Low Hanging Fruit
Summary: Cisco Talos describes a Snort rule written to detect the string "NEW PDF EXPLOIT" seen in PDF files across several exploit kit chains, applied over HTTP, POP and IMAP using $FILE_DATA_PORTS and a flowbit confirming the file is a PDF. Talos notes the rule's fast_pattern:only; modifier conflicted with the file_data; keyword, which enforces that the match occurs in the decoded file buffer, so the modifier was removed in the final rule.
Bottom line: Exploit kits morph almost day-to-day, and a rule keyword that looks like a speed win can quietly undercut where a match is enforced - the difference between catching a PDF exploit and letting it through.
Read the original at Cisco Talos ↗
- Topics
- Zero-Days & Exploits
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