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Date: 05/09/2023
A new ransomware group called Cactus has been observed targeting known vulnerabilities in Fortinet VPN appliances to gain a foothold in target environments and pivot using VPN service accounts. Additionally, Cactus ransomware can potentially evade monitoring and prevention tools by encrypting itself, making it critical that organizations recognize and respond to early indicators of compromise.
Potential impact includes data exposure or exfiltration and encryption of files across the network. Prior to encryption, environmental impact indicators include network scanning tools, PowerShell commands to enumerate network information, remote access tools like AnyDesk, and batch scripts to disable antivirus processes.
Ensure Internet-facing systems and network devices are patched and scanned for vulnerabilities. It is also critical that all systems are protected by Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) software with 24/7/365 monitoring. Organizations should also have a handle on baseline application usage for easier anomaly detection as some tools deployed by attackers are legitimate and not flagged by antivirus software.
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The North Korean-linked hacking group Kimsuky recently launched a reconnaissance tool called ReconShark. The group targets government entities, think tanks, research universities, and IT firms worldwide using spear-phishing emails, OneDrive links, and malicious macros. ReconShark can steal sensitive data, including system information, connected batteries, and endpoint threat detection mechanisms. It also abuses Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and can detect endpoint security software, making it harder to detect. Kimsuky has equipped ReconShark with additional capabilities to evade defenses and exploit vulnerabilities in platforms.
Potential Impact
Kimsuky’s campaign using ReconShark can result in a significant data breach of sensitive data, leading to financial and reputational damage to companies. The malware can evade endpoint security software, making it harder to detect and protect against. If successful, the attack can also lead to the theft of credentials and unauthorized fund transfers.
Companies should take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of such attacks by implementing security measures like multi-factor authentication, email security solutions, and endpoint protection. Educating employees on the importance of security protocols, including not clicking on unknown links and suspicious emails, is crucial.
Furthermore, companies should monitor their systems for suspicious activity and ensure they are updated with the latest security patches.
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/kimsuky-enhances-its-babyshark-recon-tool-in-a-global-campaign-01e6faca
Ukraine’s CERT-UA has issued an alert warning of an ongoing phishing campaign that distributes the SmokeLoader malware as a polyglot file. Threat actors are using emails sent from compromised accounts with the subject “bill/payment” with an attachment in the form of a ZIP archive. The JavaScript used in the attack deploys a PowerShell to download and execute an executable to launch the SmokeLoader malware.
SmokeLoader acts as a loader for other malware; Once it is executed, it will inject malicious code into the currently running explorer process and downloads another payload to the system. The financially motivated threat actor UAC-0006, active since 2013, is attributed to this campaign, focusing on compromising accountants’ PCs, stealing credentials, and making unauthorized fund transfers.
The phishing campaign distributing the SmokeLoader malware can compromise a company’s financial activities, such as access to remote banking systems, by stealing credentials and making unauthorized fund transfers. Companies that use compromised VPN credentials risk being targeted by threat actors such as the Russia-linked Sandworm APT group. The impact on businesses includes loss of data, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Companies should take preventive measures, such as training employees to recognize phishing emails and avoid opening attachments from unknown sources. They should also implement security solutions such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to detect and block malicious traffic. In addition, companies should regularly update their software and apply security patches to minimize system vulnerabilities. Finally, companies should monitor their networks for any unusual activity and have a response plan in place in case of a security breach.
Sources
https://securityaffairs.com/145911/malware/cert-ua-smokeloader-campaign.html?web_view=true
https://securityaffairs.com/138251/malware/smokeloader-delivers-laplas-clipper.html
The plugin, “Advanced Custom Fields,” for WordPress is affected by a new reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that could potentially be exploited to inject code into websites. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2023-30777. There are about 2 million active installations of this plugin.
The vulnerability allows malicious code to be executed in an end user’s browser after visiting a crafted link distributed by attackers or the affected site.
All users of Advanced Custom Fields should upgrade to version 6.1.6 or later as soon as possible. It is recommended that administrators establish processes for monitoring WordPress plugin vulnerabilities and addressing them efficiently.
Sources
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/wordpress-custom-field-plugin-bug-exposes-over-1m-sites-to-xss-attacks/
https://thehackernews.com/2023/05/new-vulnerability-in-popular-wordpress.html
On May 3, Meta published a blog post describing recent efforts to combat malware and introduced some new controls available for business users. These include enhanced visibility and control over business administrator accounts, “increased protection for sensitive account actions”, and the introduction of “Meta Work accounts”, which will allow users to administer Meta Business Manager without having a personal account.
These measures will help businesses keep their Meta accounts and account data secure.
Recovering from a social media account compromise can be costly. Take this as a reminder to review the security measures offered by all of the social media platforms used by your company and update controls and settings accordingly. Read the article below, and utilize any settings relevant to your business.
Sources
https://about.fb.com/news/2023/05/how-meta-protects-businesses-from-malware/
https://www.wired.com/story/meta-attacker-tactics-business-tool/
The Straits Times reported on May 7 that a woman in Singapore scanned a QR code at a bubble tea shop inviting her to take a survey. The survey was a scam that tricked the woman into installing an app on her phone, resulting in attackers stealing $20,000 from her bank account.
Singaporean police told the Straits Times that 113 people had been victimized by similar scams, with the reported losses by victims totaling more than $445,000.
A malicious app can lead to devastating consequences for individuals and corporations if it provides attackers access to the right pieces of sensitive information. The impact of this type of scam will grow over time. One only needs a little imagination to envision how much more of our sensitive data will be housed in smartphones in the coming years.
Exercise caution whenever adding apps to your mobile device, and install apps sparingly. Be cautious of scanning QR codes in public and always check if the website you are redirected to looks legitimate.
Sources
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For non-strategic clients, please reach out to your Advisor for further discussion.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
