Cisco Urges Immediate Action After Discovering Backdoor in Unified Communications Manager

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Cisco has removed a hardcoded "root" SSH credential from its flagship Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM) platform. Left unpatched, this oversight could have allowed threat actors to gain unauthorized system control and compromise sensitive communications data. Administrators are urged to assess and update their deployments without delay. Understanding the Vulnerability in Depth The vulnerability arises from a root-level account credential embedded directly into Unified CM software images during development and testing. Unlike typical administrative accounts, this credential was immutable by standard configuration interfaces, effectively creating an undetectable entry point once the system was in production. Attackers exploiting this flaw could log in over SSH as root, granting full read, write, and execution privileges across the operating system, application services, and all stored voice data. While Cisco safeguards its commercial releases with extensive pre...
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LockBit Ransomware Group Hacked



The notorious LockBit ransomware group, responsible for numerous cyber extortion attacks globally, has reportedly been hacked. A message on one of their dark web sites stated, “Don't do crime CRIME IS BAD xoxo from Prague,” accompanied by leaked data, including chat logs between LockBit and its victims. Analysts from security firms Analyst1 and Rapid7 believe the data is legitimate, marking a significant blow to the group's operations and credibility.

This breach not only exposes the inner workings of one of the most prolific ransomware groups but also underscores the evolving dynamics in the cybersecurity landscape. The leaked data provides unprecedented insights into LockBit's operations, including affiliate structures, negotiation tactics, and financial transactions.

As cybersecurity threats continue to escalate, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures and international cooperation in combating cybercrime. It also highlights the potential vulnerabilities within even the most sophisticated criminal networks.

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