768 CVEs Exploited in 2024: 20% Surge from 2023
Title: Exploited Vulnerabilities Surge in 2024: What You Need to Know
In 2024, the cybersecurity landscape has seen a significant uptick in the number of exploited vulnerabilities, with 768 vulnerabilities reported as exploited in the wild. This marks a 20% increase from 639 CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifiers reported in 2023. As threat actors continue to target these vulnerabilities aggressively, the importance of understanding and mitigating these risks has never been more crucial.
According to VulnCheck, 23.6% of the known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) were weaponized on or before the day their CVEs were publicly disclosed. While this figure reflects a slight decrease from 26.8% in 2023, it underscores the urgency for organizations to remain vigilant throughout a vulnerability’s lifecycle.
The Rising Threat: Chinese Hacking Groups Target Vulnerabilities
In a report released earlier this year, VulnCheck highlighted the alarming trend of Chinese hacking groups exploiting vulnerabilities. Out of 60 named threat actors tracked, 15 have been linked to the abuse of at least one of the top 15 routinely exploited vulnerabilities in 2023. Notably, the Log4j CVE (CVE-2021-44228) stands out, associated with 31 threat actors and affecting approximately 65,245 potentially vulnerable hosts.
Key Vulnerabilities and Their Impact
The report reveals that about 400,000 internet-accessible systems are likely vulnerable due to 15 critical security shortcomings found in widely used software, including:
- Apache
- Atlassian
- Barracuda
- Citrix
- Cisco
- Fortinet
- Microsoft
- Progress
- PaperCut
- Zoho
Organizations must assess their exposure to these technologies to mitigate potential risks effectively.
Protective Measures for Organizations
VulnCheck advises organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture by adopting several essential practices:
- Evaluate exposure to vulnerable technologies.
- Enhance visibility into potential risks.
- Leverage robust threat intelligence to stay informed.
- Maintain strong patch management practices to address vulnerabilities promptly.
- Implement mitigating controls, such as reducing internet-facing exposure of devices.
These proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prepared
As the number of exploited vulnerabilities continues to rise, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their systems. By remaining informed and implementing best practices, businesses can better safeguard themselves against potential threats.
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Sources:
- VulnCheck Report on Exploited Vulnerabilities VulnCheck
- Cybersecurity Trends and Threat Analysis Cybersecurity Insights