Cookie Settings

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to provide essential functionality and improve your experience. Some features, such as demo scheduling and chat support, require marketing cookies to function. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. Alternatively, you can customize your preferences, but note that declining marketing cookies will limit certain website features.

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - February 21–25

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - February 21–25 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing Feb 25, 2022

The Good

The decryptor harvest has been really good lately. This week, researchers successfully developed a decryptor for victims of Hive ransomware by exploiting an encryption flaw in the ransomware. In another development, a new coalition was announced that brings together at least 22 nonprofit organizations dedicated to cybersecurity to protect vulnerable organizations from cyberattacks.

  • Researchers successfully leveraged a cryptographic vulnerability to retrieve the decryption key for Hive ransomware. The ransomware was first observed in June 2021 and makes use of a variety of initial compromise methods, including vulnerable RDP servers, compromised VPN credentials, and phishing emails with malicious attachments.

  • The DoJ announced new policies to keep hacking victims safe. This involves taking pre-emptive actions against attackers, such as providing decryptor keys or seizing their servers.

  • Ukrainian police detained members of a phishing group that pilfered payment card data of at least 70,000 individuals by luring them into fake mobile service top-up sites. According to the law enforcement authorities, the threat actors used the stolen information to empty the victims' bank accounts.

  • A group of nonprofits has formed a coalition that will collectively align their cybersecurity research, tools, and resources to help protect vulnerable organizations from cyberattacks. Named Nonprofit Cyber, it includes at least 22 nonprofits, including the Center for Internet Security, the Cloud Security Alliance, the Cyber Threat Alliance, the Cyber Peace Institute, the Global Cyber Alliance, MITRE’s Engenuity Center for Threat Informed Defense, SAFECode, and Consumer Reports, among others.

  • New York City established a centralized cybersecurity hub to aid state officers in times of a cyber crisis. The Joint Security Operations Center consists of experts from state and federal law enforcement agencies, NYC3, and representatives from the country and local governments.

  • The NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence released the final version of the Securing Telehealth Remote Patient Monitoring Ecosystem guidance. This guidance is designed to support healthcare providers in ensuring the security of telehealth services and remote patient monitoring.

  • Following reports of its imminent retirement, the modular Windows malware platform TrickBot has formally shut down its botnet infrastructure this week. The notorious malware operated by a Russian threat actor had been largely inactive for the past two months leading up to the shutdown.

The Bad

Phishing attacks continue to be a security concern for the financial services sector as Monzo and Citibank customers became victims of text-based and email phishing campaigns, respectively. Ukrainian organizations were hit by a new data wiper as well as DDoS attacks in a continued cyber-physical crisis facing the country. Threats involving open-source software have not yet subsided as several malicious NPM packages were spotted stealing Discord tokens.

  • A hack on the OpenSea platform affected its 32 users. This caused a loss of 254 tokens, which amounted to nearly $1.7 million. While the attack is no more active, it is believed that the affected users might have signed a malicious payload sent by the attack. The attack vector is still unknown.

  • An investigation into the cyberattack targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reveals that the attackers had deployed a wiper malware and other custom implants. The incident had occurred in January and disrupted the state’s broadcasting networks.

  • Customers of all-digital bank Monzo are being targeted in an SMS-based phishing attack that steals sensitive information from their accounts. The SMS asks the receiver to click on a phishing link to confirm their account by entering their username and password. In another campaign, the customers of Citibank were targeted with emails purporting to be account suspension alerts and demanding them to verify their details to avoid permanent suspension.

  • Owners of Asustor NAS devices were left without access to their devices owing to an attack by DeadBolt ransomware. The victims were asked to pay a ransom of 0.03 Bitcoin to receive the decryption key.

  • Researchers detected around 25 malicious npm packages, 17 of which were designed to steal Discord tokens. If attackers got access to these tokens, they could use them to infiltrate a victim’s account and hijack Discord servers. The researchers also noted that many of the packages masqueraded as the colors.js npm package.

  • The Russia-Ukraine crisis spilled into the cyber domain as multiple Ukrainian government sites and two of the country’s largest banks were once again hit with a wave of DDoS attacks. In another development, a new data wiper malware, dubbed HermeticWiper, was found targeting organizations in the financial sector and government contractors in Ukraine.

  • A new attack campaign was found targeting publicly-exposed, unpatched Microsoft SQL servers. The attackers are scanning port 1433 to check for vulnerable servers to launch brute force or dictionary attacks to gain access to system admin accounts. Consequently, the attackers deploy Cobalt Strike beacons on targeted hosts.

  • A new supply chain attack, which goes by the codename of Operation Cache Panda, is underway since November 2021. Attributed to the APT10 threat actor group, the campaign targets Taiwan’s financial sector by leveraging a vulnerability in a security software solution. The attackers also made use of credential stuffing attacks as a cover to evade detection and reflective code loading to run malicious code on local systems. Attackers installed a version of the Quasar RAT as part of the attack.

New Threats

Software piracy is a minefield of cyber threats. Now, a new variant of the CryptBot infostealer is being distributed via pirated software sites that use SEO poisoning tactics. Google Play Store has become another festering spot for malicious apps delivering a new trojan - Xenomorph. A new threat, namely ice phishing, targeting Web3 and blockchain networks has also been reported this week.

  • Researchers spotted a new Coinminer dubbed Coinminer.MacOS.MALXMR.H in early January. The malware has been designed to target macOS machines and uses open-source components, as well as an I2P network to hide its traffic. It is primarily used to mine Monero cryptocurrency.
  • Microsoft warned about a new class of threats, named ice phishing, affecting Web3 and blockchain networks. Ice phishing involves luring a user into signing an agreement that assigns the user’s tokens to the malicious actor. It completely ignores private keys. The transaction requires interaction with DeFi smart contracts for a token swap to occur.
  • A new version of CryptBot infostealer was found being distributed via pirated software sites that offered free downloads for games and pro-grade software. The operators behind the malware leverage SEO poisoning tactics to increase the visibility of these sites. The malware is capable of stealing browser credentials, cookies, browser history, cryptocurrency wallets, and credit card details.
  • A new banking trojan called Xenomorph has infected more than 50,000 Android devices. The trojan was distributed via Google Play Store in the form of fake performance-boosting apps. The trojan is designed to steal sensitive banking details, take control of users’ accounts, and initiate unauthorized transactions.
  • A new phishing technique deciphered by researchers can allow attackers to launch malicious code into a victim’s browser, plant a keylogger, and eavesdrop on users’ activities. The method bypasses the 2FA authentication protocol and can be executed via specially-crafted email that includes a link. Once clicked, it redirects users to a malicious web page.
  • In a new update, researchers have found similarities between the prominent Dridex trojan and little-known Entropy ransomware. The similarities are in the software packer used to conceal the ransomware code, in the obfuscation commands, and in the subroutines used to decrypt encrypted text.
  • In a joint advisory by U.S. and U.K cybersecurity agencies, officials warned about a new malware dubbed Cyclops Blink that has been linked to the Russian-backed Sandworm hacking group. The Sandworm operators used the malware to create a botnet since at least June 2019 by targeting WatchGuard Firebox and other SOHO network devices.
  • Researchers from China's Pangu Lab disclosed details of a malware backdoor, dubbed Bvp47, used by the Equation Group. The malware is said to have advanced covert channel behavior based on TCP SYN packets, code obfuscation, system hiding, and a self-destruction design.
  • Researchers at Positive Security built an Apple Airtag clone that is able to bypass anti-stalking protection features while running on Apple's Find My protocol. The cloned Airtags could be used to successfully track iPhone users without triggering a tracking notification.

Related Threat Briefings

Feb 7, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 03–07, 2025

PyPI is taking a "dead but not gone" approach to abandoned software with Project Archival, a new system that flags inactive projects while keeping them accessible. Developers will see warnings about outdated dependencies, helping them make smarter security choices and avoid relying on unmaintained code. The U.K is bringing earthquake-style metrics to cybersecurity with its new Cyber Monitoring Centre, designed to track digital disasters as precisely as natural ones. Inspired by the Richter scale, the CMC will quantify cyber incidents based on financial impact and affected users, offering clearer insights for national security planning. Kimsuky is back with another phishing trick, this time using fake Office and PDF files to sneak forceCopy malware onto victims' systems. Its latest campaign delivers PEBBLEDASH and RDP Wrapper by disguising malware as harmless shortcuts, ultimately hijacking browser credentials and sensitive data. Hackers have found a new way to skim credit card data - by hiding malware inside Google Tag Manager scripts. CISA is flagging major security holes in Microsoft Outlook and Sophos XG Firewall, urging agencies to patch them before February 27. One flaw allows remote code execution in Outlook, while another exposes firewall users to serious risks. Bitcoin scammers are switching tactics, swapping static images for video attachments in MMS to make their schemes more convincing. A recent case involved a tiny .3gp video luring victims into WhatsApp groups where scammers apply pressure to extract money or personal data. XE Group has shifted from credit card skimming to zero-day exploitation, now targeting manufacturing and distribution companies. A new version of ValleyRAT is making the rounds, using stealthy techniques to infiltrate systems. Morphisec found the malware being spread through fake Chrome downloads from a fraudulent Chinese telecom site.

Jan 10, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, January 06–10, 2025

The U.K is fortifying its digital defenses with the launch of Cyber Local, a £1.9 million initiative to bridge cyber skills gaps and secure the digital economy. Spanning 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland, the scheme emphasizes local business resilience, neurodiverse talent, and cybersecurity careers for youth. Across the Atlantic, the White House introduced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a consumer-friendly cybersecurity labeling program for smart devices. Overseen by the FCC, the initiative tests products like baby monitors and security systems for compliance with rigorous cybersecurity standards, ensuring Americans can make safer choices for their connected homes. China-linked threat actor RedDelta has ramped up its cyber-espionage activities across Asia, targeting nations such as Mongolia, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Vietnam with a modified PlugX backdoor. Cybercriminals have weaponized trust by deploying a fake PoC exploit tied to a patched Microsoft Windows LDAP vulnerability. CrowdStrike reported a phishing operation impersonating the company, using fake job offers to lure victims into downloading a fraudulent CRM application. Once installed, the malware deploys a Monero cryptocurrency miner. A new Mirai-based botnet, dubbed Gayfemboy, has emerged as a formidable threat, leveraging zero-day exploits in industrial routers and smart home devices. With 15,000 active bot nodes daily across China, the U.S., and Russia, the botnet executes high-intensity DDoS attacks exceeding 100 Gbps. In the Middle East, fraudsters are posing as government officials in a social engineering scheme targeting disgruntled customers. Cybercriminals have weaponized WordPress with a malicious plugin named PhishWP to create realistic fake payment pages mimicking services like Stripe. The plugin not only captures payment details in real time but also sends fake confirmation emails to delay detection.

Dec 20, 2024

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, December 16–20, 2024

In a digital age where borders are blurred, governments are sharpening their strategies to outpace cyber adversaries. The draft update to the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) introduces a comprehensive framework for managing nationwide cyberattacks that impact critical infrastructure and the economy. Meanwhile, the fiscal year 2025 defense policy bill, recently approved by the Senate, emphasizes strengthening cybersecurity measures both at home and abroad. A deceptive health app on the Amazon Appstore turned out to be a Trojan horse for spyware. Masquerading as BMI CalculationVsn, the app recorded device screens, intercepted SMS messages, and scanned for installed apps to steal sensitive data. Malicious extensions targeting developers and cryptocurrency projects have infiltrated the VSCode marketplace and NPM. Disguised as productivity tools, these extensions employed downloader functionality to deliver obfuscated PowerShell payloads. The BADBOX botnet has resurfaced, compromising over 192,000 Android devices, including high-end smartphones and smart TVs, directly from the supply chain. Industrial control systems are facing heightened risks as malware like Ramnit and Chaya_003 targets engineering workstations from Mitsubishi and Siemens. Both malware families exploit legitimate services, complicating detection and mitigation efforts in ICS environments. The Chinese hacking group Winnti has been leveraging a PHP backdoor called Glutton, targeting organizations in China and the U.S. This modular ELF-based malware facilitates tailored attacks across industries and even embeds itself into software packages to compromise other cybercriminals. A tax-themed phishing campaign, dubbed FLUX#CONSOLE, is deploying backdoor payloads to compromise systems in Pakistan. Threat actors employ phishing emails with double-extension files masquerading as PDFs.

Dec 13, 2024

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, December 09–13, 2024

Cybercrime’s web of deception unraveled in South Korea as authorities dismantled a fraud network responsible for extorting $6.3 million through fake online trading platforms. Dubbed Operation Midas, the effort led to the arrest of 32 individuals and the seizure of 20 servers. In a significant move to combat surveillance abuses, the U.S. defense policy bill for 2025 introduced measures to shield military and diplomatic personnel from commercial spyware threats. The legislation calls for stringent cybersecurity standards, a review of spyware incidents, and regular reporting to Congress. The subtle art of deception found a new stage with a Microsoft Teams call, as attackers used social engineering to manipulate victims into granting remote access. By convincing users to install AnyDesk, they gained control of systems, executing commands to download the DarkGate malware. Russian APT Secret Blizzard has resurfaced and used the Amadey bot to infiltrate Ukrainian military devices and deploy their Tavdig backdoor. In a phishing spree dubbed "Aggressive Inventory Zombies (AIZ)," scammers impersonated brands like Etsy, Amazon, and Binance to target retail and crypto audiences. Surveillance has reached unsettling new depths with the discovery of BoneSpy and PlainGnome, two spyware families linked to the Russian group Gamaredon. Designed for extensive espionage, these Android malware tools track GPS, capture audio, and harvest data. A new Android banking trojan has already caused havoc among Indian users, masquerading as utility and banking apps to steal sensitive financial information. With 419 devices compromised, the malware intercepts SMS messages, exfiltrates personal data via Supabase, and even tricks victims into entering details under the pretense of bill payment. Iranian threat actors have set their sights on critical infrastructure, deploying IOCONTROL malware to infiltrate IoT and OT/SCADA systems in Israel and the U.S.

Dec 6, 2024

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, December 02–06, 2024

NIST sharpened the tools for organizations to measure their cybersecurity readiness, addressing both technical and leadership challenges. The two-volume guidance blends data-driven assessments with managerial insights, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in applying findings. The Manson Market, a notorious hub for phishing networks, fell in a sweeping Europol-led takedown. With over 50 servers seized and 200TB of stolen data recovered, the operation spanned multiple countries, including Germany and Austria. Russian APT group BlueAlpha leveraged Cloudflare Tunnels to cloak its GammaDrop malware campaign from prying eyes. The group deployed HTML smuggling and DNS fast-fluxing to bypass detection, targeting Ukrainian organizations with precision. Earth Minotaur intensified its surveillance operations against Tibetan and Uyghur communities through the MOONSHINE exploit kit. The kit, now updated with newer exploits, enables the installation of the DarkNimbus backdoor on Android and Windows devices. Cloudflare Pages became an unwitting ally in the sharp rise of phishing campaigns, with a staggering 198% increase in abuse cases. Cybercriminals exploited the platform's infrastructure to host malicious pages, fueling a surge from 460 incidents in 2023 to over 1,370 by October 2024. DroidBot has quietly infiltrated over 77 cryptocurrency exchanges and banking apps, building a web of theft across Europe. Active since June 2024, this Android malware operates as a MaaS platform, enabling affiliates to tailor attacks. Rockstar 2FA, a phishing platform targeting Microsoft 365 users, has set the stage for large-scale credential theft. With over 5,000 phishing domains launched, the platform is marketed on Telegram. The Gafgyt malware is shifting gears, targeting exposed Docker Remote API servers through legitimate Docker images, creating botnets capable of launching DDoS attacks.