Notorious ransomware group BianLian has claimed to have added two new organizations as its latest cyberattack victims. The BianLian ransomware attack was allegedly carried out on two US-based firms, namely, Better Business Bureau Inc and U.S. Dermatology Partners. The infamous actor has claimed to have accessed sensitive data including financial, contract, and employee profiles from both its victims.

BianLian Ransomware Attack: Critical Details  

The first organization targeted by hackers was Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1912 in Arlington, Virginia. The firm maintains a massive database of accredited and non-accredited businesses, providing ratings based on several factors. The Better Business Bureau has a revenue of $430.6 Million. [caption id="attachment_79001" align="alignnone" width="1259"] Source: X[/caption] The threat actor claims to have accessed 1.2 TB of organization data, including accounting, budget, and financial data; contract data and NDAs; files from the CFO's computer; operational and business files; and email and PST archives. The group has also disclosed sensitive information such as the names, personal email addresses, and phone numbers of BBB’s CEO, vice president, chief accreditation officer, and chief activation officer. The other organization that has allegedly fallen victim to the ransomware group is US Dermatology Partners. The organization, with a revenue of $213.7 Million, is one of the premier dermatology practitioners in the USA, caring for over two million patients annually. [caption id="attachment_79002" align="alignnone" width="1259"] Source: X[/caption] The hackers claimed to have accessed 300 GB of organization data, including personal data, accounting and budget information, financial data, contract data and NDAs, and employee profiles.

Potential Impact of BianLian Ransomware Attack

If proven, the potential consequences of this ransomware attack could be critical as the accounting and financial details of both these firms could be leaked. The organizations should take appropriate measures to protect the privacy and security of the stakeholders involved. Financial data breaches can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and a loss of trust among clients, potentially jeopardizing the company’s standing in the industry. Currently, details regarding the extent of the BianLian ransomware attack, data compromise, and the motive behind the cyber assault remain undisclosed. Despite the claims made by BianLian, the official websites of the targeted companies remain fully functional. This discrepancy has raised doubts about the authenticity of the BianLian group’s assertion. To ascertain the veracity of the claims, The Cyber Express has reached out to the officials of the affected organizations. As of the writing of this news report, no response has been received, leaving the ransomware attack claim unverified.

History of BianLian Ransomware Group Attacks

BianLian, a ransomware group, has been targeting critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S. and Australia since June 2022. They exploit RDP credentials, use open-source tools for discovery, and extort data via FTP or Rclone. FBI, CISA, and ACSC advise implementing mitigation strategies to prevent ransomware attacks. Initially employing a double-extortion model, they shifted to exfiltration-based extortion by 2023. According to a report by  BlackBerry, BianLian ransomware showcases exceptional encryption speed and is coded in the Go programming language (Golang). This sophisticated approach has enabled the group to strike multiple organizations, leaving a trail of unverified claims in its wake. Earlier in 2024, the group targeted companies such as North Star Tax and Accounting, KC Pharmaceuticals, Martinaire. In its attack on MOOver, the group claimed to have accessed a staggering 1.1 terabytes of the firm’s data. Subsequently, Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine also found themselves on the list of victims. All these claims, similar to the recent attack, remain unverified. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A newly surfaced banking trojan named "Sniffthem," also known as Tnaket has emerged on the dark web forums. This Sniffthem trojan, introduced by threat actor oliver909 on the XSS Russian language forum, targets a wide spectrum of Windows operating systems ranging from Windows 7 to the latest Windows 11. Oliver909's forum post on June 24, 2024, detailed the capabilities of the banking trojan Sniffthem, highlighting its advanced functionalities designed for financial fraud. Among its notable features, Sniffthem possesses the ability to perform HTML injection, enabling it to compromise websites—even those secured with SSL certificates—by injecting malicious HTML code. This tactic undermines the integrity of supposedly secure web pages, facilitating the theft of sensitive information.

Dark Web Actors Reveals Banking Trojan Sniffthem

[caption id="attachment_78990" align="alignnone" width="1906"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] Another key feature of Sniffthem is its credit card grabber capability, allowing it to stealthily capture credit card details through the injection of fake web pages. This method operates covertly, ensuring that the theft of financial data goes unnoticed by users and security measures alike. Moreover, the trojan supports a wide range of web browsers including Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, and Yandex, ensuring compatibility across various user environments. To evade detection, the banking trojan Sniffthem employs crypters, enhancing its stealth and persistence on infected systems. These crypters cloak the trojan's code, making it difficult for antivirus programs and security defenses to detect and remove the malware effectively. Oliver909 demonstrated the trojan's functionalities through a video shared on the forum, showcasing its management panel and user interface designed for seamless control over malicious activities. In terms of pricing, oliver909 offers Sniffthem on a subscription basis, setting a monthly rate of USD 600. This pricing strategy positions Sniffthem as a lucrative option within the cybercriminal marketplace, appealing to threat actors looking to capitalize on financial fraud opportunities.

Technical Insights into Sniffthem Banking Trojan

Sniffthem's technical specifications highlight its sophistication and potential impact on cybersecurity. The Sniffthem banking trojan operates persistently as a hidden process, evading detection and maintaining a covert presence on infected systems. Its integration with a web-based management panel allows threat actors to efficiently control compromised devices and orchestrate malicious activities remotely. Furthermore, Sniffthem's compatibility with a wide array of browsers—64 in total—highlights its versatility and ability to infiltrate diverse user environments. This capability extends its reach across various sectors, with a particular focus on the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry where financial transactions and sensitive data are prime targets. The emergence of Sniffthem signifies a heightened threat to organizations and individuals alike, particularly within the financial sector. To mitigate risks associated with banking trojans like Sniffthem, cybersecurity best practices are essential. Organizations should prioritize regular software updates, endpoint protection, and employee training to recognize and respond to phishing attempts effectively. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

India’s largest government-owned-telecommunications service provider, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), has allegedly suffered a massive data breach, the second such instance in less than six months. The BSNL data breach reportedly involves critical data including international Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, SIM card information, Home Location Register (HLR) specifics, DP Card Data, and even snapshots of BSNL's SOLARIS servers which can be misused for SIM cloning.

Exploring Claims of BSNL Data Breach

The BSNL data leak was first disclosed by an Indian firm, Athenian Tech, in its threat intelligence report. According to the report, a threat actor, operating under the alias “kiberphant0m”, leaked a significant amount of sensitive data affecting millions of users. The threat actor posted this information on the data hack site BreachForums and shared samples of the breach to legitimize the claim. Overall, around 278GB of sensitive information could be compromised. The hacker also posted details of call log samples which leaked sensitive information like mobile numbers of users, the date and duration of calls, and the amount charged for the call in Indian Rupees. The call log samples were being leaked in two sets: one for the month of May 2024 and another from 2020. This indicates that the data breach was a recent attack raising questions over the security checks in place at BSNL. The threat actor was selling the alleged stolen data for $5,000. The steep price tag could indicate the significant value of the stolen data which is sensitive. The Cyber Express has yet to verify the authenticity of the recent BSNL data breach and has contacted the organization for an official response.  This article will be updated based on their response.

Potential Implications of BSNL Data Breach

1. SIM Cloning and Identity Theft: Cloning a SIM involves creating a duplicate card that has the same IMSI and authentication keys, thus making it easy for the attackers to intercept messages/ calls, gain access to people’s bank accounts, and embezzle their finances.
2. Privacy Violations: Identity theft means that one can gain unauthorized access to the individuals’ communication and breaches.
3. Financial and Identity Theft: Illegal operations can defeat protective procedures in the financial portfolios, which entail substantial monetary losses and cases of identity theft.
4. Targeted Attacks and Scams: The user could be exposed to major security risks and could be vulnerable to phishing schemes and other social engineering attacks, exploiting their trust in BSNL.

The threat is not just limited to the consumers, but also to BSNL’s operations and security. Illegal access to servers can result in service disruptions, slow performance, and unauthorized access to telecom operations. Leaking of such information poses a severe threat to critical infrastructures and paves the way for future attacks on complex systems interconnectivity. BSNL users should remain vigilant and monitor any unusual activity on their phones and bank accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security on all accounts. BSNL too should take immediate action if the breach is confirmed, secure network endpoints, and audit access logs. They should enhance security measures, conduct frequent security audits, and adopt advanced threat detection technologies.

Second BSNL Data Breach in Less Than Six Months

If the data theft claims are proven, it would be the second instance of a cyberattack on BSNL in less than six months. In December 2023, a threat actor known as “Perell” claimed access to critical information about fiber and landline users of BSNL. The dataset contained about 32,000 lines of data allegedly impacting over 2.9 million users. However, BSNL did not validate the claims back then. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Hacktivist group AzzaSec has announced the release of a Windows ransomware builder. The builder was posted via the Telegram channel on June 23, 2024. Designed in .NET, this malicious software features sophisticated functionality including SHA 512 and AES encryption, ensuring its undetectable (FUD) status with minimal risk of detection, as verified by its single hit on KleenScan. AzzaSec claims their ransomware can bypass major antivirus solutions such as Windows 10 / 11 Defender, Avast, Kaspersky, and AVG. In addition to its encryption prowess, the builder includes anti-virtual machine, anti-debugging, and anti-sandbox capabilities, as demonstrated in a revealing demo video shared alongside the announcement. This video showcases how decryption keys and victim information are stored securely on a centralized Command and Control (C2) server.

AzzaSec Announces New Windows Ransomware Builder

[caption id="attachment_78968" align="alignnone" width="373"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] Pricing for AzzaSec's ransomware varies, from $300 for a single-use stub to a subscription model costing up to $4500 for six months. The source code for this Windows ransomware builder is also available for purchase at a steep $8000. The development of AzzaSec's ransomware marks a new advancement in cyber threats, highlighting the evolution of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS). This model not only empowers threat actors with turnkey tools but also commodifies cyber extortion, potentially increasing the frequency and impact of ransomware attacks globally. The group's announcement highlights a growing trend where malicious actors leverage sophisticated technologies and monetization strategies to maximize their impact on unsuspecting victims. As cybersecurity defenses evolve, so do the tactics of those seeking illicit gains through digital means.

Features and Functionality of the Windows Ransomware Builder

In their Telegram post, AzzaSec described their ransomware's capabilities in detail. Developed with VB.NET and weighing 10MB, the ransomware utilizes a unique algorithm for encryption. It operates with a fully undetectable structure, boasting a detection rate of only 1 out of 40 on KleenScan. Tested against various security solutions including Windows Defender, Avast, Kaspersky, and AVG, AzzaSec ensures its malware's effectiveness in compromising systems. The ransomware functions by connecting to a C2 server, where decryption keys and device information are stored. This approach allows the threat actors to monitor and control the ransomware's impact remotely. Furthermore, the ransomware includes anti-virtual machine, anti-debugging, and anti-sandbox features, making it resilient against common security countermeasures. AzzaSec also outlined its pricing strategy: $300 for a single-use stub, escalating to $4500 for a six-month subscription. For those seeking full control, the source code is available for $8000, enabling other threat actors to customize and deploy the ransomware independently. AzzaSec's emergence into the ransomware scene signals a reminder for organizations and individuals alike to upgrade their cybersecurity measures and remain vigilant against online threats. As ransomware-as-a-service models become more accessible, preemptive cybersecurity measures and incident response plans are essential defenses against these ever-present dangers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned the public about a new wave of cybercriminal activity targeting victims of cryptocurrency scams. These fraudsters are posing as lawyers and law firms, offering bogus cryptocurrency recovery services to steal funds and personal information from those already defrauded. This latest cryptocurrency investment scam alert is an update to a previous warning from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which had highlighted a surge in scams involving fake services for recovering digital assets. The updated Public Service Announcement (PSA), titled "Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams," was originally published on August 11, 2023. Moreover, in April 2024, the FBI warned of financial risks tied to using unregistered cryptocurrency transfer services, highlighting potential law enforcement actions against these platforms. The announcement focused on crypto transfer services operating without registration as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and non-compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering laws. These platforms are often targeted by law enforcement, especially when used by criminals to launder illegally obtained funds, such as ransomware payments.

Cryptocurrency Scam: Emerging Criminal Tactic

The FBI's announcement aims to inform the public about a new criminal tactic designed to exploit cryptocurrency scam victims further. Using social media and other messaging platforms, fraudsters posing as lawyers from fictitious law firms are contacting scam victims and offering their services. These "lawyers" claim they have the authority to investigate fund recovery cases and often assert that they are working with, or have received information from, the FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other government agencies to validate their legitimacy. In some instances, victims have reached out to these scammers through fake websites that appear legitimate, hoping to recover their lost funds. The scammers use various methods to further the recovery scam, including:

• Verification Requests: They ask victims to verify their identities by providing personal identifying information or banking details.
• Judgment Amount Requests: They request that victims provide a judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster.
• Upfront Fees: They demand a portion of the fees upfront, with the balance due upon recovery of the funds.
• Additional Payments: They direct victims to make payments for back taxes and other fees purportedly necessary to recover their funds.
• Credibility Building: They reference actual financial institutions and money exchanges to build credibility and further their schemes.

Between February 2023 and February 2024, cryptocurrency scam victims who were further exploited by these fictitious law firms reported losses totaling over $9.9 million, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Tips to Protect Yourself

The FBI offers several tips to help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to these scams:

• Be Wary of Advertisements: Be cautious of advertisements for cryptocurrency recovery services. Research the advertised company thoroughly and be suspicious if the company uses vague language, has a minimal online presence, and makes unrealistic promises about its ability to recover funds.
• Do Not Release Information: If an unknown individual contacts you claiming to be able to recover stolen cryptocurrency, do not release any financial or personal identifying information, and do not send money.
• No Fees from Law Enforcement: Remember that law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. If someone claims an affiliation with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office to confirm their legitimacy.

Victim Reporting

The FBI urges victims to file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. When filing a report, try to include the following information:

• Contact Information: Details about how the individual initially contacted you and how they identified themselves, including name, phone number, address, email address, and username.
• Financial Transaction Information: Details such as the date, type of payment, amount, account numbers involved (including cryptocurrency addresses), name and address of the receiving financial institution, and receiving cryptocurrency addresses.

The FBI's announcement highlights the importance of vigilance and caution when dealing with unsolicited offers of assistance, particularly in the highly targeted and vulnerable area of cryptocurrency investments. By staying informed and following the FBI's guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves from becoming victims of these crypto scams.

ATLANTA — June TK, 2024 — Cyble, the leading provider of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, has been recognized by Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) in its report, The Attack Surface Management Solutions Landscape, Q2 2024 Report.  This report offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to evaluate and select an attack surface management (ASM) solution that aligns with their unique attack surfaces and threats. It provides an overview of the ASM solutions market, explores the value that security and risk (S&R) professionals can expect from ASM vendors, and offers guidance on vendor options based on company size and market focus. It also notes how ASM is essential for building a proactive program, offering valuable insights that enhance SecOps solutions.   “We provide organizations with the tools and insights they need to proactively identify and mitigate potential cyber threats before they escalate. Our inclusion in the Forrester report will only further the resolve," said Beenu Arora, Founder and CEO of Cyble. “Cyble develops AI-powered solutions that help businesses protect their digital assets and maintain a strong security posture, and we’re constantly innovating to help customers keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape.”  Cyble Vision X, the successor to its award-winning Cyble Vision 2.0 threat intelligence platform elevates the user experience by empowering decision-makers with immediate access to critical information through its AI-powered insights and intuitive design. The platform covers the entire breach lifecycle, encompassing pre-breach, during-breach, and post-breach stages. 

Key Capabilities of Cyble Vision X include: 

• Attack Surface Management: Ensures digital security by identifying and mitigating threats.  

• Brand Intelligence: Comprehensive protection against online brand abuse, including brand impersonation, phishing, and fraudulent domains. 

• Cyber Threat Intelligence: Helps organizations gain insights and enhance their defense with AI-driven analysis and continuous threat monitoring. 

• Dark Web and Cyber Crime Monitoring: Helps organizations stay vigilant and ahead of cybercriminals 

• Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM):  Helps organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may arise from a business's interactions with third parties. 

"By leveraging Cyble Vision X’s unmatched coverage, organizations gain total visibility and control over their attack surface, ensuring a robust security posture amid evolving cyber threats," added Arora.  Cyble’s ASM is powered by ODIN, a groundbreaking attack surface monitoring capability that scans the entire IPv4 and IPv6 space. ODIN empowers infosec teams with an accurate map of the internet, enabling them to fortify their security perimeter and proactively hunt for threats on their attack surface. To learn more about ODIN, Cyble Vision X, and how Cyble can help you stay ahead of cyber threats, visit www.cyble.com.  About Cyble:  Cyble, a trailblazer in Cyber Threat Intelligence, is committed to democratizing Dark Web Threat Intelligence through advanced AI and Machine Learning solutions. Recognized as one of the most sought-after workplaces, Cyble’s culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.  With a proven track record in delivering cutting-edge research and proactive monitoring, Cyble stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a global presence spanning Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and India, Cyble is the trusted authority empowering organizations to proactively combat evolving cyber threats. Media Contact  Matt McLoughlin  matt@gregoryfca.com Cyble Inc.  enquiries@cyble.com  Ph: +1 678 379 3241  

Neiman Marcus has issued a notification to its customers regarding a massive data breach that occurred in May 2024, potentially exposing sensitive personal information. The Neiman Marcus data breach, affecting approximately 64,472 customers, involved unauthorized access to a cloud database platform used by the luxury retailer, which is operated by Snowflake, a third-party provider. In a conversation with The Cyber Express, a Neiman Marcus spokesperson confirmed the breach, stating, "Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) recently learned that an unauthorized party gained access to a cloud database platform used by NMG that is provided by a third party, Snowflake." Prompt action was taken, with the spokesperson adding, "Promptly after discovering the incident, NMG took steps to contain it, including by disabling access to the platform."

Neiman Marcus Data Breach Confirmed

The Neiman Marcus data breach compromised a range of personal data, including customer names, contact details, dates of birth, and Neiman Marcus gift card numbers. "Based on our investigation, the unauthorized party obtained certain personal information stored in the platform," the spokesperson continued, clarifying that "The types of personal information affected varied by individual, and included information such as name, contact information, date of birth, and Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman gift card numbers (but without gift card PINs)." Neiman Marcus has acted swiftly, launching an investigation with leading cybersecurity experts and notifying law enforcement authorities. In compliance with regulatory requirements, the company has begun notifying affected customers, including reaching out to the Maine Attorney General's office. The retailer has advised customers to monitor their financial statements for any suspicious activity and has provided resources for individuals concerned about identity theft.

Mitigation Against the Neiman Marcus Data Leak

"We also began an investigation with assistance from leading cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement authorities," the spokesperson emphasized. Customers are encouraged to request free credit reports, report any suspected fraud to law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission, and consider placing a security freeze on their credit files as precautionary measures. Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is a popular luxury retailer that oversees brands such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Horchow, and Last Call. Since September 2021, it has been under the ownership of a consortium of investment firms led by Davidson Kempner Capital Management, Sixth Street Partners, and Pacific Investment Management. Following this Neiman Marcus data leak, the firm has established a dedicated toll-free hotline (1-885-889-2743) for affected customers seeking further information or assistance related to the data breach incident. 

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), South Africa's primary diagnostic pathology service for public healthcare facilities, has fallen victim to a cyber attack. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has forced the organization to shut down its IT systems, including emails, website, and patient lab test results storage and retrieval systems. NHLS CEO Prof Koleka Mlisana confirmed the breach in a memo to staff, describing it as a "suspected incident" that compromised the security of their IT infrastructure. The attack comes amidst an Mpox outbreak that has already overwhelmed the country's healthcare services. However, the extent of the cyberattack has yet to be determined, even as restoration efforts are underway.

Impact on South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service

NHLS Chief Executive Officer Prof Koleka Mlisana informed staff of the incident in a memo, stating that the breach had caused damage and that the organization was treating the matter with extreme urgency and concern. Milsana stated, “I regret to inform you that our IT systems are unavailable due to a suspected incident that occurred over the weekend.” Mlisana assured staff that the organization's Incident Response Team was working around the clock to determine the scope of the intrusion and deploy the necessary safeguards to secure systems and data. The NHLS has implemented its "Downtime Protocol" to minimize disruption to services, prioritizing patients' samples and processing, with results communicated directly to clinicians whenever urgent. The cyber attack comes at a critical time for South Africa's healthcare system. The country is currently grappling with a Mpox outbreak, and the NHLS was already facing a significant backlog in toxicology tests as of March. The shutdown of IT systems is likely to exacerbate these challenges. Mzi Gcukumana, the NHLS Communication, Marketing, and PR officer, disclosed: “Preliminary investigation suggests that our Enterprise Resource Planning (Oracle) environment, Laboratory Information System (LIS) (TrakCare) database, and CDW are not affected. Therefore, no patient data has been lost or compromised. All patient data is safe."

Response and Recovery Efforts

“Please rest assured that our priority focus is on data security. We are determined to solve this issue swiftly and transparently,” Milsana stated to patients. In response to the breach, the NHLS has deployed its Incident Response Team to assess the scope of the intrusion and implement necessary safeguards. Mlisana assured staff that the team is working around the clock to secure systems and data. “I want to take this opportunity to thank you in advance as we all put in our efforts to ensure that disruption to our services is minimised,” Milsana added. The NHLS had determined that that certain sections of its systems, including its backup server were deleted, requiring the rebuilding of affected systems. Gcukumana stated, “All users will be aware that the NHLS networked laboratory system is heavily reliant on these information technology systems that have been disrupted.” He added, “Unfortunately, this will take time, and investigations thus far have not advanced enough for us to give a timeframe for the restoration of our systems and full service. All stakeholders and the public will be informed as soon as more information becomes available.” The National Department of Health, which oversees the NHLS, has been informed of the incident. A spokesperson for the department called for patience as efforts to resolve the issue continue. As the investigation unfolds, the NHLS has promised regular updates on the compromise and ongoing response activities. The organization emphasizes its commitment to data security and swift, transparent resolution of the issue. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) researchers have observed the Russia-linked threat actor group UAC-0184 targeting Ukraine with the XWorm remote access trojan (RAT) through the use of Python-related files.

Technical Overview of XWorm RAT Campaign

The campaign begins with a malicious LNK shortcut file, disguised as a legitimate Excel document, which executes a PowerShell script upon execution. The script downloads two files, "pkg.zip" and "NewCopy.xlsx", from a specified URL. The LNK shortcut file then executes "pythonw.exe" using the start command, which duplicates files and stores them in a new folder. The "pythonw.exe" loads a malicious DLL, "python310.dll", through DLL sideloading, injecting shellcode into the MSBuild process. [caption id="attachment_78917" align="alignnone" width="1529"] Source: Cyble[/caption] The hackers use a technique called DLL sideloading, where a malicious library file masquerades as a legitimate one. This allows the attackers to run their code under the guise of trusted software. Additionally, they employ a tool called Shadowloader to inject the XWorm RAT into a running process, further obscuring its presence. The XWorm RAT is then executed, offering a range of capabilities, including data theft, DDoS attacks, and cryptocurrency address manipulation. The malware attempts to connect to a Command-and-Control (C&C) server, but at the time of analysis, the server was inactive, resulting in no observed malicious activities. [caption id="attachment_78919" align="alignnone" width="537"] Source: Cyble[/caption] While the initial infection vector remains unclear, researchers suspect phishing emails may play a role. The intended victim could not be ascertained from accessing the the Excel lure used in the campaign. CRIL researchers had previously observed the UAC-0184 threat actor group employing lures tailored to appeal to Ukrainian targets, often mimicking official government or utility communications.

Protecting Against XWorm RAT

The XWorm RAT malware employed in the campaign is designed to be easily accessible even to to threat actors lacking sophistication and technical expertise. The versatile malware offers several functionalities, including data theft, DDoS attacks, cryptocurrency address manipulation, ransomware deployment, and downloading additional malware onto compromised systems. Cyble researchers have recommended several measures to defend against this campaign:

• Implement strong email filtering to block malicious attachments.
• Exercise caution with email attachments, especially from unknown senders.
• Limit execution of scripting languages where possible.
• Use application whitelisting to control which programs can run.
• Deploy robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
• Enforce strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Monitor networks for unusual activity or data exfiltration attempts.

The campaign demonstrates UAC-0184's relentless efforts at attacking Ukraine with evasive techniques. The use of the XWorm RAT as the final payload indicates the intent to establish remote access over compromised systems for strategic purposes. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Threat actors are using a new attack technique that allows them to evade detection and gain full code execution of Microsoft Management Console using specially crafted management saved console (MSC) files. Elastic Security Labs researchers uncovered the new technique after a sample was uploaded to VirusTotal on June 6 – and it has yet to trigger static detections by antivirus tools on the site. The researchers are calling the new infection technique GrimResource.

GrimResource Attack Uses Old XSS Flaw

GrimResource is a “a novel, in-the-wild code execution technique leveraging specially crafted MSC files,” the researchers wrote. “GrimResource allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in Microsoft Management Console (mmc.exe) with minimal security warnings, ideal for gaining initial access and evading defenses.” The key to the attack technique is an old XSS flaw present in the apds.dll library. “By adding a reference to the vulnerable APDS resource in the appropriate StringTable section of a crafted MSC file, attackers can execute arbitrary javascript in the context of mmc.exe,” they said. Attackers can combine the technique with DotNetToJScript to gain arbitrary code execution. The sample begins with a TransformNode obfuscation technique, which was recently reported by open source tool developer Philippe Lagadec in unrelated macro samples. The obfuscation technique helps evade ActiveX security warnings and leads to an obfuscated embedded VBScript, which sets the target payload in a series of environment variables before leveraging the DotNetToJs technique to execute an embedded .NET loader. The researchers named that component PASTALOADER. PASTALOADER retrieves the payload from environment variables set by the VBScript and “spawns a new instance of dllhost.exe and injects the payload into it. This is done in a deliberately stealthy manner using the DirtyCLR technique, function unhooking, and indirect syscalls. In this sample, the final payload is Cobalt Strike.” Using the DotNetToJScript technique triggers another detection looking for RWX memory allocation from .NET on behalf of a Windows Script Host (WSH) script engine. The researchers created a rule in Elastic’s Event Query Language (EQL) to detect execution via the .NET loader.

GrimResource Detection Rules Provided

Those detections can be bypassed with stealthier methods, the researchers noted: Using apds.dll to execute Jscript via XSS, which can create detectable artifacts in the mmc.exe Procmon output as a CreateFile operation (apds.dll is not loaded as a library), and the creation of a temporary HTML file in the INetCache folder, named redirect[*] as a result of the APDS XSS redirection. In addition to EQL rules, the researchers also provided a YARA detection rule: [caption id="attachment_78894" align="alignnone" width="500"] GrimResource YARA detection rule (source: Elastic Security Labs)[/caption] “Defenders should leverage our detection guidance to protect themselves and their customers from this technique before it proliferates into commodity threat groups,” the researchers warned.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed on Monday that a cyberattack in January may have compromised sensitive information related to the nation's chemical facilities. Initially reported in March, the attack exploited a vulnerability in Ivanti products, leading to the temporary shutdown of two systems. In an advisory this week, CISA detailed that the Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) was specifically targeted by the cyber intrusion, which occurred between January 23 and 26. CSAT contains highly sensitive industrial data, and while all information was encrypted, CISA warned affected participants of the potential for unauthorized access.

Potential Data Compromised in Chemical Facilities' Targeting

CISA's investigation found no direct evidence of data exfiltration but indicated that the hackers might have accessed critical information such as site security plans, security vulnerability assessments (SVAs), and user accounts within CSAT. Additionally, "Top-Screen surveys," which detail the types and quantities of chemicals, their properties, and storage methods at facilities, might have been exposed. High-risk chemical facilities are mandated to submit SVAs outlining their critical assets, cyber and physical security policies, and an analysis of potential vulnerabilities. Other compromised documents could include details on cybersecurity measures, alarms and physical barriers in place at these facilities.

CISA's Response and Recommendations

CISA has informed participants in the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program about the potential data exposure. Although no credentials were confirmed to be stolen, CISA advises those with CSAT accounts reset any identical business or personal passwords. They also recommend organizations using Ivanti products review a February advisory about recent vulnerabilities. The agency cannot directly notify individuals submitted for terrorist vetting under the CFATS Personnel Surety Program because it did not collect their contact information. However, identity protection services will be offered to those affected, specifically those vetted between December 2015 and July 2023.

Investigation Findings

The breach was detected on January 26, when CISA discovered hackers installing tools on an Ivanti device. Further investigation revealed multiple accesses to the system over two days. Various departments within CISA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were involved in the investigation, which confirmed no hacker access beyond the initial Ivanti device. Despite the absence of evidence for data exfiltration, the potential risk to numerous individuals and organizations categorized this intrusion as a "major incident" under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). CISA is setting up a call center to assist impacted individuals, although it is not yet operational. The agency did not comment on the perpetrators of the attack, but since 2020, CISA has cautioned organizations about state-sponsored hackers, including those linked to China, exploiting vulnerabilities in Ivanti products.

Experts Say More Transparency Required

Roger Grimes, a data-driven defense evangelist at KnowBe4, lauded CISA's intent and the fact that it publicly accepted the hack but said a bit more transparency would have done no harm.

"I'm a big fan of CISA. I think they do wonderful work. Still, it would be useful to have better, full transparency," Grimes told The Cyber Express. "Was their Ivanti device exploited by an unpatched, but known vulnerability, or exploited by a 0-day? If they were exploited by a known vulnerability where a patch was available, which is more likely, why wasn't the patch installed? Was it simply due to the fact that the exploit happened faster than the patch could be applied? Was the patch missed? If the patch was missed, why? Or was it a 0-day, misconfiguration, or credential compromise?"

"This is not to embarrass CISA, but to learn why one of the best, most aggressive patch-pushing, cyber-defending organizations in the world got compromised," Grimes added. "Sharing what happened and why can help other organizations facing similar problems and challenges learn lessons.

"CISA is always pushing for other industries and vendors to be more transparent about their compromises so that we can all learn from the lessons and mistakes. I expect CISA to do the same and even lead by example when it's their infrastructure involved."

The European Union has extended its sanctions against threat actors after adding six Russian and Ukrainian nationals to its restrictive measures list. These latest sanctions come as part of the EU's ongoing efforts to combat malicious campaigns that threaten its member states and global security. The Council of the European Union adopted the decision to expand sanctions on June 24, 2024, citing the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks against critical infrastructure and essential services. These attacks, including ransomware, supply chain targeting, and cyberespionage, pose a systemic threat to the EU's security, economy, and society. The sanctions are aimed at preventing, deterring, and discouraging such activities, and are considered a vital instrument in the EU's framework for a joint diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities.

Russian Military Intelligence and FSB Operative Sanctions

The sanctions will take effect following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The council document justified the new sanctions as measures in response to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and its resulting cyber activities:

The use of cyber operations that have enabled and accompanied Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine affects global stability and security, represents an important risk of escalation, and adds to the already significant increase of malicious cyber activities outside the context of armed conflict over recent years. The growing cybersecurity risks and an overall complex cyber threat landscape, with a clear risk of rapid spill-over of cyber incidents from one Member State to others, and from third countries to the Union, further call for restrictive measures under Decision (CFSP) 2019/797.

Among those sanctioned are Ruslan Aleksandrovich Peretyatko and Andrey Stanislavovich Korinets, both identified as members of the "Callisto group" linked to Russian military intelligence. The group, also known as "Seaborgium" or "Star Blizzard," is accused of conducting multi-year phishing campaigns to steal credentials and data, targeting individuals and critical state functions in defense and foreign relations. Two Ukrainian nationals, Oleksandr Sklianko and Mykola Chernykh, were sanctioned for their involvement in the "Armageddon" hacker group, allegedly supported by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The group was found carrying out cyberattacks against the Ukrainian government and EU member states using phishing emails and malware campaigns.

Wizard Spider Threat Group Members Sanctioned

The EU also targeted two key players in the Russia-based threat group Wizard Spider: Mikhail Mikhailovich Tsarev and Maksim Sergeevich Galochkin. Both are implicated in deploying the "Conti" and "Trickbot" malware programs, which have caused substantial economic damage in the EU through ransomware campaigns targeting essential services such as healthcare, banking and defense. The EU Council has emphasized the need to protect these vital sectors from cyber threats, which can have devastating consequences for individuals, businesses, and societies as a whole. The Council said the sanctions imposed on these six individuals are a clear message that the EU will not tolerate malicious cyber activities that threaten its security, economy, and democracy. The Council document stated:

 "As part of the sustained, tailored and coordinated Union action against persistent cyber threat actors, six natural persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2019/797. Those persons are responsible for, or were involved in, cyberattacks with a significant effect, which constitute an external threat to the Union or its Member States."

The sanctions demonstrate that the EU will continue to work closely with its Member States, international partners, and other stakeholders to address the growing cybersecurity threat landscape escalated by geopolitical tensions. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The notorious BlackBasta ransomware group is claiming credit for carrying out cyberattacks on major multinationals in the U.S. The ransomware gang claims it has access to sensitive data of financial services firm Key Benefit Administrators and healthcare apparel retailer Scrubs & Beyond. BlackBasta was recently suspected to have exploited a Microsoft zero-day prior to Microsoft’s release of a patch for the vulnerability back in March.

Decoding BlackBasta Ransomware's Alleged Attack

The first organization targeted by BlackBasta is Key Benefit Administrators, Inc., which offers financial services. The company provides employment benefit services that manages pension, retirement, health, and welfare funds. BlackBasta claims to have access to 2.5TB of sensitive data of the firm, including client, executive, and employee info. [caption id="attachment_78852" align="alignnone" width="1247"] Source: Ransomware.live[/caption] The other organization targeted by the ransomware group is Scrubs & Beyond, which is the largest retailer of healthcare apparel and accessories in the U.S. The ransomware crew claims to have accessed 600GB of the organization’s sensitive data, including HR, employee, and departmental files. [caption id="attachment_78853" align="alignnone" width="1238"] Source: Ransomware.live[/caption] Until an official statement is released by the two firms, the facts behind the BlackBasta ransomware attack claim will likely remain elusive. If BlackBasta's claims are proven true, the implications could be significant. The compromise of sensitive legal information and client data could have broad consequences, not only for the firms concerned but also for its clients and partners.

How Does BlackBasta Group Operate?

BlackBasta is a highly active ransomware group that has quickly gained a reputation for targeting high-value organizations across various industries. BlackBasta typically uses sophisticated phishing campaigns, and exploits known vulnerabilities in software to obtain access to their targets' systems. After gaining access, the group encrypts critical data and demands hefty ransoms for its release.

Previous Attacks By BlackBasta

A recent joint security advisory from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) stated that Black Basta has, through its affiliates, compromised more than 500 organizations all over the world. The victims include organizations that span 12 of 16 critical infrastructure sectors, including the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) sector. A few of BlackBasta’s victims include Microsoft, Hyundai Europe, Capita, The American Dental Association, Yellow Pages Canada, and Dish, among others.

How to Protect Against Ransomware

The ever-present threat of ransomware requires vigilant cybersecurity practices by consumers and organizations alike. Keeping software and operating systems up-to-date: Many ransomware attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software and operating systems. By keeping software and operating systems up-to-date, you can minimize the possibility of a ransomware attack. Backing up important data: If your files are encrypted by ransomware, you may be able to restore them from a backup. By regularly backing up important data, you can increase the chances that you can recover your files if they are encrypted by ransomware. However, those backups should be immutable and ransomware-resistant - a good backup service provider may be your surest bet. Using antivirus software: Antivirus software can detect and remove various types of malware, including ransomware. By using antivirus or endpoint security software, you can reduce the risk of a ransomware attack. Being cautious of suspicious emails: Many ransomware attacks are spread via phishing emails. You can lower the risk of a ransomware attack by being wary of suspicious emails and refraining from clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources. Educating employees about cybersecurity: Employees play a critical role in defending against cyberattacks. It is of utmost importance that they understand the best practices and know how to identify and report suspicious activities. Isolating critical workloads and data: Isolating your most important data and applications with technologies such as microsegmentation, VLANs, firewalls and strict access and permission controls will create an extra layer of security that will make it that much harder for ransomware to infect your most critical systems. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

After a 14-year legal battle, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked out of the United Kingdom’s Belmarsh prison Monday morning, where he agreed to a plea deal with the United States. According to court documents, Assange agreed to plead guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, which violates espionage law in the United States. The sole charge carries a sentence of 62 months in prison, but under the plea deal the time he has already served in the UK prison — a little over 62 months — will be counted as time served. Thus, Assange will not be required to spend any more time behind bars in the U.S., the UK or anywhere else.

WikiLeaks and Human Rights Groups Celebrate Assange's Release

In a statement on platform X, WikiLeaks wrote, “Julian Assange is free.”

“He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of 24 June, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK.” – WikiLeaks

Assange is being flown to Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands and a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific Ocean. The formal hearing and sentencing is set to take place in the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands at 9 a.m. local time Wednesday. Assange was reluctant to fly to the mainland U.S., his prosecutors said, and thus Saipan was decided as an alternative due to its proximity with Australia. If the guilty plea is approved by the judge – as is expected – the WikiLeaks founder will head to Australia after the sentencing. Human rights organization Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard welcomed the “positive news.”

“We firmly believe that Julian Assange should never have been imprisoned in the first place and have continuously called for charges to be dropped.” - Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard 

“The years-long global spectacle of the US authorities hell-bent on violating press freedom and freedom of expression by making an example of Assange for exposing alleged war crimes committed by the USA has undoubtedly done historic damage,” Callamard said. “Amnesty International salutes the work of Julian Assange’s family, campaigners, lawyers, press freedom organizations and many within the media community and beyond who have stood by him and the fundamental principles that should govern society’s right and access to information and justice.” The Mexican President Andrés Manuel, sounded a similar sentiment and said:

“I celebrate the release of Julian Assange from prison. At least in this case, the Statue of Liberty did not remain an empty symbol; She is alive and happy like millions in the world.”

Brief Timeline of Julian Assange Espionage Case

Julian Assange, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of WikiLeaks, gained prominence after the site published more than 90,000 classified U.S. military documents on the Afghanistan war and about 400,000 classified U.S. documents on the Iraq war. After the release of these documents via WikiLeaks, Assange was indicted by the U.S. on 18 counts, including 17 espionage charges under the 1917 Espionage Act and one for computer misuse, where he allegedly gained unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country. In 2012, Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec (who by then was cooperating with the FBI), and provided a list of targets for LulzSec to hack, the indictment said. With respect to one target, Assange asked the LulzSec leader to look for (and provide to WikiLeaks) mail and documents, databases and PDFs. In another communication, Assange told the LulzSec leader that the most impactful release of hacked materials would be from the CIA, NSA, or the New York Times. WikiLeaks obtained and published emails from a data breach committed against an American intelligence consulting company by an “Anonymous” and LulzSec-affiliated hacker. According to that hacker, Assange indirectly asked him to spam that victim company again. An August 2010 arrest warrant for sexual assault allegations in Sweden was initially dropped but later reopened, leading to an international arrest warrant against him. Assange then sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. In 2019, Ecuador revoked his asylum, and he was arrested by London police and sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching bail conditions. Swedish prosecutors dropped their case in 2019 because the passage of time had weakened evidence, but they said they retained confidence in the complainant.

Assange’s Freedom Starts ‘a New Chapter’

Stella Assange, the WikiLeaks founder’s wife, was elated and thanked everyone who stood by her husband. “Throughout the years of Julian’s imprisonment and persecution, an incredible movement has been formed. People from all walks of life from around the world who support not just Julian ... but what Julian stands for: truth and justice,” Stella Assange said. “What starts now with Julian’s freedom is a new chapter.” It will be interesting to see if Assange will be back at the helm of WikiLeaks and if he will keep his fight on against human right exploitations but for now it seems like he would be eager to reunite with his wife Stella Assange, and his children, “who have only known their father from behind bars.” Update* (June 25 1:30 p.m. ET): Added comments from Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard and President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel.

When transitioning to remote work, the dynamics drastically change from working within a dedicated office environment tailored to the tasks at hand. Adjusting to this new setting can pose challenges in ensuring responsible handling of sensitive company data. In this article, The Cyber Express (TCE) Team delves into essential cybersecurity measures your company should implement or may already have in place. TCE also emphasizes actions one can take personally, whether they're accessing networks from home or public locations. Both employers and employees share the responsibility of adhering to strong security protocols, especially with the rise of cyber threats. As organizations increasingly prioritize data protection and server security, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity tips for remote work environments. Keep reading to discover key steps to strengthen your cybersecurity posture while working remotely.

Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers

Cyber hygiene encompasses all practices and steps taken to prevent your accounts and devices from becoming vulnerable to cyber threats. It's about maintaining the cleanliness of your digital identity and understanding the real-life consequences that neglecting it can bring. In this article, The Cyber Express (TCE) team will highlight common cyber hygiene mistakes that jeopardize hygiene. These mistakes can range from overlooked steps like using password managers, firewalls, and VPNs, to ignoring seemingly basic practices such as regular software updates and strong password creation. Keep reading to discover how these actions can significantly impact your cybersecurity:

Common Cyber Hygiene Mistakes

Ignoring Software Updates

Software updates include new patches for security vulnerabilities discovered since the last update. Ignoring these updates exposes systems to potential attacks that exploit known weaknesses. Hackers target outdated software because vulnerabilities are public knowledge. Regularly updating all software, including operating systems and applications, is crucial for maintaining security. Automated updates are effective in ensuring software remains up-to-date without relying on manual checks.

Lack of Good Email and Phishing Practices

Email remains a common target for cyberattacks like phishing and malware distribution. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar or suspicious sources can compromise data security. Phishing emails often appear legitimate but aim to steal sensitive information. Practice caution by verifying senders' identities, checking for suspicious domain names or altered spellings, and using spam filtering tools. Avoid sharing personal information via email to prevent identity theft and fraud.

Using Weak, Guessable Passwords

Weak passwords like "password123" are easily guessed or cracked using automated tools, posing a significant security risk. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts amplifies this risk—if one account is compromised, others sharing the password become vulnerable. Create strong passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters unrelated to personal information. Consider using password managers for generating and securely storing complex passwords.

Neglecting Antivirus and Antimalware Programs

Antivirus and antimalware programs are essential for detecting and removing malicious software that can compromise data security. Failure to install or update these programs leaves devices vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Regular scans and real-time protection features mitigate potential infections, safeguarding against cyber threats.

Not Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to a phone or facial recognition, in addition to a password. Ignoring 2FA leaves accounts reliant solely on passwords, vulnerable if passwords are compromised. Enable 2FA where available, especially for accounts containing sensitive information, to enhance security.

Failing to Back Up Data

Regular data backups are crucial for protecting against data loss due to hardware failures, malware, or accidental deletion. Backups stored in multiple locations, including external drives or cloud services, ensure data can be restored if the primary source is compromised. Automated backup solutions simplify this process, minimizing the risk of significant data loss.

Using Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks expose transmitted data to interception by cybercriminals. Hackers can easily capture login credentials, personal information, and financial data transmitted over these networks. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or financial transactions over public Wi-Fi. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet connections and secure data transmission. Ensure home Wi-Fi networks are secured with strong passwords and encryption protocols.

Failing to Utilize Firewalls

Firewalls prevent unauthorized access between devices and the internet, essential for blocking external threats like hackers attempting to breach systems. Both hardware and software firewalls monitor and control network traffic based on predefined security rules. Enable firewalls on all connected devices, including computers and routers, to fortify network security against external threats.

Neglecting Device Encryption

Device encryption converts data into unreadable code, protecting it from unauthorized access if devices are lost or stolen. Ignoring encryption leaves sensitive information vulnerable to exploitation by anyone gaining physical access to devices. Enable built-in encryption tools offered by modern operating systems to ensure data remains secure against unauthorized access.

Sharing Excessive Information on Social Media

Oversharing personal details on social media increases vulnerability to social engineering attacks and identity theft. Information like birthdates, addresses, and family member names can be exploited to guess weak passwords or craft personalized phishing attacks. Protect yourself by limiting personal information shared online, adjusting privacy settings, and exercising caution with friend requests from unknown individuals.

A security threat has surfaced on dark web forums: a zero-day exploit targeting a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in the Linux Kernel, specifically version 6.6.15-amd64. This use-after-free vulnerability, advertised for sale by an actor known as Cas, promises capabilities that include privileged code execution and potential access to sensitive data. According to the post, which has garnered attention from cybersecurity communities, the Linux Kernel vulnerability exploit is being offered for $150,000 in either Monero or Bitcoin. The threat actor Cas has specified that interested buyers must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds before any transaction can proceed, highlighting the illicit nature and high stakes of such transactions.

Use-After-Free Vulnerability Targets Linux Kernel

[caption id="attachment_78815" align="alignnone" width="1553"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The Linux Kernel vulnerability, if successfully deployed, could allow malicious actors to escalate their privileges locally within affected systems, potentially executing code with root-level permissions. This type of vulnerability poses severe risks to both individual users and organizations relying on Linux-based systems. Selling Oday Use-after free in the Linux Kernel, you can use it to do a Privileged Code Execution (LPE (Local Privilege Escalation), or execute code with root privileges), (Data Leakage )..etc Affected version: 6.6.15-amd64. Environment arch: 64-bit and Price: 150k Monero & BTC", reads the threat actor post. Moderators on these forums have highlighted another individual, known as IntelBroker, who claims to have verified the proof-of-concept (PoC) behind the exploit privately. This endorsement adds credibility to Cas's offer, despite the lack of publicly available evidence.

Previous Instances and Industry Impact

Earlier, cybersecurity firm Rewterz reported a similar instance involving CVE-2024-36886, where a use-after-free flaw in the Linux Kernel (version 4.1) could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This use-after-free vulnerability, triggered by fragmented TIPC messages, highlights ongoing challenges in securing Linux environments against sophisticated exploits. A use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability occurs when a program continues to access memory that has already been deallocated. This issue arises when dynamic memory allocation, typically managed by functions like free() in languages such as C or C++, is mishandled.  The program may inadvertently reference this freed memory, leading to unpredictable behavior such as crashes or security vulnerabilities. Exploitation of UAF vulnerabilities can allow attackers to manipulate the program's behavior, potentially executing arbitrary code or escalating privilege Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The infamous cybercrime marketplace BreachForums faced an awkward scenario on June 25, 2024, when a threat actor leaked unverified information about "Aegis”, one of the forum moderators. The doxxing incident of BreachForums moderator was first reported by a LinkedIn user on a cybersecurity forum named “CISO2CISO”.

BreachForums Moderator Doxxing Details

On Tuesday, Bhavesh Mohinani, an SOC analyst and a member of "CISO2CISO,"  shared screenshots of a BreachForums post by an anonymous threat actor that allegedly contained sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of BreachForums moderator "Aegis". [caption id="attachment_78802" align="alignnone" width="1069"] Source: LinkedIn[/caption] The threat actor claimed that he obtained “bits and pieces” information about Aegis through his friend. “One thing I was given was a first name and an IP. Looking into it, you find out his information is very much out there! So much OPSEC, am I right,” the TA wrote in his post. OPSEC or Operational Security, is a process that identifies seemingly innocuous actions that could inadvertently reveal critical or sensitive data to a cybercriminal. Elaborating the details of Aegis, the threat actor claimed, “Aegis is a 17-year-old Egyptian resident living with his mother. His father seems not to have been found. Aegis started off being a skid, stealing code, claiming to be harmful and so on...he is a loser. “Aegis will most likely deny this being his information but if this post gets taken down, you will know the truth/ love everyone! Expect this loser,” the TA wrote. The user also shared details claiming to be the moderator’s phone number, IP address, residential address and telegram account. [caption id="attachment_78803" align="alignnone" width="1091"] Source: LinkedIn[/caption] While there is no confirmation or credibility to the claims shared by the anonymous actor, the post was deleted as soon as it was shared. However, the post has raised concerns about the security and trustworthiness of online communities.

What is Doxxing?

Doxxing, or doxing for short, is when someone puts your personal information out there on the internet. This can include information like where you work, your home address, your credit card numbers, and other private details. Usually, the intention of the threat actor is to harass the victims. The word "doxxing" first came about in the 1990s, starting from the word "documents," which got shortened to "docs," and then finally became "dox." When people talk about "dropping dox," they mean cybercriminals revealing the true identities of their rivals, taking away their anonymity, and making them vulnerable to the authorities. A doxxing attack begins with the threat actor gathering extensive information about their target, searching online and checking social media for clues. Social media can reveal workplace details, which can be exploited for attacks. Skilled threat actors might also trace a target’s IP address to determine their location. The more data a threat actor collects, the more harm they can inflict. While some doxxing incidents are minor, like sending unwanted pizza deliveries, others can lead to severe consequences such as online harassment, swatting, identity theft, reputational damage, physical assault, job loss, or stalking. The alleged doxxing of the BreachForums moderator has raised questions about whether it would lead to the arrest of another threat actor and if it signals the decline of the forums. For example, in California, doxing is considered a serious offense, and individuals engaging in this activity could face legal consequences. Individuals arrested and charged with cyber harassment (doxing) under Penal Code §653.2 face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In April 2023, Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog, Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, arrested a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of doxxing after she allegedly posted the personal details of her friend’s ex-boyfriend on social media.

Prevention Against Doxxing

To protect users against doxxing, one must use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Cleaning the digital footprint by removing personal information from online sites, deactivating old accounts, and adjusting privacy settings is regarded as a healthy practice. Using a VPN is recommended to hide the user’s IP address and prevent location tracking. Users must also be vigilant against phishing scams by recognizing poor spelling, mismatched email addresses, and unsolicited links. Finally, avoiding oversharing personal information online and keeping social media profiles private is a healthy digital practice to enhance security. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The National Central Bureau (NCB) Buenos Aires, a vital division of Interpol in Argentina, has been listed by a dark web actor, claiming to leak methods to exploit XSS and CSRF vulnerabilities in the domain of the Argentine Division of Interpol. The alleged leak came to light when a threat actor known as “emocat” posted on BreachForums detailing techniques to exploit these vulnerabilities within the domain. The threat actor also shared a URL hinting at a potential error message on the affected web page.

XSS and CSRF Vulnerabilities Targeting Interpol in Argentina

The disclosure has raised concerns within the governmental and law enforcement sectors, affecting not only Interpol but also Argentina's broader cybersecurity landscape. Despite Emocat's claims, there is currently no confirmed evidence of active exploitation on the NCB Buenos Aires website, interpol.gov.ar. As of now, the website remains operational without visible signs of compromise, suggesting that the vulnerabilities disclosed have not yet been exploited. [caption id="attachment_78793" align="alignnone" width="1563"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] The Cyber Express has reached out to the  National Central Bureau (NCB) Buenos Aires to learn more about this leak of XSS and CSRF vulnerabilities or any confirmation of active exploitation. However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been received, leaving the claims for this exploitation of XSS and CSRF vulnerabilities to stand unverified.  This lack of official confirmation highlights the uncertain nature of the current threat status regarding Interpol's operations in Buenos Aires.

What are XSS and CSRF Vulnerabilities?

XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) and CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) are critical security vulnerabilities that pose significant risks to web applications and user data. XSS involves attackers injecting malicious scripts, typically JavaScript, into web pages viewed by other users.  These scripts execute in the victim's browser context, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information, hijack sessions, modify page content, or redirect users to malicious sites. XSS vulnerabilities come in several forms: reflected, where the script is part of the request URL and reflected in the response; stored, where the script is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever the affected page is accessed; and DOM-based, where the attack occurs within the client-side script itself.  In contrast, CSRF exploits the trust that a web application has in a user's browser after authentication. Attackers trick users into unwittingly performing actions on a trusted site where they are authenticated. This is achieved by crafting a malicious request that appears legitimate to the application but originates from a different site visited by the victim. CSRF attacks can lead to unauthorized actions such as changing account settings, making purchases, or transferring funds without the victim's knowledge.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A new supply chain attack has impacted several plugins hosted on WordPress.org. This WordPress vulnerability, discovered on June 24th, 2024, by the Wordfence Threat Intelligence team, initially centered around the Social Warfare plugin. The plugin was found to have been compromised with malicious code inserted as early as June 22nd, 2024, according to a forum post by the WordPress.org Plugin Review team. Upon identifying the malicious file within Social Warfare, the Wordfence team promptly uploaded it to their internal Threat Intelligence platform for analysis. Subsequently, their investigation revealed that the same malicious code had infected four additional plugins. Despite efforts to notify the WordPress plugins team about these compromised plugins, the response has been limited, although the affected plugins have since been delisted from the official repository.

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Leads to Supply Chain Attack

According to Wordfence researchers, the listed plugins leading to supply chain attacks include 5 popular names. Among them, Social Warfare versions 4.4.6.4 to 4.4.7.1 were compromised, but a patched version (4.4.7.3) has since been released. Blaze Widget versions 2.2.5 to 2.5.2 and Wrapper Link Element versions 1.0.2 to 1.0.3 were also affected, with no available patched versions. Interestingly, although the malicious code appears removed in Wrapper Link Element version 1.0.0, this version is lower than the infected ones, complicating the update process. Users are advised to uninstall the plugin until a properly tagged version is issued. Similarly impacted were Contact Form 7 Multi-Step Addon versions 1.0.4 to 1.0.5 and Simply Show Hooks version 1.2.1, with no patched versions currently released for either plugin. The injected malware's primary function involves attempting to create unauthorized administrative user accounts on affected websites. These accounts are then leveraged to exfiltrate sensitive data back to servers controlled by the attackers. Additionally, the attackers embedded malicious JavaScript into the footers of compromised websites, potentially impacting SEO by introducing spammy content.

Ongoing Investigation and Recovery

Despite the malicious code's discovery, it was noted for its relative simplicity and lack of heavy obfuscation, featuring comments throughout that made it easier to trace. The attackers appear to have begun their activities as early as June 21st, 2024, and were actively updating plugins as recently as a few hours before detection. The Wordfence team is currently conducting a thorough analysis to develop malware signatures aimed at detecting compromised versions of these plugins. They advise website administrators to utilize the Wordfence Vulnerability Scanner to check for vulnerable plugins and take immediate action—either by updating to patched versions or removing affected plugins altogether. Key indicators of compromise include the IP address 94.156.79.8, used by the attackers' server, and specific unauthorized administrative usernames such as 'Options' and 'PluginAuth'. To mitigate risks, administrators are urged to conduct comprehensive security audits, including checking for unauthorized accounts and conducting thorough malware scans.

Meet Zakir Hussain Rangwala, CEO of BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd., a seasoned expert with over two decades in the IT and cybersecurity realms. His journey spans from navigating traditional virus protections to spearheading AI-driven defence strategies against today's sophisticated cyber threats. In this interview with The Cyber Express, Rangwala shares pivotal insights on cybersecurity dynamics, leadership strategies, and the future of digital security.

Zakir Hussain Interview Excerpts

TCE: With over 20 years of experience in the IT and cybersecurity industry, you must have seen many changes. What significant shifts in cybersecurity threats and defences have you witnessed over the years, and how have these changes impacted your approach to securing digital environments? Zakir Hussain: Over the past two decades, cybersecurity has evolved significantly from basic virus and malware defences to tackling advanced threats such as ransomware, nation-state attacks, and zero-day exploits. Initially centered on perimeter defences, the shift is now towards zero-trust models and sophisticated threat detection. The proliferation of cloud computing, IoT, and remote work has widened attack surfaces, requiring continuous monitoring and AI-driven analytics. Today, effective cybersecurity demands a proactive, layered approach that incorporates real-time threat intelligence, ongoing user education, and resilient defence mechanisms. This holistic strategy is essential to safeguarding complex digital environments against evolving cyber threats. TCE: Given your extensive expertise in antivirus and security solutions, what do you believe are the most critical features that a security solution should offer to effectively protect against today's sophisticated threat landscape? Are there any particular technologies or strategies that you consider indispensable? Zakir Hussain: In the current complex threat environment, an effective security solution must encompass several critical features: real-time threat detection, AI-driven analytics, and thorough endpoint protection. Zero Trust Architecture is essential, enforcing rigorous identity verification for all access attempts. Behavioural analysis plays a pivotal role in detecting anomalies in user and network behaviours. Robust encryption protocols secure data both in storage and transit. Automated incident response capabilities facilitate rapid mitigation of breaches. Integration of threat intelligence ensures defences stay ahead of emerging threats. Moreover, ongoing user education and frequent security assessments are indispensable for maintaining a strong security posture amidst continuous digital advancements. TCE: Educating and convincing distributors and partners about the importance of advanced cybersecurity measures can be challenging. How do you approach this task, and what strategies have proven most effective in gaining their buy-in and ensuring they understand the critical nature of robust cybersecurity? Zakir Hussain: Educating and convincing distributors and partners about advanced cybersecurity requires a multifaceted strategy. We provide interactive training sessions focusing on real-world cyber threats and their implications. Use case studies to illustrate the consequences of inadequate security. We provide educations to demonstrate the long-term benefits of cybersecurity investments. Foster open communication and provide ongoing support to address concerns. Implement pilot programs to showcase the effectiveness of advanced measures. Building a collaborative relationship based on shared responsibility is crucial for gaining their buy-in and commitment to enhancing cybersecurity practices. Marketing assistance, including co-branded materials and campaigns, aids partners in effectively showcasing our solutions. TCE: Emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are increasingly becoming part of the cybersecurity landscape. In your opinion, what role do these technologies play in the future of cybersecurity, and how can they be leveraged to enhance threat detection and response capabilities? Zakir Hussain: AI and machine learning are transformative in cybersecurity, revolutionizing threat detection and response capabilities. By analyzing vast datasets in real time, they identify patterns and anomalies that signal cyber threats. Machine learning models adapt to new attack vectors, enhancing accuracy in threat prediction and prevention. AI automates response actions swiftly, mitigating risks faster than manual methods. These technologies also bolster user behaviour analytics, pinpointing insider threats and minimizing false alarms. Leveraging AI and machine learning enables organizations to adopt a proactive, resilient defence stance against evolving and sophisticated cyber threats. TCE: With the proliferation of digital downloads and online services, ensuring their security is paramount. What specific measures do you recommend for safeguarding these platforms against cyber threats, and how can organizations implement these measures effectively? Zakir Hussain: To protect digital downloads and online services, organizations must prioritize secure coding practices, routine code reviews, and vulnerability assessments. Strong encryption for data in transit and at rest, coupled with multi-factor authentication (MFA), is essential to thwart unauthorized access. Regular updates and comprehensive patch management are vital to maintain system security. Web application firewalls (WAFs) should be deployed to defend against common threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Continuous threat monitoring and a well-defined incident response plan are critical for timely threat mitigation. Effective implementation requires ongoing staff training, strict adherence to security policies, and regular system audits to ensure robust protection. TCE: What initially motivated you to enter the field of IT and cybersecurity, and how has your passion for this field evolved over the years? Are there any pivotal moments or experiences that particularly influenced your career path? Zakir Hussain: I was initially drawn to IT and cybersecurity by a fascination with technology's transformative potential and a desire to solve complex puzzles. Over the years, my passion has evolved through hands-on experience, witnessing the critical importance of safeguarding digital infrastructures and data against evolving threats. Pivotal moments include encountering real-world cyber incidents that underscored the impact of security breaches, and collaborating with diverse teams globally, which broadened my perspective on international cybersecurity challenges. These experiences continue to fuel my commitment to advancing security measures and promoting resilient digital environments in an increasingly interconnected world. TCE: As a team leader, how do you keep your team motivated and informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity? What strategies do you use to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within your team? Zakir Hussain: As a team leader in cybersecurity, I prioritize motivation and continuous learning by fostering an environment where knowledge sharing and professional development are central. Regular team meetings and online sessions keep everyone informed about the latest cybersecurity developments and trends. Encouraging participation in industry conferences, webinars, and certification programs ensures ongoing skill enhancement. I promote a culture of adaptability by encouraging experimentation with new tools and techniques, emphasizing learning from both successes and challenges. Recognizing and celebrating achievements further boosts morale, reinforcing the team's dedication to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity practices. TCE: In light of your extensive experience with distributors and channel partners, what advice would you give to someone looking to build strong, effective relationships within the cybersecurity industry? How can these relationships be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity efforts? Zakir Hussain: Establishing robust relationships with distributors and channel partners in cybersecurity hinges on trust, communication, and mutual benefit. Take the time to comprehend their business objectives and obstacles. Assist with training, marketing tools, and joint sales initiatives. Collaborate closely on customer deployments and incident responses. Regularly exchange insights on emerging threats and industry trends to foster a proactive alliance. By aligning goals and leveraging respective strengths, these partnerships can bolster cybersecurity efforts, enabling broader market reach, quicker response capabilities, and more enhanced solutions that address the evolving demands of customers effectively.

A recently discovered vulnerability (CVE-2024-27812) in the Apple Vision Pro headset allowed hackers to bypass device security mechanisms and flood user's environments with animated 3D objects – such as spiders and bugs – through a Safari exploit. These objects persisted even after exiting Safari, making for a uniquely unsettling environment. Apple addressed the vulnerability this month after security researcher Ryan Pickren had disclosed the flaw in February, awarding the researcher a bounty. The bug highlights the challenges in securing 'spatial computing' devices.

Spatial Hack in Apple Vision Pro Devices

Apple designed the Vision Pro with strict privacy controls. This includes limiting device apps to a default 'Shared Space' and mandating explicit user consent for more engaging and immersive content. Websites must also obtain explicit user permission to generate 3D content within a user's physical environment. [caption id="attachment_78754" align="alignnone" width="720"] Source: ryanpickren.com[/caption] However, Pickren discovered that the AR Quick Look feature that had been introduced in 2018 for iOS remained active in the visionOS without the implementation of proper safeguards. This oversight allowed websites to manipulate HTML anchor tags to spawn unlimited 3D objects coupled with animations and spatial audio. By adding specific anchor tags to webpages, malicious websites can instruct Safari to render a 3D model, surprisingly without any form of user interaction. "If the victim just views our website in Vision Pro, we can instantly fill their room with hundreds of crawling spiders and screeching bats," Pickren explained. "Freaky stuff," he exclaimed. [caption id="attachment_78758" align="alignnone" width="1168"] Source: ryanpickren.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_78756" align="alignnone" width="1186"] Source: ryanpickren.com[/caption] The researcher stated that the exploit code is straightforward and that closing Safari doesn't get rid of the 3D objects, as they are handled by a separate application. "To make things even freakier – since these animated files are being handled by a separate application (Quick Look), closing Safari does not get rid of them," Pickren noted. He added, "There is no obvious way to get rid of them besides manually running around the room to physically tap each one."

Bug Reporting and Gaps in Vulnerability Assessment

After trying to disclose the flaw to Apple, the researcher felt the tech giant had downplayed its relation to spatial computing and the generation of 3D objects, instead focusing on the potential for system crashes and reboots. The CVE description claimed that the issue had been addressed by improving the file handling protocol, which the researcher believed was unrelated to the bug. This highlights the challenges of triaging and classifying bugs in emerging fields such as Spatial Computing. The researcher believes the bug's impact goes beyond simple system crashes or reboots, raising questions about the security and privacy of the technology and the need for reevaluating existing threat models. "Perhaps it's time for Apple to re-evaluate their Vision Pro threat model," Pickren suggested. "This is a deeply personal product and classic vulnerability triaging guidelines may not capture the full impact anymore." Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Last week's ransomware attack on software as a service (SaaS) provider CDK Global has had a ripple effect on its customers, as multiple car dealerships serving thousands of locations report disruptions in their filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The CDK ransomware attack has paralyzed thousands of car dealerships across North America, disrupting operations for some of the largest automotive retailers. The attack that began last Tuesday has impacted operations of major players such as Asbury Automotive Group, AutoNation, Group 1 Automotive, Lithia Motors, Penske, Sonic Automotive, and the number is expected to swell even more in coming days.

Systems Shut Down After Attack

CDK Global, a crucial provider of SaaS platforms for dealerships, was forced last week to shut down its systems in response to the cyberattack. With the work done so far, our core DMS and Digital Retailing solutions have been restored," a spokesperson for CDK Global told The Cyber Express at the time. "We are currently investigating a cyber incident. Erring on the side of caution, we proactively shut all systems down and executed extensive testing." This shutdown has hindered dealerships' abilities to manage customer relationships, sales, financing, service, inventory, and back-office operations. CDK Global's systems are vital to over 15,000 car dealerships in North America. It facilitates various operations, including car sales, repairs and registrations. There are only a handful of DMS companies for dealers to choose from. Thus, thousands of dealerships are hugely reliant on CDK’s services to line up financing and insurance, manage inventory of vehicles and parts, and complete sales and repairs.

How CDK Global Cyberattack Impacts Customers

Asbury, AutoNation, Lithia Motors, Sonic Automotive, and Group 1 Automotive have activated their incident response plans and disconnected from CDK systems as a precaution, although no evidence of compromise within their own networks was found. Sonic Automotive mentioned that as of Friday, the extent to which the attackers accessed customer data remains unknown. Lithia Motors highlighted the ongoing negative impact on its operations, indicating uncertainty over whether the incident will materially affect its financial condition. Group 1 Automotive noted that CDK aims to restore the dealer management system within "several days and not weeks," but the financial impact depends on the system's downtime duration. Group 1 owns and operates 202 automotive dealerships, 264 franchises, and 42 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 35 brands of automobiles.

CDK Customers Move to Manual Methods

Penske Automotive reported that the ransomware attack primarily affected its Premier Truck Group, which sells heavy- and medium-duty trucks across 48 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company has implemented business continuity plans and continues operations using manual and alternate processes designed for such incidents. Penske noted that the truck dealership business that serves business customers has lower unit volumes compared to automotive dealerships. Asbury said business operations are functioning but "slower than normal." It added that the dealerships at Koons Automotive locations in Maryland and Virginia do not use CDK’s Dealer Management System or CDK’s Customer Relationship Management system and therefore continue to operate with minimal interruption, as does Clicklane, their online vehicle purchasing platform. Asbury operates 157 new vehicle dealerships, which includes 206 franchises representing 31 domestic and foreign vehicle brands.

CDK May Pay Ransom

Late on Friday, Bloomberg reported that CDK Global is negotiating with the a ransomware gang, which Bleeping later confirmed to be BlackSuit, a rebrand of the Royal ransomware group known for last year's attack on the city government of Dallas. Although the ransom amount remains undisclosed, CDK Global reportedly plans to pay, Bloomberg said. CDK Global has issued prerecorded messages to warn customers about hackers posing as CDK staff to gain unauthorized access. Despite making recovery progress last week, CDK faced a second cyber incident that led to a complete shutdown of its systems. The company is working with third-party experts to assess the impact and update its customers regularly. This attack exposes the critical vulnerabilities in the supply chain of the automotive industry and its reliance on centralized digital platforms.

A ransomware attack on Indonesia's national data center has disrupted official government services. The attack has reportedly affected more than 200 government agencies at national and regional levels, and the threat actors claiming responsibility have demanded a ransom of $8 million for a restoration of these systems. A senior official has reported that the government has refused to pay the ransom, instead focusing on restoring services and trying to identify the attackers.

Authorities Have Detected Samples of LockBit 3.0 Ransomware

Samuel Abrijani Pangerapan, director general of informatics applications at the Communications and Informatics Ministry, confirmed that essential services like immigration checks at airports had been disrupted. Long lines were formed at affected airports after automated passport machines were rendered useless. While some of these services have been restored, including the government's immigration services, ongoing efforts are aimed at restoring other critical operations, such as investment licensing. Samuel stated, “We have tried our best to carry out recovery while the (National Cyber and Crypto Agency) is currently carrying out forensics.” The National Cyber and Crypto Agency has detected samples of LockBit 3.0 ransomware, a variant known for encrypting victims' data and demanding payment for its release. PT Telkom Indonesia, an Indonesian multinational telecommunications company, is working with domestic and international authorities and leading the efforts to efforts to break the encryption and restore access to the compromised data. Herlan Wijanarko, the company's director of network & IT solutions, confirmed that the attackers had offered a decryption key in exchange for an $8 million ransom.

Experts Concerned About Indonesia Government Infrastructure Security

Cybersecurity experts warn that the severity of the attack highlights significant vulnerabilities in the government's digital infrastructure and incident response capabilities. Cybersecurity expert Teguh Aprianto described the latest attack as "severe" and notes that it highlights the need for improved infrastructure, manpower, and vendor management to prevent such attacks in the future. Teguh stated, "It shows that the government infrastructure, manpower handling this and the vendors are all problematic." In recent years, Indonesia has faced a series of high-profile cyber attacks, including a ransomware attack on its central bank and a data breach at its largest Islamic lender. The consequences of these attacks can be severe, with victims often forced to pay large sums to regain access to their data. Last year, the LockBit ransomware gang claimed responsibility for an attack on the Bank Syariah Indonesia. Sensitive information of over 15 million individuals had been stolen in the attack, affecting both customers and employees. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Cyble Research & Intelligence Labs (CRIL) last week analyzed 154 vulnerabilities in its weekly vulnerability report, including critical flaws in products from the likes of Microsoft, VMware, Veeam and ASUS. A whopping 126 of the vulnerabilities occurred in Siemens industrial control systems (ICS) products, potentially putting critical manufacturing infrastructure at risk. About 25,000 new security vulnerabilities are discovered each year, yet only a small percentage of those are actively exploited by threat actors. To help security teams focus on the most important vulnerabilities and threats, The Cyber Express is collaborating with Cyble’s highly skilled dark web and threat intelligence researchers to highlight security vulnerabilities that warrant particularly close attention.

The Week’s Top Vulnerabilities

Cyble’s weekly report focused on 9 of the vulnerabilities in particular; they are:

CVE-2024-37079, CVE-2024-37080 and CVE-2024-37081: VMware

Impact Analysis: These critical and high severity heap-overflow and privilege escalation vulnerabilities impact the VMware vCenter Server, a central management platform for VMware vSphere, enabling the management of virtual machines and ESXi hosts. With the global usage of the impacted product and the history of leveraging flaws impacting vCenter, there is strong potential for threat actors (Tas) to leverage these critical vulnerabilities also. Internet Exposure: Yes Available Patch? Yes

CVE-2024-3080: ASUS Router Bypass

Impact Analysis: This critical authentication bypass vulnerability impacts certain ASUS router models, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to log in to the device. Recently, the Taiwan Computer Emergency Response Team informed users about the vulnerability and released an advisory with fixes to patch the flaw. Internet Exposure: Yes Patch Available? Yes

CVE-2024-3912: ASUS Arbitrary Firmware Upload Vulnerability

Impact Analysis: This critical arbitrary firmware upload vulnerability impacts certain ASUS router models, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the device. The Taiwan Computer Emergency Response Team also informed users about this vulnerability and released an advisory with fixes to patch the flaw. Internet Exposure: Yes Patch Available? Yes

CVE-2024-29855: Veeam Recovery Orchestrator

Impact Analysis: This critical authentication bypass vulnerability impacts the Veeam Recovery Orchestrator. The recovery solution extends the capabilities of the Veeam Data Platform by automating recovery processes and providing comprehensive reporting and testing features. The availability of a recent publicly available proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for this vulnerability elevates the risk of exploitation in attacks by TAs. Internet Exposure: No Patch Available? Yes

CVE-2024-30103: Microsoft Outlook RCE Vulnerability

Impact Analysis: This high-severity remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability impacts Microsoft Outlook. Since the zero-click RCE flaw can be exploited simply by opening and previewing an email that contains a malicious payload in the body of the email, requiring no further interaction from the user, there are high possibilities for the weaponization of the vulnerability by TAs in targeting government and private entities. Internet Exposure: No Patch Available? Yes

CVE-2024-30078: Windows Wi-Fi Driver RCE Vulnerability

Impact Analysis: This high severity remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability impacts Windows Wi-Fi Driver. With the wide usage of Windows devices around the world and the ability to exploit without the need for any user interaction, TAs can leverage the flaw to gain initial access to the devices and later install malware and exfiltrate user data. Internet Exposure: No Patch Available? Yes

CVE-2024-37051: JetBrains GitHub Plugin Vulnerability

Impact Analysis: This critical vulnerability in the JetBrains GitHub plugin on the IntelliJ open-source platform affects all IntelliJ-based IDEs, leading to the exposure of GitHub access tokens. TAs can leverage the vulnerability by using exposed tokens to gain unauthorized access to user GitHub accounts and repositories and possibly deploy malicious code or delete the repositories. Internet Exposure: No Patch Available? Yes

CISA Adds 5 Vulnerabilities to KEV Catalog

Five of the vulnerabilities in the Cyble report were added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog:

• CVE-2024-32896, an Android Pixel vulnerability with a 7.8 CVSSv3 criticality score
• CVE-2024-26169, a Microsoft Windows error reporting service elevation of privilege vulnerability with a 7.8 criticality rating
• CVE-2024-4358, a Progress Telerik Report Server vulnerability with a 9.8 rating
• CVE-2024-4610, an Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver vulnerability with a 5.5 rating
• CVE-2024-4577, a PHP remote code execution flaw, a 9.8 vulnerability that Cyble addressed in last week’s report

The full Cyble report available for clients covers all these vulnerabilities, along with details and discussion around exploits found on the dark web, industrial control system (ICS) vulnerability intelligence, and cybersecurity defenses. Cyble security analysts also conducted scans of customer environments to alert them of any exposures – and found more than 2 million exposures to 13 of the vulnerabilities. Stay ahead of cyber threats with the Weekly Vulnerability Intelligence Report by Cyble, brought to you by The Cyber Express. Subscribe now for the latest insights powered by Cyble's advanced AI-driven threat intelligence.

Lindex Group, an international retail giant specializing in high-quality fashion, has reportedly fallen victim to a data breach. According to claims made by threat actor IntelBroker on dark web forums, the Lindex Group data breach allegedly occurred in June 2024, targeting Lindex Group's internal GitLab. The perpetrator allegedly exploited vulnerabilities stemming from developers storing credentials in their Jira workplace, thereby gaining access to a collection of source code belonging to the company. Lindex Group, which has been a part of the Finnish Stockmann Group since 2007, operates approximately 480 stores across 18 markets, including the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, Central Europe, and the Middle East. With a workforce of around 5,000 employees, the company holds a prominent position in the retail industry, focusing on an omnichannel approach to fashion retailing.

Decoding IntelBroker’s Claims of Lindex Group Data Breach

[caption id="attachment_78687" align="alignnone" width="1242"] Source: X[/caption] The claims made by IntelBroker on the dark web suggest that the compromised source code of Lindex Group is now accessible through undisclosed channels, although specific details such as the price for access or direct communication channels have not been publicly disclosed. The situation has prompted concerns about the potential impact on Lindex Group's operations and the security of its customers' data. Despite these reports, Lindex Group has yet to issue an official statement or response regarding the alleged breach. The Cyber Express has reached out to the organization to learn more about this the breach claims. However, at the time of this, no official statement or response has been received. Visitors to Lindex Group's website may find it operational without immediate signs of intrusion, suggesting that the attack may have targeted backend systems rather than initiating a more visible front-end assault like a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack or website defacements.

IntelBroker Hacking Spree

IntelBroker, the solo hacker claiming responsibility for the breach, has a history of similar actions, having previously claimed involvement in cybersecurity incidents affecting other major companies. One notable example includes an alleged data breach targeting Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a leading semiconductor manufacturer, and Apple was another alleged victim. The incident, disclosed on platforms like BreachForums, involved the exposure of sensitive data, prompting AMD to initiate investigations in collaboration with law enforcement authorities and third-party cybersecurity experts. The situation highlights the persistent nature of hackers like IntelBroker, who continue to exploit vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure for financial gain or malicious intent. For organizations like Lindex Group, the fallout from such breaches can encompass not only financial losses but also reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Crypto portfolio tracking app Coinstats has found itself at the center of a security breach, impacting approximately 1,590 user wallets. The Coinstats data breach, which occurred on June 22, 2024, has been attributed to a group with alleged ties to North Korea, marking a concerning development for crypto investors.  Coinstats swiftly responded to the breach by taking down its application temporarily. This proactive measure was aimed at containing the data breach at Coinstats and preventing further unauthorized access to user data and funds.  The affected wallets, constituting about 1.3% of all Coinstats wallets, were primarily those created directly within the app. Fortunately, wallets connected to external exchanges and platforms remained unaffected, providing some relief amidst the security scare.

Understanding the Coinstats Data Breach 

[caption id="attachment_78679" align="alignnone" width="733"] Source: Coinstats on X[/caption] In a public statement addressing the breach, Coinstats reassured its user base that the incident has been mitigated, and immediate steps have been taken to secure the platform. Users whose wallet addresses were compromised were advised to take action by transferring their funds using exported private keys. A spreadsheet link was provided for users to check if their wallets were among those affected. CEO Narek Gevorgyan highlighted the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging the challenges posed by the Coinstats cyberattack while emphasizing Coinstats' commitment to restoring normal operations swiftly and securely. Gevorgyan outlined that comprehensive security measures were being implemented during the restoration process to fortify the platform against future vulnerabilities. "We're actively working to bring the app back online as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience," stated Gevorgyan in an update shared via Coinstats' official channels.

North Korea-linked Hackers Behind the Data Breach at Coinstats

The revelation of North Korea-linked hackers being behind the breach adds a geopolitical dimension to the Coinstats data breach incident, highlighting the global reach and sophisticated tactics employed by cyber threat actors targeting digital assets and platforms. This aspect of the breach highlights the need for heightened cybersecurity measures across the cryptocurrency sector. In a similar case, another crypto firm, BtcTurk faced a cyberattack on its hot wallets on June 22, 2024. Binance Binance CEO Richard Teng confirmed this attack, pledging ongoing support for BtcTurk's investigation. Cryptocurrency investigator ZachXBT hinted at a possible link between the breach and a $54 million Avalanche transfer.  Coinstats users have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor their accounts closely for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activities. The company assured its users that it is actively investigating the extent of funds moved during the breach and pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available. In response to the breach, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders may scrutinize Coinstats' security practices and response protocols. The outcome of such scrutiny could influence future cybersecurity standards within the cryptocurrency industry, potentially leading to more stringent requirements for platform security and user protection.

In today's digital age, staying informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity is crucial. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of these challenges requires up-to-date knowledge and proactive measures. TCE Cyberwatch is here to provide you with a comprehensive weekly roundup of the most significant cybersecurity news, trends, and insights. Each week, we delve into the latest breaches, emerging threats, advancements in security technology, and critical updates from the cybersecurity world. Whether it's a major data breach affecting millions, a new vulnerability discovered in popular software, or innovative strategies to enhance your defenses, TCE Cyberwatch covers it all. Read on and find out what was the most relevant news in the world of cybersecurity this week.

TCE Cyberwatch: A Weekly Round Up

CISA Issues Urgent Advisories to Patch Critical Flaws in Industrial Control Systems

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued 20 advisories to address vulnerabilities in Industrial Control Systems (ICS). These advisories offer detailed technical information and mitigation strategies for various ICS components. Key vulnerabilities include CVE-2024-33500 in Siemens Mendix Applications, which poses remote exploitation risks due to improper privilege management, and issues in Siemens SIMATIC S7-200 SMART devices that can lead to denial-of-service attacks. Additional affected systems include Siemens TIA Administrator, SCALANCE devices, Fuji Electric’s Tellus Lite, and Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk View SE. CISA stresses the importance of timely updates, network access restrictions, and strict adherence to security protocols. Although no public exploits have been identified, CISA recommends proactive measures such as network segmentation and secure remote access to bolster ICS resilience against cyber threats. Read More

Microsoft Vows Security Overhaul After U.S. Report

Microsoft has faced severe criticism over its cybersecurity measures, highlighted by a U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) report detailing multiple security failures. These failures include a July 2023 attack by Chinese actors on senior U.S. officials' email accounts. Despite pledges to prioritize security, issues have been compounded by the flawed rollout of the Windows Recall feature. In a House Committee hearing, Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged these failings, accepted responsibility, and outlined plans for improvement. These measures include integrating security into executive bonuses and employee reviews, adding 1,600 security engineers, and expanding senior-level oversight. Microsoft is also addressing all CSRB recommendations and enhancing identity protection, network security, and threat detection. Smith emphasized the ongoing battle against cyberattacks, noting that Microsoft detects nearly 4,000 password-based attacks per second. Read More

Over 300 Fake Paris 2024 Sites Target Olympic Ticket Buyers

As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics approach, security researchers and officials have identified over 300 fraudulent ticketing sites exploiting legitimate Olympics branding to scam users. One notable site, paris24tickets[.]com, appeared professional and ranked highly in Google search results, misleading users into providing personal and financial information. Proofpoint researchers exposed this site as entirely fraudulent, collecting sensitive data instead of processing ticket orders. The French Gendarmerie Nationale has identified 338 scam sites since March 2023, shutting down 51 and putting 140 on notice. Scammers use ads and targeted emails to attract victims, often offering fake discounts. Captain Etienne Lestrelin advises against buying tickets outside official sources, warning that excessively cheap tickets are likely scams and could involve buyers in criminal activities. Read More

Tesla's $45 Billion Payout: Court Battle Looms Over Coercion Claims

Tesla's efforts to reinstate Elon Musk's $45 billion pay package continue to face legal challenges despite shareholder support. The package was nullified by a Delaware judge due to concerns over board independence. Tesla's chair plans to resubmit the deal to the court, but plaintiffs argue the vote was coerced and legally flawed. Richard Tornetta's lawyer, representing the plaintiffs, claims the new vote does not address the initial issues. Legal experts predict ongoing court battles in Delaware, with possible appeals to the state’s supreme court. They also highlight potential coercion by Musk, who threatened to develop AI and robotics outside Tesla if the vote failed. Future pay deals will be governed by Texas law following Tesla's incorporation move, but existing litigation remains in Delaware. Read More

MFA Failure Exposes Millions: Medibank Fined for Massive Data Breach

A lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) likely caused the Medibank data breach, exposing the personal data of 9.7 million customers in October 2022. The Australian Information Commissioner’s report revealed that hackers stole an IT service desk operator’s credentials via malware on a home device. The compromised VPN lacked MFA, allowing unauthorized access. Ignored security alerts further enabled the attackers to extract 520GB of sensitive data. Medibank's inadequate cybersecurity measures, highlighted in a 2020 risk assessment, included excessive access privileges and the absence of MFA. This negligence led to legal action by Australia's privacy regulator, with potential fines exceeding AU$2 million. Sanctions and arrests followed for the hackers involved. The breach underscores the critical need for MFA, proper alert management, regular security audits, and employee training. Read More

META Stealer Ups the Ante: Encrypted Builds, Custom Stubs in v5.0 Update

META Stealer v5.0 has launched, introducing advanced features and heightened security for this information-stealing malware. Key improvements include TLS encryption for secure communication between the build and the control panel, similar to updates seen in other top stealers like Lumma and Vidar. The update also offers a new build system for generating unique builds, supported by a "Stub token" currency for creating Runtime stubs, enhancing customization. The "Crypt build" option encrypts builds to evade detection during scans, significantly boosting stealth capabilities. Additionally, the panel's security and licensing systems have been upgraded to minimize disruptions. While previous updates, such as version 4.3 in February 2023, introduced features like enhanced detection cleaning and Telegram integration for build creation, version 5.0 focuses on individualized security and continuous improvement. Read More In this week's edition of TCE Cyberwatch, we've covered critical cybersecurity updates, from CISA's advisories on industrial control systems to Microsoft's pledges for security improvements and the exposure of fraudulent Olympic ticketing sites. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive is essential. By keeping abreast of the latest news and trends, you can better protect your digital assets and stay ahead in the ongoing battle against cyberattacks. Stay vigilant and informed with TCE Cyberwatch.

Yana Li, Director of IT & Platform Security at WebBeds, embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for cybersecurity that has propelled her from a challenging childhood to a leadership role in one of the most critical sectors of IT. Recently honored for her contributions at the World CyberCon Meta Edition, Yana's path to cybersecurity wasn't straightforward. In a candid interview with The Cyber Express (TCE), Yana reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and her unwavering commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity.

Early Challenges and Discovering Passion

Yana's childhood was marked by financial hardship and the absence of familial support. Emerging from a modest upbringing in Russia, she navigated childhood challenges with an independent spirit and unwavering resolve. Opportunities are to be seized," Yana reflects, recalling how she secured a full scholarship for Computer Science and Engineering studies in the United States, setting the stage for her remarkable journey through the realms of IT and cybersecurity. Her career trajectory initially flourished in technical support and project management, roles that equipped her with a profound understanding of IT infrastructures. However, it was a pivotal security project that ignited Yana's passion for cybersecurity. "It's not merely a project," she realized; "it opens doors to a whole new world." This revelation spurred her to further her education, including a transformative semester at Harvard focused on cybersecurity, where she engaged with industry leaders and broadened her expertise significantly.

Yana Li Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field

Entering the IT field in 2013, particularly in Russia, Yana confronted a stark reality of gender disparity. The industry was predominantly male, and discouragement was a constant companion. "They tried to tell you that you don't have it," Yana recalls, referring to the discouragement she faced early in her career. Despite these obstacles, Yana persevered, buoyed by a growing network of supportive communities and initiatives aimed at empowering women in cybersecurity. "There's so much support now," she emphasizes, citing numerous organizations and communities dedicated to mentoring and guiding aspiring female professionals.

Championing Diversity and Mentorship

Reflecting on her journey, Yana is keenly aware of the importance of mentorship and advocacy. As an ambassador for Google's Women Techmakers initiative, she actively champions diversity and inclusivity in tech fields. "I want to be the person I needed when I was younger," she affirms, emphasizing the need for aspiring professionals to believe in their capabilities and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Her message resonates deeply: "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough." Yana emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship, leveraging community resources, and believing in the limitless potential within oneself. In addressing the persistent gender gap in cybersecurity, Yana stresses the abundance of resources available today. From women-focused cybersecurity councils to mentorship programs offered by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, opportunities for growth and support abound. "Don't be shy," she encourages, urging women to leverage these resources and reach out for assistance when needed. "We've all been there," she reassures, highlighting the collective experience and solidarity within the community. "Just ask for help and believe that anything is possible."

Advice for Aspiring Women in Cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Yana remains optimistic about the future of cybersecurity and the role women will play in shaping its landscape. With increasing awareness and concerted efforts to foster diversity, she believes the field is ripe for innovation and transformation. "Anything in this world is possible," she asserts, a testament to her own journey and the limitless potential she sees in aspiring cybersecurity professionals. In conclusion, Yana Li's story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in cybersecurity. As women continue to carve out their place in this critical field, Yana stands as a role model, advocating for inclusivity, empowerment, and excellence. Her journey reminds us that with dedication and support, barriers can be overcome, and dreams can be realized. For those embarking on similar paths, Yana's story offers guidance, encouragement, and a steadfast belief in the limitless possibilities within cybersecurity.

The Handala hacker group has claimed responsibility for breaching Zerto, an Israeli firm specializing in critical cybersecurity services. The Zerto cyberattack reportedly yielded a substantial 51 terabytes of data, potentially exposing sensitive information integral to Zerto's operations. Zerto is renowned for its pivotal role in disaster recovery synchronization and site recovery, providing essential services utilized by numerous global enterprises. The cyberattack on Zerto by Handala, a group sympathetic to Palestinian causes and named after a symbol of Palestinian resilience, highlights the increasing intersection of geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats.

Handala Hacker Group Claims Responsibility for Zerto Cyberattack

[caption id="attachment_78661" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Source: X[/caption] According to the threat actor's post, Handala hacker group claims that they have targeted Zerto and also shared multiple screenshots on dashboards associated with the cybersecurity company. The group, previously claimed cyberattack on Israel’s radars and allegedly took down Iron Dome missile defense systems. The Handala hacker group draws its inspiration from the iconic figure created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali. The character, depicted as a ten-year-old with hands clasped behind his back, symbolizes defiance against imposed solutions and solidarity with the marginalized Palestinian population. Since al-Ali's tragic assassination in 1987, Handala has remained a potent symbol of Palestinian identity, prominently displayed across the West Bank, Gaza, and Palestinian refugee camps. The cyberattack on Zerto marks another chapter in Handala's campaign, aligning their actions with broader movements supporting Palestinian rights globally. The group's activities have resonated within these movements, akin to its adoption by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement and the Iranian Green Movement. Despite the bold claims by the Handala hacker group, official confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding the extent and impact of the cyberattack is pending. However, security experts within Israel have expressed concerns over the plausibility of Iranian involvement in cyber operations targeting critical Israeli infrastructure.

The Implication of Cyberattack on Zerto

The Cyber Express reached out to Handala for further insights into their motives and objectives behind the Zerto cyberattack. As of the latest update, no formal response has been received, leaving the claims and motivations of the attack unverified. The incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by firms operating in sensitive sectors, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and sophisticated cyber threats. The implications of the Zerto breach are profound, highlighting vulnerabilities in cybersecurity defenses and the need for robust measures to protect critical infrastructure. As stakeholders await further developments, The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information on the alleged Zerto cyberattack or any official confirmation from the organization.  Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), which is the largest fast-food chain operator in Philippines, has launched an investigation for an alleged data breach in its system that may have affected millions of its customers across the globe. The Jollibee probe was initiated after a threat actor claimed responsibility for breaching the systems of the Jollibee Foods Corporation. On June 21, The Cyber Express reported that a notorious attacker, operating under the alias “Sp1d3r”, claimed to have access to the sensitive data of 32 million customers of the fast food chain and offered to sell the database for $40,000 on the dark web. [caption id="attachment_78479" align="alignnone" width="1950"] Source: X[/caption]

Details of Jollibee Probe into Cyberattack

The Philippines National Privacy Commission (NPC) regulations make it mandatory for organizations in the country to report and inform stakeholders of cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours of discovery. A statement was released on June 22 by Richard Shin, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Information Officer of JFC, which said that it was addressing “a cybersecurity incident” that reportedly affected the company, “in addition to other subsidiaries”. “The Company is addressing the incident and has implemented its response protocols and deployed enhanced security measures to further protect the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ data against threats. The Company has also launched its investigation on the matter to understand the scope of this incident, and is currently working with the relevant authorities and experts in its investigation,” the statement said. JFC, however, added that its e-commerce platforms and those of its subsidiaries’ brands remained unaffected by the cyberattack and continued to be operational. It added that the safety of data from stakeholders was paramount for the company. “JFC recognizes the value and importance of the confidentiality of personal information of its stakeholders. The Company assures the public of its commitment to prioritize the protection and confidentiality of such personal information, including customer data, by continuously fortifying its defenses against future threats,” the company said. “The Company further assures the public that it continues to monitor and update its security measurements as appropriate under the circumstances, and as may be required by the results of its investigation into this matter,” it added. The fast-food delivery group urged the public to be vigilant and exercise good information security practices, including keeping passwords secure and changing them often.

Jollibee’s Cybersecurity Concerns  

The alleged data breach of the fast-food chain took place on popular data hack site BreachForums on June 20. The threat actor, “Sp1d3r”, claimed to have carried out a cyberattack and had gained access to the data of 32 million Jollibee customers, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and hashed passwords. The hacker also allegedly exfiltrated 600 million rows of data related to food delivery, sales orders, transactions and service details. JFC, meanwhile, is investigating this alleged cyberattack on its brands and subsidiaries, including Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King Philippines, and Highlands Coffee. This is not the first time that Jollibee has faced flak for its cybersecurity measures. In December 2017, JFC had informed of a data breach of its delivery website. The NPC had then warned that the data of 18 million customers was at “a very high risk” of being exposed. After an investigation, the NPC in May 2018 suspended Jollibee’s delivery website due to “serious vulnerabilities.” JFC also took down the delivery websites of its other brands. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

ECU Worldwide, a global player in Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation, has appointed Rajneesh Garg as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). In his new role, Garg will focus on managing and supporting software applications, leading technology transformation initiatives, and ensuring their successful implementation and adoption. He will work closely with the IT group shared services organization and report to Kapil Mahajan, Global CIO of Allcargo Group, from the company's Mumbai headquarters. "I am excited to be a part of ECU Worldwide known for its vision of a digital-first approach to build unmatched customer centricity at a global scale,” said newly appointed CIO, Garg. He added further, “The role gives me an opportunity to leverage my know-how to drive the growth journey of the company led under the leadership of Founder and Chairman Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, which is based on sustainability, superior customer experience, and futuristic approach. I look forward to working with the Allcargo Group to contribute to ECU Worldwide's growth journey.”

Rajneesh Garg Extensive Background

Garg brings over 20 years of leadership experience across various sectors, including banking, insurance, travel, hospitality, manufacturing, energy resources, and retail. Before joining ECU Worldwide, he was Vice President of Information Technology at Capgemini, overseeing regional delivery and growth for consumer products and retail accounts in the Nordic region. Garg holds a postgraduate degree in computer science from Moscow State University in Russia and has also worked in senior leadership roles at Tata Consultancy Services for over two decades. "With his extensive and diversified leadership experience in various sectors, Rajneesh will be instrumental in driving our technology transformation forward. His strategic vision aligns with our efforts to fortify ECU Worldwide's IT division as we pursue our ambitious growth and expansion strategies. We are confident that under Garg's leadership, our IT division will continue to break new ground in offering superior customer experience. We look forward to working with him as we embark on the next phase of growth,’’ said Kapil Mahajan, Global Chief Information Officer, Allcargo Group.

Way Forward

Founded in 1987, ECU Worldwide is a wholly-owned global subsidiary of Allcargo Logistics. The company is a major player in multi-modal transport and a leader in LCL consolidation. ECU Worldwide operates with a digital-first approach and is supported by leaders with expertise in logistics, data science, and technology. The appointment of Garg as CIO is a significant step for ECU Worldwide. His extensive experience and strategic approach are expected to drive the company’s technology initiatives and support its growth in the global LCL market. Garg's collaboration with the Allcargo Group leadership aims to bring technological advancements and improvements to ECU Worldwide's services and operations.

Following the massive cyberattack on Turkish cryptocurrency exchange BtcTurk, Binance has joined efforts to investigate the incident and has frozen over $5.3 million in stolen funds. Binance CEO Richard Teng confirmed this intervention on X, sharing operation details. The BtcTurk cyberattack, which occurred on June 22, 2024, targeted BtcTurk's hot wallets, exposing vulnerabilities in the exchange's internet-connected software-based crypto wallets. [caption id="attachment_78617" align="alignnone" width="738"] Source: X[/caption] BtcTurk reassured its users in a statement on its website and denoted that most assets stored in cold wallets remained secure, safeguarding the bulk of its users' holdings. Binance CEO Richard Teng stated on X that their team is actively supporting BtcTurk in their investigation and pledged to provide updates as their security teams uncover more information. 

Decoding the BtcTurk Cyberattack

Cryptocurrency investigator ZachXBT hinted at a potential link between the BtcTurk breach and a $54 million Avalanche transfer. The transfer, involving 1.96 million AVAX to Coinbase and subsequent Bitcoin withdrawals from Binance, coincided suspiciously with the timing of the cyberattack on BtcTurk. [caption id="attachment_78620" align="alignnone" width="755"] Source: X[/caption] Despite the setback, BtcTurk announced plans to gradually restore crypto deposit and withdrawal services once their cybersecurity measures are completed. They emphasized that their financial resilience surpasses the amount lost in the attack, ensuring that user assets remain unaffected. “Our teams have detected that there was a cyber attack on our platform on June 22, 2024, which caused uncontrolled footage to be taken. Only some of the balances in the hot wallets of 10 cryptocurrencies were affected by the cyber attack in question, and our cold wallets, where most of the assets are kept, are safe. BtcTurk's financial strength is well above the amounts affected by this attack, and user assets will not be affected by these losses”, reads the organization's statement. 

Mitigation Against the Cyberattack on BtcTurk

The BtcTurk cyberattack specifically impacted deposits of various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Aave (AAVE), Algorand (ALGO), Ankr (ANKR), Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), ApeCoin (APE), Axie Infinity (AXS), Chainlink (LINK), Cosmos (ATOM), Filecoin (FIL), among others, says BtcTurk's. “Our teams are carrying out detailed research on the subject. At the same time, official authorities were contacted. As a precaution, cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals have been stopped and will be made available for use as soon as our work is completed. You can follow the current status of the transactions on https://status.btcturk.com”, concludes the statement.  As investigations continue, both BtcTurk and Binance are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the cyberattack and strengthen their security protocols to prevent future incidents. Users are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates on the situation. By collaborating and taking swift action, Binance and BtcTurk aim to uphold trust within the cryptocurrency community while enhancing the resilience of their platforms against online threats.

ANY.RUN has disclosed a recent cybersecurity incident in which one of its employees fell victim to a sophisticated phishing attack, potentially compromising sensitive information. ANY.RUN is an online malware analysis environment that helps researchers study and simulate the creation of malware and threat processes in real time. While the full extent of the breach is still under investigation, ANY.RUN affirmed its commitment to transparency and stated that it would provide regular updates on the incident as they work to mitigate potential damage.

ANY.RUN Employee Email Compromise

[caption id="attachment_78600" align="alignnone" width="531"] Source: X.com (@anyrun_app)[/caption] According to a post on X from the company's official handle, the attack originated from a compromised customer account, which had been used to send a convincing phishing email to a staff member. This led to unauthorized access to the employee's email account. Subsequently, the attacker forwarded a phishing message to contacts within the compromised email address book. ANY.RUN stated that it had already notified data controllers of affected individuals and is working closely with them to address any concerns. They emphasized that the compromised employee did not have access to the production environment or any code base, which limits the potential scope of the breach.

ANY.RUN Response and Next Steps

Upon discovery of the incident, ANY.RUN took steps to minimize possible compromise and share details about the incident. An ongoing investigation is being done to determine the full impact of the breach and gather additional details. While the comprehensive report, the company has assured its customers that they are taking the matter seriously. In the coming days and weeks, ANY.RUN would work to: 1. Continue their investigation and analysis of the incident 2. Provide regular updates on their progress 3. Compile a detailed report of their findings The company acknowledges that many questions remain unanswered at this stage. However, they are committed to keeping all parties informed throughout the process. Customers appear to have viewed the effort at communication positively, highlighting it as an example of transparency around cybersecurity incident reporting and disclosure. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even companies working in the cybersecurity industry remain a potential target for attacks. Last year, Okta, a provider of identity and access management software, had suffered a security incident in which attackers had managed to access its support incident management through the use of stolen credentials. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The UK's Sellafield nuclear waste site has pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to various cybersecurity failings in the period spanning 2019-2023. Sellafield admitted it had failed "to ensure adequate protection of sensitive nuclear information on its information technology network." The Sellafield nuclear site has the word's largest store of plutonium and has been used to dispose of waste generated from decades of weapons programs and atomic power generation. Concerns over the nuclear site's cyber defenses have existed for well over a decade.

Sellafield Nuclear Waste Site's Cybersecurity Failings

Concerns over the site's security implementations grew after a 2012 report warned of "critical security vulnerabilities" requiring urgent attention. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the issues, problems were referred to with the codename "Voldemort." While Sellafield stated there has never been a successful cyberattack, revelations of IT failures last year raised alarms. In an investigative report last year, the Guardian uncovered that the site had been attacked by threat actors affiliated with the Russian and Chinese governments. The report found out that the site's authorities were not aware of when Sellafield's systems began to be compromised, but breaches may have gone as far back as the year 2015. In 2015, security experts had realized that Sellafield's computer systems had been compromised by sleeper malware. Sellafield had been earlier forced into “special measures” for regular cybersecurity failings by the UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and security services. The status of the compromised systems are unknown, but may have possibly led to the theft of sensitive information regarding moving of radioactive waste, monitoring for leaks of dangerous material, and fire checks. Sellafield stated that current protections on critical systems are robust, with isolated networks preventing external IT breaches from penetrating operational controls. An ONR spokesperson stated to the Guardian: “We acknowledge that Sellafield Limited has pleaded guilty to all charges," but emphasized that there was no evidence the vulnerabilities led to compromise. A Sellafield spokesman stated in the report, “We have pleaded guilty to all charges and cooperated fully with ONR throughout this process. The charges relate to historic offences and there is no suggestion that public safety was compromised."

Concerns of GMB Trade Union

With attention now focused on improving cyber resilience, officials are working to prevent sensitive materials or dangerous nuclear operations from potential disruption by hackers. Earlier the GMB trade union, which represents tens of thousands of workers across the energy industry, also expressed concerns over the security of Sellafield, with its national secretary Andy Prendergast noting a “lack of training and competence among staff, inadequate safety procedures and a culture of fear and intimidation.” Prendergast added, “GMB has repeatedly raised concerns over safety and staffing levels, which are mainly due to turnover and the age and demographic of the workforce.” Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A day after the Biden administration announced a U.S. ban on the sale of Kaspersky Lab products, the U.S. Treasury Department on Friday sanctioned a dozen top executives and senior leaders at the Russian cybersecurity company. Kaspersky took issue with the Biden administration's moves and said, "The decision does not affect the company’s ability to sell and promote cyber threat intelligence offerings and/or trainings in the U.S." The company said the action will instead benefit cybercriminals by restricting international cooperation between cybersecurity experts. The decision to ban Kaspersky is "based on the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns," the company said in a scathing response to the Commerce Department's ban. The sanctions represent the latest in a series of punitive measures against the Russian antivirus company, underscoring growing concerns about cybersecurity and national security risks associated with the firm's operations.

Details of the Kaspersky Sanctions

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) specifically targeted key individuals within Kaspersky Lab, including the chief operating officer, chief legal officer, chief of human resources, and chief business development and technology officers, among others. [caption id="attachment_78565" align="aligncenter" width="588"] Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury[/caption] The Treasury added all the above individuals to its Specially Designated Nationals list. SDN is a list maintained by OFAC that publicly identifies persons determined by the U.S. government to be involved in activities that threaten or undermine U.S. foreign policy or national security objectives. Notably, the sanctions did not extend to Kaspersky Lab itself, its parent or subsidiary companies nor to its CEO Eugene Kaspersky. The sanctions came just a day after the U.S. Commerce Department issued a final determination to ban Kaspersky Lab from operating in the United States. This ban is rooted in longstanding concerns over national security and the potential risks to critical infrastructure. The Commerce Department also added three Kaspersky divisions to its entity list due to their cooperation with the Russian government in cyber intelligence activities. The U.S. government has been wary of Kaspersky Lab's ties to the Russian government, fearing that its software could be used to facilitate cyber espionage. Bloomberg in 2017 first reported it had seen emails between chief executive Eugene Kaspersky and senior Kaspersky staff outlining a secret cybersecurity project apparently requested by the Russian intelligence service FSB. Kaspersky refuted these claims, calling the allegations "false"  and "inaccurate." However, these concerns have led to a broader push to restrict the company's operations within the U.S. and to mitigate any potential threats to national security.

Kaspersky Lab’s Response

Kaspersky Lab has consistently denied any allegations of being influenced or controlled by any government. The company has pledged to explore all legal options in response to the Commerce Department’s ban and the recent sanctions imposed by the Treasury. In a statement, Kaspersky Lab reiterated its commitment to transparency and maintaining the trust of its users worldwide, emphasizing it has never assisted any government in cyber espionage activities. "Kaspersky does not engage in activities which threaten U.S. national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted U.S. interests and allies," it said.

"Kaspersky provides industry-leading products and services to customers around the world to protect them from all types of cyber threats, and has repeatedly demonstrated its independence from any government." - Kaspersky Lab

The antivirus company claimed it has also implemented significant transparency measures that demonstrate its commitment to integrity and trustworthiness. But "the Department of Commerce’s decision unfairly ignores the evidence," Kaspersky said. The company said it also proposed a system in which the security of Kaspersky products could have been independently verified by a trusted third party.

"Kaspersky believes that the Department of Commerce made its decision based on the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services."

However, Brian Nelson, Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, “Today’s action against the leadership of Kaspersky Lab underscores our commitment to ensure the integrity of our cyber domain and to protect our citizens against malicious cyber threats. The U.S. will take action where necessary to hold accountable those who would seek to facilitate or otherwise enable these activities.”

Implications and Future Actions

The sanctions against Kaspersky Lab’s leadership signal a broader strategy by the U.S. government to address cybersecurity threats posed by foreign entities. This approach is part of a larger effort to strengthen national security and protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.

Legal and Business Repercussions

Kaspersky Lab’s legal battles and its efforts to counteract these sanctions will be closely watched. The company's ability to operate in the international market could be significantly affected by these measures, impacting its business operations and customer trust.

Global Cybersecurity Landscape

This development also highlights the ongoing tensions in the global cybersecurity landscape, where national security concerns often intersect with business interests. The actions taken by the U.S. government may set a precedent for how other nations address similar concerns with foreign technology firms. The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to sanction senior leaders at Kaspersky Lab marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of the Russian cybersecurity firm. While Kaspersky Lab denies any wrongdoing and prepares to contest the sanctions legally, the actions taken by the U.S. government underscore a determined effort to mitigate potential cyber threats and protect national security. As the situation unfolds, it will have significant implications for both Kaspersky and the broader cybersecurity environment.

Jollibee, the Philippines’ largest fast-food chain, has allegedly been hit by a massive data breach. The Jollibee cyberattack came to light on June 20, 2024, when a threat actor claimed responsibility for breaching the systems of Jollibee Foods Corporation. The notorious attacker, operating under the alias “Sp1d3r“, claimed to have access to the sensitive data of 32 million customers of the fast food chain and offered to sell the database for $40,000.

Details of Jollibee Cyberattack

The data breach of the fast-food chain was posted by the threat actor on popular data hack site BreachForums. The threat actor stated that “Jollibee is a Filipino chain of fast-food restaurants owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation. As of September 2023, there were over 1,500 Jollibee outlets worldwide, with restaurants in Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.” [caption id="attachment_78479" align="alignnone" width="1950"] Source: X[/caption] The threat actor claimed to have carried out a cyberattack and had gained access to the data of 32 million Jollibee customers, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and hashed passwords. The hacker also allegedly exfiltrated 600 million rows of data related to food delivery, sales orders, transactions and service details. To support these claims, the TA included a sample in tabular data format accessible through spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. While the exact details of the alleged data breach remains unclear, the potential impact on millions of customers is cause for concern.

Jollibee Yet to React to Cyberattack Claims

The motive behind the Jollibee cyberattack remains unknown. So far, Jollibee Foods Corporation has not reacted or issued any official statement regarding the alleged data breach. The Cyber Express has reached out to the corporation to verify the claims. This article will be updated once the company responds to the allegations and shares any preventive measures in place to prevent critical data from being misused. The Philippines National Privacy Commission (NPC) has yet to receive any notification from Jollibee Foods Corporation regarding the breach. The NPC regulations require organizations to inform affected individuals and report such incidents within 72 hours of discovery.

Jollibee Cyberattack Threat Actor Responsible for Snowflake Breach

While Jollibee investigates the claims made by “Sp1d3r”, the threat actor has been responsible for several recent breaches, which includes many customers of third-party cloud data storage vendor Snowflake. On June 1, “Sp1d3r” posted on the cybercriminal platform BreachForums that they had stolen the sensitive information of over 190 million people from QuoteWizard. The alleged database included customer details, partial credit card numbers, insurance quotes, and other information. The same threat actor was responsible for the data breach at American automobile aftermarket component supplier Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The attacker “Sp1d3r” claimed to have stolen three terabytes of customer data from the company’s Snowflake cloud storage and was selling the data for US$1.5 million. In its report, the company stated that the cyberattack could create damages up to $3 million. The Jollibee Cyberattack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the digital world, where even the largest and most established companies could become victims of notorious data hackers. Customers should stay vigilant and follow any further guidance provided by Jollibee and cybersecurity professionals. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

CDK Global has disclosed that it experienced an additional cyberattack in the course of its investigation into a cyberattack that occurred earlier in the same week. While limited details are known about the new incident, it may place additional strain on the firm's investigations and its efforts to return to usual operations. The second incident forced several auto dealerships in the U.S. and Canada to come to a near-standstill, with staff stating that the outage could last for days. CDK Global is a multinational corporation that provides software to auto dealerships, with at least 15,000 dealers relying on its offering.

Incident Extends CDK Global Systems Outage

After the initial attack, CDK Global shut down most of its systems on Wednesday, while working to investigate the incident and restore systems. "We are actively investigating a cyber incident.," the company said. "Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.” Later on the same day, the software firm managed to restore systems involved with its core DMS and Digital Retailing activities. In a statement to the Cyber Express, a spokesman from CDK Global said:

“As we’ve communicated previously, we are currently investigating a cyber incident. Erring on the side of caution, we proactively shut all systems down and executed extensive testing and consulted with external third-party experts. With the work done so far, our core DMS and Digital Retailing solutions have been restored. We are continuing to conduct extensive tests on all other applications, and we will provide updates as we bring those applications back online. Our first priority is always the security of our customers, and our actions reflect our obligation to them as a trusted partner.”

However, this restoration was short-lived, as the firm experienced a subsequent cyberattack on the same day:

“Late in the evening of June 19, we experienced an additional cyber incident and proactively shut down most of our systems. In partnership with third party experts, we are assessing the impact and providing regular updates to our customers. We remain vigilant in our efforts to reinstate our services and get our dealers back to business as usual as quickly as possible.”

According to CNN, sources appeared to confirm that the outage could last for several days in light of the second cyberattack. The CDK Global outage makes information related to sales deals, negotiations and customer appointments inaccessible by salespeople who work at affected dealerships.

Incident Comes Ahead of Summer Sales Season

The incident has caused concerns among dealers who anticipate business during the summer months. “This is where we need systems functioning,” stated Jeff Ramsey, an executive with Ourisman Auto Group which operates various dealerships. This had led to dealers switching to alternative methods to handle sales such as hand-written notes of buyer's orders. Brian Benstock, general manager of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura, stated, “My selling team can hand-write a buyer’s order.” Companies such as Kia, Toyota and Stellantis and Ford have also been working on alternate ways to handle customer services due to the CDK outage. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Among the diverse array of Android malware available on the dark web markets, Rafel RAT stands out as a particularly potent tool for malicious actors. Rafel RAT, an open-source remote administration tool, enables remote access and control over infected Android devices. Its capabilities include surveillance, data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, and manipulation of device functionalities.

The Relation Between APT-C-35 and Rafel RAT

Recent research by Check Point has uncovered instances of APT-C-35, also known as DoNot Team, leveraging Rafel RAT in their espionage operations. This discovery highlights the tool's versatility and effectiveness across different threat actor profiles and operational objectives. The group has been observed using Rafel RAT to conduct extensive espionage campaigns and targeting high-profile organizations, including those in the military sector. Analysis reveals approximately 120 distinct malicious campaigns associated with Rafel RAT, some of which have successfully targeted prominent organizations globally. Victims primarily hail from the United States, China, and Indonesia, with Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Huawei being the most affected device brands. Notably, a portion of targeted devices runs on unsupported Android versions, exacerbating security vulnerabilities due to the lack of essential security patches.

Technical Insights and Modus Operandi

Rafel RAT employs sophisticated techniques to evade detection and execute malicious operations discreetly. Upon infiltration, the malware initiates communication with a command-and-control (C&C) server, facilitating remote data exfiltration, surveillance, and device manipulation. Its command set includes capabilities for accessing phone books, SMS messages, call logs, location tracking, and even initiating ransomware operations. Threat actors utilizing Rafel RAT operate through a PHP-based C&C panel, leveraging JSON files for data storage. This streamlined infrastructure enables attackers to monitor infected devices comprehensively, accessing crucial information such as device models, Android versions, geographical locations, and network operator details. Such insights empower threat actors to tailor their malicious activities and campaigns effectively.

Emerging Threats and Mitigation Strategies

As Rafel RAT continues to evolve and proliferate, robust cybersecurity measures become imperative for Android users and enterprises alike. Effective strategies to mitigate risks include deploying comprehensive endpoint protection, staying updated with security patches, educating users about phishing and malware threats, and fostering collaboration across cybersecurity stakeholders. Rafel RAT exemplifies the nature of Android malware, characterized by its open-source nature, extensive feature set, and widespread adoption in illicit activities. Vigilance and proactive security measures are essential to safeguard against its threats, ensuring continued protection of user privacy, data integrity, and organizational security in an increasingly interconnected digital world.

One of Australia’s largest telecommunications companies Optus could have averted the massive 2022 data breach that leaked nearly 9.5 million individuals’ sensitive personal information, the Australian telecom watchdog said. The Australian Communications and Media Authority in a filing with the Federal Court said, “[Optus] cyberattack was not highly sophisticated or one that required advanced skills.” Its investigation attributed the 2022 Optus data breach to an access control coding error that left an API open to abuse. The investigation details of ACMA comes weeks after the telecom watchdog took legal action against Optus, in the same court, for allegedly failing to protect customer data adequately.

Coding Error and API Mismanagement Led to Optus Data Breach

The ACMA claimed that Optus had access controls in place for the API but a coding error inadvertently weakened these controls allowing them to be bypassed. This error left the API vulnerable, especially since it was internet-facing and dormant for an extended period. The vulnerability was reportedly introduced through a coding error in September 2018 and was first noticed in August 2021. But this issue was only fixed for the main site – www.optus.com.au – and not the subdomain (likely api.www.optus.com.au) where the vulnerable API endpoint was hosted.

“The coding error was not identified by Optus until after the cyberattack had occurred in mid-September 2022. Optus had the opportunity to identify the coding error at several stages in the preceding four years including: when the coding change was released into a production environment in September 2018; when the Target Domain (and the Main Domain) became internet-facing through the production environment in June 2020; and when the coding error was detected for the main domain in August 2021.” – ACMA

But the company failed to do so causing alleged harm to more than one-third (approximately 36%) of the Australian population. The telco watchdog alleged that Optus’ failure to protect customer data constitutes a breach of its obligations under Australian law.

Optus’ Response to ACMA’s Allegations

Optus, in a statement to The Cyber Express, confirmed the vulnerability and provided details on the cyberattack. “The cyberattack resulted from the cyber attacker being able to exploit a previously unknown vulnerability in our defenses that arose from a historical coding error,” said Interim CEO of Optus Michael Venter.

“This vulnerability was exploited by a motivated and determined criminal as they probed our defenses, and then exploited and evaded these defenses by taking steps to bypass various authentication and detection controls that were in place to protect our customers’ data. The criminal did this by mimicking usual customer activity and rotating through tens of thousands of different IP addresses to evade detection.” – Michael Venter, Interim CEO of Optus

Venter said following the 2022 Optus data breach, the company has reviewed and updated its systems and processes. It has invested in heightened cyber defenses to address the increased global cyber risk environment. The company expressed regret over the incident and emphasized its commitment to protecting customer data. “Our customers expected their information would remain safe. We accept that this did not happen, and the cyber attacker gained unauthorised access to some of their information,” Venter said. Optus suffered a major customer data breach in 2022 that gave malicious actors access to about 9.5 million former and current customers' sensitive information including names, birth dates, phone numbers, email addresses and, for a subset of customers (2,470,036), addresses and ID document numbers such as driver’s license or passport numbers. Of these, the hacker also released the personally identifiable information (PII) of 10,200 Optus customers on the dark web.

Deloitte Report Handed to the Federal Court

Post the hack, although the privacy commissioner and ACMC held detailed investigations, Optus itself commissioned an independent external review of the cyberattack. Despite attempts to keep the document confidential, the Australian federal court ordered Optus last month to file this report with the court, which is expected to provide crucial insights into the breach. “Optus is working with the ACMA and separately Slater and Gordon with the intention of providing them with a confidential version of the Deloitte Report that appropriately protects our customer data and systems from cybercriminals,” Venter told The Cyber Express. The forensic report prepared by Deloitte detailing the technical aspects of the breach was finally handed over to the federal court on Friday. The details revealed in this report will also be used in a separate class action against Optus.

“Much to do to Fully Regain our Customers’ Trust”

Optus has acknowledged the breach’s impact on customer trust, with Venter expressing deep regret for the incident. Optus has reimbursed 20,071 current and former customers for the cost of replacing identity documents. The company is also covering costs incurred by government agencies related to the breach. Optus has pledged to cooperate with the ACMA’s investigation and defend its actions in court, aiming to correct any misconceptions and improve its cybersecurity measures.

“Optus recognizes that we still have much to do to fully regain our customers’ trust and we will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal,” – Michael Venter

The Optus data breach highlights the critical importance of robust access controls and diligent monitoring of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for organizations worldwide to ensure comprehensive protection of sensitive data and maintain customer trust through proactive and transparent security practices. As the case progresses, it will provide further insights into the complexities of cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector and the measures necessary to prevent similar breaches in the future.

The Ticketmaster data breach update is distressing as the threat actors have now released records of 1 million customers for free. The Ticketmaster data leak, earlier confirmed by Live Nation, Ticketmaster's parent company, involves unauthorized access and potential leak of sensitive customer information. According to the threat actor responsible for the breach, the stolen data in this incident includes a vast trove of data belonging to 680 million Ticketmaster customers. Initially demanding $100,000 for the stolen data, the threat actors have since escalated their tactics by publicly releasing records on a popular dark web forum. 

The Fallout of Ticketmaster Data Breach

This move appears to be an attempt to pressure Ticketmaster into meeting their demands, underlining the severity of the breach and its potential repercussions. [caption id="attachment_78485" align="alignnone" width="1415"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] In its post, the threat actor claims that Ticketmaster is not responding to the request to buy data from the hacker collective. In response, the hackers assert that the organization does not care “for the privacy of 680 million customers, so give you the first 1 million users free.” The compromised data includes a wide array of personal details: names, addresses, IP addresses, emails, dates of birth, credit card types, last four digits of credit cards, and expiration dates. This extensive breach of sensitive information raises serious concerns about the privacy and security of Ticketmaster's user base. The Ticketmaster data breach, which reportedly occurred on May 20, involved a database hosted on Snowflake, a third-party cloud storage provider utilized by Ticketmaster. Live Nation has acknowledged unauthorized activity within this cloud environment but has not provided specific details regarding the breach's origins or the complete extent of data exfiltrated.

Live Nation Confirms the Ticketmaster Data Leak Incident

Live Nation confirmed the Ticketmaster data leak in a regulatory filing, stating the incident occurred on May 20. They reported that a cybercriminal had offered what appeared to be company user data for sale on the dark web. The affected personal information is believed to be related to customers. “As of the date of this filing, the incident has not had, and we do not believe it is reasonably likely to have, a material impact on our overall business operations or on our financial condition or results of operations. We continue to evaluate the risks and our remediation efforts are ongoing”, reads the official filing.  Ticketmaster and Live Nation are expected to collaborate closely with cybersecurity experts and regulatory authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. They will likely focus on enhancing security measures to prevent future breaches and mitigate the impact on affected customers. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

A newly discovered vulnerability, CVE-2024-0762, dubbed "UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow," has recently come to light in the Phoenix SecureCore UEFI firmware, impacting various Intel Core desktop and mobile processors. The UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow vulnerability, disclosed by cybersecurity researchers, exposes a critical buffer overflow issue within the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) configuration, potentially allowing malicious actors to execute unauthorized code. Eclypsium, a firm specializing in supply chain security, identified the vulnerability through its automated binary analysis system, Eclypsium Automata. They reported that the flaw could be exploited locally to escalate privileges and gain control over the UEFI firmware during runtime. This exploitation bypasses higher-level security measures, making it particularly concerning for affected devices.

Decoding the UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow Vulnerability and its Impact

The affected Phoenix SecureCore UEFI firmware is utilized across multiple generations of Intel Core processors, including AlderLake, CoffeeLake, CometLake, IceLake, JasperLake, KabyLake, MeteorLake, RaptorLake, RocketLake, and TigerLake. Given the widespread adoption of these processors by various OEMs, the UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow vulnerability has the potential to impact a broad array of PC products in the market. According to Eclypsium researchers, the vulnerability arises due to an insecure variable handling within the TPM configuration, specifically related to the TCG2_CONFIGURATION variable. This oversight could lead to a scenario where a buffer overflow occurs, facilitating the execution of arbitrary code by an attacker. Phoenix Technologies, in response to the disclosure, promptly assigned CVE-2024-0762 to the UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow vulnerability and released patches on May 14, 2024, to mitigate the issue. The severity of the vulnerability is reflected in its CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high-risk threat.

The Importance of UEFI Architecture Security 

In practical terms, the exploitation of UEFI firmware vulnerabilities like "UEFIcanhazbufferoverflow" highlights the critical role of firmware in device security. The UEFI architecture serves as the foundational software that initializes hardware and manages system runtime operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access and control. This incident also highlights the challenges associated with supply chain security, where vulnerabilities in upstream components can have cascading effects across multiple vendors and products. As such, organizations are advised to leverage comprehensive scanning tools to identify affected devices and promptly apply vendor-supplied firmware updates. For enterprises relying on devices with potentially impacted firmware, proactive measures include deploying solutions to continuously monitor and assess device integrity. This approach helps mitigate risks associated with older devices and ensures ongoing protection against active exploitation of firmware-based vulnerabilities.

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the Russian cybersecurity firm, from providing any products or services in the United States. This historic decision of the US banning Kaspersky marks the first Final Determination by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS). The BIS has set a deadline of September 29, 2024, giving U.S. consumers and businesses time to switch to alternative cybersecurity solutions. Kaspersky will no longer be able to sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use. The prohibition also applies to Kaspersky Lab, Inc.’s affiliates, subsidiaries, and parent companies (together with Kaspersky Lab, Inc., “Kaspersky” The US banning Kaspersky incident highlights rising concerns over national security risks linked to foreign technology companies, especially those from adversarial states. Further, it reflects years of scrutiny and represents a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to safeguard its cyber infrastructure. “This action is the first of its kind and is the first Final Determination issued by BIS’s Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS), whose mission is to investigate whether certain information and communications technology or services transactions in the United States pose an undue or unacceptable national security risk,” reads the official BIS announcement. Additionally, BIS has added three entities—AO Kaspersky Lab and OOO Kaspersky Group (Russia), and Kaspersky Labs Limited (United Kingdom)—to the Entity List for their cooperation with Russian military and intelligence authorities in support of the Russian Government’s cyber intelligence objectives. This article delves into the timeline and context of U.S. actions against Kaspersky, highlighting the shift from the Trump administration to the Biden administration.

US vs Kaspersky: A Timeline of Cybersecurity Actions

2017

September- The Trump Administration’s heightened scrutiny of Kaspersky began. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Binding Operational Directive (BOD 17-01) that mandated removing and discontinuing Kaspersky products from all federal information systems. This directive followed mounting evidence suggesting that the Russian government could use Kaspersky’s products to infiltrate U.S. networks. December- The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 cemented these concerns into law by prohibiting the use of Kaspersky software across all federal agencies. This legislative action reflected a bipartisan consensus on the potential risks posed by the Russian firm.

2022

March- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added Kaspersky to its “List of Communications Equipment and Services that Pose a Threat to National Security.” This action was part of a broader effort to secure the nation’s communications networks from foreign influence and control.

2024

June - Today’s Final Determination by the BIS represents the culmination of a thorough investigation by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS). This office, established to assess whether certain information and communications technology (ICT) transactions pose unacceptable national security risks, has found Kaspersky’s operations in the U.S. untenable.

US Banning Kaspersky: The Context and Implications of BIS’s Final Determination

The BIS’s decision comes after a comprehensive investigation revealed that Kaspersky’s operations in the United States posed an undue or unacceptable national security risk. The key concerns highlighted include:

1. Jurisdiction and Control by the Russian Government: Kaspersky is subject to Russian laws requiring cooperation with intelligence agencies. This legal framework gives the Russian government potential access to data managed by Kaspersky’s software. Therefore, Kaspersky is subject to Russian laws, requiring it to comply with requests for information that could compromise U.S. national security.
2. Access to Sensitive Information: Kaspersky’s software has extensive administrative privileges over customer systems, creating opportunities for data exploitation.
3. Potential for Malicious Activities: Kaspersky could theoretically introduce malware or withhold crucial security updates, compromising U.S. cybersecurity.
4. Third-Party Integrations: Integrating Kaspersky products into third-party services further complicates the risk, as the source code might be obscured, increasing vulnerability in critical U.S. systems.

Transition Period and Recommendations

While users won’t face legal penalties for continued use of Kaspersky products during this period, they assume all associated cybersecurity risks. This grace period is crucial for minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth transition to secure alternatives. The Department of Commerce, along with DHS and DOJ, is actively working to inform and assist users in transitioning to alternative cybersecurity solutions. “The actions taken today are vital to our national security and will better protect the personal information and privacy of many Americans. We will continue to work with the Department of Commerce, state and local officials, and critical infrastructure operators to protect our nation’s most vital systems and assets,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. runZero, meanwhile, released tools to detect Kaspersky products on in most Windows installations, which also work with the company's free community edition.

Historical Background: From Trump to Biden

The determination against Kaspersky is part of a broader U.S. strategy to safeguard its information and communications technology infrastructure. The roots of this policy can be traced back to Executive Order 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain,” which empowers the Commerce Department to evaluate and act against risks posed by foreign ICTS transactions. The scrutiny of Kaspersky began during the Trump administration, amid growing concerns about Russia's cyber capabilities and potential espionage activities. The Trump-era directives and legislative actions laid the groundwork for stricter controls, reflecting a bipartisan consensus on the threat posed by foreign cyber interference. Under the Biden administration, the approach has evolved into a more comprehensive and coordinated effort. The establishment of the OICTS within BIS and the issuance of the Final Determination represents a significant escalation in the U.S. government's efforts to protect its digital infrastructure. The Biden administration's emphasis on a “whole-of-government” strategy underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in national defense. The U.S. government has taken a coordinated approach to implementing this determination. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the commitment to national security and innovation, stating that this action is a clear message to adversaries. “Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard U.S. national security and the American people. Today’s action, our first use of the Commerce Department’s ICTS authorities, demonstrates Commerce’s role in support of our national defense and shows our adversaries we will not hesitate to act when they use their technology poses a risk to the United States and its citizens,” said Raimondo.

The Future of U.S. Cybersecurity Policy

The inclusion of Kaspersky and related entities on the Entity List highlights the U.S. government’s proactive stance. This list, maintained under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, identifies entities engaged in activities contrary to U.S. national security interests. Additions to this list involve rigorous interagency review, ensuring that actions are based on concrete, specific evidence of risk. “With today’s action, the American cyber ecosystem is safer and more secure than it was yesterday,” said Under Secretary for Industry and Security Alan Estevez. “We will not hesitate to protect U.S. individuals and businesses from Russia or other malign actors who seek to weaponize technology that is supposed to protect its users.” As the September deadline approaches, businesses and individuals alike must stay informed and take necessary steps to secure their digital environments. The U.S. government's decisive action against Kaspersky highlights the critical importance of vigilance and proactive measures in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

In the latest update of "Secure by Design”, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlighted the critical importance of integrating security practices into basic services for software manufacturers. The paper highlights a notable concern: the imposition of an "SSO tax" where essential security features like Single Sign-On (SSO) are bundled as premium services, potentially hindering their adoption among Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs).

Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) into Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)

SSO simplifies access management by allowing users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications—a crucial feature for enhancing security postures across organizations. However, its adoption faces significant hurdles, primarily due to cost implications and perceived operational complexities. One of the primary challenges identified by CISA is pricing SSO capabilities as add-ons rather than including them in the base service. This "SSO tax" not only inflates costs but also creates a barrier for SMBs looking to bolster their security frameworks without incurring substantial expenses. By advocating for SSO to be a fundamental component of software packages, CISA aims to democratize access to essential security measures, positioning them as a customer right rather than a premium feature. Beyond financial considerations, the adoption of SSO is also influenced by varying perceptions among SMBs. While some view it as a critical enhancement to their security infrastructure, others question its cost-effectiveness and operational benefits. Addressing these concerns requires clearer communication on how SSO can streamline operations and improve overall security posture, thereby aligning perceived expenses with tangible returns on investment.

Improving User Experience and Support

Technical proficiency poses another hurdle. Despite vendors providing training materials, SMBs often face challenges in effectively deploying and maintaining SSO solutions. The complexity involved in integrating SSO into existing systems and the adequacy of support resources provided by vendors are critical factors influencing adoption rates. Streamlining deployment processes and enhancing support mechanisms can mitigate these challenges, making SSO more accessible and manageable for SMBs with limited technical resources. Moreover, the user experience with SSO implementation plays a pivotal role. Feedback from SMBs indicates discrepancies in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of support materials, necessitating multiple interactions with customer support—a time-consuming process for resource-constrained businesses. Simplifying user interfaces, refining support documentation, and offering responsive customer service are essential to improving the adoption experience and reducing operational friction. In light of these updates, there is a clear call to action for software manufacturers. Aligning with the principles of Secure by Design, manufacturers should integrate SSO into their core service offerings, thereby enhancing accessibility and affordability for SMBs. By addressing economic barriers, improving user interfaces, and providing robust technical support, manufacturers can foster a more conducive environment for SSO adoption among SMBs.

A ransomware attack in May against Ascension, one of America's largest hospital chains, has severely disrupted operations and patient care at its more than 140 hospitals across at least 10 states. Doctors, nurses and other clinicians have reported weeks-long outages of key technology systems, medication errors, delays in lab results, and a lack of routine safeguards - lapses they say have put the health of patients at risk. The May 8 cyberattack locked Ascension out of electronic medical records systems, some phones, test and medication ordering platforms, and other tools essential for the coordination of patient care. While Ascension said its clinicians are "trained for these kinds of disruptions," many on the frontlines feel unprepared.

Ascension Hospitals Cyberattack Places Strain on Staff

"I had no training for this," said Marvin Ruckle, a neonatal ICU nurse at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph in Wichita, Kansas, who nearly gave a baby the wrong dose of medication. Lisa Watson, a critical care nurse who works at the same hospital, says she almost administered the wrong drug to a critically ill patient because she couldn't scan it electronically. "My patient probably would have passed away," she said. Doctors and nurses across Ascension report relying on paper records, handwritten notes, faxes and basic spreadsheets to deliver care - many cobbled together in real time. An ER doctor in Detroit said a mix-up due to paperwork issues led a patient to receive the wrong narcotic and end up on a ventilator. In Baltimore, ICU nurse Melissa LaRue described narrowly avoiding giving an incorrect blood pressure medication dosage due to confusion from paperwork. Several clinicians said errors could threaten their licenses, but patient privacy laws prevented verifying their accounts. Ascension declined to address specific claims but said in a statement it is "confident that our care providers...continue to provide quality medical care."

Ascension Hospitals' Staff Urge Changes

While federal regulations require safeguarding patient data, hospitals currently face no cyberattack preparation or prevention mandates. Experts regard health care as the top target for ransomware attacks, which are rising exponentially. Proposed regulations are pending, but timelines and requirements remain unclear. Nurses and doctors urging reforms at Ascension say cyberattacks should be treated similarly to natural disasters, with contingency plans that account for outages lasting weeks or longer. Many also echoed a plea for more staff support to shoulder the additional workload. "We implore Ascension," one Michigan clinician wrote, "to recognize the internal problems that continue to plague its hospitals, both publicly and privately, and take earnest steps toward improving working conditions for all of its staff." While the Biden administration has pushed for stronger cybersecurity standards in health care, the new requirements are still in development. Meanwhile, hospital industry lobbyists argue mandates could divert resources from cybersecurity efforts. These incidents prove that patients may ultimately pay the price when hospitals fall victim to cybercrime, while staff experience additional burden affecting routine practice and judgement. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) is notifying more than 414,000 of its members that their personal information may have been compromised in a data breach incident that occurred earlier this year. ATPE is largest community of educators in Texas, and aims to elevate public education in the state. The association advocates for Texas educators and provides affordable, high-quality products and services, including legal and educational services. The professional organization for educators said in a recent letter that it detected suspicious activity on its network on Feb. 12 and launched an investigation with the help of a cybersecurity firm.

Association of Texas Professional Educators Data Breach

On February 12, 2024, ATPE detected abnormal activity on its network, which led to a comprehensive forensic investigation. The investigation concluded on March 20, 2024, and found evidence that some of ATPE's systems had been accessed by an unauthorized user. Based on this finding, ATPE reviewed the affected systems to identify the specific individuals and types of information that may have been compromised. The accessed information varied depending on when members joined:

• For those who became members before May 15, 2021, the breach may have exposed names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and medical records. Tax Identification Numbers could also possibly have been accessed if employers used them as identifiers.
• For members who received payments from ATPE via ACH transactions, financial account information could also have been accessed.

ATPE said that while it has no evidence that anyone's information has been misused, it is notifying members "out of an abundance of caution and for purposes of full transparency."

Response to Breach Incident and Credit Offering

Since discovery of the breach, ATPE stated that it has taken several steps to secure its systems, including:

• Disconnecting all access to its network.
• Change of administrative credentials.
• Installation of enhanced security safeguards on ATPE's environment and endpoints.
• Restoration of ATPE's website in a Microsoft Azure hosted environment.

The organization said it will continue efforts to mitigate potential harm in the future. ATPE is providing affected members with free credit monitoring and identity protection services for one year through Cyberscout, a company specializing in fraud assistance. Members must enroll by Sept. 15, 2024. Details on how to activate the free services are included in the notification letters sent to members' homes. The association has also advised individuals to remain vigilant for possible incidents of identity theft and fraud, review account statements, and monitor credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. ATPE said it sincerely regrets any concern or inconvenience caused by the incident but remains committed to safeguarding users' personal information. Law firm Federman & Sherwood has announced that it would conduct a separate investigation into the Association of Texas Professional Educators data breach. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Crown Equipment, a global top five forklift manufacturer, was hit by a cyberattack that has disrupted its manufacturing operations for nearly two weeks. The company yesterday attributed the attack to an "international cybercriminal organization," raising speculation of a ransomware gang's involvement. The cyberattack has affected Crown's IT systems, employee workflows and overall business continuity for the second week running.

Crown Equipment Cyberattack Overview

Since approximately June 8th, Crown's employees reported a breach in the company's IT systems. This breach led to a complete shutdown of systems, preventing employees from clocking in their hours, accessing service manuals, and in some cases delivering machinery. In an internal email sent to employees, the heavy machinery manufacturer confirmed the cyberattack and advised employees to ignore multifactor authentication (MFA) requests and to be cautious of phishing emails.

"I currently work there. Everyone is scrambling, can't order parts except for TVH and that's strictly for emergencies. The company hasn't officially announced that it's been hacked but they keep pushing the importance of MFA. We can read between the lines." - Reddit User (Williams2242)

The company in its press release revealed that the breach necessitated the shutdown of their operating systems to investigate and resolve the issue without giving details on the hackers and their ransom demand, if any.

Crown Equipment Attack Details

Crown disclosed that many of their security measures were effective in limiting data access by the criminals. However, the breach likely occurred due to an employee not adhering to data security policies that resulted in unauthorized access to their device, according to a Reddit post.

"I heard someone got a call from a hacker pretending to be IT. They installed a fake VPN on their computer and got access to everything. They created a privileged account on the network that gave them access all the systems. The network went down Sunday and it's been down since with no ETA." - Reddit User (DragonflyJust2223)

This speculation suggests a social engineering attack where the threat actor installed remote access software on the employee's computer. BornCity, a website maintained by a German-speaking digital observer, first reported the possibility of a hack nearly a week ago. Citing a distant source who used to work at the manufacturing plant of Crown, BornCity said the problems were likely due to a 'coding bug.' "This had sent the Crown 360 (a service likely based on the Microsoft Cloud and Office 365) solution downhill – but I take that information not as reliable." Crown Equipment, however, did not confirm the speculation and thus the claims remain unverified.

Impact on Crown Equipment's Employees

Initially, Crown told employees they would need to file for unemployment or use their paid time off (PTO) and vacation days to receive pay for missed days. Last weekend, this directive was updated and the employees were asked to file for unemployment, after which several took to Reddit to vent their discontent.

"The fact that their not paying people for their mistake is straight bu****it. Crown pretends to be a family company but as soon as they need to support their "family" they shaft them. People need this money to live, while the owner can just sit back and chill with his multi-millions in the bank. Crown needs to take the hit and do the right thing." - Reddit User

Another said: [caption id="attachment_78309" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Source: Reddit[/caption] However, Crown later decided to provide regular pay as an advance, allowing employees to compensate for the lost hours later. Despite this adjustment, employees expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the company during the incident. Crown Equipment has reportedly engaged some of the world’s top cybersecurity experts and the FBI to analyze the affected data and manage the aftermath of the attack. The company emphasized that there were no indications that employee personal information or data that could facilitate identity theft was targeted. The company is now in the process of restoring systems and transitioning back to normal business operations. They are also working closely with customers to minimize the disruption's impact on their operations. Although Crown did not specify the type of cyberattack, their description suggests a ransomware attack by an international cybercriminal organization. If confirmed, this implies that corporate data was likely stolen and could be leaked if the ransom demands are not met. As Crown continues to recover from this significant disruption, the incident serves as a reminder for companies worldwide to strengthen their cybersecurity protocols, including isolating critical workloads, invest in employee training to prevent social engineering attacks, and establish effective communication strategies for managing cyber incidents.

Researchers have discovered that various threat actors groups associated with Chinese state-linked espionage have been conducting a sustained hacking campaign targeting telecommunications operators in an unnamed Asian country since at least 2021. The attackers relied on custom malware and tactics tied to several China-linked espionage groups, suggesting Chinese state sponsorship.

Malware Variants Used in Chinese Espionage Campaign

Researchers from Symantec observed the use of several custom malware linked to China-based threat actors, including:

• Coolclient: A backdoor used by the Fireant group that logs keystrokes and communicates with command servers. The campaign utilized a version delivered via a trojanized VLC media player. It is linked to the Fireant group, also known as Mustang Panda or Earth Preta.
• Quickheal: A backdoor associated with the Needleminer group, also known as RedFoxtrot or Nomad Panda. The variant used in the campaign was nearly identical to those documented in 2021. It communicated with a command server at swiftandfast[.]net.
• Rainyday: A backdoor tied to the Firefly group, also known as Naikon. Multiple variants were deployed using trojanized executables to sideload malicious loaders and decrypt payloads. At least one loader variant matched those linked to Firefly in 2021.

The attackers also used a variety of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to compromise targets. These included keylogging malware that were possibly custom-developed, and port scanning tools to identify vulnerable systems. They also employed credential theft through the dumping of registry hives and exploited the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Additionally, they used a publicly available tool, Responder, to act as a Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR), NetBIOS Name Service (NBT-NS) and multicast DNS (mDNS) poisoner. Nearly all victims in the campaign were telecoms operators, along with a services company that caters to the telecoms sector and a university in a different country in Asia. The researchers suggested that the campaign may even date as far back as the year 2020.

Campaign Motives and Attribution

The custom malware exclusively used by Fireant, Needleminer and Firefly provides strong evidence that this campaign involves Chinese state-sponsored groups. Firefly has been linked to a Chinese military intelligence unit by the U.S.-China Commission. The level of coordination between the groups involved is unclear but possibilities include independent action, personnel/tool sharing, or active collaboration. The ultimate motives behind the hacking campaign remain uncertain. Potential objectives include intelligence gathering on the telecommunications sector, eavesdropping on voice and data communications, or developing disruptive capabilities against critical infrastructure. To protect against these threats, telecom operators and other organizations should ensure they have the latest protection updates and implement robust security measures to detect and block malicious files. The researchers shared several Indicators of compromise and file hashes to help defenders detect against the campaign. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

In a high-stakes clash within the crypto verse, Kraken, a leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, has accused blockchain security firm Certik of illicitly siphoning $3 million from its treasury and attempting extortion. The dispute shows the significant tensions between ethical hacking practices and corporate responses and underscores the complexities and challenges within the bug bounty ecosystem.

Accusations from Kraken

Nick Percoco, Kraken's chief security officer, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to accuse an unnamed security research firm of misconduct. According to Percoco, the firm - later revealed to be Certik - breached Kraken’s bug bounty program rules. Instead of adhering to the established protocol of promptly returning extracted funds and fully disclosing bug transaction details, Certik allegedly withheld the $3 million and sought additional compensation, Percoco claimed. Percoco claimed that "the ‘security researcher’ disclosed this bug to two other individuals who they work with who fraudulently generated much larger sums. They ultimately withdrew nearly $3 million from their Kraken accounts. This was from Kraken’s treasuries, not other client assets." He said that after contacting the researchers, instead of returning the funds they "demanded a call with their business development team (i.e. their sales reps) and have not agreed to return any funds until we provide a speculated $ amount that this bug could have caused if they had not disclosed it. This is not white-hat hacking, it is extortion!" Percoco said that in the decade-long history of Kraken’s bug bounty program, the company had never encountered researchers who refused to follow the rules. The program stipulates that any funds extracted during bug identification must be immediately returned and accompanied by a proof of concept. The researchers are also expected to avoid excessive exploitation of identified bugs. The dispute escalated as Certik reportedly failed to return the funds and accused Kraken of being “unreasonable” and unprofessional. Percoco responded that such actions by security researchers revoke their “license to hack” and classify them as criminals.

“As a security researcher, your license to “hack” a company is enabled by following the simple rules of the bug bounty program you are participating in. Ignoring those rules and extorting the company revokes your “license to hack”. It makes you, and your company, criminals.”

Certik's Response to Kraken

Following Kraken’s public accusations, Certik disclosed its involvement and countered Kraken’s narrative by accusing the exchange of making unreasonable demands and threatening its employees. Certik claimed Kraken demanded the return of a “mismatched” amount of cryptocurrency within an unfeasible timeframe without providing necessary repayment addresses. The company provided an accounting of its test transactions to support its claims. Certik shared its intent to transfer the funds to an account accessible to Kraken despite the complications in the requested amount and lack of repayment addresses.

“Since Kraken has not provided repayment addresses and the requested amount was mismatched, we are transferring the funds based on our records to an account that Kraken will be able to access.” - CertiK

CertiK’s Take on Kraken’s Defense Systems

Certik defended its actions and instead highlighted the inadequacy of Kraken’s defense systems. The firm pointed out that the continuous large withdrawals from different testing accounts, which were part of their testing process, should have been detected by Kraken’s security measures. Certik questioned why Kraken’s purportedly robust defense systems failed to identify such significant anomalies. “According to our testing result: The Kraken exchange failed all these tests, indicating that Kraken’s defense in-depth-system is compromised on multiple fronts. Millions of dollars can be deposited to ANY Kraken account. A huge amount of fabricated crypto (worth more than 1M+ USD) can be withdrawn from the account and converted into valid cryptos. Worse yet, no alerts were triggered during the multi-day testing period. Kraken only responded and locked the test accounts days after we officially reported the incident.” - CertiK The blockchain security firm said the fact behind their white hat operation is that “millions dollars of crypto were minted out of air, and no real Kraken user’s assets were directly involved” in these research activities. The firm also said that the dispute with the cryptocurrency exchange is actually shifting focus away from a more severe security issue at Kraken. “For several days, with many fabricated tokens generated and withdrawn to valid cryptos, no risk control or prevention mechanisms were triggered until reported by CertiK,” it said. “The real question should be why Kraken’s in-depth defense system failed to detect so many test transactions.” Regarding the money siphoned, Certik said, “Continuous large withdrawals from different testing accounts was a part of our testing.” With an aim of transparency, the security firm disclosed details of all testing deposit transactions and the timeline of how the bug bounty saga played out on X. [caption id="attachment_78192" align="aligncenter" width="698"] Timeline of the Kraken vs CertiK zero-day and bug bounty dispute (Source: CertiK on platform X)[/caption]

Disclosure of Product Flaws Treads a Fine Line

The news of the escalated dispute comes on the heels of another incident where a white hat hacker - after following bug bounty ethics - was threatened by the legal team of the company to “cease and desist.” Andrew Lemon, an offensive security expert, responsibly reported a critical vulnerability to an unnamed company that manufactured and sold a traffic control system. The vulnerability allowed a remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass security and gain full control of a traffic controller, giving them the ability to changing stoplights and modify traffic flow, Lemon explained in a LinkedIn post. But to Lemon’s surprise, instead of acknowledging and addressing the bug with the engineering team, its legal team threatened to sue him under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. “I Received a letter from a company's legal team instead of engineering after responsibly disclosing a critical vulnerability in a traffic control system I purchased from eBay,” he said. “The company's response? In order for them to acknowledge the vulnerability, hardware must be purchased directly from them or tested with explicit authorization from one of their customers, they threatened prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and labeled disclosure as irresponsible, potentially causing more harm.” Security Engineer Jake Brodsky responded saying, “Legally they're not wrong for writing such a letter or even bringing a court case against the researcher. However, ethically, because it pits professional organizations against each other for no good reason, it is problematic.” Disclosure of product flaws treads a very fine line. On the one hand, nobody likes the publicity that follows. On the other hand, if nobody says anything, the only way we can improve is in the aftermath of an investigation where fortunes are lost and people get hurt.

Implications for the Bug Bounty Ecosystem

The Kraken-Certik dispute and the one highlighted by Andrew Lemon raises critical questions about the operational dynamics and ethical boundaries within bug bounty programs. These programs are designed to incentivize security researchers to identify and report vulnerabilities, offering financial rewards for their efforts. However, these cases reveal potential pitfalls when communication and mutual understanding between parties break down. The ethical framework of bug bounty programs relies on clear rules and mutual trust. Researchers must adhere to the program’s guidelines, including the immediate return of any extracted funds and full disclosure of their findings. On the other hand, companies must provide clear instructions and maintain professional interactions with researchers. There is a need for well-defined protocols and communication channels between companies and researchers. Ensuring transparency and clarity in expectations can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering a more cooperative environment for cybersecurity improvements.