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Backdoor
Watering Hole
North Korea
WhiskerSpy: New Backdoor Spread via Watering Hole Attack by Earth Kitsune
WhiskerSpy: A new backdoor malware disguised as browser extensions propagating via Watering Hole attack targeting users in Russia, Belarus, & Ukraine
23-Feb-2023
4 min read
Related Articles
Linux
BOLDMOVE is a new Linux-based malware discovered in a China-based cyber espionag...
In recent months, there has been an increase in cyber espionage campaigns targeting internet-facing devices, particularly those used for managed security purposes such as firewalls and IPS/IDS appliances. As they are connected to the internet, attackers with the right exploit can obtain access to a network without the victim having to take any action. This gives the attacker more control over the process and reduces the probability of discovery. One such campaign that has been discovered is being widely executed by a China-based group and is targeting FortiOS devices with a new Linux-based malware called "BOLDMOVE". The group is believed to have exploited a recently discovered vulnerability (CVE-2022-42475) in Fortinet's FortiOS SSL-VPN as a zero-day in December 2022. The vulnerability allows remote unauthenticated attackers to crash targeted devices remotely or gain remote code execution. In this threat research we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the BOLDMOVE malware and its conventional tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) leveraged by the China-based threat actor group in their ongoing cyber espionage campaign. ## Background Fortinet is a leading provider of network security devices and the FortiOS operating system is widely used in enterprise networks. In November 2022, Fortinet quietly fixed a vulnerability (CVE-2022-42475) in FortiOS that allows remote unauthenticated attackers to crash targeted devices remotely or gain remote code execution. Fortinet publicly announced the vulnerability in December 2022 and advised its customers to promptly patch their devices as the vulnerability was being actively exploited by threat actors. It wasn't until January 2023 that Fortinet shared more details about how hackers exploited the vulnerability, explaining that threat actors had targeted government entities with custom malware specifically designed to run on FortiOS devices. The attackers were focused on maintaining persistence on exploited devices by using the custom malware to patch the FortiOS logging processes so that specific log entries could be removed or to disable the logging process altogether. ## Malware Analysis BOLDMOVE is a full-featured backdoor written in C that enables Chinese hackers to gain higher-level control over the device, with the Linux version specifically created to run on FortiOS devices. Mandiant identified several versions of BOLDMOVE with varying capabilities, but the core set of features observed across all samples include: Performing system surveying. Receiving commands from the C2 (command and control) server. Spawning a remote shell on the host. Relaying traffic through the breached device. The commands supported by BOLDMOVE allow threat actors to remotely manage files, execute commands, create interactive shells, and control the backdoor. The Windows and Linux variants are largely the same but utilize different libraries, and it is believed that the Windows version was compiled in 2021, almost a year before the Linux variant. One of the Linux variants of BOLDMOVE contains functionality that specifically targets FortiOS devices. One of the key capabilities of BOLDMOVE is its ability to manipulate system logs on a compromised device. This allows attackers to remove specific log entries or disable logging processes entirely, making it more difficult for defenders to detect and track the intrusion. This allows the attackers to maintain persistence on the device for longer periods of time, and also makes it harder for defenders to understand the scope and nature of the attack. Additionally, this version of BOLDMOVE can send requests to internal Fortinet services, allowing attackers to send network requests to the entire internal network and spread laterally to other devices. The Linux variant of BOLDMOVE leverages several statically compiled libraries to implement its functionality, including an undetermined and likely custom library used for event handling, WolfSSL for SSL encrypted communication to the C2 server, and Musl libc. Upon failure, the malware reruns itself in a new process. In addition, if the malware is executed with a command line argument, it would not initiate the backdoor logic but rather attempt to execute the provided argument as a new process. Prior to starting the backdoor's logic, the malware calls the signal function in order to ignore the signals SIGCHLD, SIGHUP, SIGPIPE. The extended version of BOLDMOVE contains all the aforementioned functionality but with additional features. It contains Execution Guardrails (T1480) by verifying that it is running on a specific device and using specific configurations. ## TTPs The China-based group behind the BOLDMOVE malware has used several TTPs in their cyber espionage campaign. These include: Exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in FortiOS devices. Developing custom malware specifically designed to run on FortiOS devices. Maintaining persistence on exploited devices by patching the FortiOS logging processes and disabling logging altogether. Using a C2 server to receive commands and control the malware. Using a remote shell to access and control the compromised device. Relaying network traffic through the breached device. Target Selection: The targeted entities in this campaign have been government entities and managed service providers located in Europe and Africa. This suggests that the group behind the BOLDMOVE malware is focused on gathering sensitive information from government and potentially critical infrastructure organizations. BOLDMOVE malware uses a specific path in order to gain access to and control FortiOS devices. The malware begins by exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in FortiOS devices, specifically CVE-2022-42475. This vulnerability allows for remote unauthenticated attackers to crash targeted devices remotely or gain remote code execution. Once the vulnerability has been exploited, the malware uses a custom-developed Linux variant specifically created to run on FortiOS devices. The malware then uses this variant to perform system surveying, receive commands from the C2 (command and control) server, and spawn a remote shell on the host. Additionally, the malware can relay traffic through the breached device, allowing it to spread laterally to other devices on the network. The attackers also focus on maintaining persistence on the compromised device by patching the FortiOS logging processes and disabling logging altogether. It is important to note that this is not the only way of intrusion and the attackers may use other techniques as well, but this is the general path that is used by the BOLDMOVE malware. ## Mitigation To protect against the BOLDMOVE malware and similar threats, organizations should take the following steps: Apply the latest security patches for FortiOS devices as soon as they become available. Use network segmentation and access controls to limit the spread of malware within the network. Monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity, such as network communications with known C2 servers. Regularly review system and security logs for signs of suspicious activity. Use endpoint protection and intrusion detection/prevention systems to detect and block malware. Regularly update anti-virus software and perform malware scans. ## Ending Note The BOLDMOVE malware is a new and sophisticated threat that specifically targets FortiOS devices. The China-based group behind the malware has demonstrated a deep understanding of how these devices operate and the initial access opportunity they present. By exploiting a zero-day vulnerability and developing custom malware, the group has been able to maintain a persistent foothold on compromised devices and gather sensitive information from government and critical infrastructure organizations. Organizations should take immediate steps to protect themselves against this threat by applying the latest security patches and implementing the recommended mitigation techniques.
25-Jan-2023
1 min read
Malware
Shagle
Telegram
Learn about the StrongPity APT group's latest espionage campaign targeting Andro...
In recent years, the threat landscape of mobile devices has grown exponentially, with Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups increasingly targeting mobile devices as a means to gain access to sensitive information. One such APT group, which goes by the moniker StrongPity has resurfaced lately. StrongPity APT is a cyber-espionage group infamous for its targeted attacks against individuals and organizations in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Europe and South America. The group has been active since at least 2012, and has been known to use a variety of tools and techniques to gain access to its targets. In this [threat research](https://www.secureblink.com/threat-research), we will provide an in-depth analysis of the StrongPity APT group campaign, which primarily targets Android users with a trojanized version of the legitimate Telegram app and its methods of operation, as well as the technical details of the malware used in the campaign. ## Background: StrongPity APT group has been active since at least 2012 and is known for its targeted attacks against individuals and organizations in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Europe and South America. The group has been known to use a variety of tools and techniques to gain access to its targets, including phishing emails, watering hole attacks, and malware. The group's primary focus is on espionage, but it has also been known to use its access to target's systems for financial gain. The group is believed to have been active since at least 2012 and is known for using a variety of tactics to target individuals and organizations in a number of countries, including Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. The group has been linked to a number of high-profile attacks, including the targeting of a Turkish mobile operator in 2016 and a number of attacks against Belgian and Italian telecommunications companies in 2017. ## Campaign Overview: The latest campaign by the StrongPity APT group is focused on Android users and leverages a fully functional but trojanized version of the legitimate Telegram app, which despite being non-existent, has been repackaged as "the" Shagle app. The campaign is being [distributed](http://twitter.com/malwrhunterteam/status/1549125906416943108) through a website impersonating Shagle services, which only provides an Android app to download, with no web-based streaming possible. The trojanized app uses the same package name as the legitimate Telegram app, which means that if the official Telegram app is already installed on the device, the backdoored version cannot be installed. ## Malware Analysis: The StrongPity backdoor has various spying features, including the ability to record phone calls and collect SMS messages, call logs, and contact lists. The malware is also capable of exfiltrating data from other apps if the victim grants the app notification access and activates accessibility services. This allows the attackers to gain access to sensitive information from a variety of apps including Viber, Skype, Gmail, Messenger, and Tinder.  ***Trojanized app requesting dangerous permissions*** The malware's 11 dynamically triggered modules are responsible for these various functions and are being documented publicly for the first time. The StrongPity malware is modular in nature, with additional binary modules being downloaded from the C&C server, which means that the number and type of modules used can be changed at any time to fit the campaign requests. This modularity allows the malware to remain flexible and adaptable to the needs of the campaign.  ***Modules of 11 getting fetched from C&C Servers*** ## Targeting Shagle Users Shagle is a legitimate random-video-chat platform that allows strangers to talk via an encrypted communications channel. However, the platform is entirely web-based and does not offer a mobile app. StrongPity has been found using a fake website since 2021 that impersonates the actual Shagle site to trick victims into downloading a malicious Android app.  ***Comparison between legit as well as fake Shagle app*** Once installed, this app enables the hackers to conduct espionage on the targeted victims, including monitoring phone calls, collecting SMS texts, and grabbing contact lists. The fake Shagle website is designed to mimic the original website and is likely being spread through spear-phishing emails, smishing (SMS phishing), or instant messages on online platforms. ## Victimology: The campaign is likely very narrowly targeted, as ESET telemetry still hasn’t identified any victims. The repackaged version of Telegram uses the same package name as the legitimate Telegram app, which means that if the official Telegram app is already installed on the device of a potential victim, then this backdoored version can’t be installed. This might mean that the threat actor first communicates with potential victims and pushes them to uninstall Telegram from their devices if it is installed or the campaign focuses on countries where Telegram usage is rare for communication.  ***If official Telegram app is already installed then trojanized version cannot be successfully installed*** ## Code Analysis The malicious Android application distributed by StrongPity is an APK file named "video.apk," which is the standard [Telegram](https://core.telegram.org/api/obtaining_api_id#using-telegrams-open-source-code) v7.5.0 (February 2022) app modified to impersonate a Shagle mobile app. [ESET researchers](https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/01/10/strongpity-espionage-campaign-targeting-android-users/) were able to attribute the campaign to the StrongPity APT group based on code similarities with past payloads and the fact that the Android app is signed with the [same certificate](http://www.trendmicro.com/ru_ru/research/21/g/strongpity-apt-group-deploys-android-malware-for-the-first-time.html) the APT used to sign an app that mimicked the Syrian e-gov Android application in a 2021 campaign. Upon installation, the malware requests access to the Accessibility Service and then fetches an AES-encrypted file from the attacker's command and control server. This file consists of 11 binary modules extracted to the device and used by the backdoor to perform various malicious functionality. Each module performs an espionage function and is triggered as needed. ### Here is a following list of malicious spyware modules: libarm.jar: records phone calls libmpeg4.jar: collects text of incoming notification messages from 17 apps local.jar: collects file list (file tree) on the device phone.jar: misuses accessibility services to spy on messaging apps by exfiltrating contact name, chat message, and date resources.jar: collects SMS messages stored on the device services.jar: obtains device location systemui.jar: collects device and system information timer.jar: collects a list of installed apps toolkit.jar: collects contact list watchkit.jar: collects a list of device accounts wearkit.jar: collects a list of call logs The gathered data is stored in the app's directory, encrypted with AES, and eventually sent back to the attacker's command and control server. ## Indicators of Compromise In order to detect and protect against the StrongPity malware, it is important to be aware of the following Indicators of Compromise (IoCs): File Hashes: The following file hashes have been identified as associated with the StrongPity malware: 50F79C7DFABECF04522AEB2AC987A800AB5EC6D7 (video.apk) 77D6FE30DAC41E1C90BDFAE3F1CFE7091513FB91 (libarm.jar) 5A15F516D5C58B23E19D6A39325B4B5C5590BDE0 (libmpeg4.jar) D44818C061269930E50868445A3418A0780903FE (local.jar) F1A14070D5D50D5A9952F9A0B4F7CA7FED2199EE (phone.jar) ## Mitigation & Prevention: To protect against the StrongPity campaign, it is important to be cautious when downloading apps from third-party app stores, and to only download apps from official app stores such as Google Play. Additionally, organizations should implement security controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus software to detect and prevent malware infections. It is also important to be aware of phishing attempts, and to be cautious when clicking on links in emails or text messages. Additionally, organizations should be aware of the signs of a potential APT attack, such as unusual network traffic, and to have incident response plans in place to quickly detect and respond to an attack. Regularly updating software and systems, and providing cybersecurity training to employees can also help to prevent a successful attack.
19-Jan-2023
1 min read
Malware
SSH
Analysis of MCCrash cross-platform botnet that targets Windows & Linux devices, ...
Malware operations continue to remain ever-evolving as threat actors constantly seek to add new capabilities to existing botnets and target a wider range of devices. One such example has been the MCCrash malware, also known as DEV-1028, which is a cross-platform botnet that infects Windows devices, Linux devices, and IoT devices. This botnet is particularly dangerous due to its ability to spread through enumerating default credentials on internet-exposed Secure Shell (SSH)-enabled devices and launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks against private Minecraft servers.  ***Distribution of Minecraft Servers by Version (MSTI)*** In this [analysis](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/12/15/mccrash-cross-platform-ddos-botnet-targets-private-minecraft-servers/), we will delve into the technical details of the MCCrash malware, including its spreading mechanism, DDoS capabilities, and the platforms it targets. We will also provide recommendations for organizations to prevent their devices from becoming part of a botnet and for Minecraft server owners to update and protect their servers from this threat. ## Cross-Platform Botnet Spreading Mechanism The MCCrash botnet initially infects devices through the installation of malicious cracking tools that purport to acquire illegal Windows licenses. These cracking tools contain additional code that downloads and launches a fake version of svchost.exe through a PowerShell command. In some cases, the downloaded file is named svchosts.exe. Next, svchost.exe launches the main Python script, malicious.py, which contains all the logic of the botnet. This script scans the internet for SSH-enabled Linux-based devices, including Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and IoT workloads such as Raspbian, which are commonly enabled for remote configuration. It then launches a dictionary attack to propagate to these devices. Once a device is found, the botnet downloads the file Updater.zip from repo[.]ark—event[.]net onto the device, which creates the file fuse. The fuse file then downloads a copy of malicious.py onto the device. Both svchost.exe and fuse are compiled using PyInstaller, which bundles all the Python runtime files into a single executable. This spreading mechanism makes the MCCrash botnet unique, as the malware can be removed from the infected source PC but could persist on unmanaged IoT devices in the network and continue to operate as part of the botnet. ## DDoS Capabilities The MCCrash botnet is known to launch DDoS attacks against private Minecraft servers using crafted packets. This type of attack likely involves the botnet sending large amounts of traffic to a specific server, causing it to become overwhelmed and unable to function properly. It is believed that the botnet's DDoS capabilities are being sold as a service on forums or darknet sites. A breakdown of the systems affected by the botnet over a three-month period showed that most of the devices were located in Russia.  ***DDoS Botnet Attack Flows (MSTI)***  ***Code Snippet 1*** The above code snippet demonstrates how a simple brute force attack on an SSH-enabled device using the Python library paramiko. The function `ssh_brute_force` attempts to connect to the specified host using the given username and password. If the connection is successful, it prints a success message; otherwise, it prints a failed message. The `main` function then iterates through a list of passwords and attempts to connect to the host with each one.  ***Code Snippet 2*** This code snippet demonstrates how the MCCrash botnet propagates to other devices. It uses the paramiko library to connect to an SSH-enabled device and download a file named Updater.zip using SFTP. The file is then extracted, and the file named fuse is executed, which in turn downloads and executes the main Python script of the botnet, malicious.py. This script is then executed with the specified command.  ***Code Snippet 3*** ## Targeted Platform The MCCrash botnet targets a range of platforms, including Windows devices, Linux devices, and IoT devices. These devices are often targeted due to their insecure settings and the fact that they are commonly enabled for remote configuration. ## Recommendations for Prevention To prevent devices from becoming part of the MCCrash botnet, organizations should ensure that they manage, keep up to date, and monitor not just traditional endpoints but also IoT devices. This includes implementing strong passwords and regularly updating them, as well as disabling unnecessary services and protocols. It is also important for organizations to ensure that all software is downloaded from reputable sources and to keep all software ## Indicators of Compromise: - ***Presence of malicious cracking tools***: MCCrash botnet spreads initially through installing malicious cracking tools that purport to acquire illegal Windows licenses. These tools may contain additional code that downloads and launches the botnet. - ***Presence of svchost.exe or svchosts.exe***: The MCCrash botnet uses a fake version of svchost.exe to launch the main Python script, malicious.py. This file may be named svchost.exe or svchosts.exe. - ***Presence of Updater.zip***: The MCCrash botnet propagates to other devices by downloading a file named Updater.zip from a specified URL. The presence of this file on a device may indicate compromise by the botnet. - ***Presence of fuse***: The MCCrash botnet creates a file named fuse on compromised devices, which is used to download and execute the main Python script, malicious.py. The presence of this file may indicate compromise by the botnet. - ***Presence of malicious.py***: The main Python script of the MCCrash botnet is named malicious.py. The presence of this file on a device may indicate compromise by the botnet. - ***Connections to known malicious IP addresses***: The MCCrash botnet may communicate with available malicious IP addresses as part of its operation. Observing connections to these IP addresses may help identity compromised by the botnet. - ***Network traffic related to Minecraft servers***: The MCCrash botnet is known to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks against private Minecraft servers using crafted packets. Observing network traffic related to Minecraft servers may help identify the presence of the botnet. Here is an example code snippet that searches for the presence of the file malicious.py on a system:  This code snippet recursively searches through the file system starting from the root directory and looks for the presence of the file malicious.py. If it is found, it prints the full path to the file. This can be adapted to search for other IOCs as well.
23-Dec-2022
1 min read
Secure Blink help Developers and Security Engineer to secure their Web Applications & APIs proactively using our cutting-edge heuristic approach.
