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Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, October 24 - 28, 2022

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, October 24 - 28, 2022 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing Oct 28, 2022

The Good

Another week, another series of significant developments were announced to bolster defense against cyberattacks. In a bid to encourage the deployment of threat detection technologies and systems, the White House launched a 100-day cybersecurity sprint for the chemical sector. As a part of this initiative, the government plans to incorporate best practices learned from the electricity, pipeline, and water industries. In other news, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) made three recommendations to improve the security posture of K-12 schools.

  • The White House announced the addition of the chemical sector under the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) initiative. It is the fourth sector to be added to the initiative after electricity, pipeline, and water. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce cyber risk in critical infrastructure, the administrators will focus on this particular sector to analyze best practices from other sectors and create a cybersecurity action plan over the next 100 days.

  • The new cybersecurity regulations unveiled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were put into effect on October 24. The rules, which will last for one year, now mandate railroad companies to deploy network segmentation policies. Additionally, carriers will also have to deploy threat detection systems and timely patches for OS, applications, drivers, and firmware.

  • The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has made recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity of K-12 schools. The recommendations have been made after reviewing the state of security in the schools, especially against ransomware attacks.

The Bad

While the White House administration is making efforts to reduce cyber risks in critical infrastructure, new research revealed that industrial organizations remained the top target for ransomware attacks in the third quarter of the year. The list included several new groups such as Sparta Blog, BianLian, Donuts, Onyx, and Yanluowang. Even the education sector is under attack from ransomware gangs. Microsoft shared a new update on Vice Society ransomware activity by highlighting that the group is switching payloads to target schools and colleges worldwide. Furthermore, the Snatch ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack on Kenosha Unified School District in Wisconsin.

  • Research by Dragos revealed that 25 of the 48 threat groups tracked were found targeting industrial organizations in the third quarter of 2022. The list included several new ransomware groups such as Sparta Blog, Bianlian, Donuts, Onyx, and Yanluowang. A majority of the victim organizations were in North America and Europe.

  • Ticketing services agency See Tickets disclosed a web skimming attack that lasted for over six months. This resulted in the compromise of the payment cards and personal details of users. The agency ascertained that the affected information includes those who purchased event tickets between June 2019 and January 2022.

  • Mandiant researchers uncovered a new campaign, named DRAGONBRIDGE, that aggressively targeted U.S. politicians and allies. Claimed to be the work of APT41, the campaign was executed by altering news articles and promoting the same across different social media forums.

  • Attackers are leveraging legitimate tools such as Weave Scope in a new typosquatting attack to steal access keys and tokens of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) workloads. Researchers claim that the attackers’ entry via an exposed Docker REST API server is similar to the TeamTNT threat actor group.

  • The U.K’s largest car dealership Pendragon was hacked and heckled by the LockBit ransomware gang who demanded a ransom of $60 million in Bitcoin to prevent the release of sensitive data on the dark web. The firm has refused to pay the ransom and taken steps to protect its remaining systems.

  • The Snatch ransomware gang claimed to be behind the attack on the Kenosha Unified School District in Wisconsin. The attack occurred on September 25, with officials noting that the school district has since restored systems it took down as a precaution.

  • Researchers shared details of a ransomware attack on a Jordan-based company. The attack was carried out by an LV ransomware affiliate that used the double extortion tactic to blackmail victims.

  • Microsoft disclosed that the Vice Society ransomware group has been switching payloads in attacks targeting the education sector across the U.S. and worldwide. Since September, the attackers are using a payload that adds the .locked file extension to encrypted files.

  • Twilio disclosed a new data breach that occurred in June. The attackers had used social engineering to trick an employee into handing over their credentials in a voice phishing attack. The stolen credentials were then used to access contact information for a limited number of customers.

  • Cisco warned customers of two security vulnerabilities in the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client being exploited in the wild. The flaws, tracked as CVE-2020-3433 and CVE-2020-3153, can enable attackers to perform DLL hijacking attacks.

New Threats

Massive cryptomining campaigns exploiting a wide range of cloud computing infrastructures were identified this week. While one targeted vulnerable Docker and Kubernetes infrastructure to mine Monero cryptocurrency, the other abused GitHub, Heroku, and Buddy CI/CD services to mine crypto coins such as Tidecoin, Onyx, and others. The notorious Kimsuky APT also added three new Android malware to expand its attacks against South Koreans. In another update, Checkmarx researchers demonstrated a new attack technique dubbed RepoJacking that could lead to supply chain attacks.

  • Checkmarx researchers demonstrated a new attack technique dubbed RepoJacking that could allow attackers to launch supply chain attacks through GitHub. The technique involves the hijacking of a renamed repository’s traffic by breaking GitHub’s redirection mechanism and routing the traffic to a malicious repository controlled by the attackers.
  • A new QakBot malware campaign targeting Korean users was unearthed by researchers. The campaign used hijacked emails to send malicious ISO files, a process to bypass behavior detection.
  • The Hungarian National Cyber Security Center issued a warning about a phishing attack that impersonated the Hungarian government. It informed the recipients that their new credentials were available in an attachment, which eventually dropped Warzone RAT in the background.
  • The North Korea-based Kimsuky threat actor group has been spotted using three new Android malware—FastFire, FastViewer, and FastSpy—to target users in South Korea. The malware are disguised as utility tools on Google Play Store.
  • A new campaign called Kiss-a-dog targeted vulnerable Docker and Kubernetes infrastructure to mine Monero cryptocurrency. The campaign relied on tools and techniques associated with the TeamTNT group.
  • An automated and large-scale campaign abused free-tier cloud accounts associated with GitHub, Heroku, and Buddy CI/CD services to mine a wide range of crypto coins such as Tidecoin, Onyx, Sugarchain, Sprint, Yenten, Arionum, MintMe, and Bitweb. Launched by a threat actor named Purpleurchin, the campaign employed a custom Stratum mining protocol relay to evade network scanners.
  • In a new report, Microsoft confirmed that systems infected with the Raspberry Robin USB worm were used as entry points for hands-on-keyboard ransomware attacks, specifically linked to Clop ransomware. The Raspberry Robin malware is created by the EvilCorp gang, the same group that developed the Dridex trojan, Locky, and BitPaymer ransomware.
  • The Korean Internet & Security Agency (KISA) published a security notice about a phishing attack that exploited KakaoTalk’s data centers to distribute the Amadey bot. The malware was disguised as a KakaoTalk installation file that was distributed via email.

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.