In a new security discovery, McAfee revealed the existence of a sneaky Android backdoor named Xamalicious, which has infected around 338,000 devices through malicious apps available on Google Play.
The backdoor is hidden within apps built using the open-source Xamarin framework, making it challenging to detect and analyse.
According to McAfee’s telemetry data, the majority of infections were found on devices in the United States, Germany, Spain, the UK, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
Android Apps Affected by Xamalicious
The 14 infected apps identified by McAfee include popular titles such as Essential Horoscope for Android, 3D Skin Editor for PE Minecraft, Logo Maker Pro, Auto Click Repeater, Count Easy Calorie Calculator, Dots: One Line Connector, Sound Volume Extender, and more.
Once installed, Xamalicious gains access to the device’s sensitive data and system functions through the Accessibility Service, allowing it to execute privileged operations like navigation gestures and hiding on-screen objects.
How Xamalicious Works
The backdoor also communicates with a Command and Control (C2) server to retrieve a second-stage DLL payload (“cache.bin”) if specific conditions related to geography, network, device configuration, and root status are met.
This discovery highlights the importance of staying vigilant while downloading apps, even from official app stores.
Users are advised to regularly check their devices for potential threats and take necessary measures to protect their data and system from malware infections.
https://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qtg3NMGk1O.jpg9601920SecureTechhttps://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SS-Logo.svgSecureTech2023-12-28 08:00:062023-12-28 08:00:06‘Xamalicious’ Android malware infects 338,000 devices: What you need to know
Researchers have discovered an Internet of Things (IoT) botnet linked with attacks against multiple US government and communications organizations.
The “KV-Botnet,” revealed in a report from Lumen’s Black Lotus Labs, is designed to infect small-office home-office (SOHO) network devices developed by at least four different vendors. It comes built with a series of stealth mechanisms and the ability to spread further into local area networks (LANs).
One notable subscriber is the Volt Typhoon advanced persistent threat (aka Bronze Silhouette), the headline-grabbing Chinese state-aligned threat actor known for attacks against US critical infrastructure. The platform appears to have been involved in previously reported Volt Typhoon campaigns against two telecommunications firms, an Internet service provider (ISP), and a US government organization based in Guam. It only represents a portion of Volt Typhoon’s infrastructure, though, and there are almost certainly other threat actors also using it.
Inside the KV-Botnet
Since at least February 2022, KV-Botnet has primarily infected SOHO routers including the Cisco RV320, DrayTek Vigor, and Netgear ProSafe product lines. As of mid-November, it expanded to exploit IP cameras developed by Axis Communications.
Administered from IP addresses located in China, the botnet can be broadly split into two groups: the “KY” cluster, involving manual attacks against high-value targets, and the “JDY” cluster, involving broader targeting and less sophisticated techniques.
Most KV-Botnet infections so far appear to fall into the latter cluster. With that said, the botnet has brushed up against a number of previously undisclosed high-profile organizations, including a judicial institution, a satellite network provider, and military entities from the US, as well as a renewable energy company based in Europe.
The program is perhaps most notable for its advanced, layered stealth. It resides completely in memory (although, on the flip side, this means it can be booted with a simple device restart). It checks for and terminates a series of processes and security tools running on the infected device, runs under the name of a random file already on the device, and…
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) are releasing this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) in response to cyber threat actors leveraging newly identified Truebot malware variants against organizations in the United States and Canada. As recently as May 31, 2023, the authoring organizations have observed an increase in cyber threat actors using new malware variants of Truebot (also known as Silence.Downloader). Truebot is a botnet that has been used by malicious cyber groups like CL0P Ransomware Gang to collect and exfiltrate information from its target victims.
Previous Truebot malware variants were primarily delivered by cyber threat actors via malicious phishing email attachments; however, newer versions allow cyber threat actors to also gain initial access through exploiting CVE-2022-31199—(a remote code execution vulnerability in the Netwrix Auditor application), enabling deployment of the malware at scale within the compromised environment. Based on confirmation from open-source reporting and analytical findings of Truebot variants, the authoring organizations assess cyber threat actors are leveraging both phishing campaigns with malicious redirect hyperlinks and CVE-2022-31199 to deliver new Truebot malware variants.
The authoring organizations recommend hunting for the malicious activity using the guidance outlined in this CSA, as well as applying vendor patches to Netwrix Auditor (version 10.5—see Mitigations section below).[1] Any organization identifying indicators of compromise (IOCs) within their environment should urgently apply the incident responses and mitigation measures detailed in this CSA and report the intrusion to CISA or the FBI.
For a downloadable copy of IOCs in .xml and .json format, see:
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Note: This advisory uses the MITRE ATT&CK® for Enterprise framework, version 13. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section below for cyber threat actors’ activity mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques.
Initial Access and Execution
In recent months, open source reporting has detailed an increase in Truebot malware infections, particularly cyber threat actors using new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and delivery methods.[2] Based on the nature of observed Truebot operations, the primary objective of a Truebot infection is to exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised host(s) for financial gain [TA0010].
Phishing:
Cyber threat actors have historically used malicious phishing emails as the primary delivery method of Truebot malware, which tricks recipients into clicking a hyperlink to execute malware. Cyber threat actors have further been observed concealing email attachments (executables) as software update notifications [T1189] that appear to be legitimate [T1204.002], [T1566.002]. Following interaction with the executable, users will be redirected to a malicious web domain where script files are then executed. Note: Truebot malware can be hidden within various, legitimate file formats that are used for malicious purposes [T1036.008].[3]
Exploitation of CVE-2022-31199:
Though phishing remains a prominent delivery method, cyber threat actors have shifted tactics, exploiting, in observable manner, a remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2022-31199) in Netwrix Auditor [T1190]—software used for on-premises and cloud-based IT system auditing. Through exploitation of this CVE, cyber threat actors gain initial access, as well as the ability to move laterally within the compromised network [T1210].
Following the successful download of the malicous file, Truebot renames itself and then loads FlawedGrace onto the host. Please see the FlawedGrace section below for more information on how this remote access tool (RAT) is used in Truebot operations.
After deployment by Truebot, FlawedGrace is able to modify registry [T1112] and print spooler programs [T1547.012] that control the order that documents are loaded to a print queue. FlawedGrace manipulates these features to both escalate privilege and establish persistence.
During FlawedGrace’s execution phase, the RAT stores encrypted payloads [T1027.009] within the registry. The tool can create scheduled tasks and inject payloads into msiexec[.]exe and svchost[.]exe, which are command processes that enable FlawedGrace to establish a command and control (C2) connection to 92.118.36[.]199, for example, as well as load dynamic link libraries (DLLs) [T1055.001] to accomplish privilege escalation.
Several hours post initial access, Truebot has been observed injecting Cobalt Strike beacons into memory [T1055] in a dormant mode for the first few hours prior to initiating additional operations. Please see the Cobalt Strike section below for more information on how this remote access tool (RAT) is used in Truebot operations.
Discovery and Defense Evasion
During the first stage of Truebot’s execution process, it checks the current version of the operating system (OS) with RtlGetVersion and processor architecture using GetNativeSystemInfo [T1082].[4] Note: This variant of Truebot malware is designed with over one gigabyte (GB) of junk code which functions to hinder detection and analysis efforts [T1027.001].
Following the initial checks for system information, Truebot has the capability to enumerate all running processes [T1057], collect sensitive local host data [T1005], and send this data to an encoded data string described below for second-stage execution. Based on IOCs in table 1, Truebot also has the ability to discover software security protocols and system time metrics, which aids in defense evasion, as well as enables synchronization with the compromised system’s internal clock to facilitate scheduling tasks [T1518.001][T1124].
Next, it uses a .JSONIP extension, (e.g., IgtyXEQuCEvAM.JSONIP), to create a thirteen character globally unique identifier (GUID)—a 128-bit text string that Truebot uses to label and organize the data it collects [T1036].
After creating the GUID, Truebot compiles and enumerates running process data into either a base64 or unique hexadecimal encoded string [T1027.001]. Truebot’s main goal is identifying the presence of security debugger tools. However, the presence of identified debugger tools does not change Truebot’s execution process—the data is compiled into a base64 encoded string for tracking and defense evasion purposes [T1082][T1622].
Data Collection and Exfiltration
Following Truebot’s enumeration of running processes and tools, the affected system’s computer and domain name [T1082][T1016], along with the newly generated GUID, are sent to a hard-coded URL in a POST request (as observed in the user-agent string). Note: A user-agent string is a customized HTTP request that includes specific device information required for interaction with web content. In this instance, cyber threat actors can redirect victims to malicious domains and further establish a C2 connection.
The POST request functions as means for establishing a C2 connection for bi-lateral communication. With this established connection, Truebot uses a second obfuscated domain to receive additional payloads [T1105], self-replicate across the environment [T1570], and/or delete files used in its operations [T1070.004]. Truebot malware has the capability to download additional malicious modules [T1105], load shell code [T1620], and deploy various tools to stealthily navigate an infected network.
Associated Delivery Vectors and Tools
Truebot has been observed in association with the following delivery vectors and tools:
Raspberry Robin (Malware)
Raspberry Robin is a wormable malware with links to other malware families and various infection methods, including installation via USB drive [T1091].[5] Raspberry Robin has evolved into one of the largest malware distribution platforms and has been observed deploying Truebot, as well as other post-compromise payloads such as IcedID and Bumblebee malware.[6] With the recent shift in Truebot delivery methods from malicious emails to the exploitation of CVE-2022-31199, a large number of Raspberry Robin infections have leveraged this exploitable CVE.[2]
FlawedGrace is a remote access tool (RAT) that can receive incoming commands [T1059] from a C2 server sent over a custom binary protocol [T1095] using port 443 to deploy additional tools [T1105].[7] Truebot malware has been observed leveraging (and dropping) FlawedGrace via phishing campaigns as an additional payload [T1566.002].[8] Note: FlawedGrace is typically deployed minutes after Truebot malware is executed.
Cobalt Strike is a popular remote access tool (RAT) that cyber threat actors have leveraged—in an observable manner—for a variety of post-exploitation means. Typically a few hours after Truebot’s execution phase, cyber threat actors have been observed deploying additional payloads containing Cobalt Strike beacons for persistence and data exfiltration purposes [T1059].[2] Cyber threat actors use Cobalt Strike to move laterally via remote service session hijacking [T1563.001][T1563.002], collecting valid credentials through LSASS memory credential dumping, or creating local admin accounts to achieve pass the hash alternate authentication [T1003.001][T1550.002].
Teleport (Tool)
Cyber threat actors have been observed using a custom data exfiltration tool, which Talos has named “Teleport.”[2] Teleport is known to evade detection during data exfiltration by using an encryption key hardcoded in the binary and a custom communication protocol [T1095] that encrypts data using advanced encryption standard (AES) and a hardcoded key [T1048][T1573.002]. Furthermore, to maintain its stealth, Teleport limits the data it collects and syncs with outbound organizational data/network traffic [T1029][T1030].
Truebot Malware Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Truebot IOCs from May 31, 2023, contain IOCs from cyber threat actors conducting Truebot malspam campaigns. Information is derived from a trusted third party, they observed cyber threat actors from 193.3.19[.]173 (Russia) using a compromised local account to conduct phishing campaigns on May 23, 2023 and spread malware through: https[:]//snowboardspecs[.]com/nae9v, which then promptly redirects the user to: https://www.meditimespharma[.]com/gfghthq/, which a trusted third party has linked to other trending Truebot activity.
After redirecting to https://www.meditimespharma[.]com/gfghthq/, trusted third parties have observed, the cyber threat actors using Truebot to pivot to https://corporacionhardsoft[.]com/images/2/Document_16654.exe, which is a domain associated with snowboardspecs[.]com. This malicious domain has been linked to UNC4509, a threat cluster that has been known to use traffic distribution systems (TDS) to redirect users to either a benign or malicious website to facilitate their malicious phishing campaigns in May 2023.
According to trusted third parties, the MD5 Hash: 6164e9d297d29aa8682971259da06848 is downloaded from https://corporacionhardsoft.com/images/2/Document_16654[.]exe, and has been flagged by numerous security vendors, as well as is linked to UNC4509 Truebot campaigns. Note: These IOCs are associated with Truebot campaigns used by Graceful Spider to deliver FlawedGrace and LummaStealer payloads in May of 2023.
After Truebot is downloaded, the malware copies itself to C:\Intel\RuntimeBroker.exe and—based on trusted third party analysis—links to https://essadonio.com/538332[.]php (which is linked to 45.182.189[.]71 (Panama) and is associated with other trending Truebot malware campaigns from May 2023).
Please reference table 1 for IOCs described in the paragraph above.
See Tables 6-16 for all referenced cyber threat actor tactics and techniques for enterprise environments in this advisory. For assistance with mapping malicious cyber activity to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, see CISA and MITRE ATT&CK’s Best Practices for MITRE ATT&CK Mapping and CISA’s Decider Tool.
Cyber threat actors are exploiting Netwrix vulnerability CVE-2022-31199 for initial access with follow-on capabilities of lateral movement through remote code execution.
Truebot has the ability to discover system time metrics, which aids in enables synchronization with the compromised system’s internal clock to facilitate scheduling tasks.
Cyber threat actors blend exfiltrated data with network traffic to evade detection.
Cyber threat actors use the Teleport tool to exfiltrate data over a C2 protocol.
DETECTION METHODS
CISA and authoring organizations recommend that organizations review and implement the following detection signatures, along with: Win/malicious_confidence100% (W), Trojan:Win32/Tnega!MSR, and Trojan.Agent.Truebot.Gen, as well as YARA rules below to help detect Truebot malware.
Detection Signatures
Figure 2: Snort Signature to Detect Truebot Malware
alert tcp any any -> any any (msg:”TRUEBOT: Client HTTP Header”; sid:x; rev:1; flow:established,to_server; content:”Mozilla/112.0 (compatible|3b 20 4d 53 49 45 20 31 31 2e 30 3b 20 57 69 6e 64 6f 77 73 20 4e 54 20 31 30 2e 30 30 29|”; http_header; nocase; classtype:http-header; metadata:service http;)
YARA Rules
CISA developed the following YARA to aid in detecting the presence of Truebot Malware.
Additional YARA rules for detecting Truebot malware can be referenced from GitHub.[9]
INCIDENT RESPONSE
The following steps are recommended if organizations detect a Truebot malware infection and compromise:
Quarantine or take offline potentially affected hosts.
Collect and review artifacts such as running processes/services, unusual authentications, and recent network connections.
Provision new account credentials.
Reimage compromised host.
Report the compromise to CISA via CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center ([email protected] or 888-282-0870) or contact your local FBI field office. State, local, tribal, or territorial government entities can also report to MS-ISAC ([email protected] or 866-787-4722).
For additional best practices, see CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs). The CPGs, developed by CISA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), are a prioritized subset of IT and OT security practices that can meaningfully reduce the likelihood and impact of known cyber risks and common TTPs. Because the CPGs are a subset of best practices, CISA and co-sealers recommend software manufacturers implement a comprehensive information security program based on a recognized framework, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).
Netwrix recommends using their Auditor application only on internally facing networks. System owners that don’t follow this recommendation, and use the application in externally facing instances, are at increased risk to having CVE-2022-31199 exploited on their systems.
Reduce threat of malicious actors using remote access tools by:
Implementing application controls to manage and control execution of software, including allowlisting remote access programs.
Application controls should prevent installation and execution of portable versions of unauthorized remote access and other software. A properly configured application allowlisting solution will block any unlisted application execution. Allowlisting is important because antivirus solutions may fail to detect the execution of malicious portable executables when the files use any combination of compression, encryption, or obfuscation.
Disable command-line and scripting activities and permissions [CPG 2.N].
Restrict the use of PowerShell by using Group Policy, and only grant to specific users on a case-by-case basis. Typically, only those users or administrators who manage the network or Windows operating systems (OSs) should be permitted to use PowerShell [CPG 2.E].
Update Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core to the latest version and uninstall all earlier PowerShell versions. Logs from Windows PowerShell prior to version 5.0 are either non-existent or do not record enough detail to aid in enterprise monitoring and incident response activities [CPG 1.E, 2.S, 2.T].
PowerShell logs contain valuable data, including historical OS and registry interaction and possible IOCs of a cyber threat actor’s PowerShell use.
Ensure PowerShell instances, using the latest version, have module, script block, and transcription logging enabled (enhanced logging).
The two logs that record PowerShell activity are the PowerShell Windows Event Log and the PowerShell Operational Log. The authoring organizations recommend turning on these two Windows Event Logs with a retention period of at least 180 days. These logs should be checked on a regular basis to confirm whether the log data has been deleted or logging has been turned off. Set the storage size permitted for both logs to as large as possible.
Configure the Windows Registry to require User Account Control (UAC) approval for any PsExec operations requiring administrator privileges to reduce the risk of lateral movement by PsExec.
Review domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories for new and/or unrecognized accounts [CPG 4.C].
Audit user accounts with administrative privileges and configure access controls according to the principle of least privilege (PoLP) [CPG 2.E].
Reduce the threat of credential compromise via the following:
Place domain admin accounts in the protected users’ group to prevent caching of password hashes locally.
Implement Credential Guard for Windows 10 and Server 2016 (Refer to Microsoft: Manage Windows Defender Credential Guard for more information). For Windows Server 2012R2, enable Protected Process Light for Local Security Authority (LSA).
Refrain from storing plaintext credentials in scripts.
Implement time-based access for accounts set at the admin level and higher [CPG 2.A, 2.E]. For example, the Just-in-Time (JIT) access method provisions privileged access when needed and can support enforcement of the principle of least privilege (as well as the Zero Trust model). This is a process where a network-wide policy is set in place to automatically disable admin accounts at the Active Directory (AD) level when the account is not in direct need. Individual users may submit their requests through an automated process that grants them access to a specified system for a set timeframe when they need to support the completion of a certain task.
In addition, CISA, FBI, MS-ISAC, and CCCS recommend network defenders apply the following mitigations to limit potential adversarial use of common system and network discovery techniques and to reduce the impact and risk of compromise by ransomware or data extortion actors:
Disable File and Printer sharing services. If these services are required, use strong passwords or Active Directory authentication.
Implement a recovery plan to maintain and retain multiple copies of sensitive or proprietary data and servers in a physically separate, segmented, and secure location (e.g., hard drive, storage device, or the cloud).
Maintain offline backups of data and regularly maintain backup and restoration (daily or weekly at minimum). By instituting this practice, an organization minimizes the impact of disruption to business practices as they can retrieve their data [CPG 2.R].
Refrain from requiring password changes more frequently than once per year. Note: NIST guidance suggests favoring longer passwords instead of requiring regular and frequent password resets. Frequent password resets are more likely to result in users developing password “patterns” cyber criminals can easily decipher.
Require administrator credentials to install software.
Require phishing-resistant multifactor authentication for all services to the extent possible, particularly for webmail, virtual private networks, and accounts that access critical systems [CPG 2.H].
Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up to date. Timely patching is one of the most efficient and cost-effective steps an organization can take to minimize its exposure to cybersecurity threats. Organizations should patch vulnerable software and hardware systems within 24 to 48 hours of vulnerability disclosure. Prioritize patching known exploited vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems [CPG 1.E].
Segment networks to prevent the spread of ransomware. Network segmentation can help prevent the spread of ransomware by controlling traffic flows between—and access to various subnetworks, restricting further lateral movement [CPG 2.F].
Identify, detect, and investigate abnormal activity and potential traversal of the indicated ransomware with a networking monitoring tool. To aid in detecting ransomware, implement a tool that logs and reports all network traffic, including lateral movement activity on a network. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools are particularly useful for detecting lateral connections, as they have insight into common and uncommon network connections for each host [CPG 3.A].
Install, regularly update, and enable real time detection for antivirus software on all hosts.
Consider adding an email banner to emails received from outside your organization [CPG 2.M].
Ensure all backup data is encrypted, immutable (i.e., cannot be altered or deleted), and covers the entire organization’s data infrastructure [CPG 2.K, 2.L, 2.R].
VALIDATE SECURITY CONTROLS
In addition to applying mitigations, CISA recommends exercising, testing, and validating your organization’s security program against the threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise framework in this advisory. CISA recommends testing your existing security controls inventory to assess how they perform against the ATT&CK techniques described in this advisory.
To get started:
Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see Tables 5-13).
Align your security technologies against the technique.
Test your technologies against the technique.
Analyze your detection and prevention technologies’ performance.
Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.
CISA recommends continually testing your security program, at scale, in a production environment to ensure optimal performance against the MITRE ATT&CK techniques identified in this advisory.
VMware Carbon Black and Mandiant contributed to this CSA.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. CISA and authoring agencies do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by CISA, and co-sealers.
https://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SS-Logo.svg00SecureTechhttps://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SS-Logo.svgSecureTech2023-07-07 01:30:072023-07-07 01:30:07Increased Truebot Activity Infects U.S. and Canada Based Networks
An updated version of a botnet malware called Prometei has infected more than 10,000 systems worldwide since November 2022.
The infections are both geographically indiscriminate and opportunistic, with a majority of the victims reported in Brazil, Indonesia, and Turkey.
Prometei, first observed in 2016, is a modular botnet that features a large repertoire of components and several proliferation methods, some of which also include the exploitation of ProxyLogon Microsoft Exchange Server flaws.
It’s also notable for avoiding striking Russia, suggesting that the threat actors behind the operation are likely based in the country.
The cross-platform botnet’s motivations are financial, primarily leveraging its pool of infected hosts to mine cryptocurrency and harvest credentials.
The latest variant of Prometei (called v3) improves upon its existing features to challenge forensic analysis and further burrow its access on victim machines, Cisco Talos said in a report shared with The Hacker News.
The attack sequence proceeds thus: Upon gaining a successful foothold, a PowerShell command is executed to download the botnet malware from a remote server. Prometei’s main module is then used to retrieve the actual crypto-mining payload and other auxiliary components on the system.
Some of these support modules function as spreader programs designed to propagate the malware through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Secure Shell (SSH), and Server Message Block (SMB).
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Prometei v3 is also noteworthy for using a domain generation algorithm (DGA) to build out its command-and-control (C2) infrastructure. It further packs in a self-update mechanism and an expanded set of commands to harvest sensitive data and commandeer the host.
Last but not least, the malware deploys an Apache web server that’s bundled with a PHP-based web shell, which is capable of executing Base64-encoded…
https://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-Version-of-Prometei-Botnet-Infects-Over-10000-Systems-Worldwide.png380728SecureTechhttps://spinsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SS-Logo.svgSecureTech2023-03-11 20:00:122023-03-11 20:00:12New Version of Prometei Botnet Infects Over 10,000 Systems Worldwide