Threat Detection Update 03-September-2024 | Stamus Networks (2024)

The Week in Review from Stamus Labs

Welcome to the weekly threat detection update report from Stamus Networks. Each week, you will receive this email with a summary of the updates.

Current Stamus Threat Intelligence (STI) release version: 1138

This week, in addition to daily ruleset and IOC updates, we provided Stamus Security Platform customers with the following improved defense(s):

• New threat detection(s) added [1]: 4 (Qwerty Stealer, Cheana Stealer, Ngate, Moonpeak RAT)
• Major changes to detections(s) [2]: 456
• Updated threat detection(s) [3]: 506

Note: a "method" as referenced below, is a discrete detection vector for a given threat.

The following detections were added to your Stamus Security Platform (SSP) this past week:

Qwerty Stealer (Data Theft)

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of a recent malware identified as QWERTY Info Stealer, which was hosted on the domain mailservicess[.]com with a Linux-based VPS server, demonstrates sophisticated anti-debugging techniques and data exfiltration methods. Initial investigation reveals that it employs multiple anti-debugging strategies, by checking for a debugger presence using Windows API functions, engages in extensive data collection, downloads additional payloads to perform file indexing / exfiltration, and sends data to a Command and Control (C2) server via HTTP POST requests. Cyfirma

• Total number of detection methods: 6
• Kill chain phase(s): command and control, actions on objectives

Cheana Stealer (Data Theft)

CRIL has identified a phishing website aimed at individuals downloading VPN applications for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The TA has created separate stealer binaries for each operating system, using a deceptive site that mimics the legitimate “WarpVPN” service. This phishing site offers detailed installation instructions specific to each platform. Once installed, the stealer extracts various sensitive data from the victim’s machine. It targets cryptocurrency-related browser extensions, standalone crypto wallets, stored browser passwords, browser login data, cookies, SSH keys, macOS passwords, and Keychain. The below image shows the phishing website. Cyble

• Total number of detection methods: 8
• Kill chain phase(s): command and control, actions on objectives

Ngate (Data Theft)

ESET researchers uncovered a crimeware campaign that targeted clients of three Czech banks. The malware used, which we have named NGate, has the unique ability to relay data from victims’ payment cards, via a malicious app installed on their Android devices, to the attacker’s rooted Android phone. Eset

• Total number of detection methods: 24
• Kill chain phase(s): command and control

Moonpeak RAT (RAT)

Cisco Talos has uncovered a new remote access trojan (RAT) family we are calling “MoonPeak.” This a XenoRAT-based malware, which is under active development by a North Korean nexus cluster we are calling “UAT-5394.” Our analysis of infrastructure used in the campaign reveals additional links to the UAT-5394 infrastructure and new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of the threat actor.

In a recent report, AhnLab disclosed a spear-phishing campaign employing the use of an early variant of XenoRAT, an open-source RAT family, which evolved into what we track as “MoonPeak.”

This cluster of activity has some overlaps in TTPs and infrastructure patterns with the North Korean state-sponsored group “Kimsuky,” however, we do not have substantial technical evidence to link this campaign with the APT. Cisco

• Total number of detection methods: 12
• Kill chain phase(s): command and control

The following detections were updated this past week with changes to kill chain phase(s) or MITRE ATT&CK tactic(s)/technique(s):

APT35 (APT)

Magic Hound is an Iranian-sponsored threat group that conducts long term, resource-intensive cyber espionage operations, likely on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They have targeted U.S. and Middle Eastern government and military personnel, academics, journalists, and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), via complex social engineering campaigns since at least 2014. MITRE

• Added kill chain phase(s): delivery
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1566
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1041, T1071, T1587, T1566, T1583
• Methods added: 183

Android Trojan Agent (Trojan)

Malware of this family uses advertising as its main monetization method. The malware uses different methods to display as many ads as possible to the user, including by installing new adware.

These Trojans can get root privileges in order to hide in the system folder, which makes the Trojans very difficult to remove. Kaspersky

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): delivery, command and control, actions on objectives
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1041
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1041
• Methods added: 1

Botnet Generic (Botnet)

A botnet is a number of Internet-connected devices, each of which is running one or more bots. Botnets can be used to perform Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, steal data, send spam, and allows the attacker to access the device and its connection. The owner can control the botnet using command and control (C&C) software. The word "botnet" is a portmanteau of the words "robot" and "network". The term is usually used with a negative or malicious connotation.

Wikipedia

• Added kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery, actions on objectives
• Methods added: 2

ClearFake (Exploit Kit)

There are several malicious fake updates campaigns being run across thousands of compromised websites. This campaign appears to have started around July 19th, 2023. Based on a search on PublicWWW of the injection base64 there are at least 434 infected sites. The name is a reference to the majority of the Javascript being used without obfuscation. One noticeable difference from SocGholish is that there appears to be no tracking of visits by IP or cookies. As an analyst you can you go back to the compromised site over and over coming from the same IP and not clearing your browser cache. This also means the site owner is more likely to see the infection as well. When a user visits a compromised website with ClearFake, the page initially loads as normal before the whole page is taken over by a call to action to update Chrome.

On the index page of the compromised site there is a Javascript injection. The Javascript is base64 encoded. Presumably this is a dynamic injection and will change over time to reflect the new host for the initial payload. On the index page of the compromised site there is a Javascript injection. The Javascript is base64 encoded. Presumably this is a dynamic injection and will change over time to reflect the new host for the initial payload. The second web call returns a Javascript that creates an iframe to house the fake update UI. The iframe src is set to a Keitaro endpoint. The response from the Keitaro endpoint is the foundation for the HTML to be rendered within the iframe.

ClearFake Malware Analysis

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, exploitation
• Methods added: 3

Fake Browser (Trojan)

Attackers are utilizing hacked web sites that promote fake browser updates to infect targets with banking trojans. In some cases, post exploitation toolkits are later executed to encrypt the compromised network with ransomware.

Between May and September 2019, FireEye has conducted multiple incident response cases where enterprise customers were infected with malware through fake browser updates.

Hacked sites would display these "fakeupdates" through JavaScript alerts that state the user is using an old version of a web browser and that they should download an offered "update" to keep the browser running "smoothly and securely".

bleepingcomputer

• Added kill chain phase(s): exploitation
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): delivery, exploitation, command and control
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1189
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1189
• Methods added: 18

Fake Service (Phishing)

Phishing is a type of online scam that targets consumers by sending them an e-mail that appears to be from a well-known source – an internet service provider, a bank, or a mortgage company, for example. It asks the consumer to provide personal identifying information. Then a scammer uses the information to open new accounts, or invade the consumer’s existing accounts. There are several tips that consumers can follow to avoid phishing scams, such as not responding to e-mails or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information.

FTC

• Added kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, delivery, command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, installation, delivery, actions on objectives
• Methods added: 4

Gamaredon (APT)

Gamaredon Group is a threat group that has been active since at least 2013 and has targeted individuals likely involved in the Ukrainian government. The name Gamaredon Group comes from a misspelling of the word "Armageddon", which was detected in the adversary's early campaigns. MITRE

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, command and control, delivery
• Methods added: 4

Generic Loader (Loader)

Loaders, for the most part, have one job: grab malicious executables or payloads from an attacker-controlled server. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t more happening under the hood of some, such as a user-friendly UI, self-healing capabilities, or the equivalent of a retail shop where a botmaster can sell his bots to potential clients.

Loaders are essentially basic remote access Trojans that give an attacker the ability to remotely interact with and control a compromised computer, or bot. While traditionally lightweight (smaller than 50 KB in size) in order to bypass detection by antivirus and other security monitoring technology, loaders evolve, and their viability to cybercriminals remains.

Flashpoint

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery, actions on objectives
• Methods added: 12

Keitaro (Phishing)

Cyber ​​criminals violated the law TDS (Traffic Direction System) platform Keitaro and used it to redirect them users in exploit kits RIG and Fallout in order to infect them with malicious software.

TDS platforms are designed for redirection of users in particular sites. Legitimate TDS platforms, such as Keitaro, are mainly used by individuals and companies that want to advertise services or their products. Platforms drive users to the pages that companies want, targeting specific customers and promoting an ad campaign. techbizweb

• Added kill chain phase(s): exploitation
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): exploitation, delivery, command and control
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1189
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1189, T1587, T1071
• Methods added: 1

LandUpdate808 (Trojan)

There are a handful of fake update variants. The most popular is SocGholish. We’ve often observed some of the other fake update variants referred to as SocGholish, but we try to make the distinction. Some of the other variants include Clear Fake, and Smart Ape. There’s also a new variant that is being referenced as ClickFix. This collaboration between Casey Kuwada, April Bucaneg, and Aaron Samala introduces the LandUpdate808 Fake Update Variant that we’ve been tracking. Malasada

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): delivery, command and control
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1189
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1189
• Methods added: 3

Lumma (Data Theft)

Lumma is an information stealer written in C, sold as a Malware-as-a-Service by LummaC on Russian-speaking underground forums and Telegram since at least August 2022. Lumma's capabilities are those of a classic stealer, with a focus on cryptocurrency wallets, and file grabber capabilities. Malpedia

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, command and control, installation
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1071
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1005, T1071, T1573
• Methods added: 96

NetSupport RAT (RAT)

Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC. Remote Access Trojans often mimic similar behaviors of keylogger applications by allowing the automated collection of keystrokes, usernames, passwords, screenshots, browser history, emails, chat lots, etc. Remote Access Trojans differ from keyloggers in that they provide the capability for an attacker to gain unauthorized remote access to the victim machine via specially configured communication protocols which are set up upon initial infection of the victim computer. This backdoor into the victim machine can allow an attacker unfettered access, including the ability to monitor user behavior, change computer settings, browse and copy files, utilize the bandwidth (Internet connection) for possible criminal activity, access connected systems, and more. Malwarebytes

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, command and control, exploitation, installation
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1105
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1587, T1105
• Methods added: 3

OilRig (APT)

OilRig is a suspected Iranian threat group that has targeted Middle Eastern and international victims since at least 2014. The group has targeted a variety of industries, including financial, government, energy, chemical, and telecommunications, and has largely focused its operations within the Middle East. It appears the group carries out supply chain attacks, leveraging the trust relationship between organizations to attack their primary targets. FireEye assesses that the group works on behalf of the Iranian government based on infrastructure details that contain references to Iran, use of Iranian infrastructure, and targeting that aligns with nation-state interests.This group was previously tracked under two distinct groups, APT34 and OilRig, but was combined due to additional reporting giving higher confidence about the overlap of the activity. MITRE

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, actions on objectives, delivery
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1041
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1587, T1041
• Methods added: 8

Parrot TDS (Trojan)

Parrot TDS acts as a gateway for further malicious campaigns to reach potential victims. In this particular case, the infected sites’ appearances are altered by a campaign called FakeUpdate (also known as SocGholish), which uses JavaScript to display fake notices for users to update their browser, offering an update file for download. The file observed being delivered to victims is a remote access tool. Avast

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1189
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1189
• Methods added: 3

RAT Generic (RAT)

Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC. Remote Access Trojans often mimic similar behaviors of keylogger applications by allowing the automated collection of keystrokes, usernames, passwords, screenshots, browser history, emails, chat lots, etc. Remote Access Trojans differ from keyloggers in that they provide the capability for an attacker to gain unauthorized remote access to the victim machine via specially configured communication protocols which are set up upon initial infection of the victim computer. This backdoor into the victim machine can allow an attacker unfettered access, including the ability to monitor user behavior, change computer settings, browse and copy files, utilize the bandwidth (Internet connection) for possible criminal activity, access connected systems, and more. Malwarebytes

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): installation, command and control, actions on objectives, delivery
• Methods added: 1

SocGholish (Social Engineering)

It leverages compromised websites and performs some of the most creative fingerprinting checks we’ve seen, before delivering its payload (NetSupport RAT). Malwarebytes

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, exploitation, delivery, reconnaissance, actions on objectives
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1189
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1027, T1189, T1587
• Methods added: 3

Stealer and Exfiltration (Data Theft)

The term info stealer is self-explanatory. This type of malware resides in an infected computer and gathers data in order to send it to the attacker. Typical targets are credentials used in online banking services, social media sites, emails, or FTP accounts.

Info stealers may use many methods of data acquisition. The most common are:

hooking browsers (and sometimes other applications) and stealing credentials that are typed by the user using web injection scripts that are adding extra fields to web forms and submitting information from them to a server owned by the attacker form grabbing (finding specific opened windows and stealing their content) keylogging stealing passwords saved in the system and cookies Modern info stealers are usually parts of botnets. Sometimes the target of attack and related events are configured remotely by the command sent from the Command and Control server (C&C). Malwarebytes

• Added kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): actions on objectives, command and control, installation, delivery, exploitation
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1071
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1005, T1041, T1486, T1587, T1496, T1071
• Methods added: 1

SystemBC (RAT)

A commodity malware backdoor, SystemBC has evolved into a Tor proxy and remote control tool favored by actors behind the latest high-profile ransomware campaigns. Sophos

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, installation
• Methods added: 1

TA4903 (APT)

An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a stealthy computer network threat actor, typically a nation state or state-sponsored group, which gains unauthorized access to a computer network and remains undetected for an extended period. In recent times, the term may also refer to non-state sponsored groups conducting large-scale targeted intrusions for specific goals.

Such threat actors' motivations are typically political or economic. To date, every major business sector has recorded instances of attacks by advanced actors with specific goals seeking to steal, spy or disrupt. These include government, defense, financial services, legal services, industrial, telecoms, consumer goods, and many more. Some groups utilize traditional espionage vectors, including social engineering, human intelligence and infiltration to gain access to a physical location to enable network attacks. The purpose of these attacks is to place custom malicious code on one or multiple computers for specific tasks.

Source: Wikipedia

• Added kill chain phase(s): delivery
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): delivery
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1566
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1566
• Methods added: 74

TA582 (APT)

An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a stealthy computer network threat actor, typically a nation state or state-sponsored group, which gains unauthorized access to a computer network and remains undetected for an extended period. In recent times, the term may also refer to non-state sponsored groups conducting large-scale targeted intrusions for specific goals.

Such threat actors' motivations are typically political or economic. To date, every major business sector has recorded instances of attacks by advanced actors with specific goals seeking to steal, spy or disrupt. These include government, defense, financial services, legal services, industrial, telecoms, consumer goods, and many more. Some groups utilize traditional espionage vectors, including social engineering, human intelligence and infiltration to gain access to a physical location to enable network attacks. The purpose of these attacks is to place custom malicious code on one or multiple computers for specific tasks.

Source: Wikipedia

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Methods added: 12

Trojan Agent (Trojan)

Again, the generic nature of this detection means that the Payloads performed by this group of trojans may be highly variable, and therefore difficult to describe specifically. This group of trojans has been observed to perform any, or all, of the following actions:
redirect Web traffic
- manipulate certain Windows or third-party applications including settings or configurations
- drop or install additional malicious programs
- download and run additional malicious programs
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
Microsoft

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, actions on objectives, delivery, installation
• Methods added: 2

Trojan Downloader (Downloader)

A Trojan downloader is a type of Trojan horse that downloads and installs files, often malicious programs. A Trojan horse is a type of software that looks legitimate but can be malicious in nature. Sometimes these programs can be downloaded onto a device without the user’s knowledge or consent. A Trojan’s purpose is to damage, disrupt, steal, or generally inflict some other harm on your computer and devices. Norton

• Added kill chain phase(s): delivery
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery, actions on objectives, installation
• Methods added: 1

XWorm (RAT)

During a routine threat-hunting exercise, Cyble research labs discovered a dark web post where a malware developer was advertising a powerful Windows RAT. Cyble

• Added kill chain phase(s): command and control
• Previously supported kill chain phase(s): command and control, delivery
• MITRE ATT&CK added: T1573
• Previously existing MITRE ATT&CK: T1573
• Methods added: 20

The following threat detection(s) were improved this past week with new or updated threat methods.

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