Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities Overview

Misconfiguration

• Most common vulnerability resulting from human error, allowing unauthorized access.
• Affects web servers, application platforms, databases, and networks.

Default Installations

• Designed for user-friendliness; however, prioritize usability over security.
• Typically lack valuable content but connect to critical devices or networks.
• Attackers can exploit easily guessable default settings.

Buffer Overflows

• Common software vulnerability due to coding errors.
• Attackers exploit buffer weaknesses by writing beyond allocated sizes, gaining system control.

Unpatched Servers

• Essential for organizational infrastructure; often remain unpatched and misconfigured.
• Can lead to data exposure, financial losses, and operational disruptions.

Design Flaws

• Universal vulnerabilities in all operating systems and devices.
• Examples include incorrect encryption and poor data validation, allowing logical exploitations.

Operating System Flaws

• Vulnerabilities in operating systems invite threats from malware like trojans, worms, and viruses.
• Malicious software can lead to sensitive information loss and loss of operational control.

Application Flaws

• Security vulnerabilities in applications targeted by attackers.
• Importance of validation and authorization to secure applications against threats such as data tampering.

Open Services

• Open ports and services can facilitate data loss and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks.
• They also enable further attacks on interconnected devices.

Default Passwords

• Devices come with default passwords for initial setup, which should be updated.
• Failing to change these passwords makes systems vulnerable to brute force and dictionary attacks.