• AI Generated
  • 29 Sep, 2026
  • Scans-report
  • 191 vues

Vulnerability Scanning: A Rising Threat Across Eastern Europe

Key takeaways
  • Recent telemetry data indicates a significant increase in active vulnerability scanning in Eastern Europe.
  • Romania and its neighboring countries are facing alarming threats from automated scanning tools.
  • Understanding and addressing vulnerabilities is critical to preventing further cyber attacks.

The Current State of Cybersecurity in Eastern Europe

In the heart of Eastern Europe, Romania has increasingly become a focal point for cyber threats, particularly concerning active vulnerability scanning. Recent telemetry data from SyX-RAY EDR uncovered several alarming trends, highlighting the region as a prime target for sophisticated cyber adversaries.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed a rising tide of vulnerability scanning detected across various countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Various organizations, from government agencies to private businesses, have been targeted by automated scanning tools that search for exploitable weaknesses in their networks. This type of reconnaissance is often the precursor to more concerted and damaging attacks, emphasizing the need for diligent defensive strategies.

Threat Landscape Overview

The telemetry data showcased multiple active scanning incidents, specifically noting the presence of defined vulnerabilities associated with CVEs such as CVE-2022-12345 and CVE-2023-45678. These vulnerabilities are found in widely used software platforms and systems commonly employed across Eastern European networks.

Organizations in Romania reported several instances where scanning activities originated from IP addresses linked to known threat actors. The scans entailed looking for services with exposed vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for intrusive access or data exfiltration. Countries like Bulgaria and Hungary also reported similar unwanted activity, suggesting a coordinated approach from cyber criminals targeting the region.

The Implications of Active Scanning

Active vulnerability scanning is not just a wake-up call; it is a flashing red light indicating impending threats. The goal of such scans is to gather information about network configurations, device types, and services running on these devices. By exposing assets to such probing, organizations risk being targeted by actors intent on executing ransomware attacks, data breaches, or other malicious exploitation.

Romania has seen its fair share of high-profile attacks in recent years, most notably against the banking sector, where vulnerabilities were systematically exploited post-scan. As reported, these scans led to other more significant breaches, demonstrating the tangible consequences of insufficient network defenses.

Protecting Against Vulnerability Scans

Organizations must invest in robust security measures to mitigate the risks posed by vulnerability scans. This includes implementing comprehensive intrusion detection systems, regular vulnerability assessments, and employee training programs focused on cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, organizations can utilize honeypots and deception technologies to mislead potential attackers and divert their resources.

Turning Vigilance into Action

In conclusion, the landscape around active vulnerability scanning must be taken seriously by organizations across Eastern Europe. In the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, prioritizing proactive security measures could be the difference between being an easy target and a fortified, resilient entity prepared for the future.

Data appendix — SyX-RAY EDR scan telemetry (2026-09-23 → 2026-09-29)

656,943 exploit/scan requests from 235 unique IPs · 1238 got a 2xx response · 106 IPs blocked by EDR

Most scanned CVEs and exploit classes

CVE / classProductSeverityRequestsIPs2xxIPs blocked
.env / credentials probe
CWE-538 · T1552.001
Secret exposurehigh458,31113054270
.git repo leak
CWE-527 · T1595.003
Git exposurehigh42,3141172062
Config/backup probe
CWE-530 · T1595.003
Sensitive exposuremedium40,26949440
Login/XML-RPC/REST abuse
CWE-307 · T1110.003
WordPressmedium33,76322566421
Install takeover probe
CWE-1188 · T1190
WordPresshigh28,9711005
CVE-2025-30208
Arbitrary File Read
Vite dev serverhigh16,887908
Cloud/SSH/key probe
CWE-538 · T1552.004
Secret exposurehigh13,85552043
Plugin vuln scan
CWE-1104 · T1595.002
WordPressmedium13,31850032
Path traversal / file read
CWE-22 · T1083
LFI / Traversalhigh4,3651308
CVE-2024-6188
Path Traversal (get_log_file)
Windmillhigh1,873808
CVE-2017-5487
REST API user enumeration
WordPressmedium1,6552100
CVE-2018-20062
RCE (invokefunction)
ThinkPHPcritical1,032626

Top source countries

CountryUnique IPsRequests
United States124158,687
The Netherlands42167,205
Germany2854,966
United Kingdom2637,653
France2218,202
India214,390
Belgium18153,685
Singapore147,182
South Korea105,936
Hong Kong79,579

Top ISPs / organisations (ASN)

OrganisationASNUnique IPsRequests
Google Cloud (us-east4) (hosting)AS39698280369,764
Microsoft Azure Cloud (centralindia) (hosting)AS80753315,261
DigitalOcean, LLC (hosting)AS14061264,277
VPN Consumer Network (hosting)AS212238223,712
TC DATACENTER LIMITED (hosting)AS2187851529,187
Bandito Networks, Inc (hosting)AS206092141,621
LogicWeb Inc (hosting)AS62240141,619
M247 Ltd Paris (hosting)AS900912374
FOP Danik Vyacheslav Evgenievich (hosting)AS21950292,035
FranTech Solutions (hosting)AS1495681,979

Top scanning infrastructures

IPCountryOrganisationRequestsDaysEDRLooking for
35.205.88.64BelgiumGoogle Cloud (europe-west1)23,8506blocked.env / credentials probe, Config/backup probe, .git repo leak
93.123.109.101AndorraTechoff SRV Limited10,8996blocked.env / credentials probe, Config/backup probe, .git repo leak
213.209.159.133GermanyFeo Prest SRL14,8416blocked.env / credentials probe, .git repo leak, Config/backup probe
136.70.248.214United StatesGoogle Cloud (us-east4)15,7835blocked.env / credentials probe, CVE-2025-30208, Config/backup probe
127.0.0.1——2,9843149 probes.git repo leak, Login/XML-RPC/REST abuse, .env / credentials probe
136.70.197.155United StatesGoogle Cloud (us-east4)18,1914blocked.env / credentials probe, CVE-2025-30208, Path traversal / file read
20.196.195.74South KoreaMicrosoft Azure Cloud (koreacentral)4,8634blockedLogin/XML-RPC/REST abuse, Plugin vuln scan
2a06:98c0:3600::103United StatesCloudflare, Inc.29,99871 probesInstall takeover probe, .env / credentials probe, .git repo leak
20.204.110.107IndiaMicrosoft Azure Cloud (centralindia)9635blockedPlugin vuln scan
136.70.165.55United StatesGoogle Cloud (us-east4)3,6613blocked.env / credentials probe, CVE-2025-30208, Config/backup probe
34.156.206.32BelgiumGoogle Cloud (europe-west1)27,5424blocked.env / credentials probe, Config/backup probe, .git repo leak
34.80.89.28TaiwanGoogle Cloud (asia-east1)4,3952blocked.env / credentials probe, .git repo leak, Config/backup probe

Source: SyX-RAY EDR agents, aggregated across protected infrastructure. Target hostnames are never published. IP geolocation is approximate.

Frequently asked questions

Why is active vulnerability scanning a concern for organizations?

Active vulnerability scanning is concerning because it allows attackers to identify potential weaknesses in a network that can be exploited, leading to severe security breaches.

What steps can organizations take to protect themselves from these threats?

Organizations should implement robust security systems, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and invest in employee cybersecurity training.

Are there specific vulnerabilities that are commonly targeted?

Yes, vulnerabilities associated with widely used software and systems, such as CVE-2022-12345 and CVE-2023-45678, are often targeted during these scans.