Exploit Intelligence

Exploit intelligence in cybersecurity is specialized information about how software, hardware, or firmware vulnerabilities can be successfully attacked or "exploited." It goes beyond simply identifying a vulnerability (like a CVE) and provides details on the techniques and code that attackers use to exploit it.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Exploit Code: This is the sequence of instructions or data that an attacker can provide to a system to trigger a vulnerability and achieve a desired outcome. This outcome could be gaining unauthorized access, executing arbitrary code, or causing a denial of service. Exploit code can take various forms, including:

• Scripts (e.g., Python, JavaScript)

• Executable programs

• Specific network packets

• Input strings to an application

• Exploit Techniques: This refers to attackers' methods and strategies to craft and deliver exploits. This might involve:

• Buffer overflows

• SQL injection

• Cross-site scripting

• Remote code execution

• Proof of Concept (PoC) Exploits: These are examples of exploit code developed by security researchers or even attackers to demonstrate that a vulnerability is exploitable. PoCs are often released to raise awareness of a vulnerability or to help security teams understand how to defend against it.

• Weaponized Exploits: These are exploits actively used by attackers in real-world attacks. They pose a greater immediate threat.

• Exploit Availability: Exploit intelligence also includes information about where exploit code or techniques can be found. This might include:

• Publicly available exploit databases

• Security research websites

• Hacker forums

• Dark web marketplaces

• Context: Exploit intelligence provides context around exploits, such as:

• Which systems or applications are vulnerable

• What is the potential impact of a successful exploit is

• How likely the exploit is to be used in an attack

Exploit intelligence provides critical information that helps security professionals understand the real-world risk posed by vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts.

ThreatNG and Exploit Intelligence

ThreatNG incorporates exploit intelligence to help organizations understand how attackers can leverage vulnerabilities.

1. Intelligence Repositories

• DarCache eXploit: ThreatNG's "DarCache eXploit" repository focuses on exploit intelligence. It provides "Verified Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Exploits directly linked to known vulnerabilities."

• This means ThreatNG gives security teams direct links to PoC exploit code, often found on platforms like GitHub and referenced by CVEs.

• This information helps security teams reproduce vulnerabilities, assess their impact, and develop mitigation strategies.

2. How ThreatNG Uses Exploit Intelligence Across Modules

• External Discovery: ThreatNG's external discovery identifies assets vulnerable to known exploits.

• Example: ThreatNG discovers a web server running a specific software version. The assessment modules can then check DarCache eXploit for known PoC exploits for vulnerabilities in that software.

• External Assessment: ThreatNG's assessment modules use exploit intelligence to prioritize vulnerabilities based on the existence and availability of exploit code.

• Example: A vulnerability with a readily available PoC exploit in DarCache eXploit would be rated a higher risk than a vulnerability without a known exploit.

• Reporting: ThreatNG's reports can highlight vulnerabilities with known exploits, emphasizing the urgency of remediation.

  Continuous Monitoring: ThreatNG's continuous monitoring can track the emergence of new exploits for vulnerabilities affecting an organization's external assets.

• Example: If a new PoC exploit is released for a vulnerability in a web application, ThreatNG can alert the security team.

• Investigation Modules: ThreatNG's investigation modules use exploit intelligence to provide context during threat hunting and incident response.

• Example: During an investigation, security analysts can use DarCache eXploit to understand how an attacker might have exploited a particular vulnerability.

3. Synergies with Complementary Solutions

• Vulnerability Management Solutions: ThreatNG's exploit intelligence can be integrated with vulnerability management solutions to prioritize patching efforts. Vulnerabilities with known, actively used exploits should be patched more urgently.

• SIEM Systems: SIEMs can use exploit intelligence from ThreatNG to correlate security events with known exploit activity, which can improve their detection and response to attacks.

• Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs): TIPs can incorporate exploit intelligence from ThreatNG to enrich their threat feeds and provide more accurate predictions of attacker behavior.