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Top CVEs Actively Exploited By People’s Republic of China State-Sponsored Cyber Actors

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### Summary This joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) provides the top Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) used since 2020 by People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actors as assessed by the National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). PRC state-sponsored cyber actors continue to exploit known vulnerabilities to actively target U.S. and allied networks as well as software and hardware companies to steal intellectual property and develop access into sensitive networks. This joint CSA builds on previous NSA, CISA, and FBI reporting to inform federal and state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) government; critical infrastructure, including the Defense Industrial Base Sector; and private sector organizations about notable trends and persistent tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). NSA, CISA, and FBI urge U.S. and allied governments, critical infrastructure, and private sector organizations to apply the recommendations listed in the Mitigations section and Appendix A to increase their defensive posture and reduce the threat of compromise from PRC state-sponsored malicious cyber actors. For more information on PRC state-sponsored malicious cyber activity, see CISA’s [China Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories webpage](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/china>), FBI’s [Industry Alerts](<https://www.ic3.gov/Home/IndustryAlerts>), and NSA’s [Cybersecurity Advisories & Guidance](<https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Cybersecurity-Advisories-Guidance/>). Download the PDF version of this report: [pdf, 409 KB](<https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/06/2003092365/-1/-1/0/Joint_CSA_Top_CVEs_Exploited_by_PRC_cyber_actors_.PDF>) ### Technical Details NSA, CISA, and FBI continue to assess PRC state-sponsored cyber activities as being one of the largest and most dynamic threats to U.S. government and civilian networks. PRC state-sponsored cyber actors continue to target government and critical infrastructure networks with an increasing array of new and adaptive techniques—some of which pose a significant risk to Information Technology Sector organizations (including telecommunications providers), Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Sector organizations, and other critical infrastructure organizations. PRC state-sponsored cyber actors continue to exploit known vulnerabilities and use publicly available tools to target networks of interest. NSA, CISA, and FBI assess PRC state-sponsored cyber actors have actively targeted U.S. and allied networks as well as software and hardware companies to steal intellectual property and develop access into sensitive networks. See Table 1 for the top used CVEs. _Table I: Top CVEs most used by Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors since 2020_ Vendor | CVE | Vulnerability Type ---|---|--- Apache Log4j | CVE-2021-44228 | Remote Code Execution Pulse Connect Secure | CVE-2019-11510 | Arbitrary File Read GitLab CE/EE | CVE-2021-22205 | Remote Code Execution Atlassian | CVE-2022-26134 | Remote Code Execution Microsoft Exchange | CVE-2021-26855 | Remote Code Execution F5 Big-IP | CVE-2020-5902 | Remote Code Execution VMware vCenter Server | CVE-2021-22005 | Arbitrary File Upload Citrix ADC | CVE-2019-19781 | Path Traversal Cisco Hyperflex | CVE-2021-1497 | Command Line Execution Buffalo WSR | CVE-2021-20090 | Relative Path Traversal Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center | CVE-2021-26084 | Remote Code Execution Hikvision Webserver | CVE-2021-36260 | Command Injection Sitecore XP | CVE-2021-42237 | Remote Code Execution F5 Big-IP | CVE-2022-1388 | Remote Code Execution Apache | CVE-2022-24112 | Authentication Bypass by Spoofing ZOHO | CVE-2021-40539 | Remote Code Execution Microsoft | CVE-2021-26857 | Remote Code Execution Microsoft | CVE-2021-26858 | Remote Code Execution Microsoft | CVE-2021-27065 | Remote Code Execution Apache HTTP Server | CVE-2021-41773 | Path Traversal These state-sponsored actors continue to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to obfuscate their activities and target web-facing applications to establish initial access. Many of the CVEs indicated in Table 1 allow the actors to surreptitiously gain unauthorized access into sensitive networks, after which they seek to establish persistence and move laterally to other internally connected networks. For additional information on PRC state-sponsored cyber actors targeting network devices, please see [People’s Republic of China State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Exploit Network Providers and Devices](<https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Press-Releases-Statements/Press-Release-View/Article/3055748/nsa-cisa-and-fbi-expose-prc-state-sponsored-exploitation-of-network-providers-d/>). ### Mitigations NSA, CISA, and FBI urge organizations to apply the recommendations below and those listed in Appendix A. * Update and patch systems as soon as possible. Prioritize patching vulnerabilities identified in this CSA and other [known exploited vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>). * Utilize phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Require all accounts with password logins to have strong, unique passwords, and change passwords immediately if there are indications that a password may have been compromised. * Block obsolete or unused protocols at the network edge. * Upgrade or replace end-of-life devices. * Move toward the Zero Trust security model. * Enable robust logging of Internet-facing systems and monitor the logs for anomalous activity. ## Appendix A _Table II: Apache CVE-2021-44228_ Apache CVE-2021-44228 CVSS 3.0: 10 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Apache Log4j2 2.0-beta9 through 2.15.0 (excluding security releases 2.12.2, 2.12.3, and 2.3.1) JNDI features used in configuration, log messages, and parameters do not protect against malicious actor controlled LDAP and other JNDI related endpoints. A malicious actor who can control log messages or log message parameters could execute arbitrary code loaded from LDAP servers when message lookup substitution is enabled. From log4j 2.15.0, this behavior has been disabled by default. From version 2.16.0 (along with 2.12.2, 2.12.3, and 2.3.1), this functionality has been completely removed. Note that this vulnerability is specific to log4j-core and does not affect log4net, log4cxx, or other Apache Logging Services projects. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply patches provided by vendor and perform required system updates. _Detection Methods_ * See vendor’s [Guidance For Preventing, Detecting, and Hunting for Exploitation of the Log4j 2 Vulnerability](<https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/12/11/guidance-for-preventing-detecting-and-hunting-for-cve-2021-44228-log4j-2-exploitation/>). _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ There are numerous vulnerable technologies and versions associated with CVE-2021-44228. For a full list, check <https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228>. _Table III: Pulse CVE-2019-11510_ Pulse CVE-2019-11510 CVSS 3.0: 10 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ This vulnerability has been modified since it was last analyzed by NVD. It is awaiting reanalysis, which may result in further changes to the information provided. In Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) 8.2 before 8.2R12.1, 8.3 before 8.3R7.1, and 9.0 before 9.0R3.4, an unauthenticated remote malicious actor could send a specially crafted URI to perform an arbitrary file reading vulnerability. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply patches provided by vendor and perform required system updates. _Detection Methods_ * Use CISA’s “Check Your Pulse” Tool. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) 8.2 before 8.2R12.1, 8.3 before 8.3R7.1, and 9.0 before 9.0R3.4 _Table IV: GitLab CVE-2021-22205_ GitLab CVE-2021-22205 CVSS 3.0: 10 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 11.9. GitLab was not properly validating image files passed to a file parser, which resulted in a remote command execution. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update to 12.10.3, 13.9.6, and 13.8.8 for GitLab. * Hotpatch is available via GitLab. _Detection Methods_ * Investigate logfiles. * Check GitLab Workhorse. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Gitlab CE/EE. _Table V: Atlassian CVE-2022-26134_ Atlassian CVE-2022-26134 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ In affected versions of Confluence Server and Data Center, an OGNL injection vulnerability exists that could allow an unauthenticated malicious actor to execute arbitrary code on a Confluence Server or Data Center instance. The affected versions are from 1.3.0 before 7.4.17, 7.13.0 before 7.13.7, 7.14.0 before 7.14.3, 7.15.0 before 7.15.2, 7.16.0 before 7.16.4, 7.17.0 before 7.17.4, and 7.18.0 before 7.18.1. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Immediately block all Internet traffic to and from affected products AND apply the update per vendor instructions. * Ensure Internet-facing servers are up-to-date and have secure compliance practices. * Short term workaround is provided [here](<https://confluence.atlassian.com/doc/confluence-security-advisory-2022-06-02-1130377146.html>). _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ All supported versions of Confluence Server and Data Center Confluence Server and Data Center versions after 1.3.0 _Table VI: Microsoft CVE-2021-26855_ Microsoft CVE-2021-26855 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Microsoft has released security updates for Windows Exchange Server. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an authenticated malicious actor could send malicious requests to an affected server. A malicious actor who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities would execute arbitrary code and compromise the affected systems. If successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities could allow an adversary to obtain access to sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, cause a denial of service conditions, and/or perform unauthorized actions on the affected Exchange server, which could aid in further malicious activity. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply the appropriate Microsoft Security Update. * Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23 (KB5000871) * Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 18 (KB5000871) * Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 19 (KB5000871) * Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 7 (KB5000871) * Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 8 (KB5000871) * Restrict untrusted connections. _Detection Methods_ * Analyze Exchange product logs for evidence of exploitation. * Scan for known webshells. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Microsoft Exchange 2013, 2016, and 2019. _Table VII: F5 CVE-2020-5902_ F5 CVE-2020-5902 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ In BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.3, 14.1.0-14.1.2.5, 13.1.0-13.1.3.3, 12.1.0-12.1.5.1, and 11.6.1-11.6.5.1, the Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI), also referred to as the Configuration utility, has a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in undisclosed pages. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply FY BIG-IP Update. * Restrict access to the configuration utility. _Detection Methods_ * Use F5’s [CVE-2020-5902 IoC Detection Tool](<https://github.com/f5devcentral/cve-2020-5902-ioc-bigip-checker/>). * Additional detection methods can be found at <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K52145254>. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ F5 Big-IP Access Policy Manager F5 Big-IP Advanced Firewall Manager F5 Big-IP Advanced Web Application Firewall F5 Big-IP Analytics F5 Big-IP Application Acceleration Manager F5 Big-IP Application Security Manager F5 Big-IP Ddos Hybrid Defender F5 Big-IP Domain Name System (DNS) F5 Big-IP Fraud Protection Service (FPS) F5 Big-IP Global Traffic Manager (GTM) F5 Big-IP Link Controller F5 Networks Big-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) F5 Big-IP Policy Enforcement Manager (PEM) F5 SSL Orchestrator _References_ <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K00091341> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K07051153> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K20346072> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K31301245> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K33023560> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K43638305> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K52145254> <https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K82518062> _Table VIII: VMware CVE-2021-22005_ VMware CVE-2021-22005 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ The vCenter Server contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Analytics service. A malicious actor with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server may exploit this issue to execute code on vCenter Server by uploading a specially crafted file. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply Vendor Updates. _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ VMware Cloud Foundation VMware VCenter Server _Table IX: Citrix CVE-2019-19781_ Citrix CVE-2019-19781 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ This vulnerability has been modified since it was last analyzed by NVD. It is awaiting reanalysis, which may result in further changes to the information provided. An issue was discovered in Citrix Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and Gateway 10.5, 11.1, 12.0, 12.1, and 13.0. They allow Directory Traversal. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply vendor [mitigations](<https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX267679/mitigation-steps-for-cve201919781>). * Use the CTX269180 - [CVE-2019-19781 Verification Tool](<https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX269180/cve201919781-verification-tool>) provided by Citrix. _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Citrix ADC, Gateway, and SD-WAN WANOP _Table X: Cisco CVE-2021-1497_ Cisco CVE-2021-1497 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX could allow an unauthenticated, remote malicious actor to perform a command injection against an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Technical details section of this advisory. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply Cisco software updates. _Detection Methods_ * Look at the Snort [Rules](<https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-hyperflex-rce-TjjNrkpR#details>) provided by Cisco. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Cisco Hyperflex Hx Data Platform 4.0(2A) _Table XI: Buffalo CVE-2021-20090_ Buffalo CVE-2021-20090 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ A path traversal vulnerability in the web interfaces of Buffalo WSR-2533DHPL2 firmware version <= 1.02 and WSR-2533DHP3 firmware version <= 1.24 could allow unauthenticated remote malicious actors to bypass authentication. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update firmware to latest available version. _Detection Methods_ * N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Buffalo Wsr-2533Dhpl2-Bk Firmware Buffalo Wsr-2533Dhp3-Bk Firmware _Table XII: Atlassian CVE-2021-26084_ Atlassian CVE-2021-26084 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ In affected versions of Confluence Server and Data Center, an OGNL injection vulnerability exists that would allow an unauthenticated malicious actor to execute arbitrary code on a Confluence Server or Data Center instance. The affected versions are before version 6.13.23 and from version 6.14.0 before 7.4.11, version 7.5.0 before 7.11.6, and version 7.12.0 before 7.12.5. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update confluence version to 6.13.23, 7.4.11, 7.11.6, 7.12.5, and 7.13.0. * Avoid using end-of-life devices. * Use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Atlassian Confluence Atlassian Confluence Server Atlassian Data Center Atlassian Jira Data Center _Table XIII: Hikvision CVE-2021-36260_ Hikvision CVE-2021-36260 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ This vulnerability has been modified since it was last analyzed by NVD. It is awaiting reanalysis, which may result in further changes to the information provided. A command injection vulnerability exists in the web server of some Hikvision products. Due to the insufficient input validation, a malicious actor can exploit the vulnerability to launch a command injection by sending some messages with malicious commands. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply the latest firmware updates. _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Various Hikvision Firmware to include Ds, Ids, and Ptz _References_ <https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2021/09/28/rce-vulnerability-hikvision-cameras-cve-2021-36260> _Table XIV: Sitecore CVE-2021-42237_ Sitecore CVE-2021-42237 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Sitecore XP 7.5 Initial Release to Sitecore XP 8.2 Update-7 is vulnerable to an insecure deserialization attack where it is possible to achieve remote command execution on the machine. No authentication or special configuration is required to exploit this vulnerability. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update to latest version. * Delete the Report.ashx file from /sitecore/shell/ClientBin/Reporting/Report.ashx. _Detection Methods_ * N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Sitecore Experience Platform 7.5, 7.5 Update 1, and 7.5 Update 2 Sitecore Experience Platform 8.0, 8.0 Service Pack 1, and 8.0 Update 1-Update 7 Sitecore Experience Platform 8.0 Service Pack 1 Sitecore Experience Platform 8.1, and Update 1-Update 3 Sitecore Experience Platform 8.2, and Update 1-Update 7 _Table XV: F5 CVE-2022-1388_ F5 CVE-2022-1388 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ This vulnerability has been modified since it was last analyzed by NVD. It is awaiting reanalysis, which may result in further changes to the information provided. On F5 BIG-IP 16.1.x versions prior to 16.1.2.2, 15.1.x versions prior to 15.1.5.1, 14.1.x versions prior to 14.1.4.6, 13.1.x versions prior to 13.1.5, and all 12.1.x and 11.6.x versions, undisclosed requests may bypass iControl REST authentication. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Block iControl REST access through the self IP address. * Block iControl REST access through the management interface. * Modify the BIG-IP httpd configuration. _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Big IP versions: 16.1.0-16.1.2 15.1.0-15.1.5 14.1.0-14.1.4 13.1.0-13.1.4 12.1.0-12.1.6 11.6.1-11.6.5 _Table XVI: Apache CVE-2022-24112_ Apache CVE-2022-24112 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ A malicious actor can abuse the batch-requests plugin to send requests to bypass the IP restriction of Admin API. A default configuration of Apache APISIX (with default API key) is vulnerable to remote code execution. When the admin key was changed or the port of Admin API was changed to a port different from the data panel, the impact is lower. But there is still a risk to bypass the IP restriction of Apache APISIX's data panel. There is a check in the batch-requests plugin which overrides the client IP with its real remote IP. But due to a bug in the code, this check can be bypassed. _Recommended Mitigations_ * In affected versions of Apache APISIX, you can avoid this risk by explicitly commenting out batch-requests in the conf/config.yaml and conf/config-default.yaml files and restarting Apache APISIX. * Update to 2.10.4 or 2.12.1. _Detection Methods_ N/A _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Apache APISIX between 1.3 and 2.12.1 (excluding 2.12.1) LTS versions of Apache APISIX between 2.10.0 and 2.10.4 _Table XVII: ZOHO CVE-2021-40539_ ZOHO CVE-2021-40539 CVSS 3.0: 9.8 (Critical) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Zoho ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus version 6113 and prior is vulnerable to REST API authentication bypass with resultant remote code execution. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Upgrade to latest version. _Detection Methods_ * Run ManageEngine’s detection tool. * Check for specific files and [logs](<https://www.manageengine.com/products/self-service-password/advisory/CVE-2021-40539.html>). _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Zoho Corp ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus _Table XVIII: Microsoft CVE-2021-26857_ Microsoft CVE-2021-26857 CVSS 3.0: 7.8 (High) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Microsoft Exchange Server remote code execution vulnerability. This CVE ID differs from CVE-2021-26412, CVE-2021-26854, CVE-2021-26855, CVE-2021-26858, CVE-2021-27065, and CVE-2021-27078. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update to support latest version. * Install Microsoft security patch. * Use Microsoft Exchange On-Premises Mitigation Tool. _Detection Methods_ * Run Exchange script: https://github.com/microsoft/CSS-Exchange/tree/main/Security. * Hashes can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/03/02/hafnium-targeting-exchange-servers/#scan-log. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Microsoft Exchange Servers _Table XIX: Microsoft CVE-2021-26858_ Microsoft CVE-2021-26858 CVSS 3.0: 7.8 (High) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Microsoft Exchange Server remote code execution vulnerability. This CVE ID differs from CVE-2021-26412, CVE-2021-26854, CVE-2021-26855, CVE-2021-26858, CVE-2021-27065, and CVE-2021-27078. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update to support latest version. * Install Microsoft security patch. * Use Microsoft Exchange On-Premises Mitigation Tool. _Detection Methods_ * Run Exchange script: <https://github.com/microsoft/CSS-Exchange/tree/main/Security>. * Hashes can be found here: <https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/03/02/hafnium-targeting-exchange-servers/#scan-log>. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Microsoft Exchange Servers _Table XX: Microsoft CVE-2021-27065_ Microsoft CVE-2021-27065 CVSS 3.0: 7.8 (High) --- _Vulnerability Description_ Microsoft Exchange Server remote code execution vulnerability. This CVE ID differs from CVE-2021-26412, CVE-2021-26854, CVE-2021-26855, CVE-2021-26858, CVE-2021-27065, and CVE-2021-27078. _Recommended Mitigations_ * Update to support latest version. * Install Microsoft security patch. * Use Microsoft Exchange On-Premises Mitigation Tool. _Detection Methods_ * Run Exchange script: <https://github.com/microsoft/CSS-Exchange/tree/main/Security>. * Hashes can be found here: <https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/03/02/hafnium-targeting-exchange-servers/#scan-log>. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Microsoft Exchange Servers _References_ <https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-27065> _Table XXI: Apache CVE-2021-41773_ Apache CVE-2021-41773 CVSS 3.0: 7.5 (High) --- _Vulnerability Description_ This vulnerability has been modified since it was last analyzed by NVD. It is awaiting reanalysis, which may result in further changes to the information provided. A flaw was found in a change made to path normalization in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49. A malicious actor could use a path traversal attack to map URLs to files outside the directories configured by Alias-like directives. If files outside of these directories are not protected by the usual default configuration "require all denied," these requests can succeed. Enabling CGI scripts for these aliased paths could allow for remote code execution. This issue is known to be exploited in the wild. This issue only affects Apache 2.4.49 and not earlier versions. The fix in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.50 is incomplete (see CVE-2021-42013). _Recommended Mitigations_ * Apply update or patch. _Detection Methods_ * Commercially available scanners can detect CVE. _Vulnerable Technologies and Versions_ Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 Fedoraproject Fedora 34 and 35 Oracle Instantis Enterprise Track 17.1-17.3 Netapp Cloud Backup ### Revisions Initial Publication: October 6, 2022


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