PHP-CGI RCE Flaw Exploited in Attacks on Japan's Tech, Telecom, and E-Commerce Sectors
Threat actors have launched a malicious campaign targeting organizations in Japan since January 2025. The attackers exploit the PHP-CGI RCE vulnerability (CVE-2024-4577) to gain access to victim machines.
TL;DR
Threat actors of unknown provenance have been attributed to a malicious campaign predominantly targeting organizations in Japan since January 2025. The attacker has exploited the vulnerability CVE-2024-4577, a remote code execution (RCE) flaw in the PHP-CGI implementation of PHP on Windows, to gain initial access to victim machines.
PHP-CGI RCE Flaw Exploited in Attacks on Japan’s Tech, Telecom, and E-Commerce Sectors
Threat actors of unknown provenance have been attributed to a malicious campaign predominantly targeting organizations in Japan since January 2025. The attacker has exploited the vulnerability CVE-2024-4577, a remote code execution (RCE) flaw in the PHP-CGI implementation of PHP on Windows, to gain initial access to victim machines.
Key Points of the Attack
- Initial Access: The attackers exploit the PHP-CGI RCE vulnerability (CVE-2024-4577) to gain access to victim machines.
- Persistence: They establish persistence on compromised devices, enabling long-term access and control.
- Lateral Movement: The threat actors move laterally within the network, compromising additional systems and expanding their reach.
- Data Exfiltration: Sensitive information is exfiltrated to an attacker-controlled server, resulting in significant data breaches.
- Command and Control (C2) Communication: The attackers maintain communication with the compromised systems through C2 servers, allowing them to issue commands and receive data.
Impact on Targeted Sectors
- Technology and Telecom: These sectors have experienced significant disruptions due to the attack, affecting their operational capabilities and data security.
- E-Commerce: E-commerce platforms have suffered financial losses and reputational damage as a result of the data breaches.
- Customer Data: Sensitive customer data, including personal and financial information, has been compromised, leading to potential identity theft and fraud.
Additional Resources
For further insights, check:
- https://thehackernews.com/2025/03/php-cgi-rce-flaw-exploited-in-attacks.html
- (Add other relevant authoritative sources if available)