The Download
A critical zero-day vulnerability currently affects all Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, enabling attackers to steal NTLM credentials through a simple file viewing mechanism. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking users into opening a malicious file in Windows Explorer, potentially through shared folders, USB drives, or downloaded files. Once successful, threat actors could gain unauthorized access to network credentials, potentially allowing lateral movement, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system access.
What You Can Do
In the absence of a patch from Microsoft, IT administrators can implement micro-patches provided by 0patch for affected Windows versions. This includes installing the 0patch Agent, creating a free account at 0patch Central, and ensuring automatic patch application. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security awareness training to educate users about potential file-based attack vectors, implement strict file handling protocols, and consider enhanced network segmentation to minimize potential credential compromise risks.
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