CISA recently issued an advisory regarding NSA GRASSMARLIN, specifically addressing a vulnerability (CVE-2026-6807) related to improper handling of XML input, which could lead to sensitive information disclosure. While the vulnerability itself is significant, the most crucial takeaway for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) is the status of the product: NSA GRASSMARLIN reached end-of-life (EOL) in 2017 and will not receive any patches. This situation underscores a fundamental cybersecurity principle: unsupported software is a significant liability. When a vendor declares a product EOL, it means they will no longer develop security updates, leaving any discovered vulnerabilities permanently exploitable. For SMBs, this translates into potential open doors for attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or compromise entire networks. While your business likely isn't running GRASSMARLIN, the principles highlighted by this advisory are universally applicable. It's a call to action to review your entire software ecosystem. Do you have any applications or systems that are EOL? This could include old operating systems, server software, network devices, or even specialized business applications. Beyond EOL software, the specific vulnerability in GRASSMARLIN—an XML External Entity (XXE) flaw—reminds us to be vigilant about how our systems process external data. An XXE vulnerability can trick a system into revealing internal files, network information, or other confidential data. This highlights the need for robust input validation and secure configuration for all applications, especially those that interact with external data sources. **What COM3 IT Solutions Recommends for SMBs:** 1. **Comprehensive Inventory:** Know every piece of software and hardware running in your environment. You can't secure what you don't know you have. 2. **EOL Strategy:** Proactively identify EOL software and hardware, and establish a clear plan for upgrade or replacement. Don't wait for a vulnerability to force your hand. 3. **Network Segmentation:** Implement CISA's recommended practice of minimizing network exposure. Isolate critical systems from business networks and the internet using firewalls and network segmentation. This limits the blast radius of any successful exploit. 4. **Secure Remote Access:** If remote access is required, use secure methods like regularly updated Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), understanding that VPNs are only as secure as the endpoints connecting through them. 5. **User Awareness:** Educate your employees about social engineering and phishing attacks. Many exploits start with a well-crafted email, regardless of how secure your backend systems are. 6. **Proactive Security Partnership:** Partner with a managed IT and security provider like COM3. We can help you conduct comprehensive audits, manage EOL transitions, implement robust network security, and keep your systems patched and secure. Don't let the name 'NSA GRASSMARLIN' distract you from the core lesson: robust cybersecurity starts with knowing your assets, eliminating unsupported software, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Proactive measures are your best defense against evolving threats. Source: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-118-01