Downgrade attacks: A growing concern
Downgrade attacks, or version-rollback attacks, are a form of cyberattack that reverts software to an older, vulnerable version, allowing malicious actors to exploit previously fixed issues, Leviev explained in his findings.
In terms of impact, downgrade attacks could have profound implications for organizations heavily dependent on Windows environments,” Chauhan pointed out. “These attacks can reverse security patches, re-exposing systems to previously mitigated vulnerabilities, thereby increasing the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of sensitive information.”
Moreover, such attacks could disrupt operations by compromising critical infrastructure, leading to downtime and financial losses. Industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as financial services, healthcare, and the public sector, are particularly vulnerable. A successful downgrade attack in these sectors could result in regulatory penalties and significant damage to an organization’s reputation and customer trust.”
