Network Security
Vulnerability Management
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Endpoint Security
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Unified Endpoint Management
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Contents:
Exploit databases are relevant intelligence sources for security specialists that need to keep an eye on the latest exploits and vulnerabilities. They also offer a long-time perspective over the past years’ threat landscape.
An improper patch management policy still leads to companies being exposed to totally avoidable threats. Lack of time, a low awareness level among sysadmins, hybrid or remote work, and the existence of legacy systems are the most common factors that result in a poorly patched digital perimeter.
According to CISA`s advisory from August 3rd, 2023, threat actors exploited old, known, but unpatched vulnerabilities more frequently than new ones or zero-days. Therefore, regularly checking an exploit database to find out more about new and old exploits and vulnerabilities should be on the security admins` task list.
How to Use Exploit Databases to Bolster Security Posture
Exploits are specific tools and customized methods to leverage vulnerabilities in order to attack a system. Usually, they only work on a certain operating system, application, port, language, etc.
Just like Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are revealed in world-famous databases, proofs-of-concept (PoCs) and exploits are also disclosed for security admins` usage. Being aware of a new way to exploit a known vulnerability helps you take the right measures to mitigate or prevent the risk of a cyberattack.
Imagine that you live in a house with several windows. You are aware that you left one or two windows open, and you see a thief coming towards your place. He is carrying a ladder while looking straight at one of the open windows. Knowing how exactly he is planning to break into your property surely gives you an advantage.
Since not all CVEs are revealed along with „how to” instructions, there are two ways to anticipate how a malicious actor could use them to breach your system.
The first is time and resource consuming. You or a member of your team should test and create your own exploit. The easier way is to make a habit of checking regularly one of the top exploit databases.
Top Exploit Databases
Here are some of the most frequently used exploit databases. Use them yourself for your pen-testing and research, but only in a safe environment. The databases below are just tools that anybody can use for doing good or for harming other people or organizations. They all openly state their content is published and should be used only for educational purposes. However, you can imagine that not all their readers are well intended.
So, whenever you decide to download and run untrusted code, make sure you completely understand what it does.
Exploit DB
The Exploit Database was created by OffSec and is available as a public service. Their public exploits and vulnerabilities archive is updated daily and has reached over 45,710 entries. Exploit DB is rather a repository for exploits and PoCs than an advisory one.
Use the „Filters” option to scroll through this huge variety of exploits. Select the exact type, tag, platform, or port that you want. It also has „Verified” and „Has App” options you can check.
Besides all that, Exploit DB also offers Google Dork and Shellcode repositories you can browse.
Metasploit
Metasploit presents itself as the most used penetration testing framework in the world. You can use it to develop, test, and execute exploits. The platform offers modules for payloads, exploits, additional commands and tools, encoders, shellcode, and post-exploitation code, among other facilities.
0day
0day.today covers more than 38,754 exploits and is a connection point to roughly 46,000 researchers. As the platform states, they aim to be a fast intelligence source regarding new security breaches, so that security teams can swiftly patch them.
They provide up-to-date content for anybody interested to find, buy, or sell exploits incognito. The platform accepts transactions in digital currencies: Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
Vulnerability researchers and security professionals are free to search the database for local, remote DoS, PoC, shellcode, and various other exploits.
CXSecurity
This exploit database provides users with direct access to the latest exploits. Filters for local or remote vulnerabilities are in place, as well as information about the risk level, author, and release date. The database enables access to full code, so you can copy and reproduce the exploit on your environment. Proof-of-concept instructions are also available. The database also includes a top of the latest CVEs and Dorks.
Packet Storm Security
System admins and security researchers alike can benefit from finding out in time about newly discovered exploits. On Packet Storm Security they will find fresh intelligence about exploits, vulnerabilities, advisories, PoCs, etc. The „Whitepapers” section also comes in handy, especially for Web Application Developers.
Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management Software
- Schedule updates at your convenience;
- See any software assets in inventory;
- Global deployment and LAN P2P;
- And much more than we can fit in here...
How Can Heimdal Help with Scanning and Patch Management
Exploit databases are great for identifying critical vulnerabilities that need to be fixed. Security teams use them to study the exploits, so they can better protect their systems from future attacks.
However, exploits and vulnerabilities reach the end of their lives not when the software vendor releases a patch, but the moment you apply it.
The problem in most cases is that manual patching is slow, repetitive, and requires physical access to every device, in an increasingly interconnected and remote work-oriented world. Automated patch management puts an end to all this waste of time and resources. It is currently the fastest and most efficient way to solve the problem of keeping any software updated anytime, anywhere.
When we say „anything, anytime, anywhere”, we really mean it and we deliver it. The Infinity Management module offers security admins the unique ability to deploy custom software and patches that are not available in the Heimdal Patch & Asset Management catalog.
So, take a moment to run this free demo of Heimdal`s Patch and Asset Management solution. Get in touch with one of Heimdal`s highly trained security consultants, who are always ready to answer in detail any questions you may have. Additionally, you will get a 30-day free trial for your organization, on request.
Wrap Up
Threat hunters, pen testers, and ethical hackers follow and use exploit databases to keep up to date with what`s new in the field and test, in a safe environment, how vulnerable their systems are. Simulating an attack helps discover vulnerabilities and assess the needed security measures to take further. Double the efficiency of your team`s research activities with a top-notch patch management policy to keep your system safe from known vulnerabilities.
While the amount of available information is endlessly increasing, pick your sources with care and always put safety first.
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