Canary Trap

A critical PHP vulnerability, CVE-2024-4577, affecting Windows-based PHP installations, has been actively exploited worldwide since its disclosure in June 2024. Initially believed to be primarily targeting Japan, recent telemetry from GreyNoise confirms that mass exploitation has extended to multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, and India. The vulnerability enables remote code execution (RCE), making it a significant threat to compromised systems. Cisco Talos recently reported that an unknown threat actor leveraged CVE-2024-4577 for initial access in targeted attacks against Japanese organizations in the telecom, technology, and education sectors, using Cobalt Strike’s TaoWu plug-ins for post-exploitation activities. GreyNoise’s data indicates that the vulnerability has been exploited at a large scale, with notable attack spikes occurring in January and February 2025. The company observed 1,089 unique IP addresses launching attacks in January alone, with more than 40% of these originating from Germany and China. Attackers appear to be conducting automated scans for vulnerable targets, suggesting a coordinated effort behind the increasing number of incidents. Security researchers warn that exploitation of CVE-2024-4577 is not limited to credential theft but could also involve privilege escalation and long-term persistence, potentially leading to more sophisticated cyber intrusions. The widespread nature of these attacks underscores the importance of patching vulnerable PHP installations, strengthening network monitoring, and implementing proactive security measures to mitigate the risk of compromise. Wright, Rob. 2025. “Critical PHP Vulnerability Under Widespread Cyberattack.” Cybersecurity Dive. Mar. 10. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/4l1M71S #CanaryTrap #CyberSecurity #PHPVulnerability #CyberThreats

How many spam calls or texts do you get daily? Protecting your phone isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessity.

Our smartphones are more than just gadgets—they are lifelines. From banking and healthcare to personal conversations and business operations, they hold the keys to our digital lives. But while we rely on them for convenience, cybercriminals see them as prime targets, exploiting vulnerabilities to steal data, infiltrate networks, and compromise security. Unlike traditional computers, mobile devices are constantly connected, syncing across multiple platforms, downloading third-party apps, and accessing unsecured networks. This seamless integration is what makes them both powerful and dangerously exposed. A single malicious link, an infected app, or an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection can grant hackers access to a world of sensitive information—often without the user realizing it. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the evolving landscape of mobile security, uncovering the most prevalent threats, attack methods, and defensive strategies. Whether you're an individual looking to safeguard your personal data or an enterprise managing hundreds of corporate devices, understanding how to defend against modern mobile threats is essential. Let’s explore how to stay one step ahead in the battle for mobile security. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 Mobile devices have become so ingrained in our daily lives that they’re now a top target for cybercriminals. The widespread adoption of mobile banking, the surge in work-from-home arrangements, and the expansion of cloud storage have all made smartphones prime entry points for attacks. Mobile devices are now not only used for personal communication but also for financial transactions, business operations, and accessing sensitive cloud-based data, making them critical to both individuals and busine𝘀ses. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/4iqgwWa #CanaryTrap #MobileSecurity #CyberSecurity #DataProtection

Welcome to Canary Trap’s “Bi-Weekly Cyber Roundup”. At Canary Trap, it is our mission to keep you up-to-date with the most crucial news in the world of cybersecurity, and this bi-weekly publication is your gateway to the latest news. In this week's round-up, we explore the latest cybersecurity threats and emerging attack techniques. From OBSCURE#BAT malware deploying rootkits via fake CAPTCHA pages, to a new AI jailbreak method that bypasses safeguards across multiple models, and adversaries continuing to evolve their tactics. We’ll also cover a sophisticated Microsoft 365 phishing scam, the persistent risks posed by remote access infrastructure, and KPMG Canada's warning about rising fraud and cybersecurity threats amid shifting supply chains. Finally, we’ll examine how researchers bypassed ChatGPT’s protections using hexadecimal encoding and emojis. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/41wG4cS #CyberRoundup #CanaryTrap #LatestNews #DigitalDefense #CyberSecurity

🎉 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬! 🎉 Canary Trap is excited to welcome the incredible Anisa Ringler-Scott as our new Business Operations Manager! 🚀✨ Anisa is bringing her expertise in streamlining processes, optimizing efficiency, and keeping everything running like a well-oiled machine. 🔧⚙️ With her at the helm of operations, we’re leveling up our ability to deliver seamless, top-tier offensive security (penetration) testing and advisory services. Her attention to detail, strategic mindset, and passion for excellence make her the perfect addition to our team. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make! Welcome aboard, Anisa! Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity together. 🛡️💡 #NewHire #WelcomeAnisa #CanaryTrap #OffensiveSecurity #PenetrationTesting

Hack-for-hire services are reshaping the cybercrime landscape, making cyberattacks more accessible to governments, corporations, and individuals. This emerging industry blurs the line between ethical cybersecurity work and outright criminal activities, with some groups selling hacking tools under the guise of security research. The rise of AI-driven hacking and economic desperation among unemployed tech workers has further fueled the growth of cyber mercenaries, making sophisticated cyberattacks easier to execute and harder to regulate. The distinction between legitimate penetration testing and illicit cyber mercenary work is increasingly difficult to define. While ethical hackers operate under strict guidelines, others exploit legal loopholes to engage in corporate espionage, data theft, and political surveillance. High-profile cases, such as the misuse of NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware and the UAE’s Project Raven, highlight how security tools can be turned against their intended purpose. With governments struggling to enforce laws across international borders, cyber mercenaries often operate with near-total impunity. Addressing this crisis requires stronger global cooperation, stricter regulations, and increased vetting of cybersecurity firms to prevent ties to illicit hacking operations. As AI-driven cyber tools continue to evolve, the unchecked growth of cyber mercenaries threatens digital security, privacy, and geopolitical stability. Without decisive action, cyberspace risks becoming dominated by an unregulated shadow industry that enables corporate espionage, state-sponsored hacking, and widespread cybercrime. Sayegh, Emil. 2025. “How ‘Hack For Hire’ Mercenaries Are Reshaping Cybersecurity Crime.” Forbes. Mar. 11. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/4iG1ICe #CanaryTrap #CyberCrime #HackForHire #CyberSecurity #DigitalDefense

In the span of a decade, the Internet of Things (IoT) has woven itself into nearly every aspect of modern life. From smart thermostats adjusting home temperatures to industrial sensors optimizing factory production, the number of connected devices has skyrocketed. But with this rapid expansion comes an unsettling truth—each connected device is a potential entry point for cyberattacks. The convenience and innovation of IoT come at a steep cost: a vastly increased attack surface. Unlike traditional computing devices, IoT devices often lack robust security protections. Many are shipped with default credentials, run on outdated firmware, or communicate unencrypted data over networks. As a result, cybercriminals can hijack IoT devices, infiltrate networks, and even weaponize compromised devices to launch large-scale botnet attacks. Worse still, IoT security breaches don’t just threaten data—they can disrupt critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and even personal safety. This blog will explore the biggest threats to IoT security, the best practices for protecting connected devices, and how businesses and individuals can future-proof their IoT ecosystems against cyber risks. Whether you're a consumer with a home full of smart devices or an enterprise managing thousands of IoT endpoints, understanding and addressing IoT security is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗼𝗧 Many IoT devices are designed with minimal security considerations, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Among the most prevalent attack methods are botnets, which harness thousands of compromised IoT devices to launch large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/4iLIT0C #CanaryTrap #IoTSecurity #CyberThreats #SmartDeviceProtection

🔐 Ever wonder how hackers really break in? Canary Trap's CTO, Shawn Marriott breaks it down in this eye-opening video. Any guesses on the most exploitable vendor? 🤔 Watch now to find out! #CyberSecurity #OffensiveSecurity #PenTesting #CanaryTrap #PatchYourDevices

Threat actors are exploiting AWS misconfigurations to launch phishing campaigns using Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) and WorkMail. Identified as TGR-UNK-0011 (JavaGhost), this group initially focused on website defacement but pivoted to phishing for financial gain in 2022. Rather than exploiting AWS vulnerabilities, the attackers leverage exposed IAM access keys to infiltrate cloud environments, send phishing emails from trusted sources, and bypass security measures. Once inside, JavaGhost generates temporary credentials and login URLs to mask its identity and navigate AWS resources. The group sets up new SES and WorkMail accounts with SMTP credentials to distribute phishing messages. Notably, they create multiple IAM users, some for active use and others seemingly for long-term persistence. To further evade detection, JavaGhost establishes IAM roles with trust policies, allowing access from AWS accounts under their control. A unique hallmark of their operation is the creation of EC2 security groups named “Java_Ghost”, described as “We Are There But Not Visible.” These groups lack security rules and aren’t attached to resources but leave traces in CloudTrail logs. This attack method underscores the need for strong IAM security, regular audits, and the protection of access keys to prevent AWS environment exploitation. Lakshmanan, Ravie. 2025. “Hackers Exploit AWS Misconfigurations to Launch Phishing Attacks via SES and WorkMail.” The Hacker News. Mar. 3. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/3XnFq07 #CanaryTrap #CyberSecurity #CloudSecurity #AWS #Phishing #IAM

The cloud has become the backbone of modern digital operations, powering everything from corporate infrastructures to personal storage. Organizations are embracing cloud technology at an unprecedented pace, drawn by its scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. But with this transformation comes an unsettling reality—security risks are evolving just as rapidly. Cloud computing is a double-edged sword—while it enables innovation and seamless collaboration, it also creates new attack surfaces for cybercriminals. Cloud environments, while offering unparalleled convenience, are also prime targets for exploitation. The very features that make cloud computing indispensable—remote access, shared resources, and massive data storage—can also serve as entry points for cyber threats. Misconfigurations, data breaches, unauthorized access, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) pose constant challenges, leaving organizations vulnerable if cloud security is not a priority. This blog explores the critical role of cloud security in defending digital assets. We’ll examine the biggest threats, proven best practices, and key technologies that organizations can leverage to safeguard their cloud environments. Whether securing sensitive data or managing multi-cloud deployments, mastering cloud security basics is key to addressing evolving cyber risks. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 The cloud has revolutionized data management, but it also brings new security challenges. Operating under a shared responsibility model, both providers and users must protect assets. Yet, misconfigurations, weak authentication, and emerging threats make cloud environments prime targets for attackers. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: https://bit.ly/3XwnrV6 #CanaryTrap #CloudSecurity #CyberThreats #DataProtection #CloudDefense