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Akira Ransomware Exploits SonicWall SSL VPN Flaws and Misconfigurations

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📰 2 unique sources, 2 articles

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The Akira ransomware group has been actively exploiting vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in SonicWall SSL VPN devices to gain initial access to networks. This campaign has seen increased activity since late July 2025, targeting organizations globally, including those in Australia. The attacks leverage a year-old flaw (CVE-2024-40766) and misconfigured LDAP settings to bypass access controls and facilitate ransomware deployment. The threat actors use a combination of brute-forcing credentials, exploiting default configurations, and leveraging the Virtual Office Portal to configure multi-factor authentication (MFA) with valid accounts. These tactics allow them to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to networks. SonicWall has confirmed that recent SSLVPN activity is related to CVE-2024-40766, not a zero-day vulnerability. The affected firewall versions include specific models of Gen 5, Gen 6, and Gen 7 devices. Organizations are advised to update to firmware version 7.3.0 or later, rotate passwords, enforce MFA, mitigate the SSLVPN Default Groups risk, and restrict Virtual Office Portal access to trusted/internal networks to mitigate risks.

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  1. 11.09.2025 13:33 📰 2 articles

    Akira Ransomware Exploits SonicWall SSL VPN Flaws and Misconfigurations

    Since late July 2025, the Akira ransomware group has been actively exploiting vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in SonicWall SSL VPN devices. The attacks leverage a known flaw (CVE-2024-40766) and misconfigured LDAP settings to bypass access controls and facilitate ransomware deployment. The threat actors use a combination of brute-forcing credentials, exploiting default configurations, and leveraging the Virtual Office Portal to configure multi-factor authentication (MFA) with valid accounts. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has issued an alert about increased Akira ransomware activity targeting SonicWall SSL VPNs. Rapid7 reported a resurgence of attacks, likely due to incomplete remediation. SonicWall has confirmed that recent SSLVPN activity is related to CVE-2024-40766 and not a zero-day vulnerability. The affected firewall versions include specific models of Gen 5, Gen 6, and Gen 7 devices. Organizations are advised to update to firmware version 7.3.0 or later, rotate passwords, enforce MFA, mitigate the SSLVPN Default Groups risk, and restrict Virtual Office Portal access to trusted/internal networks.

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