March 07, 2013
Despite the best efforts by browser and operating system manufacturers to shore up their offerings, exploit hunters are still finding success at attacking the world's best-known platforms - especially when there is a large chunk of change on the line.
First divulged in a Russian online community, a Skype password reset vulnerability could have given attackers the ability to run amuck in users' Skype accounts.
Adobe is awaiting more details on the reported flaw, which is able to work around Reader's sandbox protections to execute malicious code -- a capability that is making the exploit worth big bucks on the black market.
As expected, exploits taking advantage of gaping holes in Java now are growing in prominence -- and the big question is: When will Oracle patch the issue?
In the high-priced market of exploit sales, developers resist government regulations -- but are more than happy when one wants to open its coffers to them.
Microsoft plugged 26 vulnerabilities, and Adobe shored up 26 of its own as part of a monster Patch Tuesday. Each company is grappling with an active exploit as well.
Detection rates for exploits against the vulnerability (CVE-2012-1723) are now overtaking attacks abusing a previous widely attacked Java bug (CVE-2012-0507), which was used to spread the widespread Flashback trojan that targeted Mac users.
A researcher investigated Java exploits, and drew on one well-know example, to explain how one of the most common classes of attack spreads.
