CVE-2014-0160

CVE-2014-0160, commonly known as the Heartbleed vulnerability, is a significant flaw in software design or implementation that was discovered in 2014. The vulnerability lies within OpenSSL, a widely used open-source software for encrypting internet services. Despite its age, this vulnerability continues to pose a significant threat. Symantec observed attempts by Leafminer, an advanced persistent threat group, to scan for the Heartbleed vulnerability from an attacker-controlled IP address, emphasizing the ongoing risk associated with this flaw. The Heartbleed vulnerability has remained stubbornly prevalent over the years, ranking fifth on the list of most common vulnerabilities from the KEV Catalog. Even eight years after its discovery, more than 190,000 systems appear to still be vulnerable to this flaw. This high number of potentially exploitable systems highlights the need for continued vigilance and patching efforts from businesses and individuals alike. Despite the widespread awareness and media coverage of the Heartbleed vulnerability, it remains a significant issue. Recent reports have dominated infosec headlines, indicating that the problem is far from resolved. While newer vulnerabilities like the BlueKeep from 2019 and a medium-severity flaw (CVE-2021-40438) from 2021 also pose threats, the enduring presence of the Heartbleed vulnerability underscores the importance of addressing both old and new security flaws to ensure comprehensive protection.