Cybersecurity Crisis: Retail Giants Under Threat

Welcome to today’s roundup of cybersecurity news, where we dive into emerging threats, crucial vulnerabilities, and regulatory shifts set to impact businesses across the board. Grab a cuppa as we explore how a series of escalating cyber challenges—from high-stakes buffer overflow bugs to the stealthy activities of notorious hacker groups—are reshaping the digital landscape.

Privilege Escalation Through Network Monitoring Flaws

Security researchers have recently spotlighted vulnerabilities in widely used components such as OpenSSL, expat, curl, libpcap, and libxml2. These flaws open the door to privilege escalation attacks via network monitoring deficiencies. In simple terms, attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain higher levels of access on a network than they were originally authorised for—a risk that could seriously compromise sensitive data.

Undercover Operations: TA-ShadowCricket’s Persistent Probing

The China-linked hacker group TA-ShadowCricket has been quietly monitoring Asia-Pacific government and enterprise networks since 2012. Known for their stealth and persistence, they’ve built a reputation as experts in covert surveillance, potentially influencing both national security and corporate resilience. This long-running campaign serves as a stark reminder of how determined threat actors can be when they sniff out vulnerabilities in digital infrastructures.

Retail Under Fire: Hacking Gang Scattered Spider Investigated

In a separate development, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed that it is investigating the English-speaking hacking gang, Scattered Spider, following attacks on major retail brands including M&S, Co-op, and Harrods. This operation underlines an important reminder: no sector is immune to cyber threats, and the retail industry must remain perpetually vigilant against cyber intrusions.

Critical Vulnerabilities in Printers and Networking Equipment

CVE-2025-2146 – Buffer Overflow in Canon Printer Firmware

A severe buffer overflow vulnerability (scoring 9.8 out of 10) has been found in the web service authentication processing of a series of Small Office Multifunction Printers and Laser Printers in models sold in Japan, the US, and Europe. Essentially, an attacker sitting on the same network segment could trigger the affected devices to become unresponsive or even execute arbitrary code. With such critical flaws, the security of print and multifunction devices—often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies—needs to be prioritised to avoid disruptive outcomes.

CVE-2025-5156 – H3C GR-5400AX Router Vulnerability

In another alarming revelation, a vulnerability affecting the H3C GR-5400AX up to version 100R008 has been classified as critical (8.8 severity). This flaw in the device’s EditWlanMacList function could lead to a remote buffer overflow. The vendor was alerted but has not yet responded, making it essential for users to be aware and take appropriate measures. This issue underscores the ever-increasing need for maintaining robust configurations and prompt patch management.

UK Cyber Resilience Bill: A New Era for Business Security

The UK is stepping up its digital defences with the introduction of the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. Aimed at future-proofing cybersecurity policies and enhancing digital infrastructure, this piece of legislation is poised to have wide-reaching implications for businesses. Companies are encouraged to review their cybersecurity frameworks and look to experts for guidance. Here at Synergos Consultancy, based in Huddersfield, we understand the balancing act that businesses face. Whether you’re aiming for ISO Certifications, GDPR Compliance, or additional accreditations, our tailored support can help you navigate these turbulent digital waters while keeping you on the right side of legislative change.

Cyber risks continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and staying ahead means being proactive, informed, and ready to adapt. As always, we’ll keep you updated on the latest trends and vulnerabilities—ensuring that both technical and non-technical stakeholders are equipped to safeguard their digital assets.