#FactCheck - "Deep fake Falsely Claimed as a photo of Arvind Kejriwal welcoming Elon Musk when he visited India to discuss Delhi’s administrative policies.”

Executive Summary:

Microsoft rolled out a set of major security updates in August, 2024 that fixed 90 cracks in the MS operating systems and the office suite; 10 of these had been exploited in actual hacker attacks and were zero-days. In the following discussion, these vulnerabilities are first outlined and then a general analysis of the contemporary cyber security threats is also undertaken in this blog. This blog seeks to give an acquainted and non-acquainted audience about these updates, the threat that these exploits pose, and prevent measures concerning such dangers. 

1. Introduction

Nowadays, people and organisations face the problem of cybersecurity as technologies develop and more and more actions take place online. These cyber threats have not ceased to mutate and hence safeguarding organisations’ digital assets requires a proactive stand. This report is concerned with the vulnerabilities fixed by Microsoft in August 2024 that comprised a cumulative of 90 security weaknesses where six of them were zero-day exploits. All these make a terrible risk pose and thus, it is important to understand them as we seek to safeguard virtual properties. 

2. Overview of Microsoft’s August 2024 Security Updates

August 2024 security update provided by Microsoft to its products involved 90 vulnerabilities for Windows, Office, and well known programs and applications. These updates are of the latest type which are released by Microsoft under its Patch Tuesday program, a regular cum monthly release of all Patch updates. 

•  Critical Flaws: As expected, seven of the 90 were categorised as Critical, meaning that these are flaws that could be leveraged by hackers to compromise the targeted systems or bring operations to a halt. 
•  Zero-Day Exploits: A zero-day attack can be defined as exploits, which are as of now being exploited by attackers while the software vendor has not yet developed a patch for the same. It had managed 10 zero-days with the August update, which underlines that Microsoft and its ecosystems remain at risk. 
•  Broader Impact: These are not isolated to the products of Microsoft only They still persist Despite this, these vulnerabilities are not exclusive to the Microsoft products only. Other vendors such as Adobe, Cisco, Google, and others also released security advisories to fix a variety of issues which proves today’s security world is highly connected. 

3. Detailed Analysis of Key Vulnerabilities

This section provides an in-depth analysis of some of the most critical vulnerabilities patched in August 2024. Each vulnerability is explained in layman’s terms to ensure accessibility for all readers.

3. 1 CVE-2024-38189: Microsoft Project Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVSS score:8. 8) : 

 The problem is in programs that belong to the Microsoft Project family which is known to be a popular project management system. The vulnerability enables an attacker to produce a file to entice an user into opening it and in the process execute code on the affected system. This could possibly get the attacker full control of the user’s system as mentioned in the following section. 

 Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: Let us assume that one day you received a file which appears to be a normal word document. When it is opened, it is in a format that it secretly downloads a problematic program in the computer and this goes unnoticed. This is what could happen with this vulnerability, that is why it is very dangerous. 

 3. 2 CVE-2024-38178: Windows Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.5):

Some of the risks relate to a feature known as the Windows Scripting Engine, which is an important system allowing a browser or an application to run scripts in a web page or an application. The weak point can result in corruption of memory space and an attacker can perform remote code execution with the possibility to affect the entire system. 

 Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: For the purpose of understanding how your computer memory works, imagine if your computer’s memory is a library. This vulnerability corrupts the structure of the library so that an intruder can inject malicious books (programs) which you may read (execute) on your computer and create havoc. 

 3. 3 CVE-2024-38193: WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7. 8 )

 It opens up a security weakness in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, which is an essential model that masks the communication between the two. It enables the attacker to gain new privileges on the particular system they have attacked, in this case they gain some more privileges on the attacked system and can access other higher activities or details. 

 Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: This flaw is like somebody gaining access to the key to your house master bedroom. They can also steal all your valuable items that were earlier locked and could only be accessed by you. It lets the attacker cause more havoc as soon as he gets inside your computer. 

3. 4 CVE-2024-38106: Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7. 0) 

 This vulnerability targets what is known as the Windows Kernel which forms the heart or main frameworks of the operating system that controls and oversees the functions of the computer components. This particular weakness can be exploited and an opponent will be able to get high-level access and ownership of the system. 

 Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: The kernel can be compared to the brain of your computer. It is especially dangerous that if someone can control the brain he can control all the rest, which makes it a severe weakness. 

 3. 5 CVE-2024-38213: Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability (CVSS score: 6.5). 

 This vulnerability enables the attackers to evade the SmartScreen component of Windows which is used to safeguard users from accessing unsafe files. This weakness can be easily used by the attackers to influence the users to open files that are otherwise malicious. 

 Explanation for Non-Technical Readers: Usually, before opening a file your computer would ask you in advance that opening the file may harm your computer. This weak point makes your computer believe that this dangerous file is good and then no warning will be given to you. 

 4. Implications of the Vulnerabilities

These vulnerabilities, importantly the zero-day exploits, have significant implications on all users. 

•  Data Breaches: These weaknesses can therefore be manipulated to cause exposures of various data, occasioning data leaks that put individual and corporate information and wealth. 
•  System Compromise: The bad guys could end up fully compromising the impacted systems meaning that they can put in malware, pilfer data or simply shut down a program. 
•  Financial Loss: The organisations that do not patch these vulnerabilities on the shortest notice may end up experiencing a lot of losses because of having to deal with a lot of downtimes on their systems, having to incur the costs of remediating the systems that have been breached and also dealing with legal repercussions. 
•  Reputation Damage: Security breaches and IT system corruptions can result in loss of customer and partner confidence in an organisation’s ability to protect their information affecting its reputation and its position in the market. 

5. Recommendations for Mitigating Risks

Immediate measures should be taken regarding the risks linked to these issues since such weaknesses pose a rather high threat. The following are recommendations suitable for both technical and non-technical users. 

5. 1 Regular Software Updates 

 Make it a point that all the software, particularly operating systems and all Microsoft applications are updated. Any system out there needs to update it from Microsoft, and its Patch Tuesday release is crucial. 

 For Non-Technical Users: As much as possible, reply ‘yes’ to updates whenever your computer or smartphone prompts for it. These updates correct security matters and secure your instruments. 

 5. 2 Realisation of Phishing Attacks 

 Most of the risks are normally realised through phishing techniques. People should be taught diversifiable actions that come with crazy emails like clicking on links and opening attachments. 

 For Non-Technical Users: Do not respond to emails from unknown people and if they make you follow a link or download a file, do not do it. If it looks like spam, do not click on it. 

 5. 3 Security Software 

 Strong and reliable antivirus and anti-malware software can be used to identify and avoid the attacks that might have high chances of using these vulnerabilities. 

 For Non-Technical Users: Ensure you download a quality antivirus and always update it. This works like a security guard to your computer by preventing bad programs. 

 5. 4  Introduce Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

 MFA works in a way to enforce a second factor of authentication before the account can be accessed; for instance, a user will be asked to input a text message or an authentication application. 

 For Non-Technical Users: NS is to make use of two-factor authentication on your accounts. It is like increasing the security measures that a man who has to burgle a house has to undergo by having to hammer an additional lock on the door. 

 5. 5 Network segmentations and Privileges management 

 Network segmentation should be adopted by organisations to prevent the spread of attacks while users should only be granted the privileges required to do their activities. 

 For Non- Technical Users: Perform the assessments of user privileges and the networks frequently and alter them in an effort of reducing the extent of the attacks. 

6. Global Cybersecurity Landscape and Vendor Patches

The other major vendors have also released patches to address security vulnerabilities in their products. The interdependent nature of technology has the effect on the entire digital ecosystem.

• Adobe, Cisco, Google, and Others: These companies have released updates to address the weaknesses in their products that are applied in different sectors. These patches should be applied promptly to enhance cybersecurity.
• Collaboration and Information Sharing:Security vendors as well as researchers and experts in the cybersecurity domain, need to remain vigilant and keep on sharing information on emerging threats in cyberspace.

7. Conclusion

The security updates companies such as Microsoft and other vendors illustrate the present day fight between cybersecurity experts and cybercriminals.  All the vulnerabilities addressed in this August 2024 update cycle are a call for prudence and constant protection of digital platforms. These vulnerabilities explain the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems, being aware of potential threats, and implementing robust security practices. Therefore, it is important to fortify our shield in this ever expanding threat domain, in order to be safe from attackers who use this weakness for their malicious purposes.

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Introduction

Twitter Inc.’s appeal against barring orders for specific accounts issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology was denied by a single judge on the Karnataka High Court. Twitter Inc. was also given an Rs. 50 lakh fine by Justice Krishna Dixit, who claimed the social media corporation had approached the court defying government directives.

As a foreign corporation, Twitter’s locus standi had been called into doubt by the government, which said they were ineligible to apply Articles 19 and 21 to their situation. Additionally, the government claimed that because Twitter was only designed to serve as an intermediary, there was no “jural relationship” between Twitter and its users.

The Issue

In accordance with Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the Ministry issued the directives. Nevertheless, Twitter had argued in its appeal that the orders “fall foul of Section 69A both substantially and procedurally.” Twitter argued that in accordance with 69A, account holders were to be notified before having their tweets and accounts deleted. However, the Ministry failed to provide these account holders with any notices.

On June 4, 2022, and again on June 6, 2022, the government sent letters to Twitter’s compliance officer requesting that they come before them and provide an explanation for why the Blocking Orders were not followed and why no action should be taken against them.

Twitter replied on June 9 that the content against which it had not followed the blocking orders does not seem to be a violation of Section 69A. On June 27, 2022, the Government issued another notice stating Twitter was violating its directions. On June 29, Twitter replied, asking the Government to reconsider the direction on the basis of the doctrine of proportionality. On June 30, 2022, the Government withdrew blocking orders on ten account-level URLs but gave an additional list of 27 URLs to be blocked. On July 10, more accounts were blocked. Compiling the orders “under protest,” Twitter approached the HC with the petition challenging the orders.

Legality

Additionally, the government claimed that because Twitter was only designed to serve as an intermediary, there was no “jural relationship” between Twitter and its users.

Government attorney Additional Solicitor General R Sankaranarayanan argued that tweets mentioning “Indian Occupied Kashmir” and the survival of LTTE commander Velupillai Prabhakaran were serious enough to undermine the integrity of the nation.

Twitter, on the other hand, claimed that its users have pushed for these rights. Additionally, Twitter maintained that under Article 14 of the Constitution, even as a foreign company, they were entitled to certain rights, such as the right to equality. They also argued that the reason for the account blocking in each case was not stated and that Section 69a’s provision for blocking a URL should only apply to the offending URL rather than the entire account because blocking the entire account would prevent the creation of information while blocking the offending tweet only applied to already-created information.

Conclusion

The evolution of cyberspace has been substantiated by big tech companies like Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon and many more. These companies have been instrumental in leading the spectrum of emerging technologies and creating a blanket of ease and accessibility for users. Compliance with laws and policies is of utmost priority for the government, and the new bills and policies are empowering the Indian cyberspace. Non Compliance will be taken very seriously, and the same is legalised under the Intermediary Guidelines 2021 and 2022 by Meity. Referring to Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, which pertains to an exemption from liability of intermediary in some instances, it was said, “Intermediary is bound to obey the orders which the designate authority/agency which the government fixes from time to time.”

Introduction

A photo circulating on social media depicting modified tractors is being misrepresented as part of the 'Delhi Chalo' farmers' protest narrative. In the recent swirl of misinformation surrounding the 'Delhi Chalo' farmers' protest. A photo, ostensibly showing a phalanx of modified tractors, has been making the rounds on social media platforms, falsely tethered to the ongoing protests. This image, accompanied by a headline suggesting a mechanical metamorphosis to resist police barricades, was allegedly published by a news agency. However, beneath the surface of this viral phenomenon lies a more complex and fabricated reality.

The Movement 

The 'Delhi Chalo' movement, a clarion call that resonated with thousands of farmers from the fertile plains of Punjab, the verdant fields of Haryana, and the sprawling expanses of Uttar Pradesh, has been a testament to the agrarian community's demand for assured crop prices and legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protest, which has seen the fortification of borders and the chaos at the Punjab-Haryana border on February 13, 2024, has become a crucible for the farmers' unyielding spirit.

Yet, amidst this backdrop of civil demonstration and discourse, a nefarious narrative of misinformation has taken root. The viral image, which has been shared with the fervour of wildfire, was accompanied by a screenshot of an article allegedly published by the news agency. This article, dated February 11, 2024, quoted an anonymous official who claimed that intelligence agencies had alerted the police to the protesters' plans to outfit tractors with hydraulic tools. The implication was clear: these machines had been transformed into battering rams against the bulwark of law enforcement.

The Pursuit of Truth

However, the India TV Fact Check team, in their relentless pursuit of truth, unearthed that the viral photo of these so-called modified tractors is nothing but a chimerical creation, a figment of artificial intelligence. Visual discrepancies betrayed its AI-generated nature. 

This is not the first time that the misinformation has loomed over the farmers' protest. Previous instances, including a viral video of a modified tractor, have been debunked by the same fact-checking team. These efforts are a bulwark against the tide of false narratives that seek to muddy the waters of public understanding.

The claim that the photo depicted modified tractors intended for use in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ farmers' protest rally in Delhi on February 13, 2024, was a mirage. 

The Fact Check

OpIndia, in their article, clarified that the photo used was a representative image created by AI and not a real photograph. To further scrutinize this viral photo, the HIVE AI detector tool was employed, indicating a 99.4% likelihood of the image being AI-generated. Thus, the claim made in the post was misleading.

The viral photo claiming that farmers had modified their tractors to avoid tear gas shells and remove barricades put up by the police during the rally was a digital illusion. The internet has become a fertile ground for the rapid spread of misinformation, reaching millions in an instant. Social media, with its complex algorithms, amplifies this spread, as any interaction, even those intended to debunk false information, inadvertently increases its reach. This phenomenon is exacerbated by 'echo chambers,' where users are exposed to a homogenous stream of content that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs, making it difficult to encounter and consider alternative perspectives.

Conclusion 

The viral image depicting modified tractors for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ farmers' protest rally was a digital fabrication, a testament to the power of AI in creating convincing yet false narratives. As we navigate the labyrinth of information in the digital era, it is imperative to remain vigilant, to question the veracity of what we see and hear, and to rely on the diligent work of fact-checkers in discerning the truth. The mirage of modified machines serves as a stark reminder of the potency of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence.

References

• https://www.indiatvnews.com/fact-check/fact-check-ai-generated-tractor-photo-misrepresented-delhi-chalo-farmers-protest-narrative-msp-police-barricades-punjab-haryana-uttar-pradesh-2024-02-15-917010
• https://factly.in/this-viral-image-depicting-modified-tractors-for-the-delhi-chalo-farmers-protest-rally-is-created-using-ai/

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