Date: 5/09/2022
An investigation of an email with a password-protected Excel file attached to it revealed Remcos RAT 3.x activity remarkably similar to an infection chain reported by Fortinet last month. This diary reviews a Remcos RAT infection in Brad Duncan’s lab on Wednesday 2022-05-04.
Remcos RAT (Remote Access Trojan) was designed as a professional tool to remotely control computers. Remcos RAT is recognized as a malware family because it has been abused by hackers to secretly control victims’ devices since its first version was published on July 21, 2016. Remcos RAT is commercial software that is sold online.
Affected platforms: Microsoft Windows
Impacted parties: Microsoft Windows Users
Impact: Controls victim’s device and collects sensitive information
Severity level: Critical
Consult with your equipment or support vendor regarding your tools for Web Filtering, Antivirus, Email Security, Remote Access or VPN clients, and Endpoint Detection and Response. These tools should note the following:
Lastly, we suggest that organizations also have their end users go through Information Security Awareness Training designed to help end users learn how to identify and protect themselves from various types of phishing attacks.
Sources
https://www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/latest-remcos-rat-phishing
https://isc.sans.edu/diary/rss/28616
Author: Brad Duncan
Researchers from Armis discovered critical vulnerabilities across enterprise grade routers and switches from HPE unit Aruba Networks and Extreme Networks’ Avaya unit that could impact millions of devices.
Called TLStorm 2.0, these vulnerabilities, if exploited, are considered so serious they could allow a threat actor to gain remote code execution over potentially millions of devices, according to a blog post from Armis published Tuesday.
The disclosures stem from the March discovery of similar vulnerabilities, called TLStorm, in APC Smart-UPS devices. Those critical vulnerabilities allow an attacker to take control of Smart-UPS devices and literally cause them to overload and go up in smoke.
The root cause of the vulnerability is the misuse of NanoSSL, a popular TLS library from Mocana, according to Armis researchers. Aruba and Avaya have switches vulnerable to remote code execution, which could allow an attacker to gain a dangerous level of access to affected devices.
An attacker could move laterally to other devices by changing the switch behavior as well as exfiltrate data from the internal network.
Researchers collaborated with both companies and there is no evidence of any current attacks in the wild actually taking place.
HPE is aware of the vulnerability and is working on a firmware update to address it, according to a spokesperson. The vulnerability impacts a limited number of switch models and firmware versions, and the company is not aware of any exploitation involving Aruba customers. “In the interim, we are advising customers using affected products to implement firewall controls to protect themselves,” according to HPE
Extreme Networks has shared the following information for customers to implement firmware upgrades: https://extremeportal.force.com/ExtrArticleDetail?an=000104247
Sources
Cybersecurity Div
Extreme Networks
Armis Research
Cyber actors from Russia, Belarus and China are using a variety of email-based attack methods to steal credentials and gain access to organizations in Ukraine, Lithuania, Central Asia, countries in the Baltics and even Russia itself.
“APT28 or Fancy Bear, a threat actor attributed to Russia GRU, was observed targeting users in Ukraine with a new variant of malware,” TAG’s Billy Leonard wrote.
“The malware, distributed via email attachments inside of password protected zip files (ua_report.zip), is a .Net executable that when executed steals cookies and saved passwords from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. The data is then exfiltrated via email to a compromised email account.”
“APT28 or Fancy Bear, a threat actor attributed to Russia GRU, was observed targeting users in Ukraine with a new variant of malware,” TAG’s Billy Leonard wrote.
“The malware, distributed via email attachments inside of password protected zip files (ua_report.zip), is a .Net executable that when executed steals cookies and saved passwords from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. The data is then exfiltrated via email to a compromised email account.”
Other Russian groups – including the FSB’s Turla and another Russian-based threat actor named COLDRIVER – were implicated in several attacks targeting defense and cybersecurity organizations in the Baltics as well as government and defense officials, politicians, NGOs and think tanks, and journalists.
COLDRIVER was previously accused by Google of targeting several U.S.-based NGOs, think tanks, the military of a Balkans country and a Ukrainian defense contractor with credential phishing campaigns. It also went after the military of multiple Eastern European countries and a NATO Centre of Excellence, which trains and educates military leaders and specialists.
Turla used unique links in emails that took victims to DOCX files hosted on attacker-controlled infrastructure while COLDRIVER used Gmail accounts to send credential phishing emails.
Good encourages anyone to enable Google Account Level Enhanced Safe Browsing and ensure that all devices are updated. Google will continue to take action, identify bad actors and share relevant information with others across industry and governments, with the goal of bringing awareness to these issues, protecting users and preventing future attacks. While we are actively monitoring activity related to Ukraine and Russia, we continue to be just as vigilant in relation to other threat actors globally, to ensure that they do not take advantage of everyone’s focus on this region
Sources
The Record by Recorded Future
Google Threat Analysis Group (TAG)
Last Wednesday, May 4th 2022, Kaspersky researcher Denis Legezo published a security blog detailing a new malware anti-detection technique being employed in the wild. This involves hiding late-stage Trojan activity inside of Windows Event Logs. Not only is this an effective tactic for malware to remain “fileless” but it also is a highly successful approach to hide from modern day detection tools. Along with this the late-stage dropper modules have been observed to patch native Windows API functions to make the infection process even stealthier. Primarily these trojans have been observed to download a digitally signed Cobalt Strike module – the digital signature is a “Fast Invest” certificate. The SilentBreak toolset has also been observed using these trojans.
Additional anti-detection techniques are being utilized along with the novel Windows Event Log approach, these include MSVC, GCC, and Go compilers, whitelisted launches, digital certificates, and API related activities.
Increasingly complex anti-detection techniques are being developed at an ever-increasing rate. As malware becomes more sophisticated the potential impact increases rapidly. Malware such as this Trojan pose a potential for successful late-stage attacks by adversaries and organizations must be aware of its presence.
Organizations should continue to pursue security base practices to secure their infrastructure. Updated security controls like endpoint detection and response are paramount to detect potential malicious code. Security-minded approaches like defense-in-depth are also paramount for layering protection methods.
Specifically looking at this Trojan organizations can put in EDR rules to scan for ThrowbackDLL.dll and drxDLL.dll (possibly original Trojan names), as well as monolithDLL.dll and SlingshotDLL.dll (additionally possible named pipes-based Trojan names).
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2022/05/this-new-fileless-malware-hides.html?m=1
https://threatpost.com/attackers-use-event-logs-to-hide-fileless-malware/179484/
https://securelist.com/a-new-secret-stash-for-fileless-malware/106393/
https://www.securityweek.com/kaspersky-warns-fileless-malware-hidden-windows-event-logs
Malicious actors are attempting to exploit a critical remote code execution vulnerability tracked as CVE-2022-1388 affecting F5 BIG-IP networking devices and modules. This vulnerability is trivial to exploit.
Successful exploitation could lead to unauthenticated remote execution allowing malicious actors to take over BIG-IP devices and execute system commands, create and delete files, or disable services.
F5 has released a fix for CVE-2022-1388 and administrators are urged to update BIG-IP installations as soon as possible. Furthermore, administrated can implement the following mitigations to protect vulnerable devices:
Sources
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/05/09/cve-2022-1388-poc-exploitation/
https://portswigger.net/daily-swig/big-ip-proof-of-concept-released-for-rce-vulnerability-in-f5-network-management-tool
The anti-rootkit kernel driver released in 2016 is associated with vulnerabilities CVE-2022-26522 and CVE-2022-26523 affects Avast and AVG antivirus software; the vulnerabilities that were disclosed during December of last year, and the patch two months later, affect the driver named asWarPot.sys. Yet, the new AvosLocker ransomware variant has recently been observed exploiting this flaw.
This is possible because the attackers disable the antivirus software to evade detection, which allows them to manipulate the operating system. Privilege escalation from running code in the kernel as a non-administrative user can lead to the blue screen of death error. In addition, these vulnerabilities can be leveraged in part to conduct a browser attack or sandbox escape.
As always, it is important to keep your software up to date and to remain informed on the latest trends in cybersecurity, particularly the information that involves the software your company utilizes.
Sources
Researchers Disclose Years-Old Vulnerabilities in Avast and AVG Antivirus (thehackernews.com)
AvosLocker Ransomware Variant Using New Trick to Disable Antivirus Protection (thehackernews.com)
For strategic clients, your vCISO will add this to your next Office Hours for further discussion. However, if you have an immediate need, concern, or question, please reach out to them directly.
For non-strategic clients, please reach out to your Advisor for further discussion.
Offerings
Industries
Compliance
Copyright © 2023 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
800-403-8350Copyright © 2022 GreyCastle Security. All Rights Reserved
Ho Chin is Chief Financial Officer at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Ho leads Finance, HR, IT and Professional Development. As part of the executive leadership team, Ho works to establish the company’s overall strategy and ensure proper execution of the supporting initiatives pertaining to the above areas of responsibility.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Michael Stamas is an entrepreneur, board member, Vice President and a founder of GreyCastle Security. With more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mike pairs his management and business development skills with a deep understanding of cybersecurity. Mike brings a unique brand of risk-based advising to GreyCastle clients and prospects.
Mike holds certifications in numerous security and technology related areas, including the Department of Homeland Security and other security technologies like Symantec, Cisco and Microsoft.
Mike plays an active role in his community and serves as a board member and Vice President of InfraGard Albany as well as an advisory board position with the Capital Region YMCA.
Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
Dan Kalil is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Chairman at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Dan provides vision, leadership and strategies that drive GreyCastle Security’s position as an industry leader. With an emphasis on customer success, Dan’s profitable growth model leverages a customer-centric business approach that balances employee wellbeing and social responsibility.
Prior to becoming CEO, Dan served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, during which he supported multiple acquisitions and helped the organization achieve substantial sales growth. In addition to serving as CEO at GreyCastle Security, Dan continues to hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Assured information Security (AIS) in Rome, New York, a company he co-founded in 2001.
Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Utica College in Utica, New York.
Dan Maynard serves as GreyCastle Security’s Chief Operating Officer, where he currently leads Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Dan has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industry, during which time he has held various leadership positions for organizations such as Rochester Tel/RCI, Citizens Communications (Frontier), PAETEC Communications, IntegraOptics, tw telecom/Level3 and Centurylink.
In addition to various voice and data technology platforms, he possesses a strong background in leadership development, sales and marketing leadership, transformational leadership and strategic planning. Dan has a thirst for knowledge and as a committed lifelong learner, he encourages and supports professional development initiatives for his teams and continues his involvement with Vistage International.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
When not at work, Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, attending Utica Comets hockey games and relaxing in the Adirondacks on beautiful Canada Lake with family and friends.
Dan Didier is the Vice President of Solutions and board member at GreyCastle Security.
Dan has been a cybersecurity practitioner for more than 20 years and uses his knowledge and experience to develop cybersecurity solutions that ensure readiness and preparedness.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
Our Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) have responded to hundreds of breaches, intrusions, malware infections, thefts, employee investigations, fraud cases and other incidents. Our highly-certified experts have extensive experience in command, coordination and correction of incidents in nearly every industry throughout North America, from local businesses to Fortune 500 international conglomerates.
800-403-8350Francesca LoPorto-Brandow is Director of Culture at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Francesca leads all social responsibility efforts and partnerships and develops effective strategies that promote organizational-wide behaviors and attitudes consistent with a culture of safety, inclusion, teamwork, motivation and high-performance.
Prior to this role, Francesca was Director of People & Culture at GreyCastle and with her leadership, the company’s culture has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Nationally recognized Best Workplace, Albany Business Review Best Places to Work and Albany Times Union Top Workplaces.
Before joining GreyCastle Security, Francesca worked as an OD consultant and focused on strategic culture change at The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. for more than six years. There, she facilitated client education sessions, coached leaders and teams, developed and executed consulting interventions and served as strategy project leader on various client engagements. Her work has taken her into Fortune 100 companies and across borders including Panama, Singapore and beyond.
Francesca is a Lean Six Sigma–certified Green Belt, a proud YWCA-GCR board member and in 2013, she coordinated and emceed the inaugural TEDx Troy—a livestream of TEDCity 2.0. Since 2012, she has coordinated and emceed the Troy 100 Forum, a biannual forum for government, religious and community leaders to discuss issues vital to the future of Troy, New York.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Technology from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology. She was awarded Cybersecurity Recruiter of the year North America in 2017 by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Jamie has held leadership positions with Annese and Associates, ConvergeOne and BlueSky IT Partners with a focus on delivering cost effective information technology solutions for companies across multiple verticals.
Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
