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Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - January 24–28

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - January 24–28 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing Jan 28, 2022

The Good

In a fascinating new development, South Korean researchers devised a way to enhance cryptographic security by using silk. Yes, you read that right! Here’s the second one. The dark web marketplace Canadian HeadQuarters was dismantled by Canadian law enforcement. The criminals were issued a hefty fine. There's more. The U.S. government has taken steps to fortify the cybersecurity of water systems in the country, as they have endured quite a lot of attacks in the recent past.

  • Researchers from the South Korean Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) developed a way to enhance digital security by using silk fibers to generate encryption keys. The paper published by them argues that silk properties could be leveraged to create Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). The researchers used a light-reflecting mirror, three light-emitting diodes, and an image sensor to capture patterns of light reflected off the silk to build a security tag pattern.

  • Canadian officials dismantled the dark web marketplace called Canadian HeadQuarters. The operators were issued over $300,000 in fines and charged with sending phishing emails and violating the country's anti-spam legislation.

  • As per the U.K’s first Cyber Security Strategy, local authorities will receive over $50 million from the government to improve cyber resilience in essential public services and data in housing benefits, electoral management, voter registration, social care, and school grants sectors. This comes as a part of the 2-billion-pound investment program in cyber, stepping up skills and coordination, and retiring legacy IT systems.

  • The White House, CISA, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are launching a 100-day plan to strengthen the cybersecurity of the nation’s water systems. Dubbed the Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Initiative—Water and Wastewater Sector Action Plan, the plan will develop a task force of water utility industry leaders, boost incident monitoring pilot programs, offer technical support to water systems in distress, and enhance information sharing.

  • The Biden Administration issued a new cybersecurity memorandum for federal agencies to support the government shift to a zero-trust security model. The plan contains measures such as strict network segmentation, widespread encryption, and MFA implementation, and provides government agencies time until the fiscal year 2024 to implement them.

  • The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested the alleged leader of the Infraud Organization, a hacker group that caused losses of over $560 million in seven years of activity. The arrest was made possible due to coordination among U.S. law enforcement and Russian special services.

The Bad

Lazarus is back in action and, in its latest campaign, used GitHub as a C2 server. The APT group was found using job-themed lures to target engineers. The government sector is still not safe from cyberattacks as the Canadian government’s foreign affairs ministry became the latest victim. Another malicious app made its way into the Google Play Store and was downloaded thousands of times before being removed.

  • The China-based APT27 threat group is targeting German commercial organizations with the HyperBro RAT in an ongoing campaign by abusing flaws in Zoho AdSelfService Plus software. The malware enables the threat actors to maintain persistence on the victims’ network by acting as a backdoor with remote administration capabilities.

  • The notorious Lazarus threat actor group has been associated with a series of spear-phishing attacks, using job-themed lures impersonating Lockheed Martin. The attackers made use of the Windows Update service and GitHub to execute malicious payloads. The malware used GitHub as its C2.

  • A premium subscription fraud campaign targeted over 100 million Android users. Called Dark Herring, the campaign leveraged 470 Google Play Store apps to affect users, potentially causing a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars. The campaign was active in 70 countries and asked users to subscribe to premium services at a price of $15 per month.

  • Threat actors have been found leveraging Microsoft OneDrive services for C2 purposes to target high-ranking government officials in a West Asian nation. The APT28 aka Fancy Bear group is believed to be behind the campaign. It exploits the recently discovered remote code execution flaw, CVE-2021-40444, in MSHTML. The malware used in the campaign is dubbed Graphite.

  • The Canadian government confirmed that its foreign affairs ministry, Global Affairs Canada, was affected by a cyberattack. The incident was detected on January 19, after which mitigation actions were taken. The attack did not affect any other departments of the Canadian government network.

  • Finland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-Fi) warned of an ongoing phishing campaign trying to take over Facebook accounts by pretending to be the victims’ friends in Messenger chat. The agency stated that Facebook users who received texts from online acquaintances for their phone numbers and verification number are victims of the scam. The scammers have created around 40,000 phishing pages to target users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

  • More than 100,000 malicious SMS messages attempting to distribute the FluBot trojan were intercepted by researchers. The attacks were active in Australia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Austria, and Italy. In a different incident, the TeaBot trojan was found lurking on the Google Play Store in the form of a QR scanner app to infect Android users across the globe.

  • A malicious 2FA app was removed from the Google Play Store after over 10,000 downloads. The fully functional app came loaded with the Vultur stealer, aiming to steal financial and banking information from the victims. By asking for extra permissions, the scam app was also able to access user location data, disable password and device lock security, and take control of the device even if it is switched off.

New Threats

Active for at least eight years, Konni RAT means business. Its operators have adjusted its code to make it stealthier. Speaking about new malware strains, BRATA has three new variants that can now perform factory reset on compromised devices. Another malware news for you. The new DazzleSpy malware was discovered conducting watering hole attacks against Android and Windows users.

  • Several variants of the BotenaGo botnet have been observed in a series of new attack campaigns targeting routers and IoT devices globally. This development comes after researchers found the malware source code uploaded to GitHub, allowing threat actors to create their own versions to launch attacks.

  • Konni RAT received significant updates and is being actively developed. Its evasion capabilities have been upgraded. The malware has also transitioned from base64 encoding to AES encryption to its string for obfuscation purposes. Moreover, some samples were found using an unknown packer, however, it has not been observed in real-world scenarios yet.

  • The Android malware BRATA has upgraded its features to perform a factory reset on compromised devices to wipe all traces of malicious activity. The malware has three new strains that have targeted online banking users in the U.K, Poland, Italy, Spain, China, and Latin America. Some new capabilities added to the new variants include keylogging functionality and GPS tracking.

  • Cybercriminals are hijacking the Instagram accounts of companies and influencers in a new campaign to extort the targeted users with a ransom. The threat actors send a message pretending to be from Instagram, notifying the users of copyright infringement. The campaign has reportedly been active since 2021 and hackers are selling access to the hijacked accounts for $40,000.

  • A new malware, dubbed DazzleSpy, has come to light during the investigation of a watering hole attack targeting Windows and Android users. ESET researchers found that the group also targeted macOS users and visitors of a pro-democracy radio station website in Hong Kong. Moreover, the attackers had exploited a WebKit flaw in Safari as part of the infection chain.

  • The new DeadBolt ransomware is encrypting QNAP NAS devices by exploiting a zero-day flaw in the device software. The ransomware appends .deadbolt extension to the encrypted files and drops a ransom note, demanding a ransom of 0.03 bitcoin. QNAP has force-updated customers’ NAS devices.

  • A mobile malware infection chain dating back to September 2021 was used to distribute a new malware, dubbed TianySpy. The malware was designed to steal credentials associated with membership websites of major Japanese telecommunication services. It targeted both Android and iPhone users.

  • A phishing email scam is targeting Amazon users with a fake subscription message that claims to lock their accounts. The email uses the Amazon logo to add authenticity. The email warns users that there was a problem in authorizing the payment for renewing their Prime Membership, as the billing information did not match the information in the card issuer file. The email, further, asks the recipients to take immediate action to prevent their accounts from being locked.

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.