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Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 15 - 19, 2021

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 15 - 19, 2021 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing Mar 19, 2021

The Good

This week, we have an important update in the response to recent supply chain hacks. The CISA released a forensics collection tool, named CHIRP, that would help identify malicious activity connected to the SolarWinds attack. In another boat, the TIA published a white paper detailing supply chain security standards for the telecommunications industry.

Now, the pièce de résistance. Raise your glasses to make a toast as we have a piece of terrific news for you. Cyware, the industry’s only Virtual Cyber Fusion platform provider, raised $30 million in Series B funding, led by Advent International and Ten Eleven Ventures. And the best part is that we closed this round just within seven months of the previous one.

  • The Spanish Police confiscated servers and arrested the developers of Mobdro, an Android app that entrapped smartphones into proxies and DDoS botnets.

  • The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted a Swiss national for attacking more than 100 organizations and publishing proprietary information on their online website. Among the companies hacked, include Verkada, Intel Corp, and Nissan Motor Co.

  • The CISA released a new tool to identify post-compromise malicious activity related to the SolarWinds hack. Named CISA Hunt and Incident Response Program (CHIRP), the Python-based forensics collection tool has been designed for Windows OS.

  • The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) published a new white paper on SCS 9001, the first process-based supply chain security standard for the ICT industry. The new standard will be released later this year.

The Bad

Just because today’s newsletter has brought along a horde of precious news, we are not free from the kerfuffle caused by cyberattacks. More SolarWinds news. Mimecast confirmed falling victim to the attack and losing some of its source code to the hackers. The now-defunct data leak site, WeLeakInfo, got info of its own customers leaked. Pretty ironic, no?

  • Security agencies were found leaking troves of sensitive data in a major security lapse. Among the exposed data, includes the name of the author, operating system, author email, device details, file path information, and name of the PDF app.

  • Around 103GB worth of data belonging to New Jersey-based Descartes Aljex Software was left exposed due to a misconfigured AWS S3 bucket. This affected more than 4,000 people that included customers, company employees, sales reps, and people working for third-party.

  • Mimecast revealed that SolarWinds attackers broke into its internal network and downloaded source code from a limited number of repositories. The attackers, moreover, gained access to a subset of email addresses, salted and hashed credentials, and contact info.

  • A threat actor leaked data, including customer and payment information, from the WeLeakInfo data breach site and published it on another hacker forum - RaidForums.

  • Two cryptocurrency portals—Cream Finance and PancakeSwap services—are currently dealing with DNS hijacking attacks that redirected visitors to fake versions of their websites. The crooks attempted to collect seed phrases and private keys from visitors to gain access to wallets and steal their funds.

  • The Canada Revenue Agency locked more than 800,000 taxpayers out of its platform on Saturday after it detected unauthorized third-party access. Following the attack, the attackers had obtained access to usernames and passwords.

  • The infamous China Chopper web shell has been detected in Exchange Server-related attacks, alongside DearCry ransomware deployment. The web shell is one of the tools used by the Hafnium threat actor group.

  • Around 20 popular travel apps are at risk of exposing data due to several misconfiguration issues. These apps are mainly related to booking and ride-sharing apps. The data that could be exposed includes bank account numbers, phone numbers, home addresses, credit card details, healthcare data, and dates of birth.

New Threats

So, what do we have here? This week handed us a new botnet that takes after the infamous Mirai. A new espionage campaign has come to the light and is attributed to the RedDelta threat actor. In other news, a malware crypter has been identified that has been in use by 30 hacker groups! More news below.

  • ZHtrap is a new IoT botnet that inherits functionalities from the infamous Mirai botnet. The botnet works by exploiting vulnerabilities in DVRs, CCTV cameras, Netgear routers, and Realtek devices.
  • An investigation reveals that the Satori botnet has added a new exploit that abuses a remote command execution vulnerability (CVE-2020-9020) in Iteris Vantage Velocity field unit version 2.3.1, 2.4.2, and 3.0.
  • A phishing campaign that impersonates the IRS has been spotted distributing the Dridex banking trojan. The email uses the agency’s official logo and a spoofed sender domain of IRS[.]gov that claims to offer an application for financial assistance.
  • Researchers have analyzed an active campaign that targets U.S. taxpayers with an intent to spread NetWire and Remcos trojans. The campaign leverages the U.S. tax season to lure victims.
  • XcodeSpy is a new malware that targets Xcode projects used in macOS for developing Apple software and applications. The ultimate goal of the malware is to spread custom EggShell backdoors. So far, two variants of EggShell have been detected, one of which shared an encrypted string with XcodeSpy.
  • Threat actors are using Google Ads to distribute a fake version of the Telegram desktop app. Three links spoofing Telegram’s website have been detected so far. One of these sites was used to spread AZORult trojan.
  • Security researchers have discovered a new type of steganography technique that involves of hiding data inside a PNG image file posted on Twitter. Threat actors can exploit the method to obscure their nefarious activities on social media platforms.
  • An espionage campaign dubbed Operation Diànxùn has been identified by the McAfee Advanced Threat Research Strategic Intelligence team. The attack tactics match those of RedDelta and Mustang Panda threat actors. The campaign is actively targeting telecommunication firms and the goal is suspected to be gaining access to covert information related to 5G technology.
  • Researchers have discovered that more than 30 hacker groups have been using a malware crypter dubbed OnionCrypter. Written in C++, the malware crypter uses three layers of the encryption process. Some of the known malware that used the OnionCrypter include Lokibot, Zeus, AgentTesla, and Smokeloader.
  • CopperStealer is an actively developed password and cookie stealer that targets the users of major service providers including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple. The threat actors behind the malware are using compromised accounts to run malicious ads and deliver additional malware in subsequent malvertising campaigns. CopperStealer shows similar targeting and delivery methods with the SilentFade malware.

Related Threat Briefings

Feb 14, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 10–14, 2025

Cyber defenders are sharpening their tools, and EARLYCROW is the latest weapon against stealthy APT operations. This method detects C2 activity over HTTP(S) using a novel traffic analysis format called PAIRFLOW. India is taking digital banking security up a notch. The RBI is launching a dedicated domain to curb financial fraud and enhance trust in online banking. Starting April 2025, financial institutions will register under this domain. China’s RedMike hackers are dialing into telecom networks - literally. Between December 2024 and January 2025, they targeted over 1,000 unpatched Cisco devices. Their primary focus? Global telecoms and university networks in Argentina, Bangladesh, and the U.S. Russia’s Sandworm hackers are using pirated software as bait. Their latest attack on Ukrainian Windows users disguises malware inside trojanized KMS activators and fake Windows updates. Love is in the air, but so are phishing scams. In late January, cybercriminals launched a Valentine’s-themed phishing campaign, offering fake gift baskets in exchange for stolen credentials. Cybercriminals are upping their game with Astaroth, a phishing kit that doesn’t just steal credentials but also hijacks entire sessions. By using a reverse proxy, Astaroth intercepts logins and 2FA tokens in real time, allowing attackers to bypass security measures undetected. South America’s foreign ministry was caught in the crosshairs of an advanced cyber-espionage campaign. In November 2024, attackers linked to REF7707 deployed the PATHLOADER and FINALDRAFT malware to infiltrate diplomatic networks. A new malware named Ratatouille is stirring up trouble by bypassing UAC and using I2P for anonymous communications. Spreading through phishing emails and fake CAPTCHA pages, it tricks victims into running an embedded PowerShell script.

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.