CrowdStrike Warns VMware’s Hypervisor ‘Highly Attractive’ To Cybercriminals

‘This trend is especially noteworthy given that ESXi, by design, does not support third-party agents or antivirus software and VMware states in its documentation that antivirus software is not required,’ CrowdStrike wrote in a blog published Monday.

Endpoint security specialist CrowdStrike is warning VMware users that the virtualization all-star’s popular ESXi hypervisor has proven to be a major target for cybercriminals this year and it expects that trend to continue.

“This trend is especially noteworthy given that ESXi, by design, does not support third-party agents or antivirus software and VMware states in its documentation that antivirus software is not required,” CrowdStrike wrote in a blog published Monday. “This, combined with the popularity of ESXi as a widespread and popular virtualization and management system, makes the hypervisor a highly attractive target for modern adversaries.”

VMware responded to the blog in a statement to CRN saying the exploits CrowdStrike mentioned were fixed two to three years ago.

[RELATED: CrowdStrike Unveils Managed XDR: 5 Big Things To Know]

The company said recent exploits that have been used by cybercriminals to control its hypervisor resulted from old instances, and bad “security hygiene.” In a statement, VMware said it was already widely reported that ransomware operators were targeting “End of General Support (EOGS) and/or out-of-date products with vulnerabilities that were addressed and disclosed at least 2-3 years ago” in VMware Security Advisories.

“As the Crowdstrike report mentions, ransomware operators gain initial access by exploiting known vulnerabilities in unpatched software and other security hygiene gaps, and customers should understand that EDR and antivirus solutions are not a substitution for core security practices such as patching known vulnerabilitie,” a VMware spokesperson wrote to CRN.

In the blog, which was writen by an unnamed author, CrowdStrike said VMware’s virtual infrastructure products are highly attractive targets for attackers due to the product’s popularity, and its use as the building-block of most modern IT environments.

“More and more threat actors are recognizing that the lack of security tools, lack of adequate network segmentation of ESXi interfaces, and ITW vulnerabilities for ESXi create a target-rich environment,” the CrowdStrike blog stated. “In April 2023, for example, CrowdStrike Intelligence identified a new RaaS program named MichaelKors, which provides affiliates with ransomware binaries targeting Windows and ESXi/Linux systems. Other RaaS platforms capable of targeting ESXi environments, such as Nevada ransomware, have also been launched.”

The blog also cited attacks in September 2022 which were documented by Mandiant researchers who discovered a novel malware ecosystem targeting VMware ESXi and VMware vCenter servers.

Near the same time, CrowdStrike said it found ESXi servers used for post-exploit activities “to maintain persistence in networks via compromised vCenter servers. Moreover, SCATTERED SPIDER leveraged the open-source proxy tool rsocx to maintain access to victim ESXi servers.”

According to VMware documentation, the ESXi hypervisor architecture has numerous built-in security features such as: CPU isolation, memory isolation, and device isolation. Users can also configure additional security such as lockdown mode, certificate replacement, and smart card authentication for enhanced security.

VMware goes on to state that an ESXi host is also protected with a firewall. Users can open ports for incoming and outgoing traffic as needed, but should restrict access to services and ports. Using the ESXi lockdown mode and limiting access to the ESXi Shell can further contribute to a more secure environment. ESXi hosts participate in the certificate infrastructure. Hosts are provisioned with certificates that are signed by the VMware Certificate Authority (VMCA) by default.

O’Ryan Johnson is a veteran news reporter. He covers the data center beat for CRN and hopes to hear from channel partners about how he can improve his coverage and write the stories they want to read. He can be reached at ojohnson@thechannelcompany.com..

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CUET Maths Syllabus 2023: PDF Download, Check Maths Important Topics, Pattern

CUET Maths Syllabus 2023: The National Testing Agency conducts the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission into all UG Programmes in all Central Universities. The CUET syllabus is divided into three sections i.e. Section I A, and Section II A include general and special languages, Section 2-Domain, and Section 3-General Test.

Furthermore, section 2 of the CUET exam includes 27 Domains specific subjects. CUET Maths section is one of the domains of section 2. Candidates who have opted for mathematics subject as their domain should check the latest CUET Maths syllabus and exam pattern to get insights into the important topics and weightage distribution to maximize their qualifying chances. As per the previous year's exam analysis, the overall difficulty level of this mathematics section has been moderate. 

In this article, we have shared the CUET Maths syllabus along with the exam pattern, preparation tips, and best books in detail.

The NTA has released the CUET Maths syllabus 2023 pdf. Candidates who have opted for Maths as one of the domain subjects must refer to the official syllabus for clarity on topics. The official syllabus for CUET Maths specifies the units, the names of the topics, and the important sections to cover for the exam. Candidates appearing for the CUET Maths paper must download the CUET Maths syllabus pdf from the link given in this article.

The CUET Maths syllabus 2023 is divided into three sections: section-A, section-B1, and section-B2. Below, we have listed the section-wise topics in the CUET Maths domain subject.

CUET Maths Syllabus Topics: Section A

CUET Maths Syllabus Topics: Section B1

CUET Maths Syllabus Topics: Section B2

Before applying, candidates are requested to go through the official syllabus link provided below.

Maths is one of the domain-specific subjects of section 2 of the CUET exam. There are 27 Domains specific subjects being offered under this section. A candidate may choose any subject as desired by the applicable University/ Universities. Furthermore, the CUET Maths syllabus is divided into two sections i.e. Section A and Section B [B1 and B2]. 

Also Read: CUET City Intimation Slip 2023

Section A covers both i.e. Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics which will be compulsory for all candidates. Section B1 covers questions from Mathematics and Section B2 covers questions from Applied Mathematics. Let’s look at the detailed syllabus below:

The CUET Maths syllabus for Section A is further divided into various subsections. It carries a total of 15 questions covering both i.e. Mathematics/Applied Mathematics which will be compulsory for all candidates. Check the topic-wise CUET syllabus for Mathematics section A below:

Algebra

Calculus

Integration and its Applications

Differential Equations

Probability Distributions

Linear Programming

The CUET Maths syllabus for section B is divided into subsections i.e. Section B1 and Section B2. Section B1 will have 35 questions from Mathematics out of which 25 questions need to be attempted. Section B2 will have 35 questions purely from Applied Mathematics out of which 25 questions will be attempted. Check the detailed CUET mathematics syllabus for section B shared below:

Let’s discuss the CUET Maths syllabus for section B1 in a detailed manner below:

UNIT I: RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

UNIT II: ALGEBRA

Matrices: Concept, notation, order, equality, types of matrices, zero matrices, transpose of a matrix, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices. Addition, multiplication, and scalar multiplication of matrices, simple properties of addition, multiplication, and scalar multiplication. Non-commutativity of multiplication of matrices and existence of non-zero matrices whose product is the zero matrix (restrict to square matrices of order 2). Concept of elementary row and column operations. Invertible matrices and proof of the uniqueness of inverse, if it exists; (Here all matrices will have real entries).

Determinants: Determinants of a square matrix (up to 3 × 3 matrices), properties of determinants, minors, cofactors, and applications of determinants in finding the area of a triangle. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix. Consistency, inconsistency, and number of solutions of a system of linear equations by examples, solving a system of linear equations in two or three variables (having unique solution) using the inverse of a matrix.

UNIT III: CALCULUS

Download CUET Admit Card 2023

UNIT IV: VECTORS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 

Unit V: Linear Programming

Introduction, related terminology such as constraints, objective function, optimization, different types of linear programming (L.P.) problems, mathematical formulation of L.P. problems, graphical method of solution for problems in two variables, feasible and infeasible regions, feasible and infeasible solutions, optimal feasible solutions (up to three non-trivial constraints).

Unit VI: Probability

Multiplications theorem on probability. Conditional probability, independent events, total probability, Baye’s theorem. Random variable and its probability distribution, mean, and variance of haphazard variable. Repeated independent (Bernoulli) trials and Binomial distribution.

Let’s discuss the CUET Maths syllabus for section B2 in a detailed manner below:

Unit I: Numbers, Quantification, and Numerical Applications

Allegation and Mixture

Modulo Arithmetic

Congruence Modulo

Numerical Problems

Solve real-life problems mathematically

Boats and Streams

Partnership

Pipes and cisterns

Determine the time taken by two or more pipes to fill or

Boats and Streams

Races and games

Numerical Inequalities

UNIT II:  ALGEBRA

Matrices and types of matrices

Determine the equality of two matrices

UNIT III: CALCULUS

Higher Order Derivatives

Define marginal cost and marginal revenue

Determine critical points of the function

UNIT IV: PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS

Probability Distribution

Mathematical Expectation

Apply arithmetic mean of frequency distribution to find the expected value of a random variable

Variance

Calculate the Variance and S.D.of a random variable

UNIT V: INDEX NUMBERS AND TIME-BASED DATA

Construct different types of index numbers

Construction of index numbers

Index Numbers

Define Index numbers as a special type of average

Test of Adequacy of Index Numbers

Apply time reversal test

UNIT VI: UNIT V: INDEX NUMBERS AND TIME-BASED DATA

Population and Sample

Parameter and statistics and Statistical Interferences

UNIT VII: INDEX NUMBERS AND TIME-BASED DATA

Components of Time Series

Distinguish between different components of the time series

Time Series

Identify time series as chronological data

Time Series analysis for univariate data

Solve practical problems based on statistical data and Interpret

UNIT VIII: FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS

Calculation of EMI

Perpetuity, Sinking Funds

Valuation of bonds

Linear Method of Depreciation

UNIT IX: LINEAR PROGRAMMING

Feasible and Infeasible Regions

Identify feasible, infeasible, and bounded regions

Different Types of Linear Programming Problems

Identify and formulate different types of LPP

Introduction and related terminology

Familiarize yourself with terms related to Linear Programming Problem

Mathematical Formulation of Linear Programming Problem

Formulate Linear Programming Problem

Graphical Method of Solution for Problems in Two Variables

Draw the Graph for a system of linear inequalities involving two variables and to find its solution graphically

Feasible and infeasible solutions, optimal feasible solution

The CUET Maths section is one of the tricky and time-consuming domain subjects of the CUET 2023 exam. Therefore, it is crucial for the candidates to understand the CUET Maths syllabus thoroughly and identify the topics important for the exam. Check the list of best CUET Maths preparation tips and tricks to excel in this section:

Candidates should choose the best CUET Maths books based on the latest trends and formats to excel in this section. The right books and resources will help them to cover all the topics prescribed in the CUET Maths syllabus. The section-wise books for the mathematics sections are listed below:

Book Name

Author/Publication

Class 12th Mathematics NCERT

NCERT

Integral Calculus for Beginners

Arihant

Mathematics for Class 12 (Set of 2 Volumes)

RD Sharma

Higher Algebra

Arihant

Differential Calculus for Beginners

Arihant

NCERT Exemplar Mathematics Class 12

Arihant

Candidates should be well acquainted with the CUET Maths exam pattern to understand the format of questions, weightage distribution, and marking scheme. There will be one question paper which will have 85 questions out of which 65 questions need to be attempted. Have a look at the exam pattern shared below:

CUET Exam Pattern 2023

Sections

Subjects/ Tests

No. of Questions

To be Attempted

Duration

Section IA

13 Languages 

50

40 in each language

45 minutes for each language

Section IB

20 Languages 

Section II

27 Domain-specific Subjects 

45/50

35/40

45 minutes for each subject

Section III

General Test

60

50

60 minutes

As per the CUET marking scheme, there will be one question paper for CUET Agriculture wherein test takers must attempt 40 questions out of 50. Below, candidates can find the detailed marking scheme for the CUET exam:

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