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Showing posts with label Device Vulnerability. Show all posts

Windows 10 Support Termination Leaves Devices Vulnerable

 

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, marking a major shift impacting hundreds of millions of users worldwide. Released in 2015, the operating system will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance, leaving all devices running it vulnerable to exploitation. This decision mirrors previous end-of-life events such as Windows XP, which saw a surge in cyberattacks after losing support.

Rising security threats

Without updates, Windows 10 systems are expected to become prime targets for hackers. Thousands of vulnerabilities have already been documented in public databases like ExploitDB, and several critical flaws have been actively exploited. 

Among them are CVE-2025-29824, a “use-after-free” bug in the Common Log File System Driver with a CVSS score of 7.8; CVE-2025-24993, a heap-based buffer overflow in NTFS marked as “known exploited”; and CVE-2025-24984, leaking NTFS log data with the highest EPSS score of 13.87%. 

These vulnerabilities enable privilege escalation, code execution, or remote intrusion, many of which have been added to the U.S. CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, signaling the seriousness of the risks.

Limited upgrade paths

Microsoft recommends that users migrate to Windows 11, which features modernized architecture and ongoing support. However, strict hardware requirements mean that roughly 200 million Windows 10 computers worldwide remain ineligible for the upgrade. 

For those unable to transition, Microsoft provides three main options: purchasing new hardware compatible with Windows 11, enrolling in a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program (offering patches for one extra year), or continuing to operate unsupported — a risky path exposing systems to severe cyber threats.

The support cutoff extends beyond the OS. Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 have simultaneously reached end-of-life, leaving only newer versions like Office 2021 and LTSC operable but unsupported on Windows 10. Users are encouraged to switch to Microsoft 365 or move licenses to Windows 11 devices. Notably, support for Office LTSC 2021 ends in October 2026.

Data protection tips

Microsoft urges users to back up critical data and securely erase drives before recycling or reselling devices. Participating manufacturers and Microsoft itself offer trade-in or recycling programs to ensure data safety. As cyber risks amplify and hackers exploit obsolete systems, users still on Windows 10 face a critical choice — upgrade, pay for ESU, or risk exposure in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.

The Corona Mirai Botnet: Exploiting End-of-Life IP Cameras

The Corona Mirai Botnet: Exploiting End-of-Life IP Cameras

A recent report by Akami experts highlights a troubling trend: the exploitation of a five-year-old zero-day vulnerability in end-of-life IP cameras by the Corona Mirai-based malware botnet. This blog delves into the details of this issue, its implications, and the broader lessons it offers for cybersecurity.

The Vulnerability in AVTECH IP Cameras

The specific target of this malware campaign is AVTECH IP cameras, which have been out of support since 2019. These cameras are no longer receiving security patches, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. The vulnerability in question is a remote code execution (RCE) zero-day, which allows attackers to inject malicious commands into the camera’s firmware via the network. This particular exploit leverages the ‘brightness’ function in the camera’s firmware, a seemingly harmless feature that has become a gateway for malicious activity.

The Corona Mirai-Based Malware Botnet

The Corona Mirai-based malware botnet is a variant of the infamous Mirai botnet, which has been responsible for some of the most significant distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks in recent history. By exploiting the RCE vulnerability in AVTECH IP cameras, the malware can gain control over these devices, adding them to its botnet. Once compromised, these cameras can be used to launch DDoS attacks, overwhelm networks, and disrupt services.

The Implications of Exploiting End-of-Life Devices

The exploitation of end-of-life devices like AVTECH IP cameras underscores a critical issue in cybersecurity: the risks associated with using outdated and unsupported technology. When manufacturers cease support for a device, it no longer receives security updates, leaving it vulnerable to new threats. In the case of AVTECH IP cameras, the lack of patches for the RCE vulnerability has made them easy targets for cybercriminals.

This situation highlights the importance of regular updates and patches in maintaining the security of devices. It also raises questions about the responsibility of manufacturers to provide long-term support for their products and the need for users to replace outdated technology with more secure alternatives.

Experts Suggest These Steps

  • Ensuring that all devices receive regular updates and patches is crucial in protecting against new vulnerabilities. Users should prioritize devices that are actively supported by manufacturers.
  • Manufacturers should clearly communicate end-of-life policies and provide guidance on replacing outdated devices. Users should be aware of these policies and plan for timely replacements.
  • Implementing network segmentation can help contain the impact of compromised devices. By isolating vulnerable devices from critical systems, organizations can reduce the risk of widespread damage.