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The Blue Report 2024
Get a comprehensive analysis of over 136 million cyber attacks and understand the state of threat exposure management.
Welcome to Picus Security's monthly cyber threat intelligence roundup!
Each month, we aim to provide a comprehensive yet digestible analysis of the evolving threat landscape, including insights into the most targeted and at-risk sectors, industries, and regions by cybercriminals in the wild.
Our research is conducted throughout the entire month, utilizing a diverse range of resources that span across threat intelligence and malware dump platforms, blogs, exploit databases, sandboxes, and network data query results. We draw upon this wealth of information to provide you with a holistic understanding of the cyber threat environment, with a particular focus on dissecting malware campaigns, attack campaigns conducted by threat actors and advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, and new malware samples observed in the wild.
By following our monthly threat report, you'll be able to ascertain which threat actors or malware could potentially impact your sector, gauge if your country is being specifically targeted, and understand if there is a surge in threat activity correlated with geopolitical events or state-backed actions.
Top Four Most Targeted Regions in September
September 2023 has marked a significant surge in cyberattacks across the globe, underscoring the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
|
Most Targeted Region |
Threat Actor |
Malware and Tools |
|
|
1 |
Northern America |
Scattered Spider (a.k.a Muddled Libra, Scatter Swine) [1], Chinese Smishing Triad Gang [2], NoName057(16) Hacktivist Group (a.k.a NoName, NoNameHacktivistGroup) [3], GREF (a.k.a PT15, Ke3chang, Mirage, Vixen Panda, Playful Dragon) [4], Play Ransomware Gang [5], Anonymous Sudan Hacktivist Group [6], LockBit Ransomware Gang [7], Lucifer Threat Actor [8], Earth Estries APT ([9], [10]), Cactus Ransomware Group [11], BugProve Threat Actor [12], Storm-0558 Chinese hackers [13], Razor 1911 Threat Actor [14], Dunghill Ransomware Spreading group (with aliases Dark Angels Ransomware, Babuk Ransomware) [15], Medusa Ransomware Group [16], North Korean Threat Actors (with aliases TraderTraitor, Jade Sleet) [17], Lazarus APT Group [18], NSO Group [19], ALPHV (Blackcat) Ransomware Group [20], Storm-0324 Threat Group [21], Snatch Ransomware Gang [22], Akira Ransomware-as-a-Service Group [23], Scattered Spider (BlackCat) Ransomware [24], NoEscape Ransomware-as-a-Service [25] |
0ktupus Malware [26], DDoSia Bot [3], BadBazaar Malware [4], Play Ransomware [5], LockBit Ransomware [7], Chae$ 4 Malware [8], Cactus Ransomware [11], PrintSpoofer, and KingHamlet [27], M3_Mini_Rat, PhoenixMiner, lolMiner Malware [28], JSSLoader, Gozi infostealer, Nymaim downloader/locker, GrandCrab ransomware, IcedID infostealer, Gookit and Dridex banking trojan, Sage ransomware [21] |
|
2 |
East Asia |
Earth Estries APT [9], P2PInfect Peer-to-Peer Worm [29], State-sponsored threat group, possibly linked to Russia (with aliases Pipedream, Controller [30]), TAG-74 Threat Actor [31], Five Families Hacktivist Group [32], Indian Cyber Force (ICF) hackers group [33], Andariel Threat Group [34], GREF [4], Flax Typhoon APT (a.k.a ETHEREAL PANDA) [35], Kimsuky APT (with aliases APT43, Emerald Sleet, Nickel Kimball, Velvet Chollima) [36] |
Zingdoor, TrillClient, HemiGate [9], P2PInfect Botnet Worm [29], BadOmen Malware [30], ReVBShell backdoor and Bisonal Malware [31], The 'Second Date' Cyber Espionage Tool [37], Sainbox RAT, Purple Fox, ValleyRAT [38], (Gh0st RAT, DTrack, YamaBot, NukeSped, Rifdoor, Phandoor, Andarat, Andaratm, TigerRAT, MagicRAT, EarlyRAT, QuiteRAT, Black RAT, Goat RAT, AndarLoader, DurianBeacon [34]) |
|
3 |
Europe |
Earth Estries APT ([9], [10]), GREF (a.k.a PT15, Ke3chang, Mirage, Vixen Panda, Playful Dragon) [4], Lucifer Threat Actor [8], W3LL Threat Actor [39], Cactus Ransomware Group [11], Scattered Spider (BlackCat) Ransomware [24] |
Zingdoor, TrillClient, HemiGate [9], BadBazaar Malware [4], Chae$ 4 Malware [8], Cactus Ransomware [11], BugProve Threat Actor [12], M3_Mini_Rat, PhoenixMiner, lolMiner Malware [28], Scattered Spider Ransomware, BlackCat Ransomware [24], Pegasus Spyware [40], Redline Commodity Malware [41], Classiscam Scam-as-a-Service Program [42] |
|
4 |
Southeast Asia |
Earth Estries APT [9], P2PInfect Peer-to-Peer Worm [29], Earth Lusca APT, Peach Sandstorm (with aliases HOLMIUM) [43], Garnesia Team (with aliases Mr.Heckers Ft. /RizkullSec) [44] |
Zingdoor, TrillClient, HemiGate [9], M3_Mini_Rat, PhoenixMiner, lolMiner Malware [28], P2PInfect Peer-to-Peer Worm [30], SprySOCKS [45] |
Table 1. Most Targeted Regions in September 2023.
Below, you will find more contextual information regarding the regions targeted by threat actors and malware campaigns.
September Cyber Sweep: Northern America (U.S.) in the 'Byte' of the Storm!
In September, the United States faced a diverse range of cyber threats from various sophisticated actors, each employing distinct techniques and targeting different sectors and platforms.
The Lazarus APT group [18] engaged in activities aiming at the technology sector, exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft IIS servers and leveraging DLL side-loading techniques and third-party software vulnerabilities to compromise systems and inject malware, a clear indicator of their cyber espionage endeavors.
The NSO Group [19] heightened the subtle infiltration capabilities by exploiting zero-click bugs in iOS, deploying Pegasus advanced spyware, affecting individual users, particularly within government sectors, unveiling subtle and pervasive vulnerabilities even in seemingly secure environments. Storm-0324 threat group [21] unfolded its multifaceted financial motives by compromising MS Teams chats, deploying an array of malware tools like JSSLoader, Gozi infostealer, and GrandCrab ransomware to target technology sectors, depicting their versatility in methods and tools.
The NoEscape ransomware gang [25] penetrated the International Joint Commission, exposing risks within inter-agency collaborations and potential leaks of confidential data. GREF [4], or APT15, extended its global reach in cyber espionage by creating and spreading fake Signal and Telegram apps through official app stores, utilizing BadBazaar malware to steal user data across varied locations including China, Ukraine, and the United States, showcasing their intricate malicious software deployment capabilities.
In analyzing these sophisticated threats, a comprehensive understanding of each actor's objectives, their targeted industries and regions, and the specific malware employed is essential, revealing the intricate impacts on individual, organizational, and national security and underlining the need for continuous enhancements in defense strategies and intelligence collaborations to address the evolving threat landscape.
Silver Surfer: East Asia Rides the Second Wave in Cyber Attack Rankings!
In September, the cyber threat landscape in East Asia experienced a notable influx of advanced attacks. The P2PInfect malware, a known peer-to-peer worm [29], manifested a significant surge in its activities, observing a 600-fold increase, primarily targeting systems in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. This malware has been evolving, revealing a relentless enhancement in its malicious capabilities and a broadening spectrum of its reach and impact in the region.
Simultaneously, Omron, a prominent organization situated in Japan, encountered a series of cyber intrusions likely orchestrated by state-sponsored threat groups with probable links to Russia. These assailants systematically exploited a myriad of vulnerabilities inherent in PLC and engineering software, utilizing a distinctive malware named BadOmen [30].
Simultaneously, Chinese state-backed group TAG-74 [31] have been rigorously targeting South Korean government, political, and academic bodies, deploying malware like ReVBShell backdoor and Bisonal using advanced techniques involving .chm files. Furthermore, the hacktivist group Five Families [32], targeted the Taiwanese computer parts manufacturer, Biostar, obtaining sensitive customer and employee data, underlying potential significant consequences for the victim and its stakeholders
The Indian Cyber Force hackers group [33] has been notably active, delineating a timeline for potential attacks on multiple nations including Pakistan and China, elevating concerns around critical infrastructure. Similarly, Chinese APT groups, notably GREF [4] (also known as APT15, Ke3chang, Mirage, and Playful Dragon), have exploited legitimate platforms, infusing fake Signal and Telegram apps in official app stores, deploying malware like BadBazaar aimed at extensive data exfiltration from diverse geographical locations including the United States, Germany, and Spain.
Lazarus APT sub-group’s Andariel Cluster [34] and Flax Typhoon APT (a.k.a ETHEREAL PANDA) [35] continue to leverage an arsenal of malware like Gh0st RAT, DTrack, YamaBot, and China Chopper to infiltrate diverse sectors including finance, government, and technology in South Korea and Taiwan, underlying objectives of cyber espionage and sustained access.
These activities signify an evolving and resilient threat landscape underpinned by an amalgamation of state-backed espionage, cybercrime operations, and advanced persistent threats, necessitating elevated cyber defense postures across impacted and potentially targeted regions.
Digital Battlefield: Europe Holds the Bronze Place in September’s Cyber Siege!
Europe is currently on heightened alert due to a spike in cyber threats from various internal and external entities. The Earth Estries APT (with aliases FamousSparrow [9]) group is notably demonstrating advanced cyber-espionage, exploiting CVE-2023-32315 and deploying BadBazaar Android malware and Kinsing malware through trojanized versions of Telegram and Signal to target several nations including the U.S., countries in Southeast Asia, and Germany in Europe [10]. In other sources, security researchers also saw that the group is leveraging malware named Zingdoor, TrillClient and HemiGate [9].
W3LL threat actors ([39], [46]) are compromising Microsoft 365 accounts using sophisticated phishing tools like W3LL Panel to circumvent multi-factor authentication, while the Cactus ransomware [11] group leverages known vulnerabilities to infiltrate corporations and disrupt operations. Vulnerabilities in Zavio’s security cameras, identified by BugProve [12], emphasize the crucial role of patch management in maintaining security.
Anonymous entities exploiting high-powered GPUs for illicit cryptocurrency mining and the GREF threat group (aliased APT15, Ke3chang, Mirage, Vixen Panda, Playful Dragon) [4], focusing on malicious apps highlight the diversity of cyber threats and underscore the need for stringent security measures. Scattered Spider and BlackCat ransomware group’s [24] sophisticated attacks emphasize the escalating complexity and audacity of cybercriminal activities.
Lastly, the Ukraine-Russia conflict reflects the impact of geopolitical tensions on cyber activities, with the Redline commodity malware [41] illustrating the broader implications of such disputes on global cybersecurity.
In essence, the multifaceted nature of these cyber threats requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing continual vigilance and innovation to protect against the evolving threat landscape.
Caught in the Net: Southeast Asia Navigates Through the Cyber Storm as the Fourth Most Targeted Region!
In September, the cyber threat landscape witnessed a surge of sophisticated attacks in Southeast Asia, with Earth Estries APT [9], a notable threat actor, engaging in cyber espionage activities. This group targeted government and technology sectors in various countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Malaysia. The actor exploits vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-32315, deploying malware strains like BadBazaar Android malware and Kinsing to infiltrate systems and execute extensive data exfiltration.
The unidentified entities have orchestrated crypto-mining attacks by weaponizing the legitimate Advanced Installer Tool, striking industries in countries like Singapore and Vietnam, utilizing malware such as M3_Mini_Rat and PhoenixMiner. Furthermore, the P2PInfect peer-to-peer malware has experienced a surge in activity, leaving a trail of infected systems primarily in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. The Southeast Region also suffered from the MMRat Android banking Trojan [47]. Once installed, it abuses accessibility permissions to control victim devices and carry out bank fraud, signaling awareness against phishing websites. It is known that the malware is targeting mainly users in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Philippines [47].
Additionally, Earth Lusca APT group and the Iranian cyber espionage campaign, "Peach Sandstorm," [43] are marking their territories in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans, employing innovative cyber espionage techniques and focusing on government sectors. The hacktivist group, Garnesia Team [44], manifested its presence by launching a DDoS attack on the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Indonesia, revealing its capabilities to disrupt government operations.
The diverse spectrum of these cyber threats underscores the pivotal need for enhanced cyber defense mechanisms and elevated security postures across Southeast Asia to counter the multifaceted, dynamic threats it continually faces.
Top 5 Most Targeted Sectors in September
In September 2023, the Government and Administrations, Technology, Healthcare, Telecommunications and Education sectors emerged as the top five most targeted domains for cyber-attacks.
More comprehensive and detailed information is provided for each sector at the end of the blog.
|
Targeted Sector |
Threat Actors |
Malware |
|
|
1 |
Governments and Administrations |
Earth Estries APT ([9], [10]) NoName057(16) Hacktivist Group (a.k.a NoName, NoNameHacktivistGroup) [3], LockBit Ransomware Gang [7], Lucifer Threat Actor [8], NSO Group [19], Scattered Spider (BlackCat) Ransomware [24], LokiBot [48], NoEscape (Ransomware-as-a-service) [25], TAG-74 Threat Actor [31], Earth Lusca APT [43], Peach Sandstorm (with aliases HOLMIUM) [43], Andariel APT group [34], Flax Typhoon APT (a.k.a ETHEREAL PANDA) [35], BlackCat Ransomware Gang [49], Lazarus APT [34], OilRig Threat Actor (with aliases APT34, Cobalt Gypsy, Hazel Sandstorm, Helix Kitten) [50] |
Zingdoor, TrillClient, HemiGate [9], DDoSia bot [3], LockBit Ransomware [7], Chae$ 4 Malware [8], BadBazaar and Kinsing Malware [10], Scattered Spider Ransomware, BlackCat Ransomware [24], ReVBShell Backdoor and Bisonal Malware [31], Gh0st RAT, DTrack, YamaBot, NukeSped, Rifdoor, Phandoor, Andarat, Andaratm, TigerRAT, MagicRAT, EarlyRAT, QuiteRAT, Black RAT, Goat RAT, AndarLoader, DurianBeacon [34], Pegasus Advanced Spyware App [19], Solar and Mango Malware [50] |
|
2 |
Technology |
Scattered Spider [1], Earth Estries APT ([9], [10]), Storm-0558 Chinese hackers [13], North Korean Threat Actors (with aliases TraderTraitor, Jade Sleet) [17], Lazarus APT [18], Storm-0324 (with aliases TA543 and Sagrid) [21], LokiBot [48], APT29 (with aliases The Dukes and Cozy Bear) [51], Turla APT (with aliases Secret Blizzard) [52], Flax Typhoon [53] |
Zingdoor, TrillClient, HemiGate [9], BadBazaar and Kinsing Malware ([9], [10]), JSSLoader, Gozi Infostealer, Nymaim Downloader/Locker, GrandCrab Ransomware, IcedID Infostealer, Gookit and Dridex Banking Trojan, Sage Ransomware [21], The 'Second Date' Cyber Espionage Tool [37], China Chopper [53] |
|
3 |
Healthcare |
Carthage, Claxton-Hepburn Hospitals Attack Campaign [54], LockBit Ransomware Gang [7], W3LL Panel Threat Actor [39], Just Kids Dental Attack Campaign [55], Snatch Ransomware Gang [22], Akira Ransomware-as-a-Service Group [23], LokiBot [48], Cl0p Ransomware Gang [56], LockBit Ransomware Gang [7], Ragnar Locker Ransomware Gang [57] |
LockBit Ransomware [7], BadBazaar and Kinsing Malware [10], Cl0p Ransomware [56] |
|
4 |
Telecommunication |
Doubl threat actor (with aliases Emo) [58], Sandman Threat Actors [59], Charming Kitten (with aliases APT42, Ballistic Bobcat, Mint Sandstorm, NewsBeef) [60], Iranian state-sponsored threat actor Peach Sandstorm (HOLMIUM) [61], ShroudedSnooper Threat Actor [62] |
LuaDream Malware [59], Sponsor Malware [60], Python NodeStealer [61], HTTPSnoop, PipeSnoop [62] |
|
5 |
Education |
LockBit Ransomware Gang [7], Medusa Ransomware Group [16], Andariel APT Group (with aliases Nicket Hyatt, Silent Chollima) [34], Flax Typhoon [53] (a.k.a ETHEREAL PANDA), Lazarus APT [34], Monti Ransomware Group [63], Ballistic Bobcat APT (with aliases APT35/APT42, Charming Kitten, TA453, or PHOSPHORUS) [64] |
LockBit Ransomware [7], Gh0st RAT, DTrack, YamaBot, NukeSped, Rifdoor, Phandoor, Andarat, Andaratm, TigerRAT, MagicRAT, EarlyRAT, QuiteRAT, Black RAT, Goat RAT, AndarLoader, DurianBeacon [34], China Chopper [53], Sponsor Malware [64], PowerLess, Plink, Merlin Malware [65] |
Table 2. Most Targeted Sectors in September 2023.
Byte the Bullet: Governments in the Crosshairs of Cyber Chaos!
In September, multiple governments experienced cyber-attacks from various threat actors utilizing sophisticated malware. The International Joint Commission, a government entity between the United States and Canada, was targeted by the NoEscape Ransomware-as-a-Service [25], also known as Avaddon.
South Korean academic, political, and government bodies fell victim to a cyber-espionage campaign orchestrated by the TAG-74 threat actor [31], employing .chm files and ReVBShell backdoor along with Bisonal malware. Earth Lusca APT [43], presumably China-aligned, targeted government departments across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans, deploying SprySOCKS and Trochilus malware.
Peach Sandstorm, alias HOLMIUM [43], presumably Iranian, aimed its cyber-espionage campaigns at government departments, particularly focusing on those related to foreign affairs, technology, and telecommunications in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans, utilizing a range of advanced tactics and malware.
Additionally, the Andariel APT [34] group (sub-group of Lazarus APT) targeted South Korean financial institutions, defense contractors, government agencies, and other sectors, employing a diverse array of malware, including Gh0st RAT, DTrack, and NukeSped, amongst others. Flax Typhoon APT [35], also known as ETHEREAL PANDA, concentrated its attacks on Taiwanese government organizations, utilizing legitimate software and tools like China Chopper and Metasploit for cyber espionage.
NSO Group [19] employed its potent Pegasus spyware to infiltrate smartphones of undisclosed government officials, extracting sensitive information. Finally, the NoName057(16) hacktivist group [3] executed attacks against unspecified government entities using undisclosed methodologies, driven by their hacktivist ideologies.
Data Dilemmas: Tech Titans Tangle with Second-Highest Security Breaches!
In September 2023, the Technology sector was heavily targeted by various cyber-attacks, underlining a critical need for reinforced cybersecurity.
The technology companies, Microsoft and Facebook, were notably impacted. Earth Estries APT ([9], [10]), identified with aliases such as FamousSparrow and SparklingGoblin, utilized malware like Zingdoor, TrillClient, and HemiGate to perform cyber espionage on various tech entities, compromising technology companies and deploying advanced tactics like PowerShell downgrade attacks to infiltrate and siphon off valuable data.
Microsoft experienced compromises from the Storm-0558 threat group [13], exploiting the corporate account of an engineer, leading to extensive unauthorized access across multiple organizations, and from Turla APT [52], alias Secret Blizzard, that tested the defenses of Microsoft 365 Defender through sophisticated multi-platform attacks.
Facebook fell victim to APT29 [51], also known as The Dukes or Cozy Bear, which deployed custom malware and unprecedented tactics to compromise the personal information of millions of its users. Moreover, the infamous LokiBot [48] malware persisted in its relentless pursuit, exploiting vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-11882 in Microsoft Office, to steal a spectrum of crucial data from a variety of technology platforms.
Dose of Digital Danger: September’s Healthcare Hack Attack Spike!
The healthcare sector remains under significant threat from diverse actors employing a range of sophisticated malware and attack vectors. For example, LockBit ransomware gang [7] has threatened corporations like CDW, putting sensitive healthcare data at risk, with intentions driven by ransom demands. LokiBot, a prevalent information stealer, has leveraged vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-11882 in Microsoft Office, aiming for data theft across various sectors, including healthcare.
Another instance includes Just Kids Dental [55], which was targeted by unknown threat actors, leading to the compromise of personal and health information of nearly 130,000 individuals. Similarly, undisclosed actors targeted Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton Hepburn Medical Center [54], creating disruptions though no breach of patient information was reported in this case.
The Akira ransomware-as-a-service group [23], meanwhile, has actively been targeting healthcare organizations, employing a double-extortion method and exploiting weaknesses in VPNs. Moreover, the Canadian Nurses Association experienced a breach from the Snatch ransomware gang [22], exposing sensitive information and risking identity theft and other malicious activities.
Each of these instances underscores a persistent and evolving threat landscape, with actors leveraging both known and unknown vulnerabilities and tactics to compromise sensitive healthcare data, necessitating continual advancements in cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector to protect against a multitude of cyber threats.
September Static: Telecommunications Sector Dialed into the Fourth Most Hacked Hotspot!
In September, the telecommunications sector faces intense and sophisticated cyber threats from diverse threat actors wielding innovative malware and advanced attack methods.
Telecommunication service providers in the Middle East, for instance, have been besieged by ShroudedSnooper [62] using HTTPSnoop and PipeSnoop malware, allowing the remote execution of commands on infected devices and the monitoring of HTTP(S) traffic, significantly compromising the security infrastructure of the victim organizations.
Unknown actors have exploited vulnerabilities in Atos Unify products, enabling potential full control over targeted systems through the execution of arbitrary PHP functions and operating system commands. Moreover, a persistent Iranian cyberespionage campaign named "Peach Sandstorm" [61] has been executing cyberattacks globally, utilizing Python NodeStealer malware to infiltrate and exfiltrate sensitive data from various sectors including telecommunications.
Another threat actor, dubbed Sandman [59], targets telecommunication service providers across regions, deploying LuaDream malware to perform cyber espionage operations and gain long-term access to critical infrastructures.
Charming Kitten [60], an Iran-linked cyberespionage group, has also left a significant imprint by infecting numerous organizations across sectors in Brazil, Israel, and the UAE with a newly identified backdoor.
These relentless cyberattacks, exploiting both known and emerging vulnerabilities, underscore the urgent necessity for fortified cybersecurity defenses, vigilant monitoring, and international collaboration to protect and secure telecommunication infrastructures globally.
Classroom Chaos: Education Sector Schooled in Security, Ranking Fifth in September's Cyber Hit List!
In September, the education sector was prominently targeted by several threat actors deploying a variety of sophisticated malware. The Auckland University of Technology fell victim to the Monti ransomware group [63], which used Monti ransomware to infiltrate the university's IT environment, potentially disrupting operations and compromising data confidentiality and privacy.
Additionally, educational institutions in South Korea were under siege from the Lazarus APT Group's Andariel [34] cluster. This threat actor unleashed a series of malware, including Gh0st RAT and DTrack, primarily focusing on cyber espionage and financial gain.
Within the United States, Crown Point Community Schools [66] and Minneapolis Public Schools experienced severe disruptions due to ransomware attacks. Crown Point faced an unidentified threat actor who initiated a ransomware attack via a phishing email, causing operational halt and a financial loss of $1 million.
Minneapolis Public Schools [16] were breached by the Medusa ransomware group [16], affecting over 100,000 individuals and leveraging Medusa ransomware to compromise personal information of students, families, and staff members. Additionally, CDW Corporation, operating in the education sector among others, was targeted by the LockBit ransomware gang [7], who deployed LockBit ransomware and threatened to release sensitive information, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to varied and escalating cyber threats.
These breaches underscore the varied and rising threats that educational institutions face, from well-known groups employing an array of sophisticated malware, to unidentified actors exploiting common vulnerabilities.
References
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