Anvilogic Forge Threat Research Reports
Here you can find an accumulation of trending threats published weekly by the Anvilogic team.
We curate threat intelligence to provide situational awareness and actionable insights
Atomic detections that serve as the foundation of our detection framework.
Risk, pattern, and sequence-based detections utilizing the outputs of Threat Identifiers as a means of identifying actual threats.
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G20 Nations Face Cyber Threats from Chinese APT Group
The Chinese APT group SharpPanda is targeting government entities in G20 nations, using spearphishing with outdated Microsoft Office vulnerabilities and backdoor malware for espionage. Researchers from Cyble report that the group's activities have increased since 2018. SharpPanda uses tools like RoyalRoad to exploit vulnerabilities and establish persistence, gathering sensitive data from targeted systems.
UAC-0063 Targeted Ukraine Government for Cyber Espionage
UAC-0063, a cyber espionage group tracked by CERT-UA, targeted a Ukrainian government agency between April 18-20, 2023. Using phishing emails with macro-enabled Word documents, the group deployed malware including LOGPIE keylogger, CHERRYSPY Python backdoor, and STILLARCH data search and exfiltration tool. CERT-UA advises monitoring and restricting living-off-the-land binaries and suspicious Python usage.
Deadly Russian Malware With Impact Against the Industrial Power Grid
Mandiant researchers discovered Russian-linked malware CosmicEnergy designed to disrupt power grids by targeting IEC-104 devices. Found on VirusTotal, CosmicEnergy is Python-based and resembles malware used against Ukraine's energy sector. It exploits MSSQL servers to send remote commands, posing a significant threat to critical infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Threat Group, "GUI-vil" Prefers GUI for Coinmining Operations
The financially motivated threat group GUI-vil, tracked by Permiso, has been active in cloud cryptomining operations since 2021. Preferring GUI tools over CLI utilities, GUI-vil exploits vulnerabilities and exposed credentials to launch large EC2 instances for mining cryptocurrency. The group's operational tactics include mimicking legitimate users and adapting persistence to avoid detection. GUI-vil's activity, including using tools like S3 Browser and AWS Management Console, underscores the need for robust cloud security measures.
Earlier Intrusions from Volt Typhoon
Secureworks reveals early intrusions by the Chinese espionage group Volt Typhoon (BRONZE SILHOUETTE), targeting critical infrastructure in 2021 and 2022. Volt Typhoon employs living-off-the-land binaries and web shells for persistence and stealth. Notable tactics include exploiting public-facing applications and compromised credentials, obtaining the ntds.dit AD database, and using reconnaissance commands. The group's minimal intrusion footprint makes detection challenging, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and robust security measures.
Chinese Hackers Compromised US Infrastructure for Data Collection and Disruption
Volt Typhoon, a Chinese espionage group, has been targeting US critical infrastructure since 2021, focusing on intelligence collection and developing capabilities for potential disruption. The group uses living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) and proxies traffic through compromised network devices for stealth. Industries targeted include communications, government, education, manufacturing, maritime, and utilities. Organizations are urged to monitor for suspicious activities and secure their networks.
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