The Top Vulnerabilities Hackers Are Exploiting Today
No matter how secure your systems seem, software vulnerabilities are an unavoidable reality in today’s digital world. With millions of lines of code in every application, even the most trusted programs can have hidden flaws — and hackers are constantly on the hunt for them.
Once a vulnerability is discovered, software vendors usually release a patch. But new updates often introduce fresh issues, making cybersecurity a constant game of catch-up.
In fact, 82% of U.S. cyberattacks in early 2022 exploited known but unpatched vulnerabilities . This highlights how critical it is to stay updated — not just for IT teams, but for every business user.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued warnings about several actively exploited vulnerabilities across major platforms like Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Netgear, and Cisco.
Here are some of the biggest threats you should be aware of — and why patching them matters now more than ever.
🔧 Critical Microsoft Vulnerabilities
Even widely used Microsoft products have been found with serious security flaws:
- CVE-2012-4969 : A flaw in Internet Explorer that allows remote code execution via malicious websites.
- CVE-2013-1331 : Lets attackers run dangerous code remotely through Microsoft Office 2003 and Office 2011 for Mac.
- CVE-2012-0151 : Impacts Windows Authenticode verification, allowing hackers to execute code if users open a malicious file.
⚠️ Note: Internet Explorer was officially retired in June 2022. If it’s still installed on any devices, remove it immediately.
🧱 Dangerous Google Flaws
Google Chrome and apps built with the Chromium V8 engine are also under attack:
- CVE-2016-1646 & CVE-2016-518 : Allow denial-of-service (DoS) attacks that can crash websites.
- CVE-2018-17463 & CVE-2017-5070 : Similar flaws that enable the same type of disruption.
All these vulnerabilities have patches available — but only if users apply them.
📄 Adobe Risks You Shouldn’t Ignore
Adobe Acrobat Reader may be essential for document sharing, but it’s also a common hacker target:
- CVE-2009-4324 : Allows remote code execution through malicious PDF files.
- CVE-2010-1297 : A memory corruption flaw affecting Adobe Flash Player (which Adobe officially discontinued). Flash Player must be uninstalled from all systems .
🛰️ Network Device Threats: Netgear & Cisco
Hackers aren’t just targeting software — they’re going after hardware too.
- Netgear (CVE-2017-6862) : Lets attackers bypass authentication and run unauthorized code on multiple Netgear routers and IoT devices.
- Cisco (CVE-2019-15271) : A buffer overflow flaw gives full root access to attackers in Cisco RV series routers.
✅ How to Stay Protected
The key to defending against these threats is simple — yet often overlooked:
- Keep all software up-to-date , especially older tools like IE or Flash Player that are no longer supported.
- Review CISA’s list of known exploited vulnerabilities regularly.
- Use automated patch management to reduce human error and response time.
If you’re unsure where to start or simply overwhelmed by the volume of alerts and updates, we can help. We offer comprehensive cybersecurity automation services that keep your systems protected — without adding extra burden to your team.
Don’t Let an Old Patch Be Your Biggest Risk
Many cyberattacks succeed not because of advanced hacking techniques, but because of neglected updates . One outdated system could be the entry point a hacker needs.
Ready to automate your cybersecurity and close those gaps?
Let’s talk. We’ll help you build a stronger, smarter defense plan.
