What is BlueKeep?

BlueKeep, also identified as CVE-2019-0708, is a vulnerability impacting earlier editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Unveiled by researchers in 2019, it presents a potential threat to networks by propagating as a worm across interconnected computers. Operating systems susceptible to this vulnerability include Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

The significance of the BlueKeep vulnerability lies in its exploitation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) within Windows operating systems, facilitating graphical connections between computers over a network.

Initially confined to research settings, BlueKeep’s threat expanded in November 2019 when reports surfaced of malicious actors employing it to deploy cryptocurrency mining software. This discovery, credited to British researcher Kevin Beaumont, arose from his creation of honeypots designed to detect exploitation attempts of the vulnerability. Although the attacks utilized demo exploit code in an endeavor to install a cryptominer on unpatched devices, they were ultimately unsuccessful, resulting only in system crashes.

BlueKeep is not an isolated flaw within Windows RDP. Over thirty additional security vulnerabilities have been identified, with some capable of remote code execution, thereby potentially granting attackers control over internet-connected and network-accessible devices.

Why Should You Care?

The BlueKeep vulnerability presents a potentially significant threat, characterized by Microsoft as “wormable,” indicating its capacity for widespread exploitation akin to the destructive WannaCry ransomware worm. Consequently, Microsoft took the unprecedented measure of issuing patches for unsupported versions of its operating systems, such as Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Additionally, it advised users of these Windows iterations to update their systems twice in May 2019.

Various national security agencies, including the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as well as counterparts in Australia and Germany, issued warnings regarding the BlueKeep vulnerability, urging system updates. These alerts, coupled with Microsoft’s patches, underscore the severe threat posed by BlueKeep to internet users.

For instance, the NSA’s caution in June 2019 urged Windows administrators and users to adopt patched and updated operating systems due to heightened risk stemming from the protocol vulnerability. The NSA cautioned that cybercriminals exploit BlueKeep using specific vulnerability-targeting software code, asserting that the emergence of remote exploitation code was inevitable.

Moreover, the agency expressed apprehension regarding potential exploitation of BlueKeep in ransomware attacks and exploit kits, enhancing its capability to target unpatched systems. Consequently, the NSA advised everyone to allocate time and resources to enhance their network understanding and ensure the patching of their operating systems.

Does It Affect You?

BlueKeep presents a potential threat that could impact users of unsupported Windows operating systems. This encompasses approximately 1 million internet-connected computers. These systems, lacking support from Windows, often run outdated applications, thus posing significant security risks. Unprotected hosts are easily identifiable by cybercriminals who utilize tools like Masscan or ZMap to scour the internet for vulnerabilities.

There have been reports of attackers employing port scans to identify potential BlueKeep vulnerabilities in Windows systems. These attempts were obscured by TOR exit nodes, indicating the potential for further BlueKeep attacks and emphasizing the ongoing risk.

Users of unsupported Windows systems face potential risks if they fail to update their devices to the latest versions. Exploiting BlueKeep could enable attackers to breach computers lacking necessary patches or updates. Neglecting device updates leaves users vulnerable to potential attacks, potentially resulting in data theft and malicious exploitation.

Microsoft’s designation of the vulnerability as “wormable” suggests that the threat could propagate across the internet without user interaction, reminiscent of other destructive worms that have exploited unpatched systems, causing widespread damage.

For instance, the WannaCry crypto-ransomware attack targeted vulnerabilities in Windows devices, leveraging exploits like EternalBlue to spread malware. Although Microsoft released patches to mitigate the exploit, numerous users and organizations remained vulnerable due to delayed updates.

WannaCry encrypted files and extorted ransom payments from affected users, inflicting significant damage globally. The attack severely impacted institutions like the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), leading to disruptions in medical services and substantial financial losses.

The global spread of ransomware through WannaCry underscored the importance of abandoning outdated Windows systems and bolstering cybersecurity practices. It serves as a stark warning for users and organizations to prioritize patching and updating their systems to mitigate similar risks.

What Should You Do About It?

The potential risk associated with a BlueKeep exploit and the lessons gleaned from previous cyberattacks underscore the critical need to secure susceptible devices. Users and businesses can take the following measures to safeguard against the BlueKeep risk:

• Patch vulnerable computers: Neglecting system updates exposes user data to theft and, in the case of business computers, jeopardizes sensitive corporate information. Nearly 1 million internet-connected computers running Windows 7 or earlier are potentially susceptible to BlueKeep. However, they can be safeguarded by applying patches to the Windows system. Patches for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 systems are available here, and patches for earlier systems like Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows XP are available here.
• Block vulnerable ports: Users can mitigate the BlueKeep vulnerability by blocking port 3389, utilized by Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), at firewalls. This port should especially be closed if devices and firewalls are exposed to the external internet.
• Disable unnecessary services: Any non-essential services, such as remote desktop services, should be deactivated to eliminate potential security loopholes that attackers could exploit.
• Implement network controls: Organizations can enable Network Level Authentication (NLA), which grants them control over user connections to their systems and prevents unauthorized access to data and resources. This measure also helps thwart unauthorized users seeking to exploit the BlueKeep vulnerability for malicious purposes.
• Educate users: In addition to applying patches, installing the latest software, and fortifying networks, it’s crucial to stay informed about emerging cybersecurity risks. Users must be aware of potential threats and equipped to recognize signs of a looming cyberattack.

FAQ’s

What exactly is BlueKeep, and why is it significant?

BlueKeep, identified as CVE-2019-0708, is a vulnerability affecting older versions of Microsoft Windows. It poses a significant threat as it can propagate as a worm across interconnected computers, akin to the devastating WannaCry ransomware. Exploiting the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), it targets systems like Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, and others, making them susceptible to cyberattacks.

How does BlueKeep affect users of unsupported Windows systems?

BlueKeep potentially impacts around 1 million internet-connected computers running unsupported Windows versions. These systems, no longer maintained by Windows, are vulnerable to exploitation due to outdated applications, presenting a prime target for cybercriminals scanning for vulnerabilities.

What actions can users take to protect themselves against BlueKeep?

Users can adopt several measures to mitigate the risk posed by BlueKeep. These include promptly patching vulnerable computers, blocking vulnerable ports like 3389 used by RDP, disabling unnecessary services, implementing network controls such as Network Level Authentication (NLA), and staying informed about cybersecurity threats.

How serious is the threat of BlueKeep compared to other cyber vulnerabilities?

BlueKeep’s designation as “wormable” by Microsoft underscores its potential for widespread exploitation. National security agencies like the NSA have issued warnings, emphasizing the urgency of patching systems. The threat is comparable to past cyberattacks like WannaCry, highlighting the critical need for proactive security measures.

What are the potential consequences of failing to address the BlueKeep vulnerability?

Failing to address BlueKeep leaves users vulnerable to cyberattacks, potentially resulting in data theft, system compromises, and even widespread disruption akin to the WannaCry incident. The ransomware attack on the UK’s NHS serves as a stark reminder of the real-world impact of such vulnerabilities.

Where can users find patches and updates to protect against BlueKeep?

Microsoft has released patches for various Windows systems affected by BlueKeep. Users can access these patches through official channels provided by Microsoft. Additionally, users are encouraged to stay vigilant and apply updates promptly to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Conclusion

BlueKeep’s emergence as a significant cybersecurity threat emphasizes the ongoing risks associated with outdated systems. To mitigate these risks, prompt patching, robust network controls, and heightened cybersecurity awareness are essential. By addressing vulnerabilities like BlueKeep proactively, we can better protect our digital infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks.