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Showing posts with label cyber espionage. Show all posts
Russian Hackers
COLDRIVER Coldriver hacker group Cyber Attacks cyber espionage data security espionage Hacker attack Malware Attack Malwares Russian Hackers

Lostkeys Malware: Russian Group Coldriver Targets Western Officials in Espionage Campaign

 

A new wave of cyber espionage has emerged, with Russian hackers deploying a sophisticated malware strain known as “Lostkeys” to infiltrate the systems of Western officials, journalists, and NGOs. According to researchers from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, the malware is linked to Coldriver, also known as UNC4057, Star Blizzard, or Callisto—a threat actor believed to be part of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB. 

Coldriver has traditionally been involved in phishing operations to steal credentials, but the emergence of Lostkeys demonstrates a significant leap in their cyber capabilities. Lostkeys appears to mark a shift in strategy for the group, moving beyond phishing and into deeper system infiltration. The malware is deployed in a targeted manner, reserved for high-value individuals such as political advisors, think tank members, journalists, and people with known connections to Ukraine.

Activity related to Lostkeys was observed by Google in the early months of 2024—specifically January, March, and April—with evidence suggesting its use might have started as far back as December 2023. The attack begins with a deceptive Captcha page, tricking victims into copying a malicious PowerShell script into the Windows Run dialog. This method, known as “ClickFix,” bypasses typical security filters and exploits user behavior rather than software vulnerabilities. 

Once executed, the script connects to a command-and-control server, downloading a series of payloads uniquely tailored to each victim. In an effort to avoid detection, the malware includes anti-sandbox measures. During the second stage of infection, the script checks the screen resolution of the host machine and halts if it matches known virtual machine environments used by analysts and cybersecurity researchers. If the device passes this check, the malware proceeds to the final stage—a Visual Basic Script that steals data, including specific file types, system details, and active processes. These are exfiltrated back to the attackers using an encoded system that applies a unique two-key substitution cipher for each infected machine. 

Lostkeys appears to be a more refined successor to a previous malware strain known as Spica, which Coldriver also deployed in 2024. While both strains focus on data exfiltration, Lostkeys features a more intricate delivery system and improved obfuscation techniques. Some earlier samples of Lostkeys mimicked legitimate software like Maltego and used executable files instead of PowerShell, though Google has not confirmed if these instances were part of the same campaign or the work of a different threat actor reusing Coldriver’s tactics. 

This development highlights an alarming evolution in state-backed cyber operations, where advanced social engineering and stealth techniques are being increasingly used to infiltrate high-profile targets. As geopolitical tensions persist, the risks posed by such targeted cyber espionage campaigns are expected to grow.
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PowerShell
Advanced persistent threat (APT) Advanced Social Engineering Cyber Attacks cyber espionage espionage Fake Website Phishing emails PowerShell

ClickFix Attacks: North Korea, Iran, Russia APT Groups Exploit Social Engineering for Espionage

ClickFix attacks are rapidly becoming a favored tactic among advanced persistent threat (APT) groups from North Korea, Iran, and Russia, particularly in recent cyber-espionage operations. This technique involves malicious websites posing as legitimate software or document-sharing platforms. Targets are enticed through phishing emails or malicious advertising and then confronted with fake error messages claiming a failed document download or access issue. 


To resolve the supposed problem, users are instructed to click a “Fix” button that directs them to run a PowerShell or command-line script. Executing this script allows malware to infiltrate their systems. Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence division highlighted earlier this year that the North Korean group ‘Kimsuky’ utilized a similar approach through a fake “device registration” page. 

A new report from Proofpoint now confirms that Kimsuky, along with Iran’s MuddyWater, Russia’s APT28, and the UNK_RemoteRogue group, deployed ClickFix techniques between late 2024 and early 2025. Kimsuky’s campaign, conducted between January and February 2025, specifically targeted think tanks involved in North Korean policy research. The attackers initially contacted victims using spoofed emails designed to appear as if they were sent by Japanese diplomats. After gaining trust, they provided malicious PDF attachments leading to a counterfeit secure drive. Victims were then asked to manually run a PowerShell command, which triggered the download of a second script that established persistence with scheduled tasks and installed QuasarRAT, all while distracting the victim with a harmless-looking PDF. 

In mid-November 2024, Iran’s MuddyWater launched its campaign, targeting 39 organizations across the Middle East. Victims received phishing emails disguised as urgent Microsoft security alerts, prompting them to run PowerShell scripts with administrative rights. This led to the deployment of ‘Level,’ a remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool used to conduct espionage activities. Meanwhile, Russian group UNK_RemoteRogue focused on two organizations tied to a leading arms manufacturer in December 2024. Attackers used compromised Zimbra servers to send fake Microsoft Office messages. Clicking the embedded links directed victims to fraudulent Microsoft Word pages featuring Russian-language instructions and a video tutorial. 

Victims executing the provided script unknowingly triggered JavaScript that ran PowerShell commands, connecting their systems to a server managed through the Empire C2 framework. Proofpoint also found that APT28, an infamous Russian cyber-espionage unit, used ClickFix tactics as early as October 2024. In that instance, phishing emails mimicked Google Spreadsheet notifications, including a fake reCAPTCHA and a prompt to execute PowerShell commands. Running these commands enabled attackers to create an SSH tunnel and activate Metasploit, providing them with covert access to compromised machines. 

The growing use of ClickFix attacks by multiple state-sponsored groups underscores the method’s effectiveness, primarily due to the widespread lack of caution when executing unfamiliar commands. To avoid falling victim, users should be extremely wary of running scripts or commands they do not recognize, particularly when asked to use elevated privileges.
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Ransomware Payload
China Cyber Crime cyber espionage Nailaolocker Ransomware Payload

European Healthcare Entities Targeted With NailaoLocker Ransomware

 

A previously undocumented ransomware payload named NailaoLocker has been detected in assaults targeting European healthcare entities between June and October 2024. 

The attackers employed CVE-2024-24919, a Check Point Security Gateway vulnerability, to obtain access to targeted networks and install the ShadowPad and PlugX malware families, which are closely associated with Chinese state-sponsored threat groups. Orange Cyberdefense CERT attributes the attacks to Chinese cyber-espionage tactics, while there is insufficient evidence to assign them to specific groups. 

According to Orange experts, NailaoLocker is a rather rudimentary ransomware strain when compared to the most renowned families in the area. Orange classifies NailaoLocker as a simple ransomware because it does not terminate security processes or operating services, lacks anti-debugging and sandbox evasion methods, and does not search network shares. 

The malware is installed on target systems using DLL sideloading (sensapi.dll), which involves a genuine and signed executable (usysdiag.exe). The malware loader (NailaoLoader) investigates the environment using memory address checks before decrypting and loading the main payload (usysdiag.exe.dat) into memory. 

The NailaoLocker then activates and begins encrypting files with an AES-256-CTR scheme, appending the ".locked" extension to the encrypted files. After the encryption is completed, the ransomware sends an HTML ransom note with the unusually long filename "unlock_please_view_this_file_unlock_please_view_this_file_unlock_please_view_this_file_unlock_please_view_this_file_unlock_please.html.”

Combining ransomware and espionage

After further investigation, Orange claims to have discovered some parallels between the ransom note's content and a ransomware tool sold by a cybercrime company known as Kodex Softwares (previously Evil Extractor). However, there were no obvious code overlaps, thus the relationship was fuzzy. 

Orange has proposed numerous hypotheses for the assaults, including false flag operations designed to distract, deliberate data theft operations combined with income creation, and, most likely, a Chinese cyberespionage organisation "moonlighting" to generate some money. 

Symantec only revealed last week that suspected Emperor Dragonfly (also known as Bronze Starlight) agents were using RA World ransomware to target Asian software companies and demanding a $2 million ransom. 

The shift in strategy is concerning since Chinese state-backed players have not adopted the strategy of North Korean actors, who are known to pursue several objectives concurrently, including financial advantages through ransomware operations.
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VPN breach
cyber espionage Data Breach IPany VPN malware infection PlushDaemon hackers SlowStepper malware Supply Chain Attack VPN breach

IPany VPN Compromised in Supply Chain Attack Deploying Custom Malware

 

South Korean VPN provider IPany fell victim to a supply chain attack orchestrated by the China-aligned hacking group "PlushDaemon." The attackers compromised IPany's VPN installer, embedding a custom malware named 'SlowStepper' into the installer file, affecting customers upon installation.

ESET researchers discovered that the attackers infiltrated IPany's development platform and modified the installer file ('IPanyVPNsetup.exe') to include the SlowStepper backdoor. Customers downloading the VPN's ZIP installer ('IPanyVPNsetup.zip') from the company's official website between November 2023 and May 2024 were impacted. Victims include a South Korean semiconductor firm and a software development company, with the first signs of infections reported in Japan.

When executed, the installer deploys the legitimate VPN alongside malicious files like 'svcghost.exe,' which ensures persistence by creating a Registry Run key. The SlowStepper payload is concealed within an image file ('winlogin.gif') and loaded through a malicious DLL ('lregdll.dll') into the 'PerfWatson.exe' process. The executable monitors this process to keep it operational.

ESET reports that the Lite version 0.2.10 of SlowStepper was used in this attack, designed for stealth with a smaller footprint while maintaining powerful spyware capabilities. The malware, developed in Python and Go, supports a range of espionage commands:

  • System Details Collection: Gathers system data like CPU information, HDD serials, public IP, webcam/microphone status, and more.
  • Payload Deployment: Fetches and executes files from a command-and-control server.
  • File Enumeration: Lists files and directories on compromised systems.
  • Spyware Execution: Runs Python-based tools for browser data theft, keylogging, and credential harvesting.
  • Interactive Control: Enables shell-mode for system commands.
  • Trace Removal: Deletes files or directories to erase evidence.
  • Spyware Modules: Loads specific Python modules to steal browser data, chat logs, and capture screens or webcam footage.
ESET explained, "Both the full and Lite versions make use of an array of tools programmed in Python and Go, which include capabilities for extensive collection of data, and spying through recording of audio and videos."

They promptly notified IPany, leading to the removal of the compromised installer from its website. However, previously infected users must clean their systems to eliminate the malware. 

Notably, the download page lacked geo-fencing, leaving users across the globe potentially vulnerable.The complete list of the indicators of compromise (IoCs) associated with this campaign can be found here
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Salt Typhoon
China Hackers Cyber Attacks cyber espionage Cybersecurity awareness Data protection data security FBI Salt Typhoon

T-Mobile Thwarts Cyberattack Amid Growing Telecom Threats

 

Between September and November, T-Mobile successfully defended against a cyberattack attributed to the Chinese state-sponsored group Salt Typhoon. Unlike previous incidents, this time, no data was compromised. However, the attack highlights growing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the U.S. telecom sector. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified nine telecom carriers targeted by cyberattacks, with Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen among the known victims. The identity of the ninth carrier remains undisclosed. Hackers reportedly accessed SMS metadata and communication patterns from millions of Americans, including high-profile figures such as presidential candidates and government officials. 

While China denies any involvement in the cyberattacks, its alleged role in the breach underscores the persistent threat of state-sponsored cyber espionage. Though the attackers did not obtain classified information, they managed to collect substantial data for analyzing communication patterns, fueling concerns over national security. 

In response, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is weighing penalties for carriers that fail to secure their networks. The agency is also considering a ban on China Telecom operations within the United States. Additionally, the U.S. government has advised citizens to use encrypted telecom services to bolster their privacy and security. 

Senator Ben Ray Luján called the Salt Typhoon incident one of the most significant cyberattacks on the U.S. telecom industry. He stressed the urgent need to address vulnerabilities within national infrastructure to prevent future breaches. 

Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor, highlighted the inadequacy of voluntary cybersecurity measures. The FCC is now working on a proposed rule requiring telecom companies to submit annual cybersecurity reports, with penalties for non-compliance. The rule aims to make it harder for hackers to exploit weak networks by encouraging stronger protections.  

Neuberger also emphasized the importance of network segmentation to limit the damage from potential breaches. By isolating sections of a network, companies can contain attackers and reduce the scope of compromised data. She cited a troubling example where a single administrative account controlling 100,000 routers was breached, granting attackers widespread access. 

The FCC’s proposed rule is expected to be voted on by January 15. If passed, it could mandate fundamental security practices to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks by adversarial nations. 

The telecom industry’s repeated exposure to breaches highlights the necessity of robust security frameworks and accountability measures. As hackers evolve their tactics, stronger regulations and proactive measures are essential to safeguarding sensitive data and national security. By adopting stricter cybersecurity practices, telecom companies can mitigate risks and enhance their resilience against state-sponsored threats.
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South Korea
cryptocurrency cryptocurrency theft cyber espionage Cyber Security IT Industry North Korea North Korea Hackers South Korea

Sanctions Imposed on North Korean Cyber Activities Supporting Nuclear Ambitions

 

South Korea has announced sanctions against 15 North Korean nationals and the Chosun Geumjeong Economic Information Technology Exchange Corporation for orchestrating schemes that finance North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. These measures target a global network involved in IT job fraud, cryptocurrency theft, and cyberattacks. 

The sanctioned individuals are linked to the 313th General Bureau, a division of North Korea’s Ministry of Munitions Industry. This bureau oversees the production and development of weapons and ballistic missiles. According to South Korea’s Peninsula Policy Bureau, these operatives are dispatched to countries such as China, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Using fake identities, they secure positions in international IT companies, generating revenue funneled back to the regime. 

Central to this operation is the Chosun Geumjeong Economic Information Technology Exchange Corporation. This organization plays a critical role by deploying IT professionals abroad and channeling significant financial resources to North Korea’s military projects. In recent years, North Korean operatives have increasingly infiltrated Western companies by posing as IT workers. This tactic not only generates revenue for the regime but also enables cyber espionage and theft. These workers have been found installing malware, stealing sensitive company data, and misappropriating funds. Some have even attempted to infiltrate secure software development environments. 

Despite the gravity of these actions, the stigma associated with hiring fraudulent workers has led many companies to keep such breaches private, leaving the true scope of the issue largely unknown. Additionally, South Korea accuses North Korea of being a major player in global cryptocurrency theft. A 2024 United Nations report found that North Korean hackers carried out 58 cyberattacks against cryptocurrency firms between 2017 and 2023, amassing approximately $3 billion in stolen funds. North Korean nationals have also reportedly violated international sanctions by earning income through employment in various industries, including construction and hospitality. 

These activities pose significant risks to the global cybersecurity landscape and international stability. South Korea asserts that the funds generated through these operations directly support North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, emphasizing the need for a unified international response. By imposing these sanctions, South Korea aims to disrupt North Korea’s illicit financial networks and mitigate the broader risks posed by its cyber activities. 

This marks a crucial step in the global effort to counter the threats associated with Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions and its exploitation of cyberspace for financial gain.
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Zero-day Flaw
Android Spyware cyber espionage Cyber Security Israeli Firm NoviSpy Spyware Zero-day Flaw

Novel Android NoviSpy Spyware Linked to Qualcomm Zero-Day Flaws

 

Amnesty International researchers discovered an Android zero-day bug that was exploited to silently disseminate custom surveillance spyware targeting Serbian journalists. The probe has traced the technology to Cellebrite, an Israeli forensics vendor.

In a technical report published earlier this week, the human rights group outlined how Serbia's Security Information Agency (BIA) and police employed Cellebrite's forensic extraction tools and a newly uncovered spyware dubbed 'NoviSpy' to infect journalists' and activists' devices. In one instance, a journalist's phone was allegedly hacked during a police traffic check, with the Cellebrite tool facilitating the infection. 

Amnesty International warned that Serbia's legal restrictions on the use of mobile forensic tools are inadequate and that "the ability to download, in effect, an individual's entire digital life using Cellebrite UFED and similar mobile forensic tools, poses enormous human rights risks, if such tools are not subject to strict control and oversight.” 

The report details the example of journalist Slaviša Milanov, whose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S smartphone was hacked after a police confrontation in Serbia. Forensic investigation suggested the usage of a zero-day Android exploit to overcome encryption and unlock the device, allowing NoviSpy to be installed. 

According to the group, the privilege escalation zero-day, which was patched in the Qualcomm October security update, affected Android devices with popular Qualcomm chipsets and millions of Android smartphones globally. 

In another case, Amnesty International discovered an Android smartphone belonging to an environmental activist logging a series of missed calls including invalid, seemingly random numbers that are not acceptable in Serbia.

"After these calls, [the activist said] that the battery on his device drained quickly.” The researchers inspected the device and discovered no trace of manipulation, but they warned that there is a substantial "knowledge gap" regarding zero-click assaults on Android smartphones. 

Amnesty International acknowledged Cellebrite's claim that it has strict protocols to prevent product misuse, but cautioned that this revelation "provides clear evidence of a journalist's phone being targeted without any form of due process." 

Unfortunately, Amnesty International discovered signs of the previously undisclosed NoviSpy spyware, which allows for the capture of sensitive personal data from a target's phone after infection and the ability to remotely activate the phone's microphone or camera. 

“Forensic evidence indicates that the spyware was installed while the Serbian police were in possession of Slaviša’s device, and the infection was dependent on the use of Cellebrite to unlock the device. Two forms of highly invasive technologies were used in combination to target the device of an independent journalist, leaving almost his entire digital life open to the Serbian authorities,” the human rights group stated.
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US Agency
Chinese Hackers CISA cyber espionage Cyber Security US Agency

CISA Issues Mobile Security Guidelines Amid Cyber Espionage Threats

 

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a comprehensive guide on Wednesday to help individuals in highly targeted positions protect their mobile communications from malicious actors. This move follows a series of sophisticated telecom hacks that impacted major US wireless carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Lumen Technologies, and T-Mobile. The attacks were linked to Salt Typhoon, a China-backed cyber espionage group.

Earlier this month, the US government emphasized strengthening communications infrastructure security, with specific focus on risks tied to Cisco devices, a prime target for state-sponsored hackers. In line with this, CISA unveiled its Mobile Communications Best Practice guide, aimed at mitigating risks posed by foreign threat actors, especially Chinese cyber espionage groups.

Who Needs This Guide?

CISA’s guidelines are tailored for individuals in senior government and political roles, who are more likely to possess information of interest to sophisticated threat actors. The agency warned, “Highly targeted individuals should assume that all communications between mobile devices—including government and personal devices—and internet services are at risk of interception or manipulation.”

Key Recommendations

  • Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: CISA recommends apps like Signal, which provide end-to-end encryption and features like vanishing messages for enhanced privacy.
  • Enable Phishing-Resistant MFA: Implement Fast Identity Online (FIDO) multi-factor authentication and avoid SMS-based MFA for improved account security.
  • Adopt Additional Security Practices:
    • Use password managers and telco PINs or passcodes for mobile accounts.
    • Regularly update operating systems and applications.
    • Opt for the latest phone models from manufacturers with strong security records.
    • Avoid private virtual private networks (VPNs) due to potential vulnerabilities.

Special Recommendations for Android Users

Android device users are advised to:

  • Enable end-to-end encryption in Rich Communication Services (RCS).
  • Protect DNS queries and use secure connections in Chrome.
  • Activate Enhanced Protection in Safe Browsing and Google Play Protect.
  • Limit unnecessary app permissions to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities.

As cyber threats grow in complexity, CISA’s proactive guidelines serve as a critical resource for mitigating risks and securing sensitive communications. For the complete document, visit the CISA website.

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