0910, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: Catching WordPress 0-Days on the Fly – Ananda Dhakal

Sanna/ October 9, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making its plugin ecosystem a prime target for attackers. While security researchers manually audit plugins for vulnerabilities, the ever-growing number of third-party extensions makes this approach inefficient. What if we could find all the vulnerabilities right after developers publish them? In this talk, we introduce a research-driven methodology for identifying 0-day vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins using static code analysis. We will showcase how we built a tool that continuously monitors the WordPress Plugin Repository via its SVN system, detects newly pushed code or change sets in real-time using multi-threading, and flags potentially dangerous patterns. By leveraging static analysis, the tool identifies sensitive functions and automatically alerts researchers when risky code is introduced. We will dive into the inner workings of this automation, discuss the challenges of scaling

0810, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: From Firewalls to Fragmentation: Identifying Adversarial Traffic in a Politically Divided Internet – Vladimer Svanadze

Sanna/ October 8, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

This talk presents a multidimensional analysis of Internet fragmentation, examining how political, technical, economic and cybersecurity factors are converging to break apart the global Internet. While often viewed through a policy lens, fragmentation has real-world implications at the packet level. We introduce a lightweight, rule-based detection model capable of identifying fragmented, mis-configured and adversarial IP/UDP traffic. Built upon RFC 791 semantics, the model analyzes packet offset alignment, TTL discrepancies and payload irregularities to classify traffic without reliance on machine learning. Through controlled experiments using synthetic fragmented traffic, we show how fragmentation behaviors map directly to geopolitical and cybersecurity-driven disruptions. This session will bridge the gap between global governance debates and low-level protocol behaviors, offering tools and insights for analysts, researchers and defenders navigating an increasingly segmented digital landscape. We asked Vladimer a few more

0710, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: Predicting IOCs with Historical Analysis – Josh Pyorre

Sanna/ October 7, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

What does looking at the history of malware, threat actors, and related network infrastructure tell us about the future? Are there unexpected connections to be found to help us not only find attribution, but potentially discover what to block, what to watch out for, and even predict where the next threat will be? Through the analysis of historical data of various malware variants, focusing primarily on ransomware, I will show the relationships of infrastructure and other indicators of compromise in an attempt to develop a mechanism for predicting how and where future threats might operate. This presentation will discuss the methods of collecting data and finding connections, and will help the attendees apply these results to their threat modeling and mitigation practices. We asked Josh a few more questions about his talk. Please tell

0410, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: Man-In-The-Service: Truly OpSec Safe Relay Techniques – Tobia Righi

Sanna/ October 4, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

Recently, due to EDRs, it has become harder and harder to abuse credential access by dumping LSASS after compromising a Windows server and gaining local administrator on it. So, many red-teamers, pentesters and APTs have moved towards a stealthier way of abusing credentials access by relaying such credentials in real-time to other mis-configured servers in the network. Gaining administrative access to a server can be quite helpful in this; however, all current techniques are not very effective and/or require complete or partial disruption of existing Windows services, making them not very opsec safe. Introducing RelayBox, a new technique to perform a Man-In-The-Service attack. Using RelayBox, an attacker is able to place themselves in between a legitimate Windows service, relay valid authentication attempts, without any disruption to the service’s usability. This creates a transparent proxy

0210, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: Machine Learning Poisoning: How Attackers Can Manipulate AI Models for Malicious Purposes – Shahmeer Amir

Sanna/ October 2, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence has been on the rise in various industries, including the field of cybersecurity. These technologies have shown great potential in detecting and mitigating cyber threats, but they also come with their own set of risks. One of the most significant risks is the threat of machine learning poisoning attacks. Machine learning poisoning attacks involve an attacker manipulating the data or the learning algorithm used by an AI model to compromise its accuracy or functionality. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can go undetected for a long time, and it can be challenging to trace its origins. A successful poisoning attack can result in the AI model making incorrect decisions, which can lead to a security breach or data loss. The session will cover

0110, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Talk: Breaking Into OT Environments: Exploiting Vulnerabilities to Compromise Critical Infrastructure – Avanish Pathak

Sanna/ October 1, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

In this session, we’ll delve into how attackers systematically exploit weaknesses in Operational Technology (OT) systems to compromise critical infrastructure. OT systems—including building management systems (BMS), access control systems (ACS), and surveillance networks (CCTV)—are the backbone of many critical sectors, managing everything from facility operations to security and environmental controls. Despite their importance, these systems are often neglected in cybersecurity frameworks, making them prime targets for exploitation. We’ll explore real-world attack vectors and strategies used by adversaries to infiltrate OT environments, focusing on how they gain control over critical systems. Through a real-world example, I’ll demonstrate how I successfully gained unauthorized access by chaining faulty configurations to compromise a building management system (BMS). We’ll break down how attackers exploit common entry points, escalate privileges, and disrupt operations. Additionally, we’ll examine how adversaries move laterally

0608, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Training: The Mobile Playbook – A Guide to iOS and Android App Security (hybrid – in person or online) – Sven Schleier

Sanna/ August 6, 2025/ Training/ 0 comments

This intensive two-day course equips you with practical skills for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile apps across both Android and iOS. You’ll analyze a mix of real-world apps and custom training apps using tools like Frida, Burp Suite, jadx and other open-source tools. By the end of the training, you’ll know how to: intercept and analyze any type of network traffic in mobile apps, even when SSL pinning is used, bypass protection mechanisms such as root/jailbreak detection, decompile APKs and perform manual source code reviews, reverse engineer Swift-based iOS applications and apply a thorough methodology based on the OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG). The labs cover static and dynamic analysis, reverse engineering, and Software Composition Analysis (SCA), all through hands-on exercises. No need to bring your own devices — each participant

0508, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Training: eCrime Intelligence – Aaron Aubrey Ng & Scott Jarkoff

Sanna/ August 5, 2025/ Training/ 0 comments

Understanding eCrime is no longer optional. It is a mission-critical capability for any organization serious about anticipating, preventing, and neutralizing today’s most pervasive cyber threats. This intensive training provides a comprehensive exploration of the eCrime ecosystem, unpacking the full spectrum of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures used by financially motivated threat actors to exploit organizations of all sizes and sectors. Blending traditional intelligence tradecraft with cutting-edge cyber security methodology, this course empowers cyber threat intelligence professionals, SOC analysts, CISOs, and forward-thinking defenders to operationalize threat intelligence, proactively reduce risk, and harden their defensive posture. Whether you are new to the world of eCrime or looking to refine your existing expertise, this course will give you the insight, confidence, and real-world skill-set to outpace adversaries. Through hands-on exercises, real case studies, and live tooling, participants

0408, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Training: Becoming the Godfather of Threat Modeling – Mike van der Bijl

Sanna/ August 4, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

In the world of cybersecurity, there is always a threat lurking. Waiting in the shadows for the perfect moment to strike. You can sit back and relax and hope for the best and react when it’s too late… or before they even think about making a move, you can take control and see everything coming from miles away. In this session, you’ll dive deep into the art of threat modeling—an essential skill that allows you to anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and develop a proactive defense strategy. Mike will guide you through the process and show you why threat modeling is an offer you simply can’t refuse. You’ll learn how to analyze threats with precision, build effective threat scenarios and develop a mindset that stays one step ahead of the attackers. Ultimately, you won’t only

2705, 2025

DeepSec 2025 Press Release: High threat level for IT security research. IT security is under attack from politics and hostility towards science.

Sanna/ May 27, 2025/ Conference/ 0 comments

Information technology is an integral part of computer science and therefore also of mathematics. Since 2007, the DeepSec conference in Vienna has brought together international researchers to discuss current threats, publish acute vulnerabilities and exchange knowledge on the defence of critical infrastructure. The increasing hostility towards science and the dismantling of US authorities that contribute to IT security are jeopardising the work and, therefore, also the results of the research groups. One consequence is a higher threat level for European companies. The DeepSec conference aims to counter this as a platform. Networks and data in the crosshairs Data may not be crude oil, but it is the driving force behind modern information technology. Digitalisation has made data via networks and services indispensable in many companies. Very few people today can go about their working

1811, 2024

DeepSec 2024 Press Release: Choice of programming language does not determine IT security. NSA warns of memory errors while ignoring the majority of other security vulnerabilities

Sanna/ November 18, 2024/ Press

There are over 900 clearly classified defects in software applications. Some of these are because of memory errors, where code accesses memory areas incorrectly and subsequent errors can lead to crashes or other effects. In 2022, the US National Security Agency (NSA) warned against using the programming languages C and C++ to avoid memory errors. The recommendation is to use other programming languages that prevent these errors. This recommendation ignores reality, as these problems can no longer occur in modern, correct C++ code because of the language specification. Furthermore, the NSA’s proposal ignores existing code that is well tested and ready for production, and much more dangerous defects that are still possible in all programming languages. Modern C++ Bjarne Stroustrup published the C++ programming language back in 1978, and it has continued to evolve

1611, 2024

DeepSec 2024 Talk: Executive Breach Simulation Toolkits – Pavle Bozalo, Aron Feuer & Matias Ulloa

Sanna/ November 16, 2024/ Conference

As cyberattacks multiply and become more sophisticated, executive breach simulation toolkits have become essential. Enabling organizations to simulate, predict, and assess the impact of potential security breaches from an executive perspective is necessary to know how to keep organizations safe. Unfortunately, simulations are broken. Simply put, they don’t properly prepare leaders and security practitioners for security breaches. This talk will look at the evolving landscape of breach simulation toolkits designed for security practitioners, focusing on their role in enhancing cybersecurity strategies, incident preparedness, and organizational resilience. We will see how simulations can be engaging, while remaining instructive and preparing people for actual cyber events. We’ll discuss how these toolkits work, why they’re essential for making smarter business decisions around cybersecurity, and how they help align leadership with technical teams. Real-world examples will show how

1511, 2024

DeepSec 2024 Talk: The Malicious Bloodline Inheritance: Dissecting Deed RAT and Blood Alchemy – You Nakatsuru, Kiyotaka Tamada & Suguru Ishimaru

Sanna/ November 15, 2024/ Conference

ShadowPad is a particularly notorious malware family used in Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) campaigns since 2017. ShadowPad use spread to various groups beginning in 2019, and a ShadowPad builder was disclosed in June 2024. One reason ShadowPad has garnered so much attention from security researchers is that it is an advanced modular type fileless RAT with a complex structure that is difficult to analyze. In July 2023, Deed RAT was published by Positive Security as a variant of ShadowPad. Furthermore, Blood Alchemy malware was also discovered as another variant of Deed RAT in April by ICI, with evidence such as unique data structures, malware configurations, loading schemes, and code similarities. However, important features of both Deed RAT and Blood Alchemy, such as the C2 communication scheme, loading additional modules, and details of backdoor commands,

1211, 2024

DeepSec 2024 Talk: Why NIS2 Implementation often fails in Industrial Areas – Michael Walser

Sanna/ November 12, 2024/ Conference

Why do most projects preparing for NIS2 fail in practice? Many affected companies complain about the requirements of EU Directive 2022/2555, which are too unspecific and technically difficult to implement. Excessive demands are spreading. Companies affected are uncertain because of the evaluation of the actual implementation, unlike ISO security certification (e.g. ISO27001/ISO62443). The results are often unsatisfactory despite the sometimes massive investment in costs and personnel resources. An Excel spreadsheet or a Visio drawing itself does nothing to change the resilience of KRITIS or industrial facilities against cyber-attacks in practice. We focus on industrial customers and their OT infrastructure, using anonymized, real-world examples to show the challenges in practice and offer examples of solutions to prevent repeating past mistakes. The first steps do not have to cost a lot of money or tie up

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