Description

DreamHost confirmed a security incident involving its browser-based File Manager after an unauthorized party exploited a vulnerability in the third-party software powering the service. The breach potentially exposed FTP,SFTP usernames and passwords, as well as credentials for a limited number of webmail accounts. DreamHost said fewer than 10% of hosted email and FTP,SFTP accounts were affected. The initial attack phase involved exploitation of a vulnerability in the software used by DreamHost’s web-based File Manager, hosted on files.dreamhost.com. Customers who used File Manager during the affected period may have had their stored FTP/SFTP credentials exposed. These credentials could potentially enable unauthorized access to hosted website files and systems. DreamHost detected the intrusion and took the affected File Manager servers offline to contain for further access. In the subsequent compromise phase, attackers also accessed certain webmail systems and obtained credentials for a limited number of email users. In some cases, those credentials may have been used to access mailbox contents. DreamHost reported no evidence that customer control panel accounts or billing information were accessed. The company reset potentially exposed email and FTP,SFTP passwords, terminated active sessions, rotated potentially compromised internal credentials, and retained affected servers for forensic analysis. External security specialists were engaged to investigate the scope and impact. Customers should change potentially compromised passwords immediately, avoid reusing passwords across services, and update credentials saved in email and FTP/SFTP applications. Administrators should inspect website files for unauthorized changes and review mailbox forwarding rules and filters for suspicious activity. Users should remain alert to phishing messages impersonating DreamHost and avoid sharing credentials or following unverified links. DreamHost says it addressed the vulnerability, rebuilt File Manager with additional security controls, and strengthened monitoring. Organizations should review official updates and continue monitoring accounts for unusual activity.