How to Discover and Deal with Security Vulnerabilities

Posted on Mar 20, 2023 by Asma Khan

Security breaches have become increasingly common, with businesses and individuals alike falling victim to cybercriminals. In 2022, there were 1802 data compromises in the US, affecting 422 million individuals through data breaches, leakage, and exposure, all resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive data by threat actors.

Third-party audits have revealed that many of these breaches are the result of common security vulnerabilities that could have been prevented with proper security controls and testing. These vulnerabilities include outdated software, weak passwords, and misconfigured servers, among others.

With so much of our sensitive data being stored and transmitted online, it’s crucial to follow proper cyber hygiene to minimize the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks. 

In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips for dealing with security exploits and vulnerabilities, as well as ways to verify that the services and apps we use are secure.

What Is a Security Vulnerability?

A security vulnerability refers to a software or system flaw that attackers can exploit for various reasons – to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, steal data, or inflict other forms of harm. These vulnerabilities can occur at any level of a system, from the operating system and network protocols to individual applications. 

Exploits are attacks that take advantage of security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or perform other malicious actions. An exploit is a specific technique or method that an attacker uses to take advantage of a vulnerability. 

Exploits can be created for known vulnerabilities, but they can also be zero-day exploits, which are exploits that take advantage of vulnerabilities that are not yet known to the vendor or the public. Zero-day exploits are particularly dangerous because there is no patch or fix available to prevent the attack.

Some of the most dangerous vulnerabilities in companies and organizations that operate in the US include:

  • Remote code execution vulnerabilities: These allow attackers to execute code on a targeted system, which can lead to unauthorized access or data theft. A case in point is the Apache Struts vulnerability that resulted in the Equifax data breach in 2017.
  • Weak passwords: This is a typical security flaw that can enable attackers to obtain unauthorized access to accounts or systems. In 2021, a cybercriminal used a compromised password to steal information associated with 1.2 million GoDaddy accounts.
  • Misconfigured servers: Improperly configured servers can leave sensitive data exposed to attackers. The Capital One breach in 2019 was caused by a misconfigured web application firewall that allowed an attacker to access customer data.
  • Outdated software: Not updating software with security patches can result in leaving vulnerabilities open to exploitation. An example of this is the WannaCry ransomware attack that occurred in 2017, which exploited a weakness present in obsolete versions of Microsoft Windows.

Overall, security vulnerabilities represent a significant menace to individuals, organizations, and society at large. It is vital to keep an eye out for possible vulnerabilities and to take proactive measures to prevent their exploitation.

What Is the Known Vulnerabilities Catalog?

The known vulnerabilities catalog is a comprehensive database with all the known flaws of various software and hardware products. It serves as a critical tool for cybersecurity professionals because it helps them identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in their organizations.

By referencing the catalog, cybersecurity professionals can identify potential security weaknesses in their organization’s software and hardware products. 

The catalog is developed and maintained by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a government agency responsible for safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure against cyber threats.

It provides details such as vulnerability descriptions, CVSS scores, and the impact of the vulnerabilities. Finally, the catalog is updated as new vulnerabilities are discovered.

What Are Some of the Most Common Security Vulnerabilities Found by Third-Party Audits?

Organizations can utilize third-party audits to identify security vulnerabilities in their systems. Some of the most common security vulnerabilities found by third-party audits include:

Type of Vulnerability Example
Authentication and access control Weak or compromised passwords, missing two-factor authentication, and poor access controls are common issues that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Application security issuesSQL injection vulnerabilities, cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, and insecure coding practices that can allow attackers to gain access to sensitive data or take control of systems.

Encryption weaknesses
Encryption is an essential component of data security, but it can be broken, if the system is using an outdated algorithm or if the encryption settings are misconfigured.
Network security issuesOutdated or unpatched software, misconfigured firewalls, and open ports that can be exploited by attackers.

Regarding VPN audits, some of the most common security vulnerabilities found by third-party audits include:

Type of Vulnerability Example
VPN configuration issuesThis can include misconfigured tunneling protocols, which can allow unauthorized access to the VPN network and expose sensitive data.PIA’s systems are painstakingly secured, and an independent audit proves it.
The infrastructure can also be compromised, although it rarely results in significant breaches if the encryption works as intended.
Encryption weaknessesAs with other systems and applications, VPNs rely on encryption to secure data in transit. Attackers can exploit outdated encryption protocols vulnerabilities to intercept and decode sensitive information.
Insecure VPN client softwareVPN clients can be a weak point in VPN security if they are not properly configured or if they contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
User authentication and access control issuesWeak authentication, and poor access controls can all be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to VPNs.

Overall, it is important for organizations to conduct regular third-party audits to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and to ensure that their systems and applications are secure.

How are Security Vulnerabilities Spotted?

Security vulnerabilities can be spotted through a variety of methods.

Penetration testing, which  involves hiring ethical hackers to try and exploit vulnerabilities in a system is one of the best ways to spot security flaws. The results of the testing can reveal any weaknesses in the system.

Vulnerability scanning relies on software to check the system for known vulnerabilities, but it’s not always as reliable as an expert, so it’s often used in conjunction with pen testing.

Next up we have code reviews, which just means examining the source code of a system to identify any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.  This can help identify areas of the system that need to be hardened to prevent attacks.

Bug bounty programs are incentivized programs that reward researchers for finding and reporting security vulnerabilities in a system.

User reports can also report security vulnerabilities they come across while using a system. This can be done through support channels or dedicated security reporting mechanisms.

In general, a combination of these methods is often used to ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they can be exploited by attackers.

When Should Security Vulnerabilities be Disclosed?

Disclosure of cybersecurity vulnerabilities is a complex issue and requires a careful consideration of various factors. Here are some general guidelines on when security vulnerabilities should be disclosed:

  1. Responsible disclosure: Vulnerabilities should be reported to the vendor or developer responsible for the software or system as soon as they are discovered. This allows the vendor to create a patch or fix for the vulnerability and issue it to customers.
  2. Time to patch: Vendors should be given sufficient time to address the vulnerability and release a patch or fix before public disclosure. The standard timeframe for addressing vulnerabilities is usually around 90 days, although this can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the vulnerability.

  1. Public interest: If the vulnerability is deemed critical and poses a significant risk to public safety or security, then it may be appropriate to disclose it to the public immediately, even if a patch or fix is not yet available.
  2. Mitigation advice: If a vulnerability is disclosed publicly, it is important to provide advice on how users can mitigate the risk until a patch or fix is available.
  3. Coordination: Vulnerability disclosure should be coordinated between the party that discovered the vulnerability, the vendor, and any relevant government agencies or security organizations.

In general, disclosure of cybersecurity vulnerabilities can help improve the security of the affected software or system, but it should be done in a responsible and coordinated manner to avoid exposing users to unnecessary risks.

Does Private Internet Access Have a Security Audit?

Yes, Private Internet Access (PIA) has undergone a third-party audit by Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. The audit was conducted in 2022 and included a review of PIA’s infrastructure, policies, and procedures.

Deloitte’s audit found that PIA’s security controls were “suitably designed and implemented” to protect user data and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its services. The audit also found that PIA had implemented appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized  access to user data, such as multi-factor authentication and strong encryption.

Overall, the audit by Deloitte demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability of our security practices. 

Here are some reasons why a security audit is crucial for a VPN, and for service that handles personal information, for that matter:

  • Identifying vulnerabilities
  • Assessing the effectiveness of security controls
  • Compliance with regulations

A security audit can demonstrate to customers that the service provider takes security seriously and has implemented appropriate security measures to protect their personal information. This can help build trust and confidence in the service.

Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

Security vulnerabilities are a serious threat to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. With the increasing number of data breaches and cyber attacks, it is crucial to identify and address security vulnerabilities to prevent them from being exploited by attackers. 

Using strong passwords, updating software regularly, properly configuring servers, and conducting regular security audits are best practices for cyber hygiene.

Always use services from reputable vendors who prioritize security and are transparent about their security practices. Regular security audits and compliance with industry standards, such as ISO 27001, can also provide assurance that a service provider is committed to security best practices.

FAQ

What Is a Security Vulnerability?

A security vulnerability refers to a weakness or flaw in a computer network, application, or system that can be utilized by attackers to gain access without authorization, steal confidential information, or cause damage. 

Vulnerabilities may arise due to various factors such as software code errors, incorrect configurations, or inadequate security practices.

What Causes Security Vulnerabilities?

There are several factors that can cause security vulnerabilities, including:

– Programming errors or bugs in software code
– Misconfigured or poorly secured systems
– Failure to apply software patches or updates
– Human error or negligence
– Malicious software, such as viruses or malware
– Weak or easily guessable passwords
– Lack of security awareness and training

What Is the Most Common Security Vulnerability?

Security vulnerabilities can come in many different forms and their prevalence may depend on the specific situation. Some examples of commonly occurring security vulnerabilities include:

– Cross-site scripting (XSS)
SQL injection
– Misconfigured or unsecured servers
– Insecure passwords or authentication mechanisms
– Buffer overflows
– Missing security patches or updates

How Do You Manage Security Vulnerabilities?

Managing security vulnerabilities involves a proactive approach to identify, prioritize, and address vulnerabilities in a timely and effective manner. 

There are several recommended best practices for managing security vulnerabilities, such as conducting regular vulnerability assessments,penetration testing and monitoring system logs and network traffic for any signs of suspicious activity.

Does Private Internet Access Have a Security Audit?

Yes, PIA has undergone a security audit by Deloitte, which reviewed its infrastructure, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards for security and privacy. 

Deloitte’s report found that PIA’s security controls were appropriately designed and implemented, and that it had measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to user data. 

This independent audit demonstrates PIA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its security practices, and its dedication to protecting user privacy and security online.