The DragonForce ransomware group has breached a managed service provider (MSP) and leveraged its SimpleHelp remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool to exfiltrate data and launch ransomware attacks on downstream clients.
Cybersecurity firm Sophos, which was brought in to assess the situation, believes that attackers exploited a set of older vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp—specifically CVE-2024-57727, CVE-2024-57728, and CVE-2024-57726—to gain unauthorized access.
SimpleHelp is widely adopted by MSPs to deliver remote support and manage software deployment across client networks. According to Sophos, DragonForce initially used the compromised tool to perform system reconnaissance—gathering details such as device configurations, user accounts, and network connections from the MSP's customers.
The attackers then moved to extract sensitive data and execute encryption routines. While Sophos’ endpoint protection successfully blocked the deployment on one customer's network, others were not as fortunate. Multiple systems were encrypted, and data was stolen to support double-extortion tactics.
In response, Sophos has released indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help other organizations defend against similar intrusions.
MSPs have consistently been attractive targets for ransomware groups due to the potential for broad, multi-company impact from a single entry point. Some threat actors have even tailored their tools and exploits around platforms commonly used by MSPs, including SimpleHelp, ConnectWise ScreenConnect, and Kaseya. This trend has previously led to large-scale incidents, such as the REvil ransomware attack on Kaseya that affected over 1,000 businesses.
DragonForce's Expanding Threat Profile
The DragonForce group is gaining prominence following a string of attacks on major UK retailers. Their tactics reportedly resemble those of Scattered Spider, a well-known cybercrime group.
As first reported by BleepingComputer, DragonForce ransomware was used in an attack on Marks & Spencer. Shortly after, the same group targeted another UK retailer, Co-op, where a substantial volume of customer data was compromised.
BleepingComputer had earlier noted that DragonForce is positioning itself as a leader in the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) space, offering a white-label version of its encryptor for affiliates.
With a rapidly expanding victim list and a business model that appeals to affiliates, DragonForce is cementing its status as a rising and formidable presence in the global ransomware ecosystem.
