Attempts to exploit a flaw in Windows WMF files have “become increasingly serious over the past two days” with “significant developments … in the past few hours,” according to a New Year’s Day alert issued by iDefense.“Risk has gone up significantly in the past 24 hours for any network still not protected against the WMF exploit.”Attacks are carried out through a vulnerability in the way Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 handle corrupted Windows Metaile (.WMF) graphic files. So far, it appears that Windows Data Execution Prevention (DEP) software or disabling Windows’ shimgvw.dll file will block WMF attacks to date, according to iDefense.The HappyNY.A attack has been using an e-mail with the subject “happy new year” that includes the attached file HappyNewYear.jpg. That file, actually a hostile WMF file, installs the Bifrose backdoor Trojan in the victim’s system when the file executes. Websense Security Labs says it is tracking “several dozen” Web sites seeking to use the WMF vulnerability. More information is available on the Websense blog at www.websensesecuritylabs.com/blog.“WMF exploitation has started to take off in the wild,” iDefense spokesman Ken Dunham said in an e-mail statement. “Dozens if not hundreds of WMF exploiting sites are likely to be reported in the coming days and weeks.” “A new, upgraded WMF exploit was posted to the public today and is highly functional,” Dunham added.By Sharon Machlis – Computerworld (US online) Related content news analysis DHS unveils one common platform for reporting cyber incidents Ahead of CISA cyber incident reporting regulations, DHS issued a report on harmonizing 52 cyber incident reporting requirements, presenting a model common reporting platform that could encompass them all. By Cynthia Brumfield Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Regulation Regulation Regulation news Chinese state actors behind espionage attacks on Southeast Asian government The distinct groups of activities formed three different clusters, each attributed to a specific APT group. By Shweta Sharma Sep 25, 2023 4 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks feature How to pick the best endpoint detection and response solution EDR software has emerged as one of the preeminent tools in the CISO’s arsenal. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when choosing EDR software. By Linda Rosencrance Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Intrusion Detection Software Security Monitoring Software Data and Information Security feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Data and Information Security IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe