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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Forge Report: First Half Threat Trends of 2024
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Dissecting the Multi-Stage Distribution of Fickle Stealer Malware
Fortinet researcher Pei Han Liao uncovers the complex distribution of Fickle Stealer malware, a Rust-based stealer targeting sensitive data. The malware uses multiple delivery vectors, including VBA droppers, link-based methods, and PowerShell scripts, to bypass security measures and establish persistence. By exploiting Windows' handling of trusted directories, the malware gains elevated privileges without User Account Control prompts. The final payload targets a wide array of sensitive information, posing significant threats to global industries.
Ransomware in Espionage Blurring Lines Between Cybercrime and State Espionage
SentinelOne reports that cyber-espionage groups like ChamelGang are increasingly using ransomware to mask their activities. This trend blurs the line between state espionage and cybercrime, complicating attribution and increasing risks for global industries such as aviation, healthcare, and government. Enhanced collaboration between intelligence agencies and cybersecurity professionals is essential to address this evolving threat landscape.
Biden Administration Prohibits Kaspersky Citing National Security Concerns
The Biden administration bans Kaspersky antivirus software due to national security concerns over potential Russian exploitation. Customers must transition by September 29, 2024. Kaspersky disputes the decision, arguing it’s based on geopolitical tensions rather than product security. The ban includes ceasing updates and maintenance, urging users to find alternative solutions.
UNC3944 Expands Cyber Operations to SaaS Platforms for Data Theft
Mandiant uncovers UNC3944’s sophisticated cyber operations targeting SaaS platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud for data theft. Using advanced social engineering, SIM swapping, and credential harvesting, the group infiltrates networks, manipulates virtual machines, and executes data extortion without relying on ransomware. Their tactics reveal a high level of technical proficiency and a broad impact on global organizations.
Social Engineering and PowerShell Combine in Convincing Phishing Campaigns
Proofpoint reveals TA571’s phishing campaigns using social engineering to trick users into running malicious PowerShell scripts. This campaign, linked to the ClearFake activity cluster, deploys malware like Amadey and NetSupport RAT, targeting thousands of organizations globally. Learn about their adaptive techniques and the associated risks.
Prolonged Cyber Espionage by Chinese-Linked Actors Exploiting Legacy Network Systems
Sygnia uncovered a prolonged cyber espionage campaign by Velvet Ant, a Chinese-linked group, using malware like ShadowPad and PlugX. The attackers exploited legacy systems, including F5 BIG-IP appliances, to maintain network access and evade detection. Sygnia’s report highlights their sophisticated techniques and offers defense strategies to mitigate such threats.
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