Hackers are exploiting Microsoft Word vulnerability to take control of PCs
2Hackers are exploiting Microsoft Word vulnerability to take control of PCs.
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Hackers are using a recently disclosed Microsoft Office vulnerability to distribute backdoor malware capable of controlling an infected system, providing attackers with the ability to extract files, execute commands and more.
Cobalt malware has such potent capabilities because it uses a well known and legitimate penetration testing tool, Cobalt Strike -- a form of software for Adversary Simulations and Red Team Operations, which can be used to access covert channels in a system.
What helps the campaign to be even more potent is the use of a Microsoft Word exploit that has been active for 17 years, but was only disclosed and patched earlier this month.