Flaw in Dell Software Leaves Computers Vulnerable to Hacks

Flaw in Dell Software Leaves Computers Vulnerable to Hacks

Owners of Dell laptops might want to dust off the company’s bundled software update tool. There’s a critical update addressing a flaw that could allow an attacker to take over your system simply by sending you to a compromised website. Amusingly, the bug is in Dell’s own remote support tool that is supposed to help the company fix your laptop. In this case, it’s breaking things. That’s only slightly less bizarre than Asus pushing malware with its support tools.

The attack relies on tricking a user into visiting a particular website configured by the perpetrator. There, custom JavaScript fools the Dell software into running files of the attacker’s choosing. Someone could use this to steal data, install ransomware, or add the computer to a botnet. You can see a demo of the vulnerability in the video below.

There is at least a shred of good news. Your system is only vulnerable if the attacker is on the same local network where they can use ARP Spoofing. That’s not exactly an insurmountable task. Public Wi-Fi networks are a prime target, as are large corporate networks where someone can quietly plug in and launch an attack. A remote attacker may also be able to fool the SupportAssist tool by compromising a user’s router.

Dell issued the patch on April 23, but many users are probably conditioned to ignore popups and alerts from Dell’s bundled software — it’s usually not important. This is one of those times when you really need to update, though.

To its credit, Dell responded to the report by Demirkapi and took quick action to patch the vulnerability. SupportAssist v3.2.0.90 is available as a direct download on Dell’s site as well as a push installation via the company’s bundled software.

Continue reading

Time to Update: Google Patches 2 Severe Zero-Day Chrome Vulnerabilities
Time to Update: Google Patches 2 Severe Zero-Day Chrome Vulnerabilities

Unlike the last few zero-days, Google didn't find these security holes itself. Instead, it was tipped by anonymous third-parties, and the problems are severe enough that it hasn't released full details. Suffice it to say, you should stop putting off that update.

Security Researcher: ‘solarwinds123’ Password Left Firm Vulnerable in 2019
Security Researcher: ‘solarwinds123’ Password Left Firm Vulnerable in 2019

SolarWinds, the company at the center of the massive hack that hit US government agencies and corporations, doesn't exactly use cutting-edge password techniques.

AMD Discloses a Spectre-Like Vulnerability in Zen 3 CPUs
AMD Discloses a Spectre-Like Vulnerability in Zen 3 CPUs

AMD has disclosed a potential security vulnerability on its Zen 3 CPUs with similarities to the Spectre attack from several years ago, but the company believes the risk is minimal.

Intel, Researchers Debate Whether New Spectre-Type Vulnerabilities Exist
Intel, Researchers Debate Whether New Spectre-Type Vulnerabilities Exist

Researchers are claiming to have found a new type of Spectre attack that bypasses all existing protections, but that framing isn't well supported.