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Threat actors
beIN Sports Cloud Security Cyber Attacks data analysis FFmpeg Hackers Jupyter Notebooks live streaming sports piracy stream ripping Threat actors

Hackers Exploit Jupyter Notebooks for Sports Piracy Through Stream Ripping Tools

 

Malicious hackers are taking advantage of misconfigured JupyterLab and Jupyter Notebooks to facilitate sports piracy through live stream capture tools, according to a report by Aqua Security shared with The Hacker News.

The attack involves hijacking unauthenticated Jupyter Notebooks to gain initial access and execute a series of steps aimed at illegally streaming sports events. This activity was uncovered during an investigation into attacks on Aqua's honeypots.

"First, the attacker updated the server, then downloaded the tool FFmpeg," explained Assaf Morag, director of threat intelligence at Aqua Security. "This action alone is not a strong enough indicator for security tools to flag malicious activity."

Morag noted that the attackers then executed FFmpeg to capture live sports streams, redirecting them to their server. The campaign’s ultimate objective is to download FFmpeg from MediaFire, capture live feeds from Qatari network beIN Sports, and rebroadcast the content illegally via ustream[.]tv. This tactic allows the attackers to misuse compromised Jupyter Notebook servers as intermediaries while profiting from advertising revenues linked to the unauthorized streams.

Although the identity of the hackers remains unclear, one of the IP addresses used (41.200.191[.]23) suggests they may originate from an Arabic-speaking region.

"However, it's crucial to remember that the attackers gained access to a server intended for data analysis, which could have serious consequences for any organization's operations," Morag added.

He warned that the risks extend beyond piracy, potentially leading to denial-of-service attacks, data manipulation, theft, corruption of AI and ML processes, lateral movement within critical systems, and severe financial and reputational harm.
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Threat actors
Akira Ransomware Cyber Attacks Data Exploit Ransomware Threat actors

Akira Ransomware: The Need for Rapid Response

Akira Ransomware: The Need for Rapid Response

Threat actors wielding the Akira ransomware demonstrated unprecedented efficiency in a recent cyber attack that sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community. 

Their lightning-fast data exfiltration took just over two hours, representing a dramatic shift in the average time it takes a cybercriminal to go from first access to information exfiltration and leaving organizations scrambling to respond. Let’s delve into the details of this alarming incident.

Attack Overview

The victim in this case was a Latin American airline. The attackers exploited a vulnerability in their infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures for critical industries. They gained entry through an unpatched Veeam backup server, leveraging the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. Veeam servers are attractive targets due to their tendency to store sensitive data and credentials.

The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence Team has revealed a summary of a June Akira ransomware assault against a Latin American airline. According to BlackBerry's anatomy of the attack, the threat actor acquired first access via an unpatched Veeam backup server and promptly began stealing data before installing the Akira ransomware the next day.

Swift Data Exfiltration

Within a remarkably short timeframe, the threat actors exfiltrated data from the Veeam backup folder. This included documents, images, and spreadsheets. The speed of their operation highlights the need for proactive security practices.

The Culprit: Storm-1567

Storm-1567, a notorious user of the Akira ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform, is the likely perpetrator. Known for double-extortion tactics, Storm-1567 has targeted over 250 organizations globally since emerging in March 2023.

Technical Insights

1. Legitimate Tools and Utilities

The attackers demonstrated technical prowess by using legitimate tools and utilities during the attack. These tools allowed them to:

  • Conduct reconnaissance to identify valuable data.
  • Establish persistence within the compromised network.
  • Efficiently exfiltrate sensitive information.
2. Escalation from Initial Access to Data Theft

Storm-1567’s ability to escalate from initial access to data theft in such a short span underscores their expertise. Organizations must prioritize timely patching and secure backup systems to prevent similar incidents.

Key Takeaways

Patch Promptly 

Regularly update and patch all software, especially critical components like backup servers. Vulnerabilities left unaddressed can lead to devastating consequences.

Backup Security Matters

Secure backup systems are essential. They often contain critical data and serve as gateways for attackers. Implement access controls, monitor for suspicious activity, and encrypt backups.

Threat Intelligence and Vigilance

Stay informed about emerging threats and threat actors. Vigilance and proactive defense are crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.


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Windows 11 Recall
AI-powered feature Cyber Security Cybersecurity Data Encryption data security Microsoft Online Safety Privacy Concerns Threat actors User Privacy Windows 11 Recall

Microsoft's Windows 11 Recall Feature Sparks Major Privacy Concerns

 

Microsoft's introduction of the AI-driven Windows 11 Recall feature has raised significant privacy concerns, with many fearing it could create new vulnerabilities for data theft.

Unveiled during a Monday AI event, the Recall feature is intended to help users easily access past information through a simple search. Currently, it's available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X ARM processors, but Microsoft is collaborating with Intel and AMD for broader compatibility. 

Recall works by capturing screenshots of the active window every few seconds, recording user activity for up to three months. These snapshots are analyzed by an on-device Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and AI models to extract and index data, which users can search through using natural language queries. Microsoft assures that this data is encrypted with BitLocker and stored locally, not shared with other users on the device.

Despite Microsoft's assurances, the Recall feature has sparked immediate concerns about privacy and data security. Critics worry about the extensive data collection, as the feature records everything on the screen, potentially including sensitive information like passwords and private documents. Although Microsoft claims all data remains on the user’s device and is encrypted, the possibility of misuse remains a significant concern.

Microsoft emphasizes user control over the Recall feature, allowing users to decide what apps can be screenshotted and to pause or delete snapshots as needed. The company also stated that the feature would not capture content from Microsoft Edge’s InPrivate windows or other DRM-protected content. However, it remains unclear if similar protections will apply to other browsers' private modes, such as Firefox.

Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft, assured journalists that the Recall index remains private, local, and secure. He reiterated that the data would not be used to train AI models and that users have complete control over editing and deleting captured data. Furthermore, Microsoft confirmed that Recall data would not be stored in the cloud, addressing concerns about remote data access.

Despite these reassurances, cybersecurity experts and users remain skeptical. Past instances of data exploitation by large companies have eroded trust, making users wary of Microsoft’s claims. The UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has also sought clarification from Microsoft to ensure user data protection.

Microsoft admits that Recall does not perform content moderation, raising significant security concerns. Anything visible on the screen, including sensitive information, could be recorded and indexed. If a device is compromised, this data could be accessible to threat actors, potentially leading to extortion or further breaches.

Cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont likened the feature to a keylogger integrated into Windows, expressing concerns about the expanded attack surface. Historically, infostealer malware targets databases stored locally, and the Recall feature's data could become a prime target for such malware.

Given Microsoft’s role in handling consumer data and computing security, introducing a feature that could increase risk seems irresponsible to some experts. While Microsoft claims to prioritize security, the introduction of Recall could complicate this commitment.

In a pledge to prioritize security, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated, "If you're faced with the tradeoff between security and another priority, your answer is clear: Do security." This statement underscores the importance of security over new features, emphasizing the need to protect customers' digital estates and build a safer digital world.

While the Recall feature aims to enhance user experience, its potential privacy risks and security implications necessitate careful consideration and robust safeguards to ensure user data protection.
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Threat actors
Cyber Security Cybersecurity Deceptive npm packages malware installation North Korean social engineering campaign Software Developers Threat actors

Deceptive npm Packages Employed to Deceive Software Developers into Malware Installation

 

A persistent scheme aimed at software developers involves fraudulent npm packages disguised as job interview opportunities, with the intention of deploying a Python backdoor onto their systems.

Securonix, a cybersecurity company, has been monitoring this campaign, dubbed DEV#POPPER, which they attribute to North Korean threat actors. 

"During these fraudulent interviews, the developers are often asked to perform tasks that involve downloading and running software from sources that appear legitimate, such as GitHub," security researchers Den Iuzvyk, Tim Peck, and Oleg Kolesnikov said. "The software contained a malicious Node JS payload that, once executed, compromised the developer's system."

Details of this campaign surfaced in late November 2023, when Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 revealed a series of activities known as Contagious Interview. Here, the threat actors masquerade as employers to entice developers into installing malware such as BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret during the interview process.

Subsequently, in February of the following year, Phylum, a software security firm, uncovered a collection of malicious npm packages on the registry. These packages delivered the same malware families to extract sensitive information from compromised developer systems.

It's important to distinguish Contagious Interview from Operation Dream Job, also linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group. The former targets developers primarily through fabricated identities on freelance job platforms, leading to the distribution of malware via developer tools and npm packages.

Operation Dream Job, on the other hand, extends its reach to various sectors like aerospace and cryptocurrency, disseminating malware-laden files disguised as job offers.

The attack sequence identified by Securonix begins with a GitHub-hosted ZIP archive, likely sent to the victim during the interview process. Within this archive lies an apparently harmless npm module housing a malicious JavaScript file, BeaverTail, which serves as an information thief and a loader for the Python backdoor, InvisibleFerret, retrieved from a remote server. This implant can gather system data, execute commands, enumerate files, and log keystrokes and clipboard activity.

This development underscores the continued refinement of cyber weapons by North Korean threat actors, as they update their tactics to evade detection and extract valuable data for financial gain.

Securonix researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining a security-conscious mindset, particularly during high-pressure situations like job interviews, where attackers exploit distraction and vulnerability.
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
CVE-2024-3400 Cyber Cybersecurity Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS firewall Remote Code Execution Threat actors Volexity Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Zero-Day Exploitation of Palo Alto Networks Firewall Allows Backdoor Installation

 

Suspected state-sponsored hackers have exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks firewalls, identified as CVE-2024-3400, since March 26. These hackers have utilized the compromised devices to breach internal networks, pilfer data, and hijack credentials.

Palo Alto Networks issued a warning on the active exploitation of an unauthenticated remote code execution flaw in its PAN-OS firewall software. Patch updates are slated for release on April 14. Given the ongoing exploitation, Palo Alto Networks opted to disclose the vulnerability and provide interim mitigations for customers until patches are fully deployed.

Further insights into the zero-day exploitation emerged from a subsequent report by Volexity, the entity that discovered the flaw. According to Volexity, hackers have been exploiting the vulnerability since March, employing a custom backdoor dubbed 'Upstyle' to infiltrate target networks and execute data theft. The activity, tracked under the designation UTA0218, is strongly suspected to be orchestrated by state-sponsored threat actors.

Volexity's investigation traced the zero-day exploitation to April 10, primarily targeting the GlobalProtect feature of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS. The subsequent deployment of identical exploitation methods at another customer site underscored the severity of the situation. Despite the exploitation period starting as early as March 26, payloads were not deployed until April 10.

The 'Upstyle' backdoor, facilitated by a Python script, enables remote command execution on compromised devices. The backdoor leverages a path configuration file to execute commands, allowing threat actors to operate stealthily within compromised environments.

In addition to the 'Upstyle' backdoor, Volexity observed the deployment of additional payloads, including reverse shells, PAN-OS configuration data exfiltration tools, and the Golang tunneling tool 'GOST.' In some instances, threat actors pivoted to internal networks to steal sensitive files, such as Active Directory databases and browser data from specific targets.

Volexity recommends two methods for detecting compromised Palo Alto Networks firewalls: generating Tech Support Files to analyze forensic artifacts and monitoring network activity for specific indicators of compromise.

This incident underscores the increasing targeting of network devices by threat actors, as demonstrated by previous campaigns exploiting vulnerabilities in Fortinet, SonicWall, Cisco, TP-Link, and Barracuda devices.
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Windows SmartScreen
Bypass Flaw Cybersecurity DarkGate RAT Exploited malware Malware Campaign Threat actors Windows SmartScreen

Exploitation of Windows SmartScreen Bypass Flaw Facilitates Deployment of DarkGate RAT

 


The operators behind the DarkGate malware have been taking advantage of a recently patched flaw in Windows SmartScreen through a phishing scheme. This campaign involves circulating counterfeit Microsoft software installers to spread the malicious code.

Researchers from Trend Micro, along with others, uncovered a vulnerability earlier this year, known as CVE-2024-21412, which allowed attackers to bypass security measures in Internet Shortcut Files. Microsoft addressed this issue in its February Patch Tuesday updates, but not before threat actors like Water Hydra and DarkGate seized the opportunity to exploit it. Trend Micro's Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) reported that DarkGate also utilized this flaw in a mid-January attack, enticing users with PDFs containing Google DoubleClick Digital Marketing (DDM) redirects, ultimately leading to compromised websites hosting the malware-laden installers.

According to Trend Micro researchers Peter Girnus, Aliakbar Zahravi, and Simon Zuckerbraun, the attackers manipulated Google-related domains using open redirects in conjunction with CVE-2024-21412 to circumvent Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protections, facilitating malware infections. They emphasized the effectiveness of combining fake software installers with open redirects in propagating infections.

DarkGate, described as a remote-access Trojan (RAT), has been advertised on Russian-language cybercrime forums since at least 2018 and is considered one of the most sophisticated and active malware strains. It offers various functionalities, including process injection, information theft, shell command execution, and keylogging, while employing multiple evasion techniques.

The DarkGate campaign observed by Trend Micro leverages Google Open Redirects, exploiting a previously patched SmartScreen vulnerability, CVE-2023-36025, affecting all supported Windows versions. By utilizing open redirects in Google DDM technologies, threat actors can execute malicious code when combined with security bypasses.

To defend against DarkGate's exploitation of CVE-2024-21412, Windows system administrators are advised to apply Microsoft's patch promptly. Additionally, organizations should prioritize employee training to raise awareness about the risks of installing software from untrusted sources. Continuous monitoring of the cyber environment, including identifying vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, is crucial for effective cybersecurity defense.

In conclusion, proactive measures are necessary for both businesses and individuals to safeguard their systems against evolving threats like DarkGate and similar malware campaigns.
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Vulnerability management
China Cyber Security Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Dutch intelligence espionage FortiGate devices Malware Detection RAT Threat actors Vulnerability management

China Caught Deploying Remote Access Trojan Tailored for FortiGate Devices

 

The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) of the Netherlands has issued a warning regarding the discovery of a new strain of malware believed to be orchestrated by the Chinese government. Named "Coathanger," this persistent and highly elusive malware has been identified as part of a broader political espionage agenda, targeting vulnerabilities in FortiGate devices.

In a recent advisory, MIVD disclosed that Coathanger was employed in espionage activities aimed at the Dutch Ministry of Defense (MOD) in 2023. Investigations into the breach revealed that the malware exploited a known flaw in FortiGate devices, specifically CVE-2022-42475.
Coathanger operates as a second-stage malware and does not exploit any novel vulnerabilities. 
Unlike some malware that relies on new, undisclosed vulnerabilities (zero-day exploits), Coathanger operates as a second-stage malware and does not exploit any novel vulnerabilities. However, the advisory emphasizes that it could potentially be used in conjunction with future vulnerabilities in FortiGate devices.

Described as stealthy and resilient, Coathanger evades detection by concealing itself through sophisticated methods, such as hooking system calls to evade detection. It possesses the capability to survive system reboots and firmware upgrades, making it particularly challenging to eradicate.

According to Dutch authorities, Coathanger is just one component of a larger-scale cyber espionage campaign orchestrated by Chinese state-sponsored threat actors. These actors target various internet-facing edge devices, including firewalls, VPN servers, and email servers.

The advisory issued by Dutch intelligence underscores the aggressive scanning tactics employed by Chinese threat actors, who actively seek out both disclosed and undisclosed vulnerabilities in edge devices. It warns of their rapid exploitation of vulnerabilities, sometimes within the same day they are made public.

Given the popularity of Fortinet devices as cyberattack targets, businesses are urged to prioritize patch management. Recent reports from Fortinet highlighted the discovery of two critical vulnerabilities in its FortiSIEM solution, emphasizing the importance of prompt patching.

To mitigate the risk posed by Coathanger and similar threats, intelligence analysts recommend conducting regular risk assessments on edge devices, restricting internet access on these devices, implementing scheduled logging analysis, and replacing any hardware that is no longer supported.
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vulnerability patch
active exploitation CISA advisory Cyber Security file transfer security Fortra GoAnywhere MFT software exploitation Threat actors vulnerability patch

Fortra's GoAnywhere MFT Software Faces Exploitation, No Evidence of Active Exploitation Detected

 

Reports on the exploitation of Fortra's GoAnywhere MFT file transfer software raised concerns due to the potential development of exploit code from a publicly released Proof of Concept (PoC). As of Thursday afternoon, there was no evidence of active exploitation.

Researchers from Shadowserver, in a post dated January 25, noted over 120 instances of exploits based on the publicly released PoC code. However, they suggested that widespread success for attackers is unlikely due to the limited exposure of admin portals (only 50) and the majority being patched.

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-0204 with a CVSSv3 score of 9.8, enables hackers to remotely create a new admin user through the software’s administration portal. This issue emerged a year after the Clop ransomware gang exploited a GoAnywhere MFT zero-day vulnerability, compromising over 130 organizations. Fortra responded by releasing a patch on January 22, urging immediate action from security teams. The company had notified customers on December 4 and released the patch on December 7.

Ashley Leonard, CEO at Syxsense, emphasized the critical nature of the CVE, stating that the vulnerability allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication and create a new admin account remotely.

Despite the lack of active exploitation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has not included the vulnerability in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. CISA defines "active exploitation" based on real-time success demonstrated by threat actors in the wild.

Ransomware groups have historically utilized file transfer software in their tactics, with examples like REvil using GoAnywhere MFT for deploying malware and exfiltrating sensitive data. Though REvil is no longer active, similar tactics persist, and groups like LockBit are known to exploit new vulnerabilities swiftly. Security experts advise organizations leveraging the software to patch immediately, considering the potential threat.

Callie Guenther, senior manager of cyber threat research at Critical Start, highlighted the relative ease of exploiting the Fortra GoAnywhere MFT vulnerability, described as a "1998 style" path traversal flaw. With the PoC available and the simplicity of exploitation, there are concerns that threat actors might start scanning for vulnerable instances of GoAnywhere MFT to exploit the flaw. While it's uncertain if CISA will include this flaw in the KEV catalog, they have previously issued advisories for similar vulnerabilities and added a remote code injection issue in Fortra's GoAnywhere MFT (CVE-2023-0669) to the catalog.
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