Mitigating Media Industry Cybersecurity Risks: Addressing CMS Platform Vulnerabilities

Executive Summary

The media industry is under increasing threat from cyber attacks, with a recent report by BlueVoyant highlighting significant vulnerabilities within its vendor ecosystem. This report, titled "Media Industry Cybersecurity Challenges: A Vendor Ecosystem Analysis," reveals that 30% of media vendors have vulnerabilities in their publicly accessible online presence, making them twice as susceptible to cyber attacks compared to a multi-industry benchmark. The report underscores the critical need for media companies to address these vulnerabilities, particularly in Content Management Systems (CMS) and patch management, to safeguard their operations and content integrity.

Technical Information

The media industry's complex ecosystem, involving numerous vendors, service providers, and partners, presents a fertile ground for cyber threats. The BlueVoyant report identifies several key vulnerabilities that media companies must address to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Firstly, the exposure of vulnerabilities in publicly accessible online presences is alarmingly high, with 30% of media vendors affected. This exposure is exacerbated by the widespread use of CMS solutions, where half of the common media vendors have been identified with potentially compromising vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to content integrity and distribution channels, making them prime targets for cyber attackers.

Patch management is another critical issue highlighted in the report. Approximately 60% of vulnerable systems remain unprotected six weeks after a patch is issued, significantly increasing the risk of exploitation. This delay in patching vulnerabilities is a major concern, as it provides cyber attackers with ample time to exploit known weaknesses. The digital supply chain also presents a common attack vector, not only for the media industry but across various sectors. Continuous monitoring and prioritization of critical vulnerabilities are essential for improving cyber defense.

Exploitation in the Wild

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups frequently target media companies to disrupt operations or steal sensitive information. These groups employ a range of techniques, including spear-phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks, to achieve their objectives. Real-world incidents have demonstrated the devastating impact of such attacks, with media companies facing operational disruptions and financial losses due to ransomware attacks. The exploitation of CMS vulnerabilities has also resulted in unauthorized access and content leaks, further highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

APT groups targeting the media industry are known to operate globally, with a focus on disrupting operations and stealing sensitive information. These groups often employ sophisticated techniques, such as spear-phishing and ransomware, to infiltrate media companies' networks. The exploitation of CMS vulnerabilities is a common tactic used by these groups to gain unauthorized access and compromise content integrity. The media industry must remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to defend against these persistent threats.

Affected Product Versions

The vulnerabilities identified in the BlueVoyant report primarily affect media vendors providing CMS solutions. These vulnerabilities are present in various versions of CMS platforms, making it imperative for media companies to assess their systems and implement necessary patches. Additionally, the delay in patching vulnerabilities across the digital supply chain further exacerbates the risk of exploitation. Media companies must prioritize patch management and ensure timely updates to protect their systems from cyber threats.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risks identified in the report, media companies should implement several key strategies. Enhanced vendor management is crucial, with robust third-party risk management practices needed to assess and mitigate risks associated with the vendor ecosystem. Timely patching is essential, with organizations prioritizing critical vulnerabilities and ensuring timely updates to reduce exposure. Continuous monitoring of the digital supply chain is also vital, with tools like BlueVoyant’s Terrain: 3PRTM platform providing valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities. Regular cybersecurity training for employees can help in recognizing and mitigating phishing attempts and other social engineering attacks.

References

For further information on the vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies discussed in this report, please refer to the following resources: BlueVoyant's "Media Industry Cybersecurity Challenges: A Vendor Ecosystem Analysis" (https://cybermagazine.com/articles/new-report-on-media-industrys-cybersecurity-challenges), the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) (https://nvd.nist.gov/) for tracking vulnerabilities, and the MITRE ATT&CK framework (https://attack.mitre.org/) for understanding APT tactics and techniques.

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform provides comprehensive solutions to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within your digital ecosystem. We are here to support you in enhancing your cybersecurity posture and protecting your valuable assets. If you have any questions about this report or any other cybersecurity concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com.