Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits

By Josh Luberisse

Buckle up and prepare to dive into the thrilling world of Zero-Click Exploits. This isn't your average cybersecurity guide - it's a wild ride through the dark underbelly of the digital world, where zero-click exploits reign supreme.

Join Josh, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and the mastermind behind Greyhat Intelligence & Investigative Solutions, as he spills the beans on these sneaky attacks that can compromise systems without a single click. From Fortune 500 companies to the most guarded government agencies, no one is safe from the lurking dangers of zero-click exploits.

In this witty and engaging book, Josh takes you on a journey that will make your head spin. You'll uncover the secrets behind these stealthy attacks, learning the ins and outs of their mechanics, and unraveling the vulnerabilities they exploit. With real-world examples, he'll keep you on the edge of your seat as you discover the attack vectors, attack surfaces, and the art of social engineering.

But fear not! Josh won't leave you defenseless. He arms you with an arsenal of prevention, mitigation, and defense strategies to fortify your systems against these relentless zero-click invaders. You'll learn how to harden your systems, develop incident response protocols, and become a master of patch management.

But this book isn't all serious business. Josh infuses it with his signature wit and humor, making the complex world of zero-click exploits accessible to anyone with a curious mind and a passion for cybersecurity. So get ready to laugh, learn, and level up your red teaming skills as you navigate this thrilling rollercoaster of a read.

Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity pro or just starting your journey, "Leave No Trace" is the ultimate guide to understanding, defending against, and maybe even outsmarting the relentless zero-click exploits. It's time to take the fight to the attackers and show them who's boss!

So fasten your seatbelt, grab your favorite energy drink, and get ready to unlock the secrets of zero-click exploits. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, starts now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fortis Novum Mundum
• Release date: Jul 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223745075

Josh Luberisse

Josh, a multifaceted entrepreneur and renowned author, has carved a niche for himself in the spheres of artificial intelligence, geopolitics, finance, and cybersecurity. With a myriad of authoritative books to his credit on these subjects, he is undeniably a luminary in the domain. Not just an author, Josh is also the charismatic host of "Innovate Now: The Pulse of Future Technologies," a groundbreaking podcast that unravels the intricacies of nascent technologies and the imminent future of innovation, accentuating on avant-garde progressions in AI, fintech, and quantum computing. His eclectic professional journey is an embodiment of diverse experiences. From serving at financial behemoths like Citi, Bank of America, BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley, to JP Morgan Chase, his immersion in the financial industry is profound. His multilateral expertise as a licensed real estate agent, tax advisor, and a sagacious planner for retirement and estates accentuates the depth and breadth of his knowledge, enabling him to write with an unparalleled, informed perspective.  However, it's not just the financial world that has witnessed Josh's Midas touch. As an astute entrepreneur, Josh has birthed and nurtured several startups. His brainchild, Neuromorph Systems, stands as a testament to his vision. A future global tech titan, it specializes in data management, system integration, and artificial intelligence. With a mission to shield the pivotal systems of its global clientele and concurrently offer them unparalleled data management, visualization, and analysis capabilities. In the realm of venture capital, Josh's VC firm, Other People's Capital, emerges as a game-changer. Dedicated to bolstering founders with groundbreaking ideas, the company's expertise lies in fostering and propelling enterprises that have the potential to define entire categories. With a track record replete with highly successful exits, Other People's Capital has a legacy of identifying and nurturing businesses that ascend to industry leadership. Josh's journey, from his stint in the financial realm to his foray into the world of startups, underlines his unmatched expertise and vision. As a thought leader, seasoned practitioner, and an indomitable entrepreneur, his writings and ventures are not just about envisioning the future but also about shaping it.

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Leave No Trace

A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits

Josh Luberisse

Fortis Novum Mundum

Copyright © 2023 Fortis Novum Mundum

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Unauthorized access to systems, violation of privacy, exploitation of vulnerabilities without consent, and other activities that infringe upon laws and ethics are not condoned. This book does not provide guidance, encouragement, or support for illegal or unethical activities.

The purpose of this book is to educate, inform, and support the work of professionals who are tasked with the defense of cyberspace. It is the reader's responsibility to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and ethical guidelines in their work. Ignorance of the law or of ethical standards is not an excuse for misuse.

The authors, publishers, and contributors to this book will not be held liable for any damage or harm caused by the misuse of the information contained within. All readers are advised and expected to use this information responsibly, ethically, and legally.

Cover design by: Fortis Novum Mundum

Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits

By

Josh Luberisse

Disclaimer

This book, Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits, is intended as a resource for cybersecurity professionals who are committed to the responsible and ethical use of their skills. The techniques, tools, and practices discussed within these pages are intended for use in authorized settings, with explicit permission from the relevant authorities, and for the purpose of improving security and protecting systems, data, and users from malicious activity.

While we believe in the value of understanding offensive techniques for the purpose of better defense, we strongly caution against the misuse of this information. Unauthorized access to systems, violation of privacy, exploitation of vulnerabilities without consent, and other activities that infringe upon laws and ethics are not condoned. This book does not provide guidance, encouragement, or support for illegal or unethical activities.

The purpose of this book is to educate, inform, and support the work of professionals who are tasked with the defense of cyberspace. It is the reader's responsibility to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and ethical guidelines in their work. Ignorance of the law or of ethical standards is not an excuse for misuse.

The authors, publishers, and contributors to this book will not be held liable for any damage or harm caused by the misuse of the information contained within. All readers are advised and expected to use this information responsibly, ethically, and legally.

By reading and using the information in this book, you acknowledge and agree to these conditions. If you cannot agree to these conditions, please refrain from using this book and its content.

This is a serious field with serious consequences. As cybersecurity professionals, we have a duty to act with integrity and responsibility. Let's strive to make the digital world safer for all.

Thank you.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits

Disclaimer

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: Anatomy of a Zero-Click Exploit

Chapter 2: Notable Zero-Click Exploits

Chapter 3: Attack Surface of Zero-Click Exploits

Chapter 4: Finding Zero-Click Vulnerabilities

Chapter 5: Red Teaming with Zero-Click Exploits

Chapter 6: Mechanics of Zero-Click Attacks

Chapter 7: Crafting the Exploit

Chapter 8: Delivering the Exploit

Chapter 9: Stealth and Evasiveness of Zero-Click Attacks

Chapter 10: Prevention, Mitigation and Defense Strategies

Chapter 11: Future of Zero-Click Exploits

Conclusion

Glossary of Key Terms

Appendix A: Additional Resources and Reading

Appendix B: Tools and Software for Red Teaming

Appendix C: The Future of Hacking and The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

Acknowledgement

About The Author

Books In This Series

Books By This Author

Preface

Welcome to Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits. As the founder and CEO of Greyhat Intelligence & Investigative Solutions, a leading cybersecurity firm specializing in penetration testing and red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies, I am thrilled to share my knowledge and insights in this comprehensive guide.

Our mission at Greyhat Intelligence & Investigative Solutions has always been to safeguard our clients' digital assets by simulating the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by real-world adversaries. We believe that in order to protect, we must first understand the mindset and methods of those who seek to disrupt, destruct, and infiltrate.

Over the years, I have witnessed the alarming rise of zero-click exploits and their devastating impact on organizations of all sizes. These stealthy attacks, capable of compromising systems without any user interaction, present a significant challenge for defenders in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. As red teamers and penetration testers, it is our responsibility to understand the intricacies of zero-click exploits and develop effective defense strategies to safeguard our clients' critical assets.

In this book, we will embark on a journey to explore the world of zero-click exploits from both offensive and defensive perspectives. I have crafted this guide with the seasoned cybersecurity professional in mind, including red teamers, penetration testers, and practitioners engaged in protecting organizations against advanced threats. However, I believe that anyone with a passion for cybersecurity and a desire to understand the inner workings of zero-click exploits will find immense value in its pages.

Throughout these chapters, we will dive deep into the mechanics of zero-click exploits, dissect real-world examples, and examine the vulnerabilities they exploit. We will explore the attack vectors, attack surfaces, and the role of social engineering in facilitating these stealthy attacks. Furthermore, we will discuss prevention, mitigation, and defense strategies, equipping you with practical techniques to strengthen security features, develop incident response protocols, and implement patch management effectively.

Drawing on my experience leading Greyhat Intelligence, as well as insights from renowned experts in the field, we will explore the future of zero-click exploits and the emerging trends that will shape the cybersecurity landscape. We will delve into topics such as AI and automation, the role of hardware as a target, and the rising reliance on mobile devices, providing you with a holistic understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.

I want to emphasize that the battle against zero-click exploits is ongoing, and it requires a constant thirst for knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement. As red teamers and cybersecurity professionals, we must stay informed, adapt our strategies, and embrace emerging technologies to effectively counter these sophisticated attacks.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my expertise and insights with you through this book. I hope that the knowledge gained within these pages will empower you to tackle the complexities of zero-click exploits, enhance your red teaming capabilities, and strengthen the defense posture of the organizations you serve.

Together, let us embark on this journey to uncover the secrets of zero-click exploits and contribute to a safer and more resilient digital world.

Kind Regards,

Josh Luberisse

Founder and CEO,

Greyhat Intelligence & Investigative Solutions

Introduction

As our world becomes increasingly connected, the complex web of digital interactions deepens, creating more opportunities for cyber threats to emerge and evolve. Among the various forms of cyberattacks that exist, one type of threat is becoming particularly notable for its stealth and sophistication—zero-click exploits. These exploits represent a significant evolution in the attacker's toolkit, requiring no user interaction and leaving little to no trace of their intrusion. This book, Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits, has been meticulously curated to provide cybersecurity professionals with a comprehensive understanding of these formidable threats and arm them with the knowledge to counteract these unseen attacks.

Zero-click exploits occupy a unique space in the landscape of cybersecurity. They are exceptionally elusive, challenging to detect and mitigate, and possess the potential to deliver maximum impact. The stealthy nature of these attacks makes them a favorite among advanced threat actors, who use them to compromise systems, steal sensitive data, or establish a persistent presence within a network. To combat these silent threats, cybersecurity professionals, particularly red teamers, must first understand the mechanics, methodologies, and potential mitigation strategies associated with zero-click exploits.

This book will delve into the anatomy of zero-click exploits, illuminating how they work, and explore real-world examples, such as the infamous Pegasus and BlueBorne attacks. We will guide you through the landscape of zero-click vulnerabilities, detailing their attack surfaces and the methodologies for uncovering these elusive exploits. The subsequent chapters will explore the application of zero-click exploits in red teaming and penetration testing scenarios, always highlighting the ethical considerations that are paramount in this field.

Next, the book will take you through strategies for hardening systems and establishing robust incident response protocols to defend against these subtle but potent attacks. Finally, we will gaze into the future, considering the potential evolution of zero-click exploits and discussing how professionals can prepare for these emerging threats.

Throughout this guide, we aim to strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Each chapter contains real-world examples, case studies, and practical tips, designed to enrich your understanding and enhance your skill set.

Our goal is that by the end of this book, you'll be equipped with a deep understanding of zero-click exploits and a toolkit of strategies to mitigate them. As cybersecurity professionals, our greatest weapon against threats is knowledge, and we hope this book contributes significantly to your arsenal.

Let's embark on this journey into the stealthy world of zero-click exploits.

Purpose of the Book

As the boundaries between the physical and digital world continue to blur, the escalating threats in our cyber landscape have become a concerning reality. In this ever-changing ecosystem, the adversaries are perpetually on the lookout for vulnerabilities that can be exploited. At the front line of this digital battleground are cybersecurity professionals, including red teamers, who are consistently endeavoring to stay a step ahead, learning the tactics, techniques, and procedures that these adversaries employ.

One such emerging threat vector that has gained substantial prominence in recent years is the concept of zero-click exploits. Unlike conventional cyber-attacks that require some degree of user interaction—clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or even just opening an email—zero-click exploits need no such interaction. They can compromise a system silently, leaving minimal traces and thereby making their detection, prevention, and mitigation a formidable task. With a remarkable increase in their prevalence, understanding these exploits and the mechanics behind them has become paramount for any cybersecurity professional.

Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits is designed to cater to this necessity. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding, analyzing, and mitigating zero-click exploits from the perspective of a red teamer, providing insights into how they can enhance their methodologies and approaches to counter this rising threat.

This book aims to provide a deep dive into the anatomy of zero-click exploits—how they work, why they are effective, and what makes them a unique breed of cyber threats. We explore real-world instances, dissecting notable cases to understand how these attacks were orchestrated and the vulnerabilities that were exploited. With each case, we delve into the strategies employed by the threat actors, their techniques, and the impact of their exploits.

By reviewing these cases and understanding the operational aspects of zero-click exploits, we aim to equip red teamers with the knowledge to anticipate and simulate these attacks during their penetration testing engagements. The understanding gained from this perspective will allow cybersecurity professionals to recommend more effective defensive measures and counter-strategies.

This book also provides a forward-looking perspective, exploring the future of zero-click exploits. We discuss how technological advancements, such as increased reliance on mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), can impact the landscape of zero-click exploits. Moreover, we delve into future-proofing strategies, equipping readers with knowledge on how to stay ahead of the curve as these exploits continue to evolve.

While the primary audience for this book is red teamers and cybersecurity professionals, the material presented is also valuable for blue teamers, security architects, and even business executives who are interested in understanding the landscape of cyber threats that their organizations might be up against.

Leave No Trace: A Red Teamer's Guide to Zero-Click Exploits aspires to illuminate the dark and somewhat nebulous world of zero-click exploits. By fostering understanding and awareness about these covert attacks, the book aims to help cybersecurity professionals defend their organizations more effectively against the threats that lurk unseen in our interconnected digital world.

What is a Zero-Click Exploit?

In the realm of cybersecurity, a zero-click exploit has evolved into one of the most insidious and effective forms of attack vectors available to cybercriminals. To fully appreciate the scale of the threat they pose, it is vital to understand what exactly constitutes a zero-click exploit.

A zero-click exploit, as the name implies, is a type of cyber attack that does not require any form of interaction from the target. Traditional forms of cyberattacks often rely on a victim clicking on a malicious link or opening a corrupted file. Zero-click exploits, in contrast, can compromise a system invisibly, bypassing any need for the victim's intervention.

How does a Zero-Click Exploit Work?

A zero-click exploit operates by taking advantage of vulnerabilities within a device's software or firmware. These vulnerabilities, often known as 'zero-day vulnerabilities',