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As we progress through 2024 and into 2025, a significant shift is happening in the way cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in enterprise technologies. While the overall number of vulnerabilities being exploited may not be rising, there are key changes in the types of flaws targeted and the speed with which attackers are weaponizing them. Enterprises must remain vigilant and adapt their security measures to face these evolving threats.
A recent report from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) highlighted that the number of zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in 2024 was lower than in previous years. However, attackers are increasingly focusing on enterprise technologies and quickly turning vulnerabilities into threats. Understanding these trends and adjusting to the changing landscape is critical for any organization looking to maintain robust cybersecurity defenses.
Vulnerabilities Exploited: The Numbers and the Shift
The landscape of exploited vulnerabilities has remained relatively steady, but the nature of the targets is shifting. In 2024, there was a 25% decrease in the number of zero-day vulnerabilities exploited compared to 2023. Specifically, GTIG reported 75 zero-day exploits in 2024, a significant drop from 98 in 2023. This shows that while more zero-day vulnerabilities are discovered, fewer are being actively exploited. However, the broader picture reveals an increasingly targeted approach by cybercriminals.
In the first quarter of 2025, a total of 159 zero-days and n-days were exploited, averaging over 11 exploits per week. This number, however, was partially influenced by a bulk of 39 WordPress bugs. Notably, the data didn’t show a sudden surge in vulnerability exploitation in early 2025, reflecting a somewhat consistent pace of attacks.
Shifting Focus: From Consumer Products to Enterprise Technologies
One of the most notable shifts in recent cybersecurity data is the change in the types of technologies being targeted. Attackers are increasingly focusing on enterprise-level technologies rather than consumer products. GTIG reported that in 2024, 44% of zero-day vulnerabilities targeted enterprise technologies, compared to 37% in 2023. Within this category, the most common targets were security and networking products like firewalls, VPNs, and cloud services appliances.
These enterprise technologies often provide elevated privileges within a network and may remain invisible to endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. This makes them highly attractive targets for attackers who want to gain access to larger networks. GTIG’s analysis further revealed that many of these attacks are performed within short windows of time, allowing attackers to capitalize on vulnerabilities before defenders can respond.
The Decline of Browser and Mobile Exploits
Interestingly, attacks targeting browsers and mobile devices seem to be on the decline. Browser zero-days dropped from 17 in 2023 to just 11 in 2024. This trend also extends to mobile devices, where exploits fell from 17 to 9. Experts believe this may be due to the extensive security investments made by large tech companies in these areas.
Operating systems (OSs), however, are increasingly being targeted. There were 22 OS-specific zero-day vulnerabilities in 2024, up from 17 in 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, operating systems were the third most exploited category, following edge devices. This shift reflects a strategic move by attackers to exploit systems that provide access to larger, more critical networks.
Attackers’ Speed: Exploiting Vulnerabilities Faster
While the number of exploited vulnerabilities may not be rising, the speed at which attackers are weaponizing them is increasing. VulnCheck data showed that 28.3% of known exploited vulnerabilities were targeted within a day of being publicly disclosed. This rapid exploitation is a result of several factors, including the commoditization of exploit development and the widespread availability of tools that allow attackers to quickly reverse-engineer exploits.
Bugcrowd founder Casey Ellis pointed out that nation-state actors have shifted from using zero-day exploits stealthily to adopting n-days (vulnerabilities disclosed publicly but not yet patched). This approach has been further amplified by the increasing speed of vulnerability disclosures and the use of automated exploit kits. Attackers are now racing defenders to exploit newly discovered flaws before they can be patched.
What Undercode Says:
Undercode’s analysis of the current trends in vulnerability exploitation reveals a clear shift in the tactics and targets of cybercriminals. The decrease in the overall number of exploited vulnerabilities should not lull enterprises into complacency. Instead, the growing focus on enterprise technologies, particularly those within security and networking infrastructure, represents a major threat. These technologies provide direct access to larger systems and networks, which makes them invaluable targets for attackers looking to infiltrate critical infrastructure.
The accelerated pace of vulnerability exploitation is another key concern. Attackers are becoming quicker and more opportunistic, taking advantage of the lag between vulnerability disclosure and patch deployment. This underscores the importance of rapid response and patch management strategies for enterprises. In addition, the increasing targeting of operating systems and enterprise products should encourage organizations to reassess their security posture and adopt more proactive defense mechanisms.
Another critical factor to consider is the changing landscape of cyber threats. While browsers and mobile devices have historically been a hotbed for attacks, the decline in exploits targeting these platforms suggests that attackers are adapting to new security measures. Operating systems, on the other hand, are becoming a more prominent target due to their central role in accessing networks and critical systems.
For enterprises, this means that the traditional focus on endpoint protection and consumer-level products may need to shift toward more robust defenses for infrastructure-critical technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, and cloud services. Businesses must recognize that the attackers’ strategies are evolving, and their security measures must evolve with them.
Fact Checker Results:
- The decrease in zero-day exploits from 2023 to 2024 does not indicate a reduction in cyber threats but rather a shift in target focus.
- The growing prominence of OS and enterprise technology exploits highlights a shift in attack strategies towards more systemic vulnerabilities.
- The rapid weaponization of newly disclosed vulnerabilities is a direct result of improved exploit tools and faster vulnerability disclosures.
References:
Reported By: www.darkreading.com
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