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, June 15 - 19, 2020

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 15 - 19, 2020 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing Jun 19, 2020

The Good

Maintaining security across payment systems is an utmost priority for all entities that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. Following the spike in attacks against Point of Sale (PoS) systems, the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC) has released a new set of security requirements to protect cardholders’ data from being compromised during transactions. Furthermore, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) have set up a new scam ad alert tool to protect online users from ad frauds.

  • The PCI Security Standards Council (SSC) has updated the PCI PTS POI Modular Requirements to enable stronger protections for cardholder data. This will enhance security controls to defend against physical tampering and malware attacks that can compromise card data during payment transactions.

  • The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) have set up a new scam ad alert tool with support from digital ad platforms and tech giants. The tool will help protect UK citizens from online ad frauds.

  • The British government will invest £10 million in the next four years to develop groundbreaking cybersecurity technologies. The declared sum, which is a part of the government’s ‘Digital Security by Design’ program, will be distributed among nine research teams.

  • Google revealed that it is relying on artificial intelligence to combat coronavirus-related threats in the UK, India, and Brazil. The firm has incorporated Safe Browsing protection into Google Search, Chrome, Gmail, and Android to block such threats automatically.

  • Intel unveiled a new security feature, Control-Flow Enforcement Technology (CET), for devices that will use the company’s upcoming Tiger Lake mobile processors. The feature will help prevent Return Oriented Programming/Jump Oriented Programming/Call Oriented Programming malware attacks.

The Bad

Multiple data leaks due to misconfigured AWS S3 buckets caught the attention of security experts this week. In one incident, Ariix Italia exposed more than 36,000 documents of Italian citizens, while some eight dating apps leaked 845 GB of private information on the internet. On the other hand, DeliveryHero confirmed a data breach of its Foodora brand, affecting personal details of 727,000 accounts.

  • Attackers hijacked an Oxford University email server to send phishing emails to harvest Microsoft Office 365 credentials from European, Asian, and Middle Eastern targets. The attackers also made use of an Adobe server hosted on Samsung’s domain.

  • Delivery Hero disclosed a data breach of its Foodora brand. The incident affected users across 14 countries, including personal details of 727,000 accounts.

  • PostBank replaced 12 million cards for its customers due to a security breach that took place in December 2018. Rogue employees of the firm had stolen the 36-digit master key to withdraw more than $3.2 million in fraudulent transactions.

  • Ransomware attackers hacked the computer systems of the City of Keizer, Oregon. They demanded a ransom of $48,000 from the city for the retrieval of stolen data.

  • IT services giant, Cognizant, revealed that Maze ransomware operators pilfered a limited amount of data from its systems. This included social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, tax IDs, and passport numbers of employees.

  • Amazon’s AWS Shield service mitigated the largest-ever DDoS attack that occurred in mid-February this year. The DDoS recorded a range of 2.3 Tbps.

  • An unsecured Amazon S3 bucket belonging to Ariix Italia had leaked more than 36,000 documents of Italian citizens. The exposed documents included scans of national IDs, credit cards, and health insurance cards. The bucket also contained full names, addresses, and signatures of individuals.

  • DraftKings disclosed that its partner SBTech was affected in a ransomware attack during their merger. This had affected the company’s sports betting and iGaming services.

  • MaxLinear Inc. was hit by Maze ransomware this week. Following the attack, the hackers released some proprietary information about the company online. The threat actor group is also behind an attack on a Puerto Rico-based management firm, CSA group.

  • The UK National Health Service (NHS) confirmed that some 113 internal email accounts were compromised to send malicious spam messages outside the organization. The emails sent using the breached account included a link to a fake login page of the NHS.

  • Several websites belonging to different Australian financial institutions, law firms, and entertainment companies were put for sale on MagBo underground forum. The access to these websites was sold at prices up to $10,000.

  • Web skimmer codes were used against Intersport, Claire’s, and Icing in an attempt to harvest credit card details from customers. The malicious code was planted on the checkout pages of the targeted websites.

  • A misconfigured AWS S3 bucket had leaked 845 GB of data belonging to different dating apps. The affected apps include 3somes, CougarD, Gay Daddy Bear, Xpal, BBW Dating, SugarD, GHunt, and Herpes Dating.

New Threats

Coming to new threats, a set of 19 vulnerabilities, collectively known as Ripple20, was found affecting a TCP/IP software library developed by Treck Inc. These flaws can be exploited to pilfer data from millions of IoT devices. Additionally, new versions of the Shlayer Mac malware and IcedID trojan capable of sneaking past security solutions more efficiently, were also uncovered this week.

  • The Ginp mobile malware, which is well-known for targeting banking customers in Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom, expanded its attack campaign to Turkey. Researchers found several fake web pages, mimicking banks in Turkey, designed to distribute the malware.
  • Researchers tracked a new cyberespionage campaign associated with the infamous Lazarus group. Codenamed as Operation In(ter)ception, the campaign was carried out via LinkedIn to target personnel at European aerospace and military organizations.
  • Google removed 106 malicious Chrome extensions that were involved in collecting user keystrokes, clipboard content, cookies, and more. The primary connection between all the extensions was that they sent user data back to domains registered through the GalComm domain registrar.
  • Shlayer Mac malware returned with a new variant that sneaked past security solutions by purporting to be an Adobe Flash Player installer. The malicious installer is distributed by poisoning Google search results to lure victims.
  • A multi-stage attack, distributed via a malicious Word document, disguised as a resume to users worldwide. In the last stage, the threat actors used Cobalt Strike’s Malleable C2 feature to download the final payload and perform C2 communication.
  • An unpatched vulnerability in USB for Remote Desktop can allow attackers to elevate privileges on a target machine by adding fake devices. The flaw affects a bus driver for the Remote Desktop developed by FabulaTech.
  • Research revealed that the Turla threat actor group had abused a vulnerability in Oracle’s VirtualBox software to spread a malware named AcidBox. The malware was used by the gang twice against the Russian organization in 2017.
  • Google Alerts picked up a new trend of fake data breach notifications pushed by fraudsters. The attackers are leveraging black SEO techniques,Google sites, and spam pages to redirect users to fake notifications from well-known brands to distribute malware and scams.
  • A collection of 19 vulnerabilities, known as Ripple20, has been found in a TCP/IP software library developed by Treck Inc. These flaws affect millions of IoT devices using the software and can be abused to steal data and take control of devices.
  • Malware distributors abused a DLL hijacking vulnerability in Apple's APSDaemon.exe, AnyToIso, and CrystalBit software to install coin miners. The campaign starts with users being redirected to sites that make false claims to offer copyrighted software.
  • A new version of the IceID banking trojan was spotted using steganography to stealthily infect victims. It is distributed via phishing emails that pretend to be related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
  • The Black Kingdom ransomware group exploited an RCE vulnerability in Pulse Secure VPN to gain access to corporate networks. The vulnerability in question is identified as CVE-2019-11510.

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.