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Forge Report: First Half Threat Trends of 2024
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TargetCompany Ransomware Layers Intrusions with Remcos
The TargetCompany ransomware operators are enhancing their intrusion strategies by employing Fully Undetectable (FUD) packers and the Remcos Remote Access Trojan (RAT), aiming to conduct evasive infections. According to Trend Micro analysts Don Ovid Ladores and Nathaniel Morales, the attackers initially gain access through vulnerable SQL servers. They then execute a PowerShell script to download executable files into the TEMP directory, eventually leading to the successful download and installation of the Remcos RAT. The FUD packer style used resembles that used by BatCloak, involving batch files and PowerShell for Living-Off-The-Land Binaries (LOLBins) execution. Metasploit is also utilized in the attack chain. Trend Micro emphasizes TargetCompany's adoption since February 2022 of a 'cmd x PowerShell' loader technique, likely inspired by OneNote campaigns using PowerLoad. Unlike other malware, the loaders for Remcos and TargetCompany focus on integrating decompression into their binaries, likely altering the payload to evade detection.
Pyarmor Pro Shields Batloader for Stealthier Intrusions
The Water Minyades threat actors have refined the Batloader initial access malware, incorporating Pyarmor Pro for stealth, as reported by Trend Micro. Since December 2022, Pyarmor, particularly its professional variant, has been utilized to obfuscate Batloader, complicating detection due to most antivirus engines lacking an unpacker for Pyarmor. Batloader’s attack chain uses Windows Installer package files, the Windows command-line interface, and batch files. Once executed, it leverages native Windows tools for host enumeration and sends the data to a command and control server. It can then facilitate the installation of further malware payloads, such as Ursnif, Vidar, or Redline Stealer, with potential escalation to dangerous ransomware deployments, including those associated with the Royal and BlackSuit ransomware gangs.
Dragos Measures a 2x Increase in Ransomware Attacks Against Industrial Orgs in Q2 2023
In Q2 2023, ransomware attacks on industrial sectors doubled, as revealed by Dragos. North America was the primary target, with manufacturing facing the majority of threats. Prominent gangs like Lockbit 3.0 spearheaded these attacks, and given the current geopolitical climate, a further surge in Q3 is anticipated.
APT29: Actively Running Phishing Attacks Centered on Microsoft Teams
Russian threat group APT29 has been actively running phishing campaigns on Microsoft Teams to steal user credentials since May 2023. Posing as technical support, they target entities in government, manufacturing, media, NGOs, and tech sectors, furthering Russia's espionage objectives.
BATLoader Assists the Spread of XWorm
Cyble uncovers a complex infection chain where the BATLoader malware facilitates the spread of the versatile XWorm malware. Starting with deceptive spam emails, the infection uses multiple binaries and scripts to ensure delivery. XWorm boasts capabilities like data theft, DDoS attacks, and ransomware deployment, emphasizing its multifaceted threat potential.
Qakbot: A Reliable Malware of Adaptability
Since 2007, the Qakbot banking trojan has evolved, recently adapting OneNote into its attack strategy. Zscaler's analysis points to Qakbot's myriad of infiltration methods, from phishing emails with malicious HTML and PDF documents to innovative evasion using conhost.exe. Activity peaked in March and April 2023, with significant targeting in Germany, the US, and Brazil. Despite a recent lull, experts anticipate a resurgence in Qakbot attacks.
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