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10 Most Overlooked Internal Network Vulnerabilities: The Time Bomb Behind Your Firewall!
10 Most Overlooked Internal Network Vulnerabilities: The Time Bomb Behind Your Firewall!
Are you at ease because your company has a top-tier firewall and antivirus? Beware, that sense of security might be overly over-optimistic!
Based on over 10,000 internal penetration tests (pentest) conducted by the vPenTest platform, a surprising fact was discovered: the greatest threat to corporate networks isn't a super-sophisticated zero-day attack, but rather negligence and fundamental mistakes that continue to be ignored.
Data shows that internal security gaps predominantly stem from:
- 50% Configuration Errors.
- 30% Unpatched Systems (Patching).
- 20% Weak Passwords.
This means you are fighting an old, predictable enemy that is simply slipping through the cracks of oversight. Let's explore these 10 most deadly and often overlooked vulnerabilities.
The Three Fatal Sins of Internal Security
These three categories of vulnerabilities account for nearly 100% of internal network problems. Fixing these is the first and most effective defense.
1. Credential and Configuration-Based Vulnerabilities
Systems left with factory settings or careless configuration are the front door for hackers.
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- Redis Without Authentication: The in-memory Redis database is very fast, but unfortunately, its default setting doesn't require a login. Impact: Anyone with network access can steal, modify, or delete sensitive data.
- Forgotten Default Credentials: Servers like Firebird Database are often installed with built-in username/password combinations (e.g., admin/admin). Impact: A free entry pass for hackers to take control of the server.
- Vulnerable IPMI (Server Management): This hardware remote management feature, if left unsecured, can allow hackers to bypass login, steal password hashes, and even physically damage the server.
2. Vulnerabilities Due to Obsolete Systems and Failed Patching
Old vulnerabilities that already have a patch, but failed to be installed, are the reason malware and ransomware spread like wildfire.
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- EternalBlue (Windows SMBv1): The infamous exploit used by the WannaCry ransomware. It targets the outdated SMBv1 protocol. Impact: Grants full administrator rights and automatically spreads the infection.
- BlueKeep Vulnerability (Windows RDP): A critical flaw in the Remote Desktop Protocol (CVE-2019-0708). Impact: Allows Remote Code Execution (RCE)—full system control from a distance without logging in.
- End-of-Life (Obsolete) Windows: Computers that are no longer supported by Microsoft are a time bomb. Impact: Published security flaws will remain open forever, becoming an easy target for hackers to spread attacks across the network.
3. Four Local Protocols Prone to Spoofing
Several local name resolution protocols designed for small network convenience turn out to be the main route for hackers to steal credential hashes without detection. These are four pillars of weakness most frequently found in pentests.
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- LLMNR Spoofing (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution): This Windows protocol sends a broadcast request across the entire network when DNS fails. Risk: A hacker can answer that request (spoofing), redirecting your computer to their fake server, and steal your password hash.
- NBNS Spoofing (NetBIOS Name Service): Similar to LLMNR, this old protocol also broadcasts requests on the local network. Risk: Similar credential hash theft, opening unauthorized network access.
- mDNS Spoofing (Multicast DNS): Used by home/office devices (printers, smart TVs). Risk: Vulnerable to spoofing attacks, allowing the theft of hashes or even unencrypted data.
- IPv6 DNS Spoofing: Because Windows prioritizes IPv6 by default, a fake DHCPv6 server can slip in. Risk: Controlling network traffic and redirecting victims to fake services to steal login credentials.
Conclusion: Prevention is the Top Priority
These 10 weak points clearly show that internal hackers are targeting operational gaps (configuration, patching, defaults).
Keys to Securing the Internal Network:
- Stop Legacy: Immediately disable all spoofing protocols (LLMNR, NBNS, mDNS) if they are not absolutely necessary.
- Credential Audit: Change all default usernames and passwords on every server, application, and device. Enforce strong passwords (minimum 12 characters).
- Patching Discipline: Implement a strict patch management system, especially for Windows RDP and SMB, and immediately migrate obsolete OS.
Remember, in the cyber world, prevention is always cheaper than recovery. Secure these neglected weak points now before it's too late.
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