What are some of the most common vulnerabilities that exist in a network or system?
Network vulnerability can be a major headache for companies and organizations of all sizes. And with cybercrime on the rise, network vulnerabilities have never been more important to understand. By understanding the different types of network security vulnerabilities and how they can be exploited, you can take steps to shore up your defenses and protect your organization. Show
In this blog post, we'll be discussing the most common network vulnerabilities along with examples. By the end, you'll be armed with all the information you need to protect your business from cybercrime. What is Network Security Vulnerability?A network vulnerability is a weakness in the network's computer systems that can be exploited by attackers. These network security vulnerabilities can exist in the network infrastructure, the operating system, the applications or the users themselves. Attackers can use the network vulnerabilities to gain access to systems and data, or to disrupt network service. Let's find out the most common network security threats and their types in the next sections. Watch our video for a quick summary: Common Network ThreatsWhile there are many types of vulnerabilities in network security, some are more common than others. In this section, we'll go over some of the most common threats to your network security. But first, it's valuable to emphasize at this point that the importance of network security cannot be overstated. Many organizations view their network as an impenetrable fortress far away from security breaches, but the truth is that it can be surprisingly easy to hack into a network when the attacker knows where to look, and many indeed know. Network vulnerabilities in general can run into hundreds. But there are a couple that are quite common, yet also happen to be the most overlooked or underrated. Here we share the top 5 most common network vulnerabilities that all organizations plus their teams really need to be wary of. 1. RansomwareRansomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a victim's computer and holds it hostage until a ransom is paid. The victim is given a countdown timer and often threatened with severe security consequences such as data deletion if the ransom isn't paid on time. Ransomware is particularly insidious because it can take over an entire network, encrypting files on every computer on the network. Ransomware is one of the most scary of the common network threats and costs businesses worldwide millions in damages. It’s also embarrassing. To protect your business from ransomware, make sure to install anti-virus software and keep it up to date, back up your data regularly, and restrict access to sensitive data to only authorized users. 2. DDoSDDoS stands for Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS). A DDoS attack is when a hacker sends overwhelming amounts of traffic to a website or server, so much that it can no longer handle legitimate requests. The malicious attacker literally floods a network with so much traffic that it can't function. This can be done in a number of ways, but one common method is to send a huge number of packets to the target server. The server can't keep up with the demand and eventually crashes under the load. The first ever known DDoS attack surfaced in 1996. The victim was Panix, an ISP that is considered the oldest provider in New York. Panix was taken offline for many days by DDoS weapon SYN food. SYN food is known to exploit vulnerabilities in a server’s TCP three-way handshake, rendering the server unresponsive. Vulnerabilities that allow DDoS attacks can take a website offline or make it so slow that users can't access it. There are several ways of preventing network vulnerabilities that invite DDoS attacks, including using a third-party service and increasing your bandwidth. 3. IoT vulnerabilitiesThe use of IoT devices is increasingly becoming commonplace, and herein lies a major threat to networks as criminals look out to take advantage of vulnerabilities in IoT installations. Hackers can insert malicious code into an incredibly large number of vulnerable IoT devices, directing them to stream packets and ambush an organization's network with damaging attacks. One of the most memorable attacks that exploited IoT vulnerabilities is the Mirai botnet attack that occurred in 2016 and left a trail of IoT driven damage. We'll get into this in detail under types of vulnerabilities in the next section. 4. PhishingPhishing is one of the most common network attacks and sits atop among the most notorious vulnerabilities that you must watch out for. Attackers exploit the system by using fraudulent emails or websites to steal personal information from users. A report by IBM indicates that phishing is the top vulnerability exploited by attackers, hitting even top global brands like Apple, Google and Microsoft. The report found that 50% of targeted victims actually clicked on phishing campaigns, exposing their organizations to costly threats. Attackers can exploit phishing vulnerabilities to steal your teams' login IDs (usernames) as well as passwords. A good example of a phishing attack is when a user opens what appears to be legitimate email. But hidden inside the deceiving email is a malware code that logs out the user as soon as they open it. Once the user logs back after being logged out, the malware captures their keystrokes. These keystrokes are all the criminals need to get the usernames and passwords. 5. SQL injectionAnother most common network threat is SQL injection. Attackers use SQL injection to exploit vulnerabilities in a database, allowing them to access and manipulate data. In this attack, the hacker sends specially crafted SQL statements to the target database in an attempt to extract data or execute commands. They may even be able to gain control of the entire database server. They can steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers, or even take over full control of the database. Impact of SQL injectionSQL injection can have the following impacts:
There are a number of ways to protect your database from vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit to introduce SQL injection attacks. One is to use parameterized queries, which are queries that are prepared ahead of time and don't allow for user input. You can also use stored procedures, which are routines that can be executed from within the database itself. These procedures help to protect against SQL injection attacks by limiting the types of data that can be accessed and processed. Interested in learning more about Cyber Security?Types of vulnerabilities in network securityNetwork security vulnerabilities and threats come in many different shapes and sizes, but can generally be divided into three main categories: hardware network vulnerabilities, software network vulnerabilities, and human error vulnerabilities. They all have the potential to cause serious damage to your business. One of the best ways to safeguard your network against the most complicated vulnerabilities is to use professional network support services. All manner of vulnerabilities are likely to fall into the following three most common types of threats in network security: 1. Hardware vulnerabilitiesHardware vulnerabilities are flaws in the physical system that attackers can exploit. The attacks can be executed remotely or by physically accessing the hardware system. Any loophole that can permit malicious code into the physical network and destroy devices inherently falls under network security threats and vulnerabilities of the hardware type. These flaws can exist in the design or in the manufacturing process. Attackers can exploit hardware vulnerabilities that allow full system control to gain access to sensitive data or to take control of the system. Hardware network vulnerabilities are a major concern for companies and organizations that rely on computer systems for critical operations. Here are the common categories of hardware vulnerabilities: Unauthorized access to physical devicesUnauthorized access to physical devices in the network is the easiest way to compromise a network. The intruder will quickly install malware, which can then be used to spy or breach data. The malware can now monitor your internal events including traffic. It's worth noting that the physical access here does not have to be in person. The criminals can mail malicious devices such as USB drives or phones as “gifts”' to an employee within the company. The receivers, without knowledge, will use these devices within the network and end up installing the malware themselves. Other devices like mobile phones and laptops can be stolen then be used to access the network from outside, via VPN. So it's critical to ensure that all devices have strong passwords in addition to encryption and physical security. Unsanctioned devicesThese are devices that are being used in the network without the approval or knowledge of management. Often, employees innocently attach their personal devices like laptops and phones to the company's network. These devices present a danger because most if not all may not meet the company's standards across quality and security. IT managers should not allow employees to use their personal devices at will. Some of these devices could be running on suspect operating systems which is a huge risk. It's okay to allow employees to bring some devices when they have to, but you need to set up BYOD policies to regulate their acceptance and use. IoT devicesThe Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices that are connected to the internet. For your company’s network, this could include everything from smart thermostats and security cameras to machinery and vehicles. While the growing IoT ecosystem offers many gains, it also creates new security risks. One of the biggest threats posed by IoT devices is that they can be used to gain access to the network. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in these devices to remotely control them or steal sensitive data. In addition, IoT devices generate a large amount of data that can be overwhelming for security systems to protect. Be sure to buy all IoT devices from reputable vendors and engage experienced IoT companies to verify that these devices have the right updates and firmware. If possible, please separate the IoT devices and run them in a secondary network that is completely detached from the main one. Wi-FiWi-Fi networks are becoming increasingly common in workplaces, but they can also create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber criminals. One of the biggest risks is that Wi-Fi networks can be easily accessed by anyone within range, including people who are not authorized to be on the network. This means that sensitive data could be intercepted as it is being transmitted between devices. Another vulnerability is that Wi-Fi networks can be used to launch so-called 'man-in-the-middle' attacks, whereby an attacker gains access to a communication between two devices and can eavesdrop on or even manipulate the data being exchanged. Observe these best practices for Wi-Fi access in your network:
Firewall vulnerabilitiesAs you know firewall devices are extremely essential for protecting the network from outside intrusion. The firewall routers are particularly used to segment a network into different zones, and each zone has its own firewall. By default, all traffic is blocked from entering a network unless it is specifically allowed by the firewall. However, criminals can use firewall devices to gain entry into the company's network by exploiting weaknesses in the configuration of the firewall. For example, if the firewall is not properly configured, it may allow data packets to be routed through the network without being checked by the firewall. This can allow criminals to gain access to sensitive information or even take control of the entire network. The trend these days is web application firewalls (WAFs), a departure from the traditional firewalls. The web application firewalls can monitor patterns round the clock and automatically and block requests that show signs of attacks. Please note that it's much more secure to have more than one firewall. This way you can then segment the internal networks and dedicate a secondary firewall to the segment that contains sensitive data. Also on Firewalls: Best small business firewalls Forgotten devicesThese are devices attached to the network, but no one including the IT managers seems to know of their existence. It could be a laptop of a former employee forgotten in some corner, a tablet, or even a server. Since these devices are not actively monitored, attackers can easily take control of them and configure them to infiltrate the network. Solving this is easy: Simply take regular inventory of all devices in the network. Disable those that are not active and keep them in a secured place. Here are a couple other forms of different hardware vulnerabilities and the damage they can cause.
Hardware manufacturers are always working to reduce the number of hardware vulnerabilities in their products, but these vulnerabilities will always be a headache. So take care. Example: The Mirai botnet attack, 2016The best example of where hardware vulnerabilities can be exploited to large scale damage is the Mirai botnet attack that happened in October of 2016, the largest of its kind. It left an imprint of destruction, but not without a silver lining — a wake-up call for the security community. The attack was made possible by hardware vulnerabilities in IoT devices, which the attackers exploited to create a massive DDoS (distributed denial of service). The Mirai botnet, a new weapon at the time, trained its guns at the networks of Dyn, an American DNS service provider that was later acquired by Oracle. The damage was far and wide, affecting major sites including Amzaon.com, Netflix, GitHub, Spotify, Quora, Reddit, Twitter and indeed Dyn’s own website. The attackers infected a network of vulnerable IoT devices with a special kind of malware named “botnet”. They then coordinated the infected devices to bombard the servers of Dyn with traffic until they collapsed under the strain. Over 500,000 devices infectedThe Internet of Things (IoT) concept was not nearly as obvious back in 2016 as it is now. It was a little new then, a technology largely at hype phase which only a few had a hang on. This made the Mirai attack even more intriguing. Intriguing in the sense that while other botnets normally originated from a network of computers, the Mirai botnet caught companies flat footed as it was largely driven by IoT devices: DVR players, air-quality monitors, home routers, digital cameras and more IoT. Conservative estimates show that Mirai infected over 500,000 vulnerable IoT devices at its peak. These kinds of attacks are only going to become more common as more and more devices are connected to the internet. So, what can you do to make sure your network is secure? Make sure you're patching your devices regularly, using strong passwords and changing default settings. You should also be aware of which devices in your network are susceptible and take steps to protect them. How to prevent hardware network vulnerabilities
2. Software network vulnerabilitiesA software vulnerability is a flaw in the network system's software architecture that can allow an attacker to gain access and compromise the system. The vulnerabilities can be due to many factors and mostly in the design and source code architecture. By software here we mean any software that you use in your network systems, from the operating systems to other additional software that you utilize. The most common software security loopholes include injection flows, broken access control, missing or broken authentication, misconfiguration, bugs, and buffer overflow. Once an attacker succeeds in gaining access to the software that runs your network system, they can easily manipulate crucial data, damage it with botnets like in the example of the Mirai botnet DDoS, plant malware, or install a backdoor. Some attackers can also penetrate one network host and use it to cause havoc in more hosts running in the same network. Here are the common categories of software network vulnerabilities:Outdated softwareWhen most people think of outdated software, they think of programs that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. However, outdated software can also refer to any program that is no longer receiving updates. This can include programs that are still supported but are several versions behind the latest release. While outdated software might not seem like a big deal, it can actually be a serious network vulnerability. Manufacturers frequently release updates for their software in order to prevent and also address security flaws that have been discovered, if any. When a program is no longer being updated, any security flaws remain unpatched, making it easier for hackers to exploit them. Additionally, outdated software often lacks features that have been added to newer releases, making it less effective at performing its intended function. Timely updates close these gaps and make it much harder for attackers to get into your system. Additionally, make a point of getting rid of all software that is no longer in use such as add-ons and plugins. Unsanctioned softwareThis is similar to BYOD, where employees access and use software that has not been authorized for use in the workplace. Since the IT managers have neither knowledge nor control of this kind of software, those using it at work can innocently download malware into the network. This vulnerability has become more prevalent in the era of cloud computing, where the next cool application is just a click away. The fact that so many applications come at no cost worsens this challenge. Companies can avoid this problem by developing a shadow IT policy, which should also cover BYOD vulnerability that we covered under hardware vulnerabilities above. Software configuration issuesYou can have the best software that is updated to the latest version. But poor configuration can render this software effectively vulnerable. Pay attention to these areas:
Coding errorsThese are mistakes made during the coding process that can leave openings for attackers to exploit. These errors can cause the program to crash, produce incorrect results, or provide unexpected behavior. The severity of these errors can vary, from trivial issues that have no impact on program functionality to critical vulnerabilities that can compromise the security of a system. For example, criminals can leverage an error that produces incorrect results to trick users into revealing confidential information. Design flawsDesign flaws are errors in the way a software is designed that can make it susceptible to security vulnerabilities. These flaws can occur when developers fail to consider security during the design process, or when they make assumptions about how the software will be used that turn out to be false. One example of a design flaw in software is a buffer overflow. This can happen when too much data is entered into a field that is not designed to hold it all. The excess data can then overflow into other parts of the software, corrupting it and potentially allowing attackers to take control. Buffer overflows are just one example of how design flaws can create vulnerabilities in software. Poorly designed software can also be susceptible to SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting attacks, and a variety of other types of attacks. Top software vulnerabilitiesThe US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency lists the top software vulnerabilities or cyber attacks that are routinely exploited from time to time. Below is a summary of the top software vulnerabilities that were exploited across 2021.
Source: US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Example: Aids Trojan by Dr. Joseph PoppA good example of a software vulnerability was exposed by the first ever ransomware known as the Aids Trojan Horse, unleashed in 1989 by one Dr. Joseph Popp, a biologist. Joseph sent infected floppy diskettes to hundreds of innocent people. The title of the diskettes was so appealing, but the contents did the exact opposite. The title read, “Aids Information Introductory Diskette”. As soon as a user inserted the diskette into their computer and played it, it automatically replaced the file AUTOEXEC.BAT and started counting the computer’s number of boots. Once the number of boots clocked 90, the ransomware would then hide directories and encrypt all file names on the hard drive. This would render the entire system impossible to use. Once the computer was unusable, the now “lost” victim would be instructed to renew their operating software license by sending $189 to an address in Panama, apparently belonging to an organization called ‘PC Cyborg Corporation”. Ironically, the decryption key was right there in the Trojan's code. As you might have guessed by now, Dr. Joseph Popp collected some easy profits with the “clever” ransomware. He was eventually prosecuted, processed for trial, but was unfortunately declared mentally unfit to go through the trial. He concluded the mischief by promising to donate part of his profits towards research efforts into Aids. How to prevent software vulnerabilities
3. Human error vulnerabilitiesHuman-based network vulnerabilities are those that are caused by human error. This can be anything from clicking on a phishing email to leaving your computer unlocked when you walk away. A World Economic Forum Report reveals that indeed human error is the ultimate cause of nearly all cybersecurity vulnerabilities, accounting for an astonishing 95%. So you can clearly notice how serious this vulnerability can get. It means if you can work on human errors within your organization, you can somehow prevent at least 9 out of 10 cyber threats. Human errors can be task based or decision based. Task based errors are those where a user makes simple but costly errors as result of negligence, fatigue, or insufficient skills. Decision based errors come about as a result of faulty decisions due to limited knowledge, scant information or inaction. Example: Google and FacebookThe best example of the kind of attacks that can take advantage of human vulnerabilities is phishing. Big companies such as Google and Facebook have fallen victim to human error vulnerabilities and lost millions. The scammers took advantage of a vulnerability in the two companies’ sourcing systems. Both Google and Facebook were using the services of a hardware vendor based in Taiwan, known as Qanta. The phishers released fake invoices to Google and Facebook. The invoices appeared just like the usual original invoices from Qanta, but of course they were all pure impersonations that employees of the two companies failed to detect. Google and Facebook, giants in the tech space, paid the phishers to a tune of US$100 million. Reason? human error. The main perpetrator of the scheme was eventually tried and surrendered US$49.7 million. If the big corporations can fall prey to such seemingly simple vulnerabilities, no organization can claim to be safe. The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to be vigilant and NEVER click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. Always make sure the website you're visiting is legitimate and has a secure connection (look for the HTTPS lock in your browser's address bar). You can also install anti-phishing software to help protect you from these attacks. How to prevent human network vulnerabilities:
Network Vulnerabilities: ConclusionTo ensure network security, it's important to be aware of the major types of network security vulnerabilities that can exist. Hardware vulnerabilities are caused by a flaw in a physical device, software vulnerabilities are caused by a flaw in the software code, and human error vulnerabilities are caused by mistakes made by humans. You can protect your network against these vulnerabilities by using security tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems, utilizing the services of network security providers, and by training your employees on how to protect against these threats. Network Vulnerabilities FAQWhat are the three 3 types of network vulnerabilities?The three 3 main types of network vulnerabilities are hardware vulnerabilities, software based vulnerabilities and human error vulnerabilities. Of these three, the human error type of vulnerability accounts for the majority of threats. Networks can be exposed to a variety of vulnerabilities, which can expose your data and systems to network security risks. By understanding the most common vulnerabilities and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help reduce the risk of a security breach. How do you find network vulnerabilities?The first step is to identify the systems and network devices that are connected to your network. Once you know what's on your network, you can start looking for vulnerabilities. You can do this manually or use a scanning tool. A vulnerability scan is a process that checks your devices and systems for vulnerabilities. It compares the results against a database of known security flaws. If a system is found to be vulnerable, you can take steps to fix it. What is network vulnerability testing?Network vulnerability testing is the practice of reviewing and analyzing a network’s system for potential existence of vulnerabilities. It is an important process that network administrators run to evaluate the network in order to identify threats early enough before attackers can exploit them. What are some of the most common vulnerabilities that exist in a network or system * Mcq?Top computer security vulnerabilities. Malware.. Phishing.. Proxies.. Spyware.. Adware.. Botnets.. What are some of the most common vulnerabilities?OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities. Injection. Injection occurs when an attacker exploits insecure code to insert (or inject) their own code into a program. ... . Broken Authentication. ... . Sensitive Data Exposure. ... . XML External Entities. ... . Broken Access Control. ... . Security Misconfiguration. ... . Cross-Site Scripting. ... . Insecure Deserialization.. What are the common vulnerabilities in network services?Hardware Issues. Physical Device Security. ... . Firewall Issues. ... . Wireless Access. ... . IoT Devices. ... . Unauthorized Devices. ... . Outdated and Buggy Software. ... . Unmanaged Software. ... . Security Vulnerabilities from Configuration.. What is the most common cause of vulnerability in a system?One of the most common process vulnerabilities is an authentication weakness, where users, and even IT administrators, use weak passwords. Human vulnerabilities are created by user errors that can expose networks, hardware, and sensitive data to malicious actors.
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