Summary:

Join Timothy De Block and special guest Ben Miller for a deep dive into the SharePoint zero-day exploit, CVE-2025-53770. This episode breaks down the technical details of the "goofy authentication bypass" and its serious implications for on-premise systems. The discussion also expands into broader topics, including the critical role of human intelligence in security, the shift to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and the importance of addressing business processes and mental health in the industry.

Key Takeaways

The SharePoint Exploit (CVE-2025-53770): Ben Miller describes this vulnerability as an unauthenticated "zero-click" exploit that requires no user interaction. It's a "goofy authentication bypass" that allows an attacker to gain full control of an on-premise SharePoint server by simply sending a web request. Once an attacker gains access, they can steal keys and maintain persistent control.

On-Premise vs. Cloud: The vulnerability primarily affects on-premise SharePoint servers, which are managed directly by businesses. Ben explains that even organizations that have moved their systems to a cloud like Azure might still be vulnerable if they've retained old, vulnerable configurations.

Challenges with Detection and Remediation: Many businesses lack adequate logging and internal threat hunters, making it nearly impossible to detect if a breach occurred. The widespread use of SharePoint makes its vulnerabilities particularly dangerous, and entrenched intruders can be so difficult to remove that they may require a complete system overhaul.

The Human Element in Security: The speakers discuss how humans are the "trust link" and "determiner" in a security program, not just the weakest link. If one person's single action can compromise a system, it points to a process problem, not a human one. The episode also highlights the powerful role of social engineering, even with something as simple as using food to gain access to a network.

MSSPs and Career Advice: The conversation touches on the growing trend of organizations using Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) for their security operations. Ben suggests that MSSPs are a great entry point for aspiring security professionals, as they provide broad exposure to a variety of incidents. For long-term career success, Ben advises being able to translate security needs into business sense and becoming an expert in your field.

Community and Mental Health: Ben and Timothy encourage listeners to attend the BSides St. Louis conference on September 27th. Timothy even offered to pay for a ticket for anyone who can't afford it. The episode concludes with a discussion on mental health, with Ben encouraging people to view therapy as "a form of hygiene" and to seek help when needed.

Summary:

Timothy De Block and Ben Miller discuss the upcoming BSides St. Louis conference. Ben shares the mission behind the event: to provide a low-cost, high-value conference for beginners and those new to the security community. They cover the importance of community-building, the value of professional skills alongside technical ones, and the power of networking at local events.

Key Takeaways:

BSides St. Louis Mission: Ben and his co-founders created BSides St. Louis in 2015 as a "passion project" with the motto, "bringing the interested to the connected". The goal is to offer a free or low-cost conference to make cybersecurity knowledge accessible to beginners and career-changers who can't afford larger, more expensive events.
Cost and Accessibility: This year's conference operates on a donation basis, with a recommended $25 charge to help estimate food and t-shirt orders. Ben clarifies that no one will be turned away for an inability to pay, and the organization is a 501(c)(3) charity.
Networking and Career Growth: Both Ben and Timothy stress that attending local conferences like BSides on a Saturday demonstrates a commitment to learning that employers value. Networking at these events can lead to job opportunities and valuable professional connections.
Professional Skills Over Hard Skills: Ben argues that professional skills—such as public speaking, running effective meetings, and communicating politely—are more crucial for career longevity than hard technical skills. He shares a personal story about how a poorly chosen phrase accidentally hurt a colleague and taught him the importance of careful communication.
Encouraging New Speakers: BSides St. Louis actively seeks out first-time speakers. Ben looks for people who have never given a talk before because the audience is forgiving and it helps them develop skills vital for interviewing and running meetings.
Family-Friendly Environment: The conference is explicitly family-friendly, encouraging attendees to bring children and high school students to explore the campus and participate in activities like lockpicking and soldering. Ben views "hackers" as anyone who does "something in a way that wasn't intended to be done".
Personal Philosophy: Ben shares his personal mission to help people "feel secure so they can sleep at night" and his belief that giving back through events like BSides is a way to help others who were not as fortunate as he was growing up.

Notable Quotes:

"Bringing the interested to the connected".
"One con talk isn't going to make you an expert, but learning just enough to know what to Google, so that you can become an expert when you need to later... Huge. So helpful".
"I can train somebody really easy to run NMAP... but telling somebody how to shut up in a meeting and listen way harder".
"Don't self-select yourself out of opportunities".
"My personal life goal is to help people feel secure so they can sleep at night".

Connect with Ben Miller & BSides St. Louis:

Website: bsidesstl.org
Event Date: September 27th
Event Location: Washington University's McKelvey School of Engineering

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