknesses. This highlights the continuous threat of remote attacks in the software ecosystem and the essential need for regular updates and security practices to protect against unauthorized code execution and potential system compromises.

3. Security Research

BlueWhale Research ISO Certifications

(ISO 27001 and ISO 27701): BlueWhale Research's achievement of ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications underscores its commitment to information security and privacy management. This validation by an accredited third-party auditor signifies a significant milestone in the company's journey towards establishing robust security and privacy frameworks. These certifications are critical in enhancing trust with clients and stakeholders, demonstrating compliance with international standards, and reinforcing the company's dedication to securing sensitive information.

Apple iMessage Quantum Security Upgrade

Apple's announcement of a quantum security upgrade for iMessage, termed PQ3, marks a significant advancement in messaging security, aiming to protect communications against potential future quantum attacks. This initiative reflects Apple's proactive approach to cybersecurity, adapting to emerging threats and setting a new standard for secure messaging at scale. The implementation showcases the importance of forward-thinking in cryptographic security and the ongoing evolution of communication technologies in the face of quantum computing.

Absolute Software in SSE Landscape Report

Absolute Software's inclusion in the Security Services Edge (SSE) Landscape Report by an independent research firm highlights the company's prominence and capabilities in cybersecurity. This recognition is indicative of Absolute Software's resilience and effectiveness in providing comprehensive security solutions, reinforcing its position in the market and its commitment to addressing complex security challenges faced by organizations today.

Research Security Standards by OSTP

The push for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to finalize research security standards reflects the increasing importance of structured security programs within research institutions. This development is crucial for safeguarding sensitive research and information against evolving threats, emphasizing the need for standardized practices and guidelines to maintain the integrity and security of scientific and academic research.

ConnectWise Vulnerability Alert

The warning regarding the exploitation of a high-risk vulnerability in ConnectWise, a widely used remote access tool, underscores the critical nature of software security in today’s interconnected environment. This situation highlights the ease with which attackers can exploit software vulnerabilities and the urgent need for organizations to patch and secure their systems. It serves as a reminder of the continuous vigilance required to protect against cyber threats and the importance of timely updates and security practices.

4. CISO Jobs

Visa, Director – Cybersecurity, Payment Security Standards

The role at Visa in Highlands Ranch, CO, with a significant salary range, underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity within the financial and payment sectors. This position emphasizes the need for high standards in payment security to combat fraud and ensure the safety of global transactions, reflecting the industry's commitment to maintaining trust and security in financial systems.

Skydance, Director of Information Security

The position in Santa Monica, CA, offers a substantial salary and highlights the entertainment industry's prioritization of cybersecurity. This role focuses on protecting intellectual property and customer data, which are paramount in media and entertainment, showcasing the unique cybersecurity challenges and high stakes involved in this sector.

Regeneron, Director RGC Business Information Security Officer

Located in Tarrytown, NY, this hybrid position illustrates the pharmaceutical industry's emphasis on securing sensitive health and research data. It highlights the necessity of specialized security leadership to protect critical information in healthcare and medical research, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of vital data.

CaaStle, Head of Information Security

This role reflects the fashion and retail industry's growing focus on cybersecurity, situated in Mountain View, CA, with a hybrid work model. It signifies the importance of securing customer and company data amidst the industry's digital transformation, emphasizing strategic security frameworks and practices.

Cloud, Jobs via eFinancialCareers, Director, Architecture - Enterprise Cybersecurity

This position, based in Merrimack, NH, showcases the merging of cybersecurity with cloud architecture, especially within the financial sector. It underlines the necessity for advanced security strategies and solutions in protecting financial data against cyber threats, highlighting the evolving landscape of enterprise cybersecurity and cloud technologies.

Final words

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of The Secret CISO newsletter in full. Your engagement and dedication to staying informed are what drive us to deliver the most relevant and impactful cybersecurity insights. If you found the information and analyses provided in this issue valuable, we kindly encourage you to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues who may also benefit from our content. Together, we can foster a more informed and resilient cybersecurity community.

Thank you once again for your continued support and trust.

Best regards,
The Secret CISO Team