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Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - May 06–10

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - May 06–10 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing May 10, 2024

The Good

In a pivotal move towards fortifying vulnerability management, theCISA launched an innovative initiative, Vulnrichment, aimed at enhancing the speed and efficiency of NIST’s NVD. Concurrently, the DOS unveiled a new international cyberspace strategy promoting global collaboration for a secure, inclusive digital future. This forward-thinking strategy champions digital solidarity, urging rights-respecting users worldwide to unite against cyber threats and foster a resilient and prosperous digital ecosystem.

  • The CISA announced a new project called Vulnrichment to address the slowdown in the NIST National Vulnerability Database (NVD). The Vulnrichment project aims to enrich CVE records with key decision points using a SSVC decision tree model. The project has already enriched 1,300 CVEs and will continue to assess and categorize vulnerabilities based on their impact and exploitability.

  • The CISA extended the comment period for new regulations under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act in response to requests from various industries. The CISA is seeking feedback on how to strengthen regulations aimed at enhancing federal cyber incident and ransomware payment tracking activities. This decision follows concerns raised by lawmakers and industry representatives about excessive restrictions on critical infrastructure organizations.

  • The ASD's ACSC, the CISA, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), the NCSC-U.K, and the NCSC-NZ released guidance on Secure by Design Choosing Secure and Verifiable Technologies to help organizations make secure and informed choices when procuring digital products and services. The guidance provides considerations for incorporating secure design principles into procurement processes and offers sample questions to use at each stage of the process. Nearly 70 leading software companies signed this voluntary pledge.

  • The DOS announced an international cyberspace strategy centered around fostering collaboration for a more secure and inclusive world. The strategy emphasizes digital solidarity and calls for rights-respecting users to work together for increased security, resilience, and prosperity. It outlines guiding principles and areas of action, focusing on creating an open, resilient, and secure digital ecosystem while addressing cyber threats and malicious actors.

The Bad

In a series of troubling developments, the project management tool Monday[.]com has eliminated its Share Update feature due to misuse in phishing scams by attackers who targeted the platform's users with phishing emails. Simultaneously, the FBI has warned U.S. retailers of Storm-0539, a hacking group that has been exploiting gift card departments since January 2024. Additionally, the BogusBazaar crime ring has defrauded 850,000 individuals globally, netting around $50 million from fake online stores.

  • The project management platform Monday[.]com removed its "Share Update" feature after it was abused by threat actors in phishing attacks. The attackers sent phishing emails to Monday[.]com customers using the platform's own email accounts. The emails contained links to phishing forms on formstack.com, and the platform has since disabled the forms. Monday[.]com stated that the abuse of the feature allowed users to send notifications to people outside their organization.
  • The FBI alerted U.S. retail companies against malicious activities by Storm-0539, a hacking group targeting gift card department employees since January 2024. Storm-0539 employs sophisticated phishing kits to bypass MFA, infiltrate accounts, and steal credentials and SSH passwords. They then generate fraudulent gift cards using compromised accounts. The FBI advises corporations to update incident response plans, train employees to recognize phishing, and enforce MFA.
  • The BogusBazaar crime ring defrauded 850,000 individuals worldwide, amassing approximately $50 million over three years through fake online stores spanning 22,500 domains. Operating mainly in Western Europe, Australia, and the U.S., the scam involved selling nonexistent or counterfeit goods and harvesting credit card details. The network evaded law enforcement by decentralizing its operations and swiftly deploying new fake websites using US-hosted servers running WordPress with WooCommerce.
  • In a different report, ASEC uncovered an attack campaign distributing RemcosRAT via steganography. Initially, attackers use a Word document employing template injection to initiate the attack, followed by an RTF file exploiting a vulnerability in the equation editor. The RTF file downloads obfuscated VBScripts, executing PowerShell scripts to decode Base64 data hidden within images. This decoded data ultimately loads RemcosRAT.
  • AhnLab confirmed the ongoing distribution of abnormal-sized shortcut files (*.LNK) targeting South Korean individuals concerned with North Korea. The investigation revealed that the files contained the RokRAT malware. The malware utilizes cloud APIs to collect user data, transmitting it to the threat actor's cloud servers through services like pCloud and Yandex. Malicious behaviors include command execution, file deletion, and information collection.
  • Finland's Traficom alerted citizens about an Android malware campaign impersonating banks, urging victims to install a fake McAfee app. Legitimate-appearing SMS messages direct recipients to call a specified number for "protection.” Once installed, the app grants threat actors access to victims' bank accounts. Financial institutions like the OP Financial Group also cautioned against sharing sensitive data or downloading apps prompted by such messages.

New Threats

As AI adoption grows globally, new threats pop up. In one such development, the Sysdig Threat Research Team has uncovered LLMjacking, an attack exploiting cloud-hosted LLM services through stolen credentials. Meanwhile, a new variant of the zEus stealer, hidden within a Minecraft source pack distributed via YouTube, poses a significant threat by stealing sensitive data. Additionally, Google has patched 26 vulnerabilities in Android, including a critical flaw in Android 14 that allowed privilege escalation.

  • The Sysdig Threat Research Team has discovered a new attack called LLMjacking, which targets cloud-hosted LLM services using stolen cloud credentials. The attackers breach vulnerable systems, exfiltrate cloud credentials, and access LLM models hosted by cloud providers. They use tools to validate credentials, set up reverse proxy servers, and query logging settings to evade detection. This attack allows them to monetize access to LLMs while the cloud account owner unknowingly bears the cost.
  • A variant of the zEus stealer was discovered embedded within a crafted Minecraft source pack, distributed through YouTube. Mimicking a Windows screensaver file, the malware extracts itself via a WinRAR self-extract archive, initiating the theft of sensitive data upon execution. zEus employs anti-analysis techniques, such as checking system parameters, to evade detection. It extensively harvests information, including IP details, hardware specifications, browser data, and login credentials, saving them in predefined folders.
  • Google released security updates for Android, addressing 26 vulnerabilities, including a critical flaw (CVE-2024-23706) in the System component of Android 14 that allowed privilege escalation. The first update covered eight flaws, including four elevation of privilege bugs in the Framework component. The other update fixed 18 vulnerabilities in kernel, Arm, MediaTek, and Qualcomm components. Pixel devices also received updates for seven vulnerabilities in Bluetooth, Mali GPU driver, and Qualcomm components.
  • ASEC reported the discovery of a new variant of CHM malware targeting Korean users. This malware strain disguises itself within seemingly innocuous files and employs multiple scripts to exfiltrate user information and perform keylogging activities. Some notable changes from its previous version included a switch in the operation process and obfuscation methods to evade detection.
  • HijackLoader has undergone significant updates to enhance its evasion techniques and expand its malware distribution capabilities. It now employs advanced methods such as bypassing Windows Defender and User Account Control and utilizing PNG image delivery for payload deployment. Recent analysis reveals its distribution of various malware families, including Amadey, Lumma Stealer, and Remcos RAT. The updates also include utilizing modular architecture and a dynamic API resolution tactic for evasion.
  • Iran's APT42 is deploying two new backdoors, Nicecurl and Tamecat, in cyberespionage campaigns. These custom tools facilitate data harvesting and arbitrary command execution on infected machines. Nicecurl, written in VBScript, drops additional modules, while Tamecat, a PowerShell tool, executes malicious macros via documents. The group targets NGOs, governments, and intergovernmental organizations, often masquerading as media entities and NGOs to steal login credentials.

Related Threat Briefings

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.