Net-Sec newsletter 
Issue 21 - 10.07.2000 
http://net-security.org 

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Table of contents: 

1) General security news 
2) Security issues 
3) Security world 
4) Featured articles 
5) Defaced archives 


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General security news 
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KAIST CONTEST FINISHED 
The Information Security Education Research Center of the Korean Advanced 
Institute of Science and Technology said Sunday that no hackers among the 
3,664 teams worldwide managed to conquer its third level server. KAIST paid 
two teams $30,000 for entering the second level. 
Link: http://www.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200007/200007020212.html 


WEB SITE WORM 
Kaspersky Lab announced today the discovery of a new Internet-worm (called 
"Jer"), which has an ability to penetrate computers at the moment users visit 
"infected" web pages. While surfing to the web site containing the worm, a 
security box opens and if you click on yes, you'll get infected. 
Link: http://www.kasperskylab.ru/eng/news/press/20000702-1.asp 


SECURING PALM PILOTS 
"In order to add satisfactory security to your PalmPilot, you must search out 
3rd party software to add the necessary components" - Jim Reavis from Security 
Portal writes. 
Link: http://www.securityportal.com/ 


HACKERS AS CRIMINALS 
"Stop blaming Microsoft - it's the hackers who are the guilty ones" - is a final 
comment from Andrew Tomas, journalist from The Register UK. The writer 
blames hackers and call them criminals, because in the article the big companies 
out their are just to make money and not ready to protect their customers. 
Contributed by Apocalyse Dow. 
Link: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/1/11763.html 


SOPHOS ANTI-VIRUS FOR EXCHANGE 
Sophos has made available a beta version of Sophos Anti-Virus for Exchange 
for download. New features include scanning inside compressed and archived 
files, and detection of Apple Macintosh viruses. 
Link: http://www.sophos.com/downloads/beta/ 


NSI AUTHENTIFICATION FAQ 
With all this domain hijackings, the following FAQ on Network Solutions's web 
site comes very useful. It deals with all questions regarding authentification at NSI. 
Link: http://www.networksolutions.com/help/guardian.html 


OPENHACK.COM DEFACED 
"Web site successfully defaced, details upcoming" - there are some news from 
eWEEK hacking contest. According to the rules, this was not a successful 
compromise, but Attrition has the mirror. 
Link: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/03/www.openhack.com/ 


SPECIAL FEATURE: ECHELON 
ZDNet United Kingdom has a special feature on their site - and the topic is 
Echelon. It has a variety of aricles, comments and multimedia files on the world 
wide privacy risk. 
Link: http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/specials/2000/06/echelon/ 


LEGAL FACTS 
Wired also did a report on Lee Ashurst who is accused of pentrating into systems 
of Arab ISP named "Emirates Internet and Multimedia". Article focuses mostly on 
legal facts of computer crime law in UAE. 
Link: http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37401,00.html 


ACCESS DENIED TO FBI WEB SITE 
"You can't access fbi.gov if you have a Freedom 'nym' running," confirmed Dov 
Smith, spokesman for Zero-Knowledge Systems who created software called 
Freedom, which lets you use the Internet anonymously. 
Link: http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,37425,00.html 


E-COMMERCE SECURITY REPORT 
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and the Information Systems Audit and Control 
Foundation have published a report entitled "E-commerce Security Enterprise 
Best Practices." The report is the result of worldwide survey of professionals 
in 46 locations, including Hong Kong, over a period of six months. The report 
is an effort to address the security, control and audit issues involved in 
e-commerce. 
Link: http://www.computeruser.com/news/00/07/07/news5.html 


SECURITY IS NOT A LUXURY ANYMORE 
This article by Andrew Kaufman talks about shortsighted thinking that is 
prevalent in many companies that do not put in place effective security 
measures. 
Link: http://linuxsecurity.com/feature_stories/feature_story-58.html 


CELLULARS, FRAUDS AND PROBLEMS 
"With the GSM standard, fraud cannot be easily detected and when back-end 
infrastructure/logistics are not completely in place networks are especially 
vulnerable" - said Gary Bernstein, UK-based fraud management consultancy 
Praesidium Services Ltd managing partner. 
Link: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe/daily/20000707/fco07003.html 


"HACKER" INSURANCE 
Lloyd's of London will offer up to $100 million in insurance coverage to clients 
of computer security management firm Counterpane Security against hacker 
losses to their business or their customers. 
Link: http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-2232221.html?tag=st.ne.1430735..ni 


OPENHACK.COM DEFACED, PART DEUX 
OpenHack.com was defaced for the second time. After "al and mei" penatrated 
the server and changed its index page, Jfs did it also. BTW if you remember, 
Jfs also hacked into last year's PC Week hacking contest server. 


OpenHack defaced again 
https://www.openhack.com/index_cracked_2.html 

Info on lats year's PC Week hack 
http://hispahack.ccc.de/en/mi019en.htm 


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Security issues 
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All vulnerabilities are located at: 
http://net-security.org/text/bugs 


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REMOTE DOS ATTACK IN REAL NETWORKS REAL SERVER 
The Ussr Labs team has recently discovered a memory problem in the RealServer 
7 Server (patched and non-patched). What happens is, by performing an attack 
sending specially-malformed information to the RealServer HTTP Port(default is 
8080), the process containing the services will stop responding. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/962751695,46694,.shtml 


ORACLE WEB LISTENER FOR AIX DOS 
By issuing a malformed URL (variations on "..") it is possible to cause a Denial of 
Service situation where the Oracle_Web_Listener will no longer accept HTTP 
requests and the service needs to be restarted. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/962846668,98024,.shtml 


VULNERABILITY IN POLL_IT CGI V2.0 
Because the CGI initializes it's internal variables before parsing any form data, 
and the method it uses to parse form data overwrites internal variables (in this 
case, $data_dir), it is possible to retrieve any files readable by the webserver. 
http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/962976911,43476,.shtml 


PATCHING "STORED PROCEDURE PERMISSIONS" VULNERABILITY 
Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security vulnerability in 
Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. The vulnerability could allow a malicious user to run 
a database stored procedure without proper permissions. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/963135822,65666,.shtml 


COBALT LINUX PROBLEMS 
There are two major problems with Cobalt Linux, used to drive the Cobalt RaQ 
series of hardware (used by thousands of ISPs). Both problems were tested 
against a Cobalt RaQ 3 with OS Update 3.0, which was released on the 15th 
of June. No updates have been released. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/963135955,96589,.shtml 


FLOWERFIRE SAWMILL VULNERABILITIES PATCH 
"We have just shipped a new version of Flowerfire Sawmill (5.0.22) which 
corrects both of the vulnerabilities mentioned on your web site (Flowerfire 
Sawmill File Access Vulnerability and Flowerfire Sawmill Weak Password 
Encryption Vulnerability). The update is free. " 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/963136068,19952,.shtml 


NOVELL BORDER MANGER PROBLEM 
To provide SSO-like capabilities for customers using BorderManger proxy server 
and the NetWare client, Novell uses a small program, ClientTrust, typically run 
from the user's login script. Once run, ClientTrust listens indefinitely on port 
3024 for requests. Upon a user's initial attempt to access the web through 
BorderManager, BorderManager sends a "request" to the user's box in the 
form of UDP packets on port 3024. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/963136348,87288,.shtml 


[MANDRAKE] BITCHX UPDATE 
A denial of service vulnerability exists in BitchX. Improper handling of incoming 
invitation messages can crash the client. Any user on IRC can send the client 
an invitation message that causes BitchX to segfault. 
Link: http://www.net-security.org/text/bugs/963228702,20509,.shtml 

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Security world 
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All press releases are located at: 
http://net-security.org/text/press 

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SECURECRT OPENS UP SSH TO OPEN-SOURCE SERVERS - [04.07.2000] 

The OpenSSH server, currently version 2.1.1, implements both SSH1 and SSH2 
protocols on BSD and Linux, as well as several commercial UNIX platforms. 
OpenSSH was developed by a group of programmers under the OpenBSD project. 
The server supports SSH2 features such as multiple authentication methods, 
including public key authentication with up to 1024-bit DSA security. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962675746,58806,.shtml > 

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SOPHOS TOP TEN LIST FOR JUNE - [04.07.2000] 

Top ten viruses reported to Sophos Anti-Virus in June 2000This is the latest in 
a series of monthly charts counting down the ten most frequently occurring 
viruses as compiled by Sophos, worldwide leaders in anti-virus protection. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962676094,48520,.shtml > 

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INTRUSION.COM ACQUIRES MIMESTAR - [05.07.2000] 

Intrusion.com, a global provider of enterprise security solutions, today 
announced the acquisition of MimeStar, Inc., developer of the advanced network 
intrusion detection software, SecureNet Pro. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962804485,13519,.shtml > 

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VERISIGN PROVIDING INTERNET TRUST SERVICES FOR E-DOCS - [06.07.2000] 

e-DOCS.net, the medical e-document company, announced today VeriSign has 
been selected to provide Internet trust services for e-DOCS.net's new 
professional portal, the e-DOCS Physician Network. VeriSign's Web site digital 
certificate services are used by all of the Fortune 500 companies with a Web 
presence. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962879584,17494,.shtml > 

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COSTAR SELECTS RSA SECURITY AS ITS SECURITY PROVIDER - [06.07.2000] 

CoStar Group, Inc., the leading provider of information services to the U.S. 
commercial real estate industry announced it has integrated premium high-tech 
security features from RSA Security Inc., the most trusted name in e-security, 
into CoStar Exchange, a Web-based interactive marketplace for commercial 
properties for sale. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962879876,52670,.shtml > 

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FREE SECURITY LINUX MANAGEMENT SOLUTION FROM SOLSOFT - [06.07.2000] 

Solsoft, Inc., the leading provider of policy management for e-Business security, 
today announced a free security management solution for the Linux community. 
To facilitate distribution the company has entered into a worldwide partnership 
with MandrakeSoft, one of the world's leading Linux publishers. Called Solsoft 
NP-Lite, the software is included with the Linux-Mandrake PowerPack or 
Deluxe 7.1 operating system released last month. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962908184,62401,.shtml > 

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MAIL.COM ANTI-VIRUS INTERCEPTIONS INCREASE 580% - [06.07.2000] 

Mail.com, Inc., a leading global provider of Internet Messaging services for 
businesses, announced today that its leading anti-virus service, MailWatch, 
formerly MailZone, intercepted 51,510 viruses in the second quarter. That figure 
represents a 580 percent increase over the first quarter's virus interception 
activity, and is due largely to the "I Love You" (AKA "Love Letter") virus in May, 
the "Stages" virus in June, and an increase in corporate customers using the 
MailWatch service. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/962908037,90908,.shtml > 

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AUTHORIZOR INC. ANNOUNCES AUTHORIZOR 2000 - [09.07.2000] 

Authorizor Inc., an internet security software provider announced today that its 
new Authorizor 2000 software product, which is designed to provide fail-safe 
website security, is now available. This new version enhances ease-of-use for 
customers and offers increased Internet security and access management 
functionality. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/963137242,35553,.shtml > 

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NETSCREEN ADDS RSA SECURITY SOFTWARE TO IA OS - [09.07.2000] 

RSA Security Inc. today announced that NetScreen Technologies Inc., 
a leading developer of ASIC-based Internet security appliances and systems, 
has licensed RSA BSAFEŽ Crypto-C software. NetScreen has added the RSA 
Security product to NetScreen ScreenOS 2.0, the operating system that powers 
the company's line of integrated security appliances. By adopting RSA Security 
software, NetScreen has been able to add encryption and authentication 
functions enabled by RSA BSAFE Crypto-C software - one of the world's best 
selling cryptography engines - to the NetScreen operating system. 


Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/963142839,13266,.shtml > 

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CLICKNET FORGES ALLIANCE WITH CISCO SYSTEMS - [10.07.2000] 

ClickNet and Cisco to Develop Intrusion Detection Solution for Securing 
E-Business Operations Throughout the Corporate NetworkClickNet Software 
Corp., the premier provider of anti-hacking e-server security solutions, today 
announced an alliance with networking giant Cisco Systems, Inc. to develop a 
complete intrusion detection solution for securing vulnerable e-business 
environments. 

Press release: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/press/963228079,34377,.shtml > 

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Featured articles 
----------------- 

All articles are located at: 
http://www.net-security.org/text/articles 
Articles could be contributed to staff@net-security.org 

Listed below are some of the recently added articles. 

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COMMON SYSTEM INTRUSION METHODS by Craig H. Rowland 

"I've done a large amount of system auditing and network attack tool 
programming in the past and here is what I consider the most common methods 
for gaining access to a target host." 

Article: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/articles/common.shtml > 

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TECHNIQUES ADOPTED BY 'SYSTEM CRACKERS' WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BREAK 
INTO CORPORATE OR SENSITIVE PRIVATE NETWORKS - by the consultants of 
the Network Security Solutions Ltd. Front-line Information Security Team 

This white paper was written to help give systems administrators and network 
operations staff an insight into the tactics and methodologies adopted by 
typical system crackers when targeting large networks. 

Article: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/articles/techniques.shtml > 

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STRUCTURAL VERSUS OPERATIONAL INTRUSION DETECTION - by John Kozubik 

"Structural IDS will be defined as identifying and monitoring unusual actions and 
objects in the network and computers participating on the network." 

Article: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/articles/ids.shtml > 

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SECURITY FOR THE HOME NETWORK - by JC Pollman and Bill Mote 

"Security for the home network is your responsibility. With all the tools available 
to the crackers and script kiddies, it is not a matter of IF but rather WHEN you 
will be probed and possibly attacked. I have personally been connected via 
modem for less than 5 minutes and been port scanned! Your ISP really does not 
care if you are being attacked by "x" because if they shut down "x", tomorrow it 
will be "y" attacking you. Fortunately there are several things you can do to 
greatly increase the security of your network." 

Article: 
< http://www.net-security.org/text/articles/homenetwork.shtml > 

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Defaced archives 
------------------------ 

[02.07.2000] - Medical School, UCLA 
Original: http://www.pathnet.medsch.ucla.edu/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/02/www.pathnet.medsch.ucla.edu/ 

[02.07.2000] - Icron Systems Inc. 
Original: http://www.icron.com/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/02/www.icron.com/ 

[03.07.2000] - DTS Software 
Original: http://www.dtssoftware.com/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/03/www.dtssoftware.com/ 

[03.07.2000] - #1 Openhack - eWEEK Hacking Challenge 
Original: https://www.openhack.com/cgi-bin/eweekorcl 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/03/www.openhack.com/ 

[04.07.2000] - Verbatim 
Original: http://www.verbatim.com/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/04/www.verbatim.com/ 

[05.07.2000] - Spokane Police Department 
Original: http://www.spokanepolice.org/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/05/www.spokanepolice.org/ 

[05.07.2000] - NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce 
Original: http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/05/www.NauticalCharts.gov/ 

[.07.2000] - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministery of Information 
Original: http://www.spa.gov.sa/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/05/www.spa.gov.sa/ 

[06.07.2000] - Ministry of Transportation and Navigation Italy 
Original: http://www.trasportinavigazione.it/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/06/www.trasportinavigazione.it/ 

[06.07.2000] - Bulgarian Government 
Original: http://www.mjeli.government.bg/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/06/www.mjeli.government..bg/ 

[08.07.2000] - CRA Gov (CO) 
Original: http://www.cra.gov.co/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/08/www.cra.gov.co/ 

[08.07.2000] - Electronic Display Industrial Research Association 
Original: http://www.edirak.or.kr/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/08/www.edirak.or.kr/ 

[08.07.2000] - Department of Health and Human Services 
Original: http://vault1.acf.dhhs.gov/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/08/vault1.acf.dhhs.gov/ 

[08.07.2000] - American Social Health Association 
Original: http://www.ashastd.org/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/08/www.ashastd.org/ 

[08.07.2000] - #2 Openhack - eWEEK Hacking Challenge 
Original: http://www.openhack.com/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/08/www.openhack.com/ 

[09.07.2000] - www.anticorrupcion.gov.co 
Original: http://www.anticorrupcion.gov.co/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/09/www.anticorrupcion.gov.co/ 

[09.07.2000] - US Small Business Classroom 
Original: http://classroom.sba.gov/ 
Defaced: http://www.attrition.org/mirror/attrition/2000/07/09/classroom.sba.gov/ 



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