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Hackers target legacy Windows PCs to mine crypto via BlueKeep exploit

The memory log from one of the "honeypot" systems, a computer intentionally left vulnerable to catch the worm. Image via Kevin Beaumont
The memory log from one of the "honeypot" systems, a computer intentionally left vulnerable to catch the worm. Image via Kevin Beaumont
A security researcher discovered the first worm to take advantage of the BlueKeep in older versions of Windows exploit disclosed earlier this year. Machine running Windows 7 and below have a critical security flaw that can allow attackers full access. This attack installed a Monero cryptocurrency miner without tripping any flags other than high CPU usage. Considering the number of organizations and government agencies that still rely on legacy Windows machines, BlueKeep could turn out to be a much larger threat than many realize.
Cryptocurrency Fail Windows Security Software

Over the past weekend, a cybersecurity researcher discovered a widespread attack that exploits a vulnerability in older Windows systems. The attacker was able to remotely install a cryptocurrency miner, though the damage could have been much worse.

Kevin Beaumont, a security researcher, discovered the attack after setting up a handful of systems running older versions of Windows. The attack exploited a vulnerability dubbed BlueKeep that takes advantage of a flaw in the Remote Desktop Service feature of older systems.

Working with MalwareTech (Marcus Hutchins), the researcher that found the WannaCry killswitch, Beaumont discovered the worm could invisibly infect vulnerable machines and install a Monero Miner, all without the knowledge of the end-user.

Microsoft announced the vulnerability and released a patch this past May. The company pushed users to install the patch again over the summer. The flaw is so widespread that even the NSA has urged users to update their machines.

Why is this important? BlueKeep affects machines running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008 that have the Remote Desktop Service activated. While most individual PC users likely own a machine running Windows 10, several businesses, hospitals, and government agencies still run older versions of Windows. If these organizations haven’t updated their systems with the latest patch, which is likely, their computers may be ticking timebombs.

The security patch for BlueKeep can be found on Microsoft’s website here.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2019 11 > Hackers target legacy Windows PCs to mine crypto via BlueKeep exploit
Sam Medley, 2019-11- 6 (Update: 2019-11- 6)