External Attack Surface Management: Protecting Your Organization in the Digital Age
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In an increasingly interconnected digital world, organisations face a growing number of cyber threats. As businesses expand their online presence, their attack surface increases, making it more vulnerable to cyberattacks. This is where External Attack Surface Management (EASM) comes into play.
In this blog, we will explore the concept of EASM, what it includes, its importance, how it differs from security ratings, and what the future holds for this crucial aspect of cybersecurity. Additionally, we’ll discuss how CTM360 HackerView can help your organisation effectively manage its external attack surface.
What is EASM?
External Attack Surface Management (EASM) involves the continuous discovery, monitoring, and management of an organisation’s external-facing digital assets. These assets include websites, IP addresses, cloud services, and any other publicly accessible resources. A comprehensive EASM would also have the organisation’s mobile apps, genuine social media inventory, Executive Management profiles and more. EASM focuses on first building a comprehensive “Digital Asset Register” and next identifying vulnerabilities and potential entry points that could be exploited by malicious actors. By gaining a deep understanding of the external attack surface, organisations can proactively mitigate risks and prevent breaches before they occur.
From the management perspective, EASM is an essential component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. It enables organisations to see their digital footprint from the perspective of an attacker, allowing them to identify and secure weak points that could be targeted.
What is Included in an Organization’s Attack Surface?
An organisation’s attack surface consists of all the external-facing digital assets that could potentially be targeted by cybercriminals. These include:
Domains, Hosts, and Sub-Domains:
An organization’s collection of domains, along with their associated hosts and sub-domains, creates numerous potential entry points for attackers. Each sub-domain may have unique vulnerabilities that can be exploited if not properly secured.
Web Applications:
Public-facing websites and web applications are common targets for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities such as outdated software or weak authentication mechanisms.
Cloud Services:
With the rise of cloud computing, organisations often use cloud-based services for data storage and processing. Misconfigurations or insufficient security measures in these services can expose sensitive information.
IP Addresses:
Public IP addresses can be scanned by attackers to identify open ports or vulnerable services that can be exploited.
Third-Party Integrations:
Organisations often rely on third-party vendors or services that have access to their systems. These integrations can introduce additional vulnerabilities if not properly managed.SSL/TLS Certificates:
Weak or expired certificates can leave encrypted communications vulnerable to interception.
A comprehensive EASM solution would also include -
Inventory of Genuine Social Media Profiles:
An organisation's presence on social media platforms can be targeted by attackers for impersonation or phishing attempts.
Mobile Apps:
Attackers can create rogue mobile apps on third party stores to impersonate trusted brands, with the goal of gaining unauthorised access to information that can be used to commit fraudulent transactions.
Executive Management Names/Profiles:
Attackers may attempt to impersonate an organisation's executive leadership for social engineering attacks.
BIN Numbers:
Payment card information, including BIN (Bank Identification Number) data, can be exposed and used for fraudulent activities.
Environments & Technologies:
The list of technologies and their respective versions visible in the organisation's attack surface can help identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
The attack surface also includes shadow IT, which refers to information technology systems implemented by departments outside of the central IT department to circumvent the limitations and restrictions set by the central information systems.
Why is EASM Important?
EASM is critical for several reasons:
1. Technology consolidation
EASM promotes a unified security strategy, enabling organizations to consolidate their ever growing digital assets and stack of technologies and enhance the overall management of external cyber risk.
2. Reducing Attack Surface
Through continuous monitoring and assessment, EASM assists organizations in reducing their attack surface by proactively managing and securing external assets.
3. Proactive Risk Management:
EASM allows organisations to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. By continuously monitoring the attack surface, organisations can address security gaps promptly, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.
4. Real-Time Visibility:
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and new vulnerabilities emerge regularly. EASM provides real-time visibility into an organisation’s external assets, ensuring that security teams are always aware of the current state of the attack surface.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding data protection and cybersecurity. EASM helps organisations maintain compliance by ensuring that all external assets are properly secured.
6. Cost Efficiency:
Preventing a cyberattack is often far less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of a breach. EASM enables organisations to allocate resources more efficiently by prioritising the most critical vulnerabilities.
How is EASM Different from Security Ratings?
While both EASM and security ratings play a role in assessing an organisation’s cybersecurity posture, they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits:
1. Scope of Analysis:
Security ratings are typically based on a broad assessment of an organisation’s overall security practices, often using data from public sources. EASM, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the external attack surface, providing a more detailed and targeted analysis of potential vulnerabilities.
2. Continuous Monitoring:
EASM involves continuous monitoring of external assets, offering real-time insights into the attack surface. Security ratings are often static, providing a snapshot of an organisation’s security posture at a specific point in time.
3. Actionable Insights:
EASM provides actionable insights that organisations can use to address specific vulnerabilities. Security ratings are more generalised and may not offer the same level of detail needed to implement targeted security measures.
4. Perspective:
EASM approaches cybersecurity from the attacker’s perspective, identifying entry points and weaknesses that could be exploited. Security ratings focus on the organisation’s overall security practices and controls.
What Does the Future Hold?
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of EASM will only grow. Organisations are increasingly adopting digital transformation strategies, expanding their digital footprints, and moving more services to the cloud. This expansion introduces new vulnerabilities, making EASM an essential component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
In the future, we can expect EASM tools and technologies to become more sophisticated, incorporating advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to identify and mitigate risks more effectively. The integration of EASM with other cybersecurity solutions, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), will provide organisations with a more holistic approach to managing their security posture.
How Can CTM360 HackerView Help?
CTM360’s HackerView is an innovative External Attack Surface Management (EASM) platform designed to give organisations a comprehensive understanding of their digital presence from an attacker’s perspective. By combining automated asset discovery, issue identification, remediation guidelines, security ratings, and third-party risk management, HackerView empowers businesses to proactively defend against potential cyber threats.
Here’s how CTM360 HackerView can significantly enhance your organisation's cybersecurity strategy:
1. Continuous & Automated Digital Asset Discovery
One of the most critical aspects of EASM is the ability to identify and map all external-facing digital assets. HackerView excels in this area by automatically discovering and mapping your organisation’s digital footprint. Operating in a passive and non-intrusive manner, it leverages data available in the public domain to uncover assets that may otherwise be overlooked.
The platform comes pre-populated, ensuring that from the moment you start using it, you have a comprehensive view of your digital assets. This includes websites, IP addresses, cloud services, and more. Automated discovery ensures that no asset is left unmonitored, reducing the risk of shadow IT and other unsecured entry points.
One of the key advantages of HackerView is how often it continuously discovers, updates, and refreshes all assets belonging to the organisation. The platform automatically updates its inventory of digital assets every 24-48 hours, ensuring that your security team has access to the most current and complete information about your attack surface.
2. Comprehensive Digital Risk Scorecard
HackerView provides a detailed digital risk scorecard that assesses your organisation’s visible cyber vulnerabilities. This scorecard is essential for understanding your current security posture and identifying areas that require immediate attention. The scorecard is updated continuously, allowing you to track improvements or new risks as they emerge.
3. Detailed Inventory of Digital Assets
Understanding what you have is the first step toward protecting it. HackerView provides a detailed inventory of your digital assets, allowing you to keep track of all external-facing resources. This inventory is continually updated as new assets are discovered or changes are made, ensuring that your records are always accurate and up-to-6.
4. Remediation Plans & Ongoing Guidance
Identifying vulnerabilities is only half the battle; addressing them effectively is the key to maintaining a robust security posture. HackerView not only identifies issues but also provides detailed remediation plans and ongoing guidance. These plans are tailored to your specific vulnerabilities, offering step-by-step instructions on how to address each issue.
5. Third-Party Risk Monitoring
In today’s interconnected world, organisations rely heavily on third-party vendors and partners. However, these relationships can introduce additional risks if not properly managed. HackerView’s third-party risk monitoring feature allows you to assess the security posture of your vendors, partners, and other third parties with whom you share data or systems.
6. Pre-built and Custom Portfolios
The platform allows you to access pre-built portfolios that include entities from important industry sectors within your geographic region. This allows you to benchmark your organisation's cybersecurity posture against your peers, gaining valuable insights into how you measure up. Additionally, you can create custom portfolios of your key vendors and third-party providers, continuously tracking their security health and potential vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, as organisations continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, EASM will remain a vital component of cybersecurity. By leveraging advanced tools like CTM360 HackerView, businesses can protect their digital assets, stay ahead of potential threats and ensure the security of their operations.
Recent Blogs
TRAP10 Mini App Scam
Overview:
CTM360 has discovered a new variation of scam tactics using Telegram Mini Apps and social media ads in a Ponzi-style scheme. Scammers impersonate financial institutions, leveraging Meta Ads, Telegram Ads, and fake social media accounts to lure victims into fraudulent investment platforms.
These platforms, embedded within Telegram, present a polished interface that mimics legitimate trading sites. Victims are enticed with promises of high returns, referral bonuses, and exclusive investment opportunities. Once inside, they are encouraged to deposit cryptocurrency, believing they are engaging in real trading. However, withdrawals are consistently blocked when users attempt to cash out.
CTM360 Observations
Resource Development
Telegram Mini App
- A Mini App in Telegram is a lightweight web application that runs within the Telegram interface, allowing users to interact with services like payments, games, or trading platforms without leaving the app.
- Scammers embed these fake websites inside Telegram Mini Apps, making them accessible within Telegram itself.
- Users interact with the fake platform through Telegram bots keeping them within the scam ecosystem.
Scammers also create fake websites with dedicated domains that mimic real platforms, solely for fraudulent trading, deposits, and referral scams.
Trigger
Scammers lure victims with false promises of high, risk-free returns, financial incentives like bonuses and referral rewards, and fake branding to appear credible. They create urgency with limited-time offers and countdowns to pressure quick investments.
Distribution
Scammers spread the fraud across multiple platforms:
- Meta & Telegram Ads – Paid ads and channels drive users to fake trading platforms.
- Telegram Bots & Channels – Used to lure victims into scam sites and mini-apps.
- Social Media & Messaging Apps – Victims unknowingly spread the scam by inviting friends for bonuses.
By using ads, fake profiles, and victim referrals, scammers rapidly expand their reach.
Target Interaction
Impersonated and Bogus Profiles
- Fake social media accounts are created to promote, manage and provide fake customer service to the victims
- We have also noticed scammers impersonating financial institutions, investment platforms and other industry organizations on Telegram to lure victims.
Impersonated or Bogus Websites embedded within Telegram Mini App
- The scam operates within a Telegram Mini App, where victims are redirected to the fake investment website.
- The Mini App will retrieve victim’s Telegram details and allow them quick access on these fake websites without sign-up.
- Upon sign-up, victims are requested to deposit funds and trade but withdrawals are blocked.
Motive
- PII Harvesting – Scammers collects your email address, phone number, Telegram IDs during the sign up process.
Monetization
- Payments to Cryptocurrency Wallets – Victims are tricked into transferring funds via cryptocurrency (e.g., USDT, BNB, TRX) to scam-controlled wallets.
- Selling Data on the Dark Web – The stolen credentials, Telegram IDs, emails, and phone numbers can likely be sold on underground forums or leveraged for future cyber criminal activities
Recommendations
For Individuals:
- Avoid Telegram Mini Apps for Trading – Scammers use them to bypass security measures.
- Verify Websites & Domains – Always check official sources before engaging in financial transactions.
- Use 2FA on All Accounts – Protect Telegram and crypto wallets from unauthorized access.
- Never transfer funds to an account without verifying the purpose and recipient independently.
For Businesses:
- Scan social media, Telegram, and ad networks for scams related to your brand and report them accordingly.
- Work with platforms to remove and takedown fraudulent sites.
- Educate and warn users on common fraud schemes.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is meant to provide general guidance and brief information to the intended recipient pertaining to the incident and recommended action. Therefore, this information is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. Consequently, under NO condition shall CTM360®, its related partners, directors, principals, agents, or employees be liable for any direct, indirect, accidental, special, exemplary, punitive, consequential, or other damages or claims whatsoever including, but not limited to: loss of data, loss in profits/business, network disruption…etc., arising out of or in connection with this advisory.
For more information:
Email: monitor@ctm360.com Tel: (+973) 77 360 360
Securing Browsing Extensions
Summary:
In December 2024, hackers compromised at least 35 Google Chrome extensions, affecting approximately 2.6 million users. The attack exploited phishing emails sent to developers, masquerading as Google policy violation notices. These emails tricked developers into granting permissions to a malicious OAuth application named
“Privacy Policy Extension.
” Once authorized, the attackers gained control over the extensions, injecting malicious code to steal user data, particularly targeting Facebook credentials and business accounts. Browser extensions can significantly enhance productivity by adding new features to web browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. However, they also pose significant security risks, as malicious or compromised extensions can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access to corporate networks. It is crucial for organizations to control, block, or manage browser extensions to minimize security risks, particularly in an enterprise environment. This advisory outlines the steps to block and protect browser extensions for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, and it also includes specific guidance on managing extensions using Microsoft Intune.
Risks Associated With Browser Extensions
● Data Exposure: Some extensions can access sensitive data (e.g., browsing history, credentials, and files), potentially exposing confidential information.
● Malicious Extensions: Cybercriminals can create or compromise extensions, making them a vector for malware distribution or data exfiltration.
● Phishing Risks: Extensions may manipulate web content, tricking users into providing sensitive information.
● Performance Degradation: Some poorly coded extensions can slow down browsers or degrade system performance.
Managing Browser Extensions Using Group Policy
A. Microsoft Edge
Using Group Policy (Windows)
1. Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Extensions
3. Set the following policies:
a. Control which extensions are installed silently: Specify allowed extensions by adding their extension IDs.
b. Configure extension management settings: T o block all extensions, set this policy to "*" (deny all).
c. Configure the list of force-installed extensions: If any extension is necessary for business, add the corresponding extension ID here.
B. Google Chrome
Using Group Policy (Windows)
1. Open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Google > Google Chrome > Extensions
3. Set the following policies:
a. Block external extensions: Set the policy to block all extensions unless specifically allowed by adding the extension IDs.
b. Configure extension install allow list: If certain extensions are necessary, add their extension IDs here.
c. Configure extension install blocklist: Add a wildcard"*" to block all extensions.
Managing Browser Extensions Using Microsoft Intune
Organizations using Microsoft Intune for endpoint management can apply policies to control browser extension installations across all managed devices. This approach is particularly useful for managing large numbers of endpoints efficiently.
Blocking Extensions in Microsoft Edge Using Intune
1. Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center.
2. Navigate to: Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile
3. Choose:
a. Platform: Windows 10 and later.
b. Profile type: Settings catalog.
4. In the Configuration settings, search for Extensions under Microsoft Edge:
a. Allow specific extensions to be installed (User): Specify allowed extension IDs
b. Control which extensions cannot be installed (User): Add a wildcard"*" to block all extensions.
5. Assign this profile to your target groups (specific users or devices).
Blocking Extensions in Google Chrome Using Intune
1. Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center.
2. Navigate to: Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile
3. Choose:
a. Platform: Windows 10 and later.
b. Profile type: Settings catalog.
4. In the Configuration settings, search for Extensions under Google Chrome\Extensions:
a. Configure extension installation allow list (User): Specify allowed extension IDs
b. Configure extension installation blocklist: Add a wildcard"*" to block all extensions.
5. Assign this profile to your target groups (specific users or devices).
Note: These steps are mentioned for user-based controls. Similar configuration steps can be applied for device-based controls.
Best Practices for Managing Browser Extensions
● Audit Extensions Regularly: Regularly audit the extensions installed on users’ browsers to detect unauthorized or risky extensions.
● User Training: Educate users about the risks associated with browser extensions and how to identify malicious ones.
● Implement a Zero-Trust Model: Always assume that extensions can potentially be compromised. Apply the principle of least privilege when granting extension permissions.
● Use Security Solutions: Consider deploying security solutions that can monitor and block malicious browser activities, including suspicious extension behavior.
Conclusion
Controlling browser extensions in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome is a critical aspect of securing enterprise endpoints. By implementing the steps outlined above, organizations can significantly reduce the risks associated with browser extensions. Whether you manage your endpoints using Group Policy or Microsoft Intune, these controls can help protect your network from potential extension-related threats. By following this advisory, organizations can take proactive steps to mitigate browser extension risks, enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.
Reference:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-details-reveal-how-hackers-hijacked-35-google-chrome-extensions/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/manage-profiles-approve-sys-extensions-intune
https://gbhackers.com/malicious-editthiscookie-extension/#google_vignette
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is meant to provide general guidance and brief information to the intended recipient pertaining to the incident and recommended action. Therefore, this information is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. Consequently, under NO condition shall CTM360®, its related partners, directors, principals, agents, or employees be liable for any direct, indirect, accidental, special, exemplary, punitive, consequential, or other damages or claims whatsoever including, but not limited to: loss of data, loss in profits/business, network disruption…etc., arising out of or in connection with this advisory.
For more information:
Email: monitor@ctm360.com Tel: (+973) 77 360 360
Solar Wind Attack Update
SolarWinds - an American software vendor for managing networks and infrastructure has been breached. Orion, a network monitoring product was modified by a state-sponsored threat actor via embedding backdoor code into a legitimate SolarWinds library. This allowed remote access into the victim’s environment and a foothold in their networks; this enabled attacker to obtain privileged credentials.
The SolarWinds Orion products are designed to monitor the networks of systems and report on any security issues. Due to this, there are no comparable limiting boundaries on the scope or potential security impact; this has been made clear by the gradual revelation of more and more high-value targets. Even more worrisome is the fact that the attackers apparently made use of their initial access to targeted organizations, such as FireEye and Microsoft, to compromise tools and code that would then enable them to target other victims. After Microsoft discovered that they were breached via the SolarWinds compromise, they further discovered that their own products were then used “to further the attacks on others.”
The attack was initially disclosed by the cybersecurity firm, FireEye, as early as December 8th but published publicly on 13th. It was revealed that the attack on SolarWinds was conducted by an unknown APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group. They were able to steal Red Team assessment tools, similarly, used by FireEye to probe its customers’ security. FireEye has made its countermeasures freely available on GitHub.
According to Microsoft, hackers acquired superuser access to SAML token-signing certificates. This SAML certificate was then used to forge new tokens to allow hackers to obtain trusted and highly privileged access to networks.
While analyzing further on this attack, it was discovered that there was another backdoor likely from a second threat actor. This malware was dubbed as SUPERNOVA. This was a web shell planted in the code of the Orion network and applications monitoring platform and enabled attackers to run arbitrary code on machines running the trojanized version of the software.
Hackers inserted malicious code into an updated version of the software, called Orion. Approximately 18,000 SolarWinds customers installed tainted updates, between March and June 2020, onto their systems. The malware was inserted in these Orion app versions:
- Orion Platform 2019.4 HF5, version 2019.4.5200.9083
- Orion Platform 2020.2 RC1, version 2020.2.100.12219
- Orion Platform 2020.2 RC2, version 2020.2.5200.12394
- Orion Platform 2020.2, 2020.2 HF1, version 2020.2.5300.12432
This disclosure was followed by a coordinated report issued by Microsoft, FireEye, SolarWinds, and the U.S. government. The report concluded that SolarWinds had been targeted by threat actors who aimed to gather undisclosed information from major customers of theirs, including FireEye.
Compromise: What is Known so Far
A key indicator of the attack was the conceived backdoor that was able to gain access to and breach the SolarWinds Orion build system. This backdoor was attached to the said system by rescripting the legitimate SolarWinds.Orion.Core.BusinessLayer.dll DLL file. This file was then distributed to SolarWinds’ clients in a supply chain attack. This was achieved due to an automatic update platform used to dispense new software updates; clients were unaware of this taking place.
According to reports, the threat actors may have performed trial runs of the distribution method as early as October 2019. Researchers believe that the attackers had already compromised networks previously; it is suggested that they had harvested information or performed other malicious activities silently for months. Due to this, FireEye eventually detected that they were hacked after the threat actors registered a device to the company’s multi-factor authentication (MFA) system using stolen credentials. The alert from the system, regarding an unknown device, was able to notify FireEye of the compromise.
Recommendations
Urgently update any exploited SolarWinds Orion software to Orion Platform version 2020.2.1 HF 2 and Orion Platform 2019.4 HF 6
Third party vendors who may be susceptible to exposure of this compromise should report as part of responsible disclosure and urgently remediate.
In case of possible exposure devise an incident response plan.
Prioritize the TTPs leveraged by the threat actor mapped to mitre att&ck. This is available in Adversary Intelligence within CTM360’s CyberBlindspot.