Windows update flaw could be a hidden gateway to zombie vulnerabilities

[Lee]

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Researchers have discovered a new way hackers could use to exploit Windows devices. They have found a vulnerability in your PC’s operating system that could let threat actors downgrade it to an older version of Windows. 

So, if you’re on Windows 11, they could roll it back to Windows 10, which would expose a bunch of old vulnerabilities they could use to take full control of your system.

Microsoft told CyberGuy it is working on a fix and claims the vulnerability is still just theoretical — the company hasn’t seen anyone try to exploit it yet. I’ll go over the details of this security flaw and share some tips to help you protect your PC.

How hackers exploit Windows downgrades

Alon Leviev, a researcher at SafeBreach, spotted the security flaw. Leviev says he started digging into downgrade attack methods after noticing that a big hacking campaign last year used malware called the "BlackLotus UEFI bootkit" that worked by downgrading the Windows boot manager to an old, vulnerable version.

Leviev found a way to downgrade Windows — either the whole operating system or just certain parts of it. He then created a proof-of-concept attack using this method to turn off a Windows protection called Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and target the highly privileged code running in the computer’s core, known as the "kernel."

Normally, when your PC requests an update, it communicates with a secure Microsoft server that controls the update process. Leviev couldn’t directly alter the server-controlled files, but he found that one key — "PoqexecCmdline" — was not locked, allowing him to manipulate the update process.

Using this control, Leviev was able to downgrade critical Windows components — including drivers, dynamic link libraries and the NT kernel — to older versions with known vulnerabilities. He also found ways to downgrade important security features like the Windows Secure Kernel, Credential Guard, the hypervisor and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS).

To make it clearer, older versions of Windows have unpatched issues that hackers can exploit to steal your data or take control of your PC. These issues get fixed when you update to the latest software version. But if hackers manage to downgrade your PC to an old, vulnerable version, they can easily break into your system.

What is Microsoft doing about the issue?

Microsoft has acknowledged the security flaw and is actively working on a fix. In response to an inquiry from CyberGuy, a company spokesperson provided the following statement:

"We appreciate the work of SafeBreach in identifying and responsibly reporting this vulnerability through a coordinated vulnerability disclosure. We are actively developing mitigations to protect against these risks while following an extensive process involving a thorough investigation, update development across all affected versions, and compatibility testing, to ensure maximized customer protection with minimized operational disruption."

The Redmond, Washington-based company said it is developing a security update that will revoke outdated, unpatched VBS system files to mitigate this threat. Due to the complexity of blocking such a large quantity of files, rigorous testing is required to avoid integration failures or regressions. The company added:

"We are not aware of any attempts to exploit the technique outlined in this report and are continuing to monitor the threat landscape as it evolves."G

Microsoft says that hackers haven't exploited the vulnerability yet, and even if they do, there’s little you can do from your side. Still, as general cybersecurity hygiene, keep your operating system and other software up-to-date.

It is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your devices from known vulnerabilities and security flaws. To update your Windows software and benefit from the latest security patches, follow these simple steps:

For Windows 10 and Windows 11

Click on the Start menu and select "Settings" (or press the Windows key + I shortcut).

In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security."

Under the "Windows Update" section, click "Check for updates."

If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, Windows will download and install them automatically.

Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to apply the updates.

For Windows 8.1 and Earlier Versions

Open the Control Panel and navigate to "System and Security."

Under the "Windows Update" section, click "Check for updates."

If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, select them and click "Install updates."

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Restart your computer if prompted to apply the updates.

Four additional ways to protect your Windows PC

The report says that even if the downgrade flaw is quite undetectable, hackers still need a way to get remote access to your computer. This is where you can stop them. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Install a strong antivirus program: Hackers often gain access to devices by sending infected emails or documents or tricking users into clicking a link that downloads malware. You can avoid this by installing strong antivirus software that will detect any potential threat before it can take over your device or router. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Recognize urgent requests as potential scams: Always be wary if someone is urgently requesting you to do something like send money, provide personal information or click on a link — chances are it’s a scam.

3. Use strong and unique passwords: Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. Second, it also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you’re logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself.  The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2024 here.

4. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

This latest Windows vulnerability is a major concern, exposing your PC to potential risks by allowing hackers to downgrade your system to an older, less secure version. By exploiting this flaw, attackers could access outdated vulnerabilities and take full control of your machine. While Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, the fact that this vulnerability even exists is a stark reminder of how critical it is to stay on top of system updates and security measures. Keep an eye on your system's security and be cautious as more details emerge.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/tech/windows-update-flaw-could-hidden-gateway-zombie-vulnerabilities

 

[earthdome]

Just uninstall that virus called windoze and install linux.

[Lee]

To each their own.

Not in the position for this old dog to try to learn any new tricks about an OS.

Hardware compatibility would rank high on my list of issues to avoid.

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What are the Disadvantages of Linux OS?

Compared to other operating systems, Linux has the following drawbacks:

System Compatibility: Certain hardware devices receive limited or no support in Linux. This could be due to a number of factors, including the device's lack of an open-source driver or the manufacturer's refusal to provide Linux-compatible drivers.

To avoid hardware compatibility issues, it is essential to verify that your hardware devices are compatible with Linux before installing the operating system. This may involve visiting the manufacturer's website to determine if Linux drivers are available or browsing online for information regarding the compatibility of particular hardware devices.

Although hardware compatibility can be an issue with Linux, taking the time to verify compatibility prior to installing the operating system can help you avoid potential problems and ensure that your hardware devices function as intended. This issue with hardware compatibility is one of Linux's disadvantages.

A Steep Learning Curve: Linux has a harsher learning curve than other operating systems, such as Windows and macOS, which is one of its primary disadvantages. Linux frequently requires command-line interfaces for certain duties, such as software installation and system configuration. This may take some getting used to for users accustomed to graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Linux offers advanced customizability and flexibility, which means that users may need to learn how to configure various aspects of the system in order to maximize its capabilities. This may require modifying configuration files or using command-line tools, which some users may find intimidating.

In addition, Linux can have a steeper learning curve, but there are numerous user-friendly distributions that can mitigate this issue. These distributions typically include graphical user interfaces that resemble those of other operating systems, as well as software that facilitates the completion of common duties.

Software interoperability: A further potential disadvantage of Linux is that not all software and applications are readily accessible. This is due to the fact that many software developers concentrate on creating applications for Windows and macOS, which have larger user bases. However, users can circumvent this issue in a variety of methods.

Many open-source and free software applications are available for Linux and can be used in lieu of proprietary software. The LibreOffice suite, for instance, provides equivalent functionality to Microsoft Office, while GIMP can be used as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

Users can utilize compatibility layers, such as Wine, to execute select Windows applications on Linux. Wine does not support all Windows applications, but it can provide a solution for users who need to execute a specific program.

Unsufficient standardization: The lack of standardization in the Linux ecosystem is another drawback. Unlike Windows and macOS, which have a centralized approach to software distribution and standardization, Linux has a decentralized approach with numerous distributions and package formats.

This fragmentation may result in compatibility issues between different distributions. Some software applications, for instance, may only be available in specific package formats that may not be compatible with all distributions. This results in incompatibility issues when attempting to install software on various distributions, which is extremely aggravating for users.

With the increasing prevalence of Linux and the community's efforts to standardize aspects of the ecosystem, this concern may diminish in the near future.

Lack of Commercial Support: Linux lacks the same level of commercial support as competing operating systems. This can make it difficult for users to obtain assistance when operating system problems or issues arise. For instance, a user may be unable to locate a commercial support team that can assist them with Linux troubleshooting.

Poor Gaming Support: Similarly to software, games do not support Linux natively. Because Linux is not a widely adopted platform, gaming developers have little interest in it. You cannot therefore anticipate your beloved game to function on Linux. In recent years, however, the number of games developed for Linux has increased. Even though you can obtain any game using third-party software, the game will not function as efficiently as it does on a native operating system.

https://www.zenarmor.com/docs/linux-tutorials/what-is-linux

 

 

[JJReyes]

Too old to learn the intricacies of the new technology.   Just learn to use it.  All my files are backed up in an external hard drive.  I purchase inexpensive laptops.  If the current one is hacked, I get rid of it and purchase a new one.  On sale, they are less than $200 brand new.

[earthdome]

5 hours ago, Lee said:

Hardware compatibility would rank high on my list of issues to avoid.

You can buy a new system with linux already installed and avoid the windoze tax and any issues with compatability. In 2018 I got a high end dell laptop pre installed with linux and with dell support.