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AI Won’t Replace Cybersecurity Jobs, It’ll Replace the Toil – Harsha Reddy Explains What’s Next

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Mihir Bagwe
14 de Agosto de 2026, 03:56

AI, Cybersecurity, Harsha Reddy

As enterprises race to bolt AI onto every business process, security leaders are being forced to answer a harder question than "should we adopt it" — it's "who's accountable when it goes wrong." To unpack this, The Cyber Express sat down with Harsha Reddy, Head of Information Security at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG).

With nearly two decades in security leadership — including senior roles at Lixil and American Standard before joining VEG — Harsha brings a practitioner's view of where AI is genuinely changing the CISO's job, and where it's mostly just hype and shadow adoption.

Watch the Full Interview:

Harsha Reddy Explains Why AI Will Replace Tasks, Not Defenders

Harsha pushes back on the narrative that AI will hollow out security teams, pointing to Gartner research showing that while most fields are projected to lose jobs to AI, cybersecurity is expected to gain them. In his view, the technology is mainly absorbing the "toil" — log review, alert triage, evidence gathering — that keeps analysts from actually defending.

Also listen to S1 Episode: Awareness and Education at Young Age is the Answer to Cybersecurity Skill Gap

“It's the analyst who refuses to use AI that will get replaced by an analyst who uses it,” he says.

On adoption, Reddy points to a 2024 Microsoft-LinkedIn survey in which most executives called AI critical to their business, yet a majority had no formal plan and most had employees already bringing in their own tools. That gap, he argues, is why so many organizations are now dealing with AI-related data leaks. "Many organizations started onboarding AI like software when they should be onboarding it like staff." His fix isn't more restrictions — blocking AI just pushes it into the shadows — but guardrails, an internal AI enablement committee, and measuring actual business value instead of token consumption.

The conversation also digs into deepfake-driven fraud, why training employees to spot deepfakes is “a losing bet” at machine speed, and how he decides when to greenlight a new AI tool versus telling a business unit “not yet.”

The conversation closes with our newly introduced rapid-fire round "Express Shots" — Claude vs. ChatGPT, passkeys vs. passwords, and Reddy's prediction for the biggest cybersecurity threat of 2030.

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Read the latest updates Firewall Daily news and insights on The Cyber Expres, your trusted source for cybersecurity and information technology updates."
  • ✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
  • Critical wp2shell Vulnerability Hits WordPress Core, Patch Released Ashish Khaitan
    WordPress has released security updates to address the wp2shell vulnerability, a critical flaw that allowed attackers to achieve remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable sites using a single anonymous web request.   Unlike many previous attacks, this issue did not require plugins, authentication, or third-party code, making affected core installations particularly vulnerable. Security patches were released in WordPress 6.9.5 and 7.0.2.  wp2shell Vulnerability Exposed Core WordPress Sites 
     
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Critical wp2shell Vulnerability Hits WordPress Core, Patch Released

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
30 de Julho de 2026, 04:50

wp2shell vulnerability

WordPress has released security updates to address the wp2shell vulnerability, a critical flaw that allowed attackers to achieve remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable sites using a single anonymous web request.   Unlike many previous attacks, this issue did not require plugins, authentication, or third-party code, making affected core installations particularly vulnerable. Security patches were released in WordPress 6.9.5 and 7.0.2. 

wp2shell Vulnerability Exposed Core WordPress Sites 

Tracked as CVE-2026-63030, the wp2shell vulnerability is described in the official WordPress release notes as a "REST API batch-route confusion and SQL injection" issue that can result in remote code execution. The flaw originates from the REST API batch endpoint located at /wp-json/batch/v1, or its legacy query-string alias ?rest_route=/batch/v1, allowing exploitation through a single anonymous web request.  The vulnerability was discovered by Adam Kues of Assetnote, an attack surface management division of Searchlight Cyber, through the WordPress HackerOne programme.   To provide defenders time to update their systems, Searchlight Cyber intentionally withheld technical exploitation details, stating, "Given the egregious nature of the flaw and to ensure defenders have adequate time, we are refraining from disclosing technical specifics at this juncture." 

Second SQL Injection Flaw Patched 

The same security release also fixed CVE-2026-60137, another critical SQL injection vulnerability. WordPress credited researchers TF1T, dtro, and haongo for reporting the issue. Unlike the wp2shell vulnerability, this flaw predates the latest release and was backported to WordPress 6.8.6. The wp2shell vulnerability only affects versions 6.9.0 to 6.9.4 and 7.0.0 to 7.0.1.  Severity ratings differ across security advisories. While WordPress classifies CVE-2026-63030 as "high severity," the corresponding GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-ff9f-jf42-662q) labels it as Critical with a CVSS score of 7.5. Regardless of classification, both vulnerabilities require immediate patching because the wp2shell vulnerability can be exploited without authentication. 

Immediate Updates Recommended 

Powering around 40% of websites, WordPress responded by enabling forced automatic updates for affected versions, including WordPress 7.1 beta2, to secure pre-release installations. As of 17 July, there were no confirmed reports of active exploitation. However, security researchers warned that because WordPress is open source and patch-related code changes became publicly available immediately, proof-of-concept exploits could emerge within hours.  Administrators should verify that every internet-facing WordPress installation has successfully received the update, as some hosting environments disable automatic updates or lock websites to specific versions. Site owners can also check exposure using the public tool available at wp2shell.com. If immediate patching is not possible, temporarily blocking both REST API batch endpoints at the Web Application Firewall (WAF) level can reduce risk, although this should not replace installing the official update.  Security teams managing multiple WordPress websites should also monitor for spikes in anonymous web request traffic targeting batch endpoints, as the wp2shell vulnerability demonstrates how overlooked core features can introduce severe security risks. 
  • ✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
  • CVE-2026-42533 Exposes Critical Pre-Auth nginx RCE Flaw Ashish Khaitan
    A newly disclosed security flaw, CVE-2026-42533, has revealed a critical Pre-Auth nginx vulnerability that could allow attackers to achieve reliable RCE (remote code execution) without authentication. The issue affects nginx versions 0.9.6 through 1.30.3 (stable) and 1.31.2 (mainline), while patched releases include 1.30.4 and 1.31.3. Affected NGINX Plus versions include R33-R36 (fixed in R36 P7) and 37.0.0.1-37.0.2.1 (fixed in 37.0.3.1).  According to the disclosure, the vulnerability stems
     
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CVE-2026-42533 Exposes Critical Pre-Auth nginx RCE Flaw

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
20 de Julho de 2026, 03:41

CVE-2026-42533

A newly disclosed security flaw, CVE-2026-42533, has revealed a critical Pre-Auth nginx vulnerability that could allow attackers to achieve reliable RCE (remote code execution) without authentication. The issue affects nginx versions 0.9.6 through 1.30.3 (stable) and 1.31.2 (mainline), while patched releases include 1.30.4 and 1.31.3. Affected NGINX Plus versions include R33-R36 (fixed in R36 P7) and 37.0.0.1-37.0.2.1 (fixed in 37.0.3.1).  According to the disclosure, the vulnerability stems from a missing save-and-restore mechanism for PCRE capture state within nginx's two-pass script evaluation engine. The flaw enables attackers to trigger a heap buffer overflow with attacker-controlled content and length, while also exposing heap pointers through an information leak that can defeat Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). Chaining both primitives enables reliable Pre-Auth nginx RCE. 

CVE-2026-42533 Impacts Multiple Configurations 

The advisory warns that deployments using map directives with regex patterns alongside regex capture sources, including location, server_name, rewrite, or if blocks, may be vulnerable. The issue depends on evaluation order, where regex capture references, such as $1 or named groups, are processed before a regex map variable.  Affected directives include proxy_set_header, proxy_method, proxy_pass, fastcgi_param, uwsgi_param, scgi_param, grpc_set_header, return, add_header, rewrite, set, root, alias, and access_log, among others. Both HTTP and stream modules are affected, and the vulnerable capture and map variables do not need to exist within the same directive. 

Technical Root Cause

The researcher explained that nginx evaluates expressions in two stages: a length calculation (LEN) pass followed by a value (VALUE) pass. During execution, regex map evaluation overwrites shared capture data stored in the request object. As a result, the LEN pass and VALUE pass can calculate different capture sizes, causing either a heap overflow or an information leak depending on the relative capture lengths.  The disclosure states that attackers can control both the overflow size and leaked data using ordinary HTTP requests, including request URIs, headers, and bodies. No credentials, client certificates, or unusual configuration beyond the vulnerable pattern are required.  Testing reportedly achieved 10 out of 10 successful exploitations on Ubuntu 24.04 using glibc 2.39 with ASLR enabled.

Mitigation and Disclosure

The researcher said recent fixes for CVE-2026-42945, CVE-2026-9256, CVE-2026-42055, and CVE-2026-48142 do not address CVE-2026-42533. Administrators are advised to upgrade immediately to nginx 1.30.4, 1.31.3, or the corresponding patched NGINX Plus releases.  Until systems are updated, defenders should audit configurations that combine regex captures with regex map variables in the same evaluation path. The researcher also released a static configuration scanner that identifies vulnerable configurations without exploiting them.  The initial report was submitted to F5 SIRT on May 17, 2026, with follow-up analyses covering additional variants, including cross-directive triggering and named capture clobbering. While a proof-of-concept exploit exists, the researcher said it will be withheld until users have sufficient time to apply patches, citing concerns over rapid exploitation following previous nginx vulnerability disclosures. 
  • ✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
  • Notepad++ Patches High-Severity RCE Flaws in Version 8.9.6.1 Ashish Khaitan
    The developers behind Notepad++ have released version 8.9.6.1 to address multiple security vulnerabilities, including critical flaws that could expose users to remote code execution (RCE) attacks under certain conditions. The patched vulnerabilities, disclosed on May 26, 2026, include CVE-2026-48770, CVE-2026-48778, and CVE-2026-48800, all affecting Notepad++ versions up to 8.9.6.  The most serious of the patched flaws is CVE-2026-48778, a high-severity vulnerability stemming from improper ha
     
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Notepad++ Patches High-Severity RCE Flaws in Version 8.9.6.1

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
29 de Maio de 2026, 04:11

CVE-2026-48770

The developers behind Notepad++ have released version 8.9.6.1 to address multiple security vulnerabilities, including critical flaws that could expose users to remote code execution (RCE) attacks under certain conditions. The patched vulnerabilities, disclosed on May 26, 2026, include CVE-2026-48770, CVE-2026-48778, and CVE-2026-48800, all affecting Notepad++ versions up to 8.9.6.  The most serious of the patched flaws is CVE-2026-48778, a high-severity vulnerability stemming from improper handling of configuration data in the widely used Windows text editor. Security researchers warned that the flaw could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands by manipulating application settings files. 

CVE-2026-48778: Critical Notepad++ RCE Vulnerability 

The vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-48778 originates from the way Notepad++ processes entries within the config.xml file. Specifically, the issue affects the <GUIConfig name="commandLineInterpreter"> parameter, which the application reads without applying validation, integrity checks, or allowlist restrictions.  According to the vulnerability details, Notepad++ later uses this parameter when a user selects the “Open Containing Folder in cmd” feature. Because the value is not properly sanitized, an attacker can alter the executable path and force the application to launch unintended programs.  Researchers demonstrated the exploitability of CVE-2026-48778 through a proof-of-concept attack that replaced the expected command prompt behavior with the execution of calc.exe. Triggering the feature caused the Windows Calculator application to open, confirming that arbitrary code execution was possible through malicious configuration manipulation.  The flaw has been classified under CWE-78, which covers OS Command Injection vulnerabilities. Despite requiring user interaction, the vulnerability has drawn concern because of its low attack complexity and lack of privilege requirements, making it a realistic threat in enterprise and personal computing environments. 

Multiple Attack Vectors Increase RCE Risk 

Although CVE-2026-48778 is not considered a fully automated exploit, researchers noted several practical attack paths that could still make the Notepad++ flaw dangerous in real-world scenarios.  One potential method involves directly modifying the %APPDATA%\Notepad++\config.xml file under the current user context. Attackers may also distribute specially crafted shortcut files that abuse the -settingsDir parameter to redirect the application toward attacker-controlled configuration directories.  Additional attack scenarios include poisoning cloud-synchronized configuration paths supported by Notepad++ or relying on social engineering tactics to convince users to extract malicious archives into AppData directories. These techniques could allow threat actors to weaponize trusted workflows without immediately attracting attention. Because Notepad++ is widely deployed across developer systems, administrative environments, and enterprise workstations, the possibility of RCE exploitation through manipulated configuration files significantly increases the security impact of CVE-2026-48778.

CVE-2026-48770 and CVE-2026-48800 Also Patched 

In addition to the primary RCE vulnerability, the latest Notepad++ update addresses two other security flaws.  CVE-2026-48770 involves a crash vulnerability triggered by malformed structures. Successful exploitation could lead to denial-of-service conditions that disrupt the normal functioning of the application.  Meanwhile, CVE-2026-48800 is another arbitrary code execution issue associated with improper handling of the shortcuts.xml file. Like CVE-2026-48778, this flaw demonstrates the broader security risks tied to unsafe processing of configuration and shortcut-related data.  The disclosure of CVE-2026-48770 and CVE-2026-48778 highlights the growing attention being placed on configuration-based attack surfaces within desktop applications. Security researchers have repeatedly warned that insufficient validation of locally stored configuration files can create opportunities for privilege abuse and command execution. 

Notepad++ Users Urged to Install Security Update 

Users and organizations are being advised to upgrade immediately to Notepad++ version 8.9.6.1 to mitigate exposure to CVE-2026-48770, CVE-2026-48778, and CVE-2026-48800.  The updated release improves the way the application handles configuration data and reduces the likelihood of malicious executable paths being processed through internal features.  Security experts also recommend additional defensive measures beyond patching. These include monitoring sensitive configuration files for unauthorized modifications, restricting write permissions to application directories, and validating executable paths wherever possible. 

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Vulnerabilities Expose Cross-Tenant Subscriber Data Risks

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
7 de Maio de 2026, 03:45

Salesforce AMPScript

A recently disclosed set of vulnerabilities in Salesforce Marketing Cloud, widely known as SFMC, has drawn attention to the security risks tied to centralized marketing infrastructure.   The flaws, which affected components tied to AMPScript, CloudPages, and email-rendering workflows, could have enabled attackers to access subscriber information, enumerate marketing emails, and potentially affect organizations across multiple tenants.  Security researchers found that weaknesses in SFMC’s templating engine and cryptographic implementation introduced opportunities for unauthorized data access across customer environments. 

AMPScript and SFMC Template Injection Risks 

Modern enterprises rely heavily on Salesforce Marketing Cloud to manage large-scale marketing campaigns, personalized customer journeys, and trackable email communications. The platform, formerly known as ExactTarget, supports dynamic content generation through technologies such as AMPScript, Server-Side JavaScript (SSJS), and internal data views connected to large subscriber databases.  While these features provide flexibility for marketers, researchers noted that they also increase the impact of any underlying vulnerability. One of the major concerns centered on SFMC’s server-side templating framework.  AMPScript and SSJS allow organizations to dynamically insert subscriber attributes such as names, email addresses, and engagement metrics directly into marketing content. However, functions like TreatAsContent introduced a dangerous behavior because they effectively evaluate user-controlled input as executable template code. Researchers explained that if attacker-controlled data was passed into these functions, it could trigger template injection inside Salesforce Marketing Cloud environments.  The issue became more severe because SFMC historically supported AMPScript execution within email subject lines. According to the findings, legacy behavior caused subject templates to be evaluated twice by default. That design opened the door for payload execution during the second rendering stage. Researchers demonstrated the risk using the following payload inside a name field:  %%=RowCount(LookupRows("_Subscribers","SubscriberKey",_subscriberkey))=%%  If processed during the second evaluation phase, the payload could execute successfully and create a reliable injection point inside the marketing workflow.  Once template execution was achieved, attackers could potentially use built-in SFMC functions such as LookupRows to query internal Data Views, including: 
  • _Subscribers  
  • _Sent  
  • _Job  
  • _SMSMessageTracking  
  • _Click  
Access to these views could expose subscriber lists, email delivery records, engagement metrics, and message history associated with affected Salesforce Marketing Cloud tenants. 

CloudPages and “View Email in Browser” Vulnerability

Researchers identified an even more serious vulnerability tied to SFMC’s “view email in browser” functionality and CloudPages infrastructure. Many Salesforce customers configure branded domains such as view.example.com or pages.example.com that route back to shared SFMC infrastructure. These links typically rely on an encrypted qs parameter containing tenant and message-specific information. According to researchers from Searchlight Cyber, the older “classic” qs implementation used unauthenticated CBC encryption. The researchers found that the implementation behaved as a padding oracle, which made it possible to decrypt and re-encrypt query string parameters under certain conditions. Initially, the researchers abused the weakness using the Padre tool before later improving the process through the AMPScript MicrositeURL function.  This allowed them to forge valid QS values and access workflows such as “Forward to a Friend,” which could resolve subscriber identifiers into actual email addresses.  One of the most concerning aspects of the vulnerability was SFMC’s use of a single static encryption key shared across tenants. Researchers stated that once the cryptographic structure became understood, attackers could theoretically enumerate subscribers and access email content across multiple organizations using the same mechanism.

Legacy Encryption Weaknesses Expanded the Attack Surface 

The researchers also uncovered an older URL format that relied on per-parameter “encryption.” However, the mechanism reportedly consisted of a repeating static XOR key combined with a checksum. Although the scheme was considered legacy functionality, researchers found that it still worked on modern SFMC tenants. Because the implementation lacked strong cryptographic protections, attackers could decrypt and enumerate parameters such as JobID and ListSubscriber at high speed without relying on the slower padding-oracle technique.  The findings highlighted how legacy systems inside large cloud platforms can continue to create security exposure long after newer protections are introduced. 

Impact of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Vulnerability 

Researchers concluded that the combined vulnerabilities could have enabled attackers to: 
  • Enumerate and exfiltrate subscriber records  
  • Access sent marketing emails and engagement data  
  • Forge cross-tenant QS tokens  
  • Access emails belonging to other organizations  
  • Exploit hard-coded cryptographic material  
  • Abuse argument-injection flaws tied to the MicrositeURL function  
  • Manipulate CloudPages and other SFMC web workflows  
To address the issues, Salesforce assigned multiple CVEs covering several root causes, including insecure cryptographic implementations, hard-coded keys, and argument injection vulnerabilities affecting MicrositeURL and CloudPages components.  According to Salesforce, the vulnerabilities were reported on 16 January 2026. Mitigations were deployed between 21 January and 24 January 2026. The company stated that it had identified no confirmed malicious exploitation at the time of disclosure.  As part of the remediation process, Salesforce migrated Marketing Cloud Engagement encryption to AES-GCM, rotated encryption keys, and disabled the double evaluation behavior tied to AMPScript subject-line rendering.  The company also invalidated all legacy tracking and CloudPages links created before 21 January 2026 at 23:00 UTC. Those links expired globally on 23 January 2026 at 21:00 UTC. 
  • ✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
  • Microsoft Fixes 167 Vulnerabilities in Latest Patch Tuesday Update Ashish Khaitan
    Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday April 2026 release has introduced one of the most extensive security update rollouts of the year, addressing a total of 167 vulnerabilities across Windows operating systems and associated software. This latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday also includes fixes for two zero-day vulnerabilities, one of which was actively exploited in real-world attacks, alongside critical flaws affecting SharePoint Server, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Office.  The April edition of Mi
     
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Microsoft Fixes 167 Vulnerabilities in Latest Patch Tuesday Update

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
15 de Abril de 2026, 03:12

Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday April 2026 release has introduced one of the most extensive security update rollouts of the year, addressing a total of 167 vulnerabilities across Windows operating systems and associated software. This latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday also includes fixes for two zero-day vulnerabilities, one of which was actively exploited in real-world attacks, alongside critical flaws affecting SharePoint Server, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Office.  The April edition of Microsoft Patch Tuesday highlights the complexity of modern cyber threats. Among the 167 vulnerabilities patched, eight are classified as “Critical.” Of these, seven involve remote code execution (RCE), while one relates to a denial-of-service (DoS) issue. The remaining vulnerabilities fall under various categories: 
  • 93 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities
  • 13 Security Feature Bypass vulnerabilities
  • 20 Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities
  • 21 Information Disclosure vulnerabilities
  • 10 Denial of Service vulnerabilities
  • 9 Spoofing vulnerabilities
Additionally, the security update addresses two zero-day vulnerabilities and several flaws in Microsoft Office applications. 

Microsoft Patch Tuesday: Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Focus  

A major focus of this Patch Tuesday April 2026 cycle is the remediation of two zero-day vulnerabilities. One of the most concerning issues is an actively exploited spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server. According to Microsoft, “Improper input validation in Microsoft Office SharePoint allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.”   The company further explained that a successful attack could allow threat actors to access sensitive information and modify it, affecting both confidentiality and integrity, though not availability. Microsoft has not disclosed details about how the vulnerability was exploited or who discovered it.  The second zero-day, tracked as CVE-2026-33825, affects Microsoft Defender and allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges. This flaw has been resolved in Microsoft Defender Antimalware Platform version 4.18.26050.3011, which is being distributed automatically. Users can also manually install the update via Windows Security settings. The vulnerability was discovered by Zen Dodd and Yuanpei XU from HUST working with Diffract. 

Critical Vulnerabilities and Exploitation Risks 

Beyond zero-days, Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2026, includes several critical vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention. For instance, CVE-2026-23666 affects the .NET framework and could allow attackers to execute a denial-of-service attack over a network.  Another critical flaw, CVE-2026-32157, impacts the Remote Desktop Client. It is a use-after-free vulnerability that can lead to code execution if a user connects to a malicious server. Similarly, multiple Microsoft Office vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2026-32190, CVE-2026-33114, and CVE-2026-33115, require local code execution but can be triggered remotely, often through malicious documents or even the preview pane. This makes them particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle email attachments.  CVE-2026-33824 targets the Windows Internet Key Exchange (IKE) extension and allows unauthenticated attackers to send specially crafted packets to achieve remote code execution. Microsoft recommends blocking inbound UDP ports 500 and 4500 if IKE is not in use as a mitigation step.  Other notable critical issues include vulnerabilities in Active Directory (CVE-2026-33826) and Windows TCP/IP (CVE-2026-33827), both of which could enable remote code execution under specific conditions. 

Office and SharePoint Remain High-Risk Targets 

This Patch Tuesday April also noted the risk posed by Microsoft Office and SharePoint. Multiple RCE vulnerabilities in Word and Excel can be exploited through malicious files, reinforcing the need for users to update their Office installations promptly.  Another vulnerability, CVE-2026-32201, affects SharePoint and allows spoofing attacks that can expose and alter sensitive data. This issue has already been observed in active exploitation.  While most vulnerabilities are rated as “Important,” security researchers have flagged several as more likely to be exploited. These include flaws in UEFI Secure Boot (CVE-2026-0390), Windows Kernel memory disclosure (CVE-2026-26169), and multiple elevation-of-privilege issues affecting components like WinSock, BitLocker, and the Desktop Window Manager.  Other notable vulnerabilities include spoofing issues in Remote Desktop and Windows Shell, as well as security bypass flaws in Windows Hello and BitLocker.  Outside of Microsoft, this Patch Tuesday April period also saw Google release fixes for its fourth Chrome zero-day vulnerability of 2026. Meanwhile, Adobe issued an emergency update for Acrobat Reader to address an actively exploited remote code execution flaw. 
  • ✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
  • Dark Web Article Contest Offers $10,000 for Exploit Writing on TierOne Forum Ashish Khaitan
    In an unusual development within the underground cyber world, a dark web article contest has been announced on a well-known dark web forum, TierOne forum. The initiative is backed by a $10,000 prize pool. The contest places a spotlight on technical writing centered around vulnerability exploitation, offering insight into how knowledge is shared and rewarded in these spaces.  Traditionally, dark web forums have been linked to illicit activities such as trading stolen data, coordinating ransomw
     
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Dark Web Article Contest Offers $10,000 for Exploit Writing on TierOne Forum

✇Firewall Daily – The Cyber Express
Por:Ashish Khaitan
14 de Abril de 2026, 02:55

dark web article contest

In an unusual development within the underground cyber world, a dark web article contest has been announced on a well-known dark web forum, TierOne forum. The initiative is backed by a $10,000 prize pool. The contest places a spotlight on technical writing centered around vulnerability exploitation, offering insight into how knowledge is shared and rewarded in these spaces.  Traditionally, dark web forums have been linked to illicit activities such as trading stolen data, coordinating ransomware attacks, and distributing malware. However, this contest introduces a different dynamic, one that mirrors legitimate cybersecurity ecosystems, where researchers document findings and share exploit techniques.  

The Dark Web Article Contest Overview and Prize Structure 

According to an official announcement shared by an administrator on the forum, the post states: “Всем привет! Мы рады сообщить T1 erone [КОНКУРС СТАТЕЙ #1 - 2026]. Победители конкурса получают призы: 1 место 5.000$, 2 место - 3.000$, 3 место - 2.000$, [Призовой фонд 10.000$]. Прием статей начинается 13.04.2026 и заканчивается 14.05.2026.”   The announcement indicates that the dark web article contest will run from April 13, 2026, to May 14, 2026, with prize amounts set at $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place, making up a total prize pool of $10,000, reportedly sponsored by the ransomware group cry0. 

Topics Focused on Vulnerability Exploitation 

The contest invites submissions covering a wide range of advanced topics related to vulnerability exploitation with real-world applicability. These include: 
  • Remote Code Execution (RCE) through deserialization flaws in React and Node.js frameworks. 
  • Command injection attacks in APIs and backend systems. 
  • Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerabilities in SaaS platforms. 
  • Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) in modern templating engines. 
  • Exploitation of insecure deserialization in PHP and Java. 
  • Client-side RCE via Markdown or Office file rendering. 
  • Firmware attacks targeting routers and cameras. 
  • Privilege escalation techniques in RouterOS and similar systems. 
  • Exploitation methods for products from Cisco, MikroTik, Oracle, and Ubiquiti. 
  • Zero-day discovery in browser components like WebGPU and Blink. 
  • AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and reverse engineering. 
  • Techniques for bypassing AV and EDR security systems. 
  • Exploitation of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) mechanisms. 
For context, vulnerabilities such as RCE, IDOR, and SSTI allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or access restricted data, while firmware attacks enable persistent control over hardware devices. Similarly, AV/EDR bypass techniques are designed to evade detection by modern security solutions. 

Participation Rules and Requirements 

The TierOne forum has outlined strict guidelines for participants. Articles must be published within the forum’s designated section and include a specific prefix to qualify: 
  • Submissions must be posted under the Articles section with the prefix “[Contest]”. 
  • A link to the article must be shared in the contest thread with a participation note. 
  • All users are eligible, regardless of registration date or activity level. 
  • The use of multiple accounts is strictly prohibited. 
In addition, the contest enforces content quality standards: 
  • Articles must be original and based on the author’s own experience. 
  • Copy-pasted or reposted material is not allowed. 
  • Submissions should comprehensively cover the chosen topic, including tools, techniques, and methodologies. 
  • Minimum length requirement is at least one A4 page. 
  • Excessive filler content is discouraged. 
  • Including video demonstrations may improve chances of winning. 

A Glimpse into Dark Web Knowledge Sharing 

While the existence of such a contest may seem surprising, it notes a bigger trend within dark web forums. Beyond illegal marketplaces and data trading, these platforms also function as hubs for technical exchange, where members document and refine vulnerability exploitation techniques. In many ways, the structure resembles legitimate bug bounty programs and penetration testing workflows, where cybersecurity professionals publish detailed reports on discovered flaws. The key difference lies in the intent and environment in which this knowledge is applied. It is important to note that this article does not endorse participation in such activities. Instead, it aims to shed light on how these underground ecosystems operate. The TierOne forum contest highlights that even within the dark web, there are organized efforts to produce structured, experience-based technical content, albeit in a context that raises ethical and legal concerns.
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