Summary:
BlueAlpha, a state-sponsored cyber threat group linked to the Russian FSB, has been targeting Ukrainian organizations since 2014 with sophisticated spearphishing campaigns. Recently, they have utilized Cloudflare Tunnels for malware delivery and have developed custom malware like GammaLoad for data exfiltration and credential theft. Their evolving tactics highlight the need for enhanced detection and response strategies.
#BlueAlpha #CyberThreats #MalwareDelivery
BlueAlpha, a state-sponsored cyber threat group linked to the Russian FSB, has been targeting Ukrainian organizations since 2014 with sophisticated spearphishing campaigns. Recently, they have utilized Cloudflare Tunnels for malware delivery and have developed custom malware like GammaLoad for data exfiltration and credential theft. Their evolving tactics highlight the need for enhanced detection and response strategies.
#BlueAlpha #CyberThreats #MalwareDelivery
Keypoints:
BlueAlpha is a state-sponsored group operating under the Russian FSB.
Active since at least 2014, targeting Ukrainian organizations through spearphishing.
Recent malware delivery includes custom VBScript malware named GammaLoad.
Utilizes Cloudflare Tunnels to conceal malware staging infrastructure.
Employs HTML smuggling techniques to bypass email security systems.
DNS fast-fluxing complicates tracking of command-and-control communications.
GammaDrop acts as a dropper for GammaLoad, ensuring persistence.
Obfuscation techniques are used to complicate malware analysis.
Mitigation strategies include enhancing email security and monitoring network traffic.
Organizations must invest in advanced detection and response capabilities.
MITRE Techniques
Spearphishing Attachment (T1566.001): Utilizes malicious attachments in emails to gain initial access.
Visual Basic (T1059.005): Executes malicious code written in Visual Basic.
JavaScript (T1059.007): Executes malicious JavaScript code embedded in documents.
Malicious File (T1204.002): Executes files that are deemed malicious by the user or system.
Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder (T1547.001): Ensures persistence by adding entries to the registry or startup folder.
HTML Smuggling (T1027.006): Delivers malware through embedded JavaScript in HTML attachments.
Encrypted/Encoded File (T1027.013): Uses encryption or encoding to evade detection.
Web Protocols (T1071.001): Utilizes web protocols for command and control communications.
Fast Flux DNS (T1568.001): Uses fast-flux DNS techniques to obscure command and control infrastructure.
IoC:
[domain] else-accommodation-allowing-throws.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] cod-identification-imported-carl.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] amsterdam-sheet-veteran-aka.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] benjamin-unnecessary-mothers-configured.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] longitude-powerpoint-geek-upgrade.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] attribute-homework-generator-lovers.trycloudflare[.]com
[domain] infected-gc-rhythm-yu.trycloudflare[.]com
[IP Address] 178.130.42.94
[file hash] 3afc8955057eb0bae819ead1e7f534f6e5784bbd5b6aa3a08af72e187b157c5b93aa6cd0787193b4ba5ba6367122dee846c5d18ad77919b261c15ff583b0ca17b95eea2bee2113b7b5c7af2acf6c6cbde05829fab79ba86694603d4c1f33fdda
Full Research: https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/bluealpha-abuses-cloudflare-tunneling-service