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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.

PHP-CGI RCE Flaw Exploited in Attacks on Japan's Tech, Telecom, and E-Commerce Sectors

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)
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