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Showing posts with label Spear Phishing. Show all posts
UAE
malware polyglot Spear Phishing UAE

New Malware Targets Aviation and Satellite Firms

 


A dangerous new cyberattack is affecting aviation, satellite communication, and transportation companies in the United Arab Emirates. Hackers are using a tricky type of malware called polyglot malware to infect computers. This malware installs a backdoor called Sosano, which lets attackers take control of the affected system and execute commands remotely.  


Who is Behind This Attack?  

Cybersecurity experts at Proofpoint discovered this attack in October 2024. They have linked it to a hacker group named UNK_CraftyCamel. Although the campaign is currently small, it is highly advanced and poses a serious risk to businesses.  

Researchers also noticed similarities between this attack and previous cyber operations carried out by Iranian-linked hacking groups TA451 and TA455. However, this particular campaign seems to focus more on stealing information, which makes it unique.  


What is Polyglot Malware?  

Polyglot malware is a sneaky kind of cyber threat that can be interpreted in different ways by different programs. This means a single file can look like one thing to one program and something else to another.  

For example, a file might act as an MSI installer on Windows but behave like a JAR file for Java. Most security software checks files based on one format, so they fail to detect the hidden malicious parts. This helps hackers bypass security systems and deliver harmful programs unnoticed.  

In this case, the UNK_CraftyCamel hackers are using this trick to send malware while avoiding detection.  


How the Attack Works  

The hackers start their attack with phishing emails, which are fake messages designed to trick people. These emails appear to come from a real Indian electronics company, INDIC Electronics. Inside the email, there is a malicious link that takes victims to a fake website (indicelectronics[.]net), where they are tricked into downloading a ZIP file named "OrderList.zip."  

This ZIP file contains:  

1. A shortcut file (LNK) that looks like an Excel document.  

2. Two PDF files called about-indic.pdf and electronica-2024.pdf.  

But these PDF files are not what they seem—they are polyglot files containing hidden malware:  

1. The first PDF hides a script (HTA code) that can execute harmful commands.  

2. The second PDF contains a hidden ZIP archive, which allows the malware to stay undetected.  

When the victim opens the shortcut file (LNK), it runs a command in the background that triggers the hidden script inside the first PDF. This leads to the execution of the second PDF, which then:  

1. Modifies the Windows Registry to maintain access even after a restart.  

2. Extracts and runs an encoded image file (JPEG) that secretly contains malware.  

3. Decodes and activates a DLL file ("yourdllfinal.dll"), which is actually the Sosano backdoor.  

Once Sosano is activated, it connects to a remote server (bokhoreshonline[.]com). This allows hackers to send commands, steal data, execute programs, and install more malware.  


How to Stay Safe  

To prevent such cyberattacks, companies should take multiple security measures, such as:  

1. Blocking Suspicious Emails: Use email security tools to detect and remove harmful links and attachments before they reach employees.  

2. Employee Awareness Training: Teach workers to identify phishing emails and avoid clicking on unknown links or opening suspicious files.  

3. Restricting Dangerous Files: If file types like LNK, HTA, and ZIP are not required for daily work, companies should block them in emails to reduce risks.  

4. Advanced Malware Detection: Security software should be able to scan files in multiple ways, ensuring that hidden malware is detected.  

Cybercriminals constantly develop new ways to avoid security measures. Companies in aviation, satellite communications, and critical infrastructure should stay alert, update their cybersecurity strategies, and use advanced security tools to protect their systems.

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Spear Phishing
Business Security Cyber Attacks Malicious Campaign Russian Hacker Spear Phishing

Microsoft Warns of Russian Spear-Phishing Campaign Targeting Multiple Organizations

 

Microsoft Threat Intelligence has discovered a new attack campaign by Russian hacker group Midnight Blizzard, targeted at thousands of users from over 100 organisations. The attack uses spear-phishing emails that contain RDP configuration files, allowing perpetrators to connect to and potentially compromise the targeted systems. 

The malicious campaign targeted thousands of users from higher education, defence, non-governmental organisations, and government institutions. Dozens of nations have been impacted, mainly in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Japan, consistent with previous Midnight Blizzard phishing attacks. 

In the most recent Midnight Blizzard assault campaign, victims received meticulously targeted emails including social engineering lures related to Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and the concept of Zero Trust. 

According to Microsoft Threat Intelligence, the emails were sent using email addresses from legitimate organisations obtained by the threat actor during earlier breaches. Every email included an RDP configuration file signed with a free LetsEncrypt certificate and included multiple sensitive parameters. When the user accessed the file, an RDP connection was established with an attacker-controlled system. 

The threat actor could then use the established RDP connection to acquire information regarding the targeted device, such as files and folders, connected network drives, and peripherals such as printers, microphones, and smart cards. 

It would also allow for the collection of clipboard data, web authentication via Windows Hello, passkeys and security keys, and even point-of-sale devices. Such a link may also enable the threat actor to install malware on the targeted device or mapped network share(s). 

Outbound RDP connections were established to domains constructed to deceive the victim into thinking they were AWS domains. Amazon, which is collaborating with the Ukrainian CERT-UA to combat the threat, began grabbing affected domains immediately in order to stop operations. Meanwhile, Microsoft alerted all impacted customers who had been targeted or compromised.
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vigilance
Cyber Fraud Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Data Theft phishing Scams Sensitive Information Spear Phishing Spoofing vigilance

The Evolution of Phishing Emails: From Simple Scams to Sophisticated Cyber Threats

 

Phishing emails have undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Once simple and easy to detect, these scams have now evolved into a sophisticated cyber threat, targeting even the most tech-savvy individuals and organizations. Understanding the development of phishing attacks is key to protecting yourself from these ever-evolving cyber dangers.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, phishing emails were quite basic and easily identifiable. One of the most well-known scams was the "Nigerian Prince" email. These messages claimed to be from foreign royalty or officials, offering large sums of money in return for a small processing fee. The common signs included poor language, unrealistic promises, and large financial rewards—elements that eventually made these scams easy for users to recognize and dismiss.

As people became aware of these early scams, phishing attacks shifted focus, aiming to steal sensitive financial information. By the mid-2000s, attackers began impersonating banks and financial institutions in their emails. These messages often used fear-inducing language, such as warnings of account breaches, to pressure recipients into handing over personal details like login credentials and credit card information. During this time, phishing attempts were still marked by clear warning signs: poorly written emails, generic greetings, and inaccurate logos. However, as technology advanced, so did the attackers' ability to produce more convincing content.

The evolution of phishing took a major step forward with the introduction of spear phishing. Unlike traditional phishing, which targets a broad audience, spear phishing focuses on specific individuals or companies. Attackers gather personal information through social media and public records to craft emails that appear highly legitimate, often addressing the victim by name and referencing workplace details. This tailored approach makes the scam more believable and increases the chances of success.

Phishing emails today have become highly sophisticated, utilizing advanced techniques such as email spoofing to mimic trusted sources. Attackers frequently impersonate colleagues, supervisors, or official entities, making it difficult for users to tell the difference between genuine and malicious messages. Modern phishing schemes often rely on psychological tactics, using fear or urgency to pressure recipients into clicking harmful links or downloading malware. This evolution reflects the growing complexity of cybercriminal activities, demanding greater awareness and stronger cybersecurity defenses.

In summary, phishing emails have evolved from basic scams to intricate, personalized attacks that are harder to detect. Being informed about these tactics and staying vigilant is critical in the digital age. If you're ever in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact your Information Security Team for verification.
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Spear Phishing
Critical Infrastructure Cyber Attacks cybercrime group Defense Kaspersky Russian Government Spear Phishing

Awaken Likho Targets Russian Agencies with MeshCentral Remote Access Tool

 

Awaken Likho, also referred to as Core Werewolf or PseudoGamaredon, is a cyber threat group targeting Russian government agencies and industrial entities. Since June 2024, a new campaign has been observed, where attackers have shifted from using UltraVNC to MeshCentral’s legitimate agent for remote access to compromised systems. The campaign primarily focuses on Russian government contractors and industrial enterprises, as reported by Kaspersky. Spear-phishing is a key method employed by Awaken Likho, with malicious executables disguised as Word or PDF files. 

These files trick victims by using double extensions such as “.doc.exe” or “.pdf.exe,” making them appear like standard document formats. When opened, these files trigger the installation of UltraVNC or, in the new campaign, MeshCentral’s MeshAgent tool, which grants the attackers full control over the compromised system. Awaken Likho’s cyberattacks date back to at least August 2021, first gaining attention through targeting Russia’s defense and critical infrastructure sectors. However, more recently, the group has shifted to using self-extracting archives (SFX) to covertly install UltraVNC, along with presenting decoy documents. 

In its latest campaigns, an SFX archive triggers the execution of a file named “MicrosoftStores.exe,” which unpacks an AutoIt script. This script eventually runs the MeshAgent tool, facilitating ongoing remote control via the MeshCentral server. By creating a scheduled task, Awaken Likho ensures persistence within the infected system. The scheduled task consistently runs the command file, which in turn launches MeshAgent, allowing communication with the MeshCentral server. This tactic gives the attackers access to the system long after the initial breach. Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky has revealed that the campaign’s primary focus remains within Russian government bodies, contractors, and industrial enterprises. 

Additionally, earlier findings from BI.ZONE in June 2023 indicated that Awaken Likho has targeted sectors including defense and critical infrastructure, emphasizing the group’s intent on penetrating Russia’s most vital industries. A notable attack in May 2023 targeted a Russian military base in Armenia, as well as a research institute involved in weapons development. These actions suggest Awaken Likho’s primary focus on entities involved in Russia’s security and defense sectors, with significant consequences for the country’s critical infrastructure. 

This new chapter in Awaken Likho’s activity signals the group’s evolving tactics and its continued interest in leveraging spear-phishing attacks with more sophisticated tools. By transitioning to the MeshCentral platform, the group showcases its adaptability in maintaining control over systems while evading detection, making it a significant threat to Russian entities in the future.
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Threat Landscape
Cyber Security Cybersecurity Agencies Iran hackers Spear Phishing Threat Landscape

UK and US Warn of Rising Iranian Spear Phishing Threat

 

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) collaborated with government agencies across the Atlantic to issue a new alert regarding Iranian cyber-threats last week. 

The security advice, issued in collaboration with the FBI, US Cyber Command - Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and the Department of the Treasury (Treasury), claimed that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind the spear phishing attack. 

The campaign is aimed at individuals "with a nexus to Iranian and Middle Eastern affairs," but it is also focused on US political campaigns, with the ultimate goal of expanding its information operations, the advice stated. Current or former top government officials, think tank personnel, journalists, activists, and lobbyists seem to be potential targets. 

Threat actors change their strategies according to the specific target, which could involve impersonating family members, professional contacts, prominent journalists, and/or email providers. The lure may be an interview, an invitation to a conference or embassy event, a speaking engagement, or another political or foreign policy dialogue. 

“The actors often attempt to build rapport before soliciting victims to access a document via a hyperlink, which redirects victims to a false email account login page for the purpose of capturing credentials,” the report reads. 

“Victims may be prompted to input two-factor authentication codes, provide them via a messaging application, or interact with phone notifications to permit access to the cyber actors. Victims sometimes gain access to the document but may receive a login error.” 

Prevention tips

The advisory advised readers to be suspicious of unsolicited contact, attempts to send links or files via social media and other online services, email messages flagging alerts for online accounts, emails purporting to be from legitimate services and shortened links. It also recommended enterprises to:

  • Implement a user training program for phishing awareness.
  • Recommend users only use work emails for official business, always keep software updated, switch on multi-factor authentication, and never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
  • Users are recommended to use advanced protection services and hardware security keys. 
  • Switch on anti-phishing and spoofing security features. 
  • Block automatic email forwarding to external addresses.
  • Monitor email servers for changes to configuration and custom rules.
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Spear Phishing
Business Security Consumer Data Cyber Attacks Infostealer Infostealer Malware Malvertising Malware Campaign Spear Phishing

Marko Polo Infostealer Campaigns Target Thousands Across Platforms

 

The cybercriminal group “Marko Polo” is behind a major malware operation, running 30 infostealer campaigns targeting a wide array of victims. Using techniques such as spear-phishing, malvertising, and brand impersonation, the group spreads over 50 malware payloads, including AMOS, Stealc, and Rhadamanthys, across different sectors like gaming, cryptocurrency, and software. 

According to Recorded Future’s Insikt Group, Marko Polo’s campaigns have compromised thousands of devices globally, posing a significant threat to consumer privacy and business security, with potential financial losses in the millions. The group primarily uses spear-phishing tactics via direct messages on social media, targeting high-value individuals like cryptocurrency influencers, gamers, and software developers. 

They impersonate popular brands such as Fortnite, Zoom, and RuneScape, creating fake job offers and project collaborations to deceive victims into downloading malware. In addition to these impersonations, Marko Polo even fabricates its own brand names like VDeck, Wasper, and SpectraRoom to lure unsuspecting users. The Marko Polo operation is highly versatile, capable of infecting both Windows and macOS platforms. On Windows, they use a tool called “HijackLoader” to deliver malware like Stealc, designed to extract data from browsers, and Rhadamanthys, which targets a wide array of applications and data types. 

Rhadamanthys has also added advanced features, such as a cryptocurrency clipper to redirect payments to the attackers’ wallets, and the ability to evade Windows Defender. When it comes to macOS, the group deploys Atomic (AMOS), an infostealer launched in 2023, which they rent out to cybercriminals for $1,000 per month. AMOS is highly effective at extracting sensitive data stored on macOS systems, such as Apple Keychain passwords, MetaMask seeds, WiFi credentials, credit card details, and other encrypted information. 

The Marko Polo campaign’s widespread nature highlights the dangers of information-stealing malware, and users need to be vigilant against unsolicited links and downloads from unknown sources. One of the most effective ways to protect against such malware is to download software exclusively from official websites and ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date. This ensures the detection of malicious payloads before they can compromise your system. 

Information-stealing malware campaigns are becoming increasingly common, with Marko Polo’s operation serving as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics cybercriminals employ today. These stolen credentials often enable hackers to breach corporate networks, engage in data theft, and disrupt business operations. Therefore, cybersecurity awareness and strong preventive measures are crucial for protecting against such malicious activities.
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Spear Phishing
Cyber Crime cyber espionage Hackers Russia Spear Phishing

Inside the Espionage: How Nobelium Targets French Diplomatic Staff


Cybersecurity threats have become increasingly sophisticated, and state-sponsored actors continue to target government institutions and diplomatic entities. One such incident involves a Russian threat actor known as “Nobelium,” which has been launching spear phishing attacks against French diplomats.

ANSSI Issued an Alert

France's cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, has issued a notice outlining a Russian spear phishing attempt aimed at French diplomats, the Record writes. The CIA connects the campaign to "Nobelium," a threat actor linked to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

The Campaign

Nobelium, believed to have ties to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (the SVR), primarily uses compromised legitimate email accounts belonging to diplomatic staff to conduct these attacks. The goal is to exfiltrate valuable intelligence and gain insights into French diplomatic activities.

Compromising Email Accounts of French Ministers

These events included the penetration of email accounts at the French Ministry of Culture and the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion, but according to ANSSI, the hackers were unable to access any elements of those networks other than the compromised inboxes.

However, the hackers subsequently used those email addresses to target other organizations, including France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ANSSI stated that Nobelium attempted to acquire remote access to the network by installing Cobalt Strike, a penetration testing system infamous for being abused by bad actors, but was unsuccessful.

Other occurrences reported by ANSSI included the use of a French diplomat's stolen email account to send a malicious message falsely proclaiming the closure of the French Embassy in South Africa due to an alleged terror assault.

Tactics and Techniques

Nobelium’s spear phishing campaigns are highly targeted. They craft convincing lure documents tailored to specific individuals within diplomatic institutions, embassies, and consulates. Here are some tactics and techniques they employ:

Email Spoofing: Nobelium impersonates trusted senders, often using official-looking email addresses. This makes it challenging for recipients to discern the malicious intent.

Lure Documents: The threat actor attaches seemingly innocuous files (such as PDFs or Word documents) to their emails. These files contain hidden malware or exploit vulnerabilities in software applications.

Social Engineering: Nobelium leverages social engineering techniques to manipulate recipients into opening the attachments. They might use urgent language, reference official matters, or create a sense of curiosity.

Credential Harvesting: Once the recipient opens the attachment, the malware may attempt to steal login credentials or gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems.

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Spear Phishing
AI threats Business Email Compromise CISOs Cyber Security Email Safety Generative AI Impersonation online threats Security Policies Spear Phishing

Adapting Cybersecurity Policies to Combat AI-Driven Threats

 

Over the last few years, the landscape of cyber threats has significantly evolved. The once-common traditional phishing emails, marked by obvious language errors, clear malicious intent, and unbelievable narratives, have seen a decline. Modern email security systems can easily detect these rudimentary attacks, and recipients have grown savvy enough to recognize and ignore them. Consequently, this basic form of phishing is quickly becoming obsolete. 

However, as traditional phishing diminishes, a more sophisticated and troubling threat has emerged. Cybercriminals are now leveraging advanced generative AI (GenAI) tools to execute complex social engineering attacks. These include spear-phishing, VIP impersonation, and business email compromise (BEC). In light of these developments, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must adapt their cybersecurity strategies and implement new, robust policies to address these advanced threats. One critical measure is implementing segregation of duties (SoD) in handling sensitive data and assets. 

For example, any changes to bank account information for invoices or payroll should require approval from multiple individuals. This multi-step verification process ensures that even if one employee falls victim to a social engineering attack, others can intercept and prevent fraudulent actions. Regular and comprehensive security training is also crucial. Employees, especially those handling sensitive information and executives who are prime targets for BEC, should undergo continuous security education. 

This training should include live sessions, security awareness videos, and phishing simulations based on real-world scenarios. By investing in such training, employees can become the first line of defense against sophisticated cyber threats. Additionally, gamifying the training process—such as rewarding employees for reporting phishing attempts—can boost engagement and effectiveness. Encouraging a culture of reporting suspicious emails is another essential policy. 

Employees should be urged to report all potentially malicious emails rather than simply deleting or ignoring them. This practice allows the Security Operations Center (SOC) team to stay informed about ongoing threats and enhances organizational security awareness. Clear policies should emphasize that it's better to report false positives than to overlook potential threats, fostering a vigilant and cautious organizational culture. To mitigate social engineering risks, organizations should restrict access to sensitive information on a need-to-know basis. 

Simple policy changes, like keeping company names private in public job listings, can significantly reduce the risk of social engineering attacks. Limiting the availability of organizational details helps prevent cybercriminals from gathering the information needed to craft convincing attacks. Given the rapid advancements in generative AI, it's imperative for organizations to adopt adaptive security systems. Shifting from static to dynamic security measures, supported by AI-enabled defensive tools, ensures that security capabilities remain effective against evolving threats. 

This proactive approach helps organizations stay ahead of the latest attack vectors. The rise of generative AI has fundamentally changed the field of cybersecurity. In a short time, these technologies have reshaped the threat landscape, making it essential for CISOs to continuously update their strategies. Effective, current policies are vital for maintaining a strong security posture. 

This serves as a starting point for CISOs to refine and enhance their cybersecurity policies, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges posed by AI-driven threats. In this ever-changing environment, staying ahead of cybercriminals requires constant vigilance and adaptation.
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