Summary
HPE is investigating claims by hacker “IntelBroker” of a data breach involving source code for products like Zerto and iLO, along with other sensitive information. While HPE has activated its cyber response protocols and is investigating, they currently report no operational impact or evidence of customer data being compromised. This incident follows a similar claim by the same hacker in 2024.
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Main Story
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) finds itself once again under the microscope of cybersecurity scrutiny. A hacker known as “IntelBroker” has publicly claimed responsibility for a data breach, alleging the theft of sensitive information, including source code for key HPE products. This incident, coming just a year after a similar claim by the same actor, has triggered a swift investigation by HPE and reignited concerns about the security of enterprise data.
IntelBroker’s claims, posted on a cybercrime forum on January 16, 2025, detail the alleged theft of a significant trove of data. The hacker claims to have accessed HPE’s internal systems, including private GitHub repositories, Docker builds, and APIs, for at least two days. Among the purportedly stolen information is source code for Zerto, a disaster recovery platform HPE acquired in 2021, and iLO (Integrated Lights-Out), a server management tool crucial for HPE’s ProLiant servers. Beyond source code, the hacker also claims to possess digital certificates, both public and private keys, and what they describe as “old user PII for deliveries,” suggesting the potential compromise of some customer information, although the extent remains unclear. IntelBroker is now actively attempting to sell this allegedly stolen data on the cybercrime forum.
HPE, in response to these alarming claims, has launched an internal investigation. The company has confirmed its awareness of the situation and stated that it immediately activated its cyber response protocols, including disabling related credentials. While the investigation is ongoing, HPE maintains that there is currently no operational impact on its business and no evidence of customer data being compromised. However, this reassurance should be viewed with caution, as investigations into such complex incidents can take time to uncover the full extent of any compromise.
This isn’t the first time HPE has faced scrutiny due to IntelBroker’s activities. In early 2024, the same hacker claimed to have breached an HPE test environment and offered stolen data for sale. While HPE confirmed a breach at the time, they downplayed its scope, stating the data was related to a test environment and not as extensive as claimed. This previous incident, however, adds another layer of concern to the current situation and raises questions about HPE’s security posture.
The potential implications of this alleged breach are substantial. Source code leaks can be particularly damaging, providing malicious actors with a blueprint to exploit vulnerabilities in software. This is especially concerning given the nature of the allegedly compromised products, Zerto and iLO, which play vital roles in data protection and server management, potentially granting access to sensitive infrastructure. The alleged compromise of digital certificates and private keys further exacerbates the risk, potentially enabling impersonation and unauthorized access.
The broader context of this incident highlights the increasing frequency and sophistication of data breaches targeting large organizations. As threat actors become more adept at exploiting vulnerabilities, companies must prioritize cybersecurity investments and strengthen their defenses. This includes robust access controls, regular security audits, and incident response plans to mitigate the impact of potential breaches. The ongoing HPE investigation will undoubtedly reveal further details about the incident and hopefully shed light on the extent of the compromise. In the meantime, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of data breaches and the critical importance of proactive security measures.
The mention of “old user PII for deliveries” highlights a potentially overlooked risk. Are companies adequately auditing and securing historical data, especially considering evolving privacy regulations and the potential for it to be a backdoor for attackers?
That’s a crucial point! The long tail of data retention, especially “old user PII for deliveries,” presents a significant challenge. Regularly auditing and securing this historical data, in line with evolving privacy regulations, is definitely something companies need to prioritize. What strategies do you think are most effective for managing this?
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“Old user PII for deliveries” sounds like a hacker’s treasure hunt gone wrong! I bet they were hoping for juicy secrets, but instead got a list of people who ordered too many self-help books and now need a new return address. Seriously though, is there a market for that on the dark web? Asking for a friend.
That’s a funny take! You’re right, the real value of that data is definitely debatable. It does raise the question though, at what point does old data become *too* old to keep, and what are the best practices for responsible disposal or anonymization to avoid even *potential* misuse?
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Given IntelBroker’s history with HPE, what specific changes to security protocols or infrastructure were implemented following the 2024 breach, and how effective have these measures proven against similar intrusion attempts?
That’s a great question! Understanding the evolution of security measures is crucial. While specific details are often confidential, it highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in cybersecurity strategies. Public disclosures about the effectiveness of those changes are rare, but it’s definitely a key area of focus for any organization facing persistent threats.
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IntelBroker targeting HPE again? Seems like someone has a type! Is HPE’s security team now just playing a very elaborate game of “Cops and Robbers” with a persistent opponent? Maybe they should offer IntelBroker an internship!
That’s a funny analogy! It does raise a valid point about persistent threats. Should companies consider ethical hacking programs, or bug bounties, more often? Could this be a viable method to discover exploits and vulnerabilities?
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The recurring nature of these attacks raises a vital question about threat actor persistence. Beyond reactive measures, how can companies proactively identify and disrupt these actors’ ongoing reconnaissance and intrusion attempts before breaches occur?
That’s an excellent point about proactive disruption! Moving beyond reactive measures is key. Could threat intelligence sharing initiatives, focusing on patterns of reconnaissance, become more vital in disrupting persistent actors before they even get a foothold?
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“No operational impact,” you say? Is that before or after the bad guys start reverse-engineering Zerto and iLO? Asking for a friend… who runs a large data center.
That’s a great point! The potential for reverse engineering is a huge concern. Even without immediate operational impact, the long-term risk of exposing vulnerabilities in Zerto and iLO is definitely something to consider. Perhaps a proactive vulnerability disclosure program could help mitigate some of that risk?
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If source code for Zerto and iLO is compromised, what impact could this have on other software or systems that integrate with these tools? Could supply chain attacks become a greater concern?
That’s a really important question. The potential impact on integrated software and systems is significant. A compromised Zerto or iLO could create vulnerabilities that cascade through connected environments, making supply chain attacks a much greater concern. I wonder what level of impact would be felt by their partners. Is there a risk of reverse engineering or something else?
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“Activated cyber response protocols” sounds impressive! But did those protocols include changing the locks *before* IntelBroker listed HPE’s blueprints on a public forum? Asking for a friend’s friend.
That’s a great point about proactive security! While details of immediate actions are usually confidential, your question highlights a critical aspect of incident response planning. A key focus should be on how organizations can improve their defenses to prevent breaches before they occur, and how to minimize damage from attacks, while continuing to improve the systems, protocols, and infrastructure.
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HPE disabled credentials *after* the breach? Reminds me of bolting the barn door after the horses have not only escaped, but have also started their own pony-themed cryptocurrency. Maybe a little less reaction, more action?