The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI successfully removed PlugX malware from over 4,200 computers in a coordinated operation targeting a hacking group linked to the People’s Republic of China. This operation highlights the importance of international collaboration in combating cyber threats. Affected: U.S. businesses, European and Asian governments, Chinese dissident groups
Keypoints :
- The DOJ and FBI conducted a multi-month operation to remove PlugX malware.
- PlugX is a remote access tool (RAT) used by hackers to control infected systems.
- The hacking group “Mustang Panda” is linked to the People’s Republic of China.
- Victims included U.S. businesses and various government entities worldwide.
- The operation involved international partners, including French law enforcement and Sekoia.io.
- Approximately 4,258 computers were cleaned of PlugX malware.
- The operation emphasizes the need for proactive cybersecurity measures.
- Victims are advised to update antivirus software and apply security patches.
MITRE Techniques :
- TA0001 – Initial Access: Exploitation of vulnerabilities to gain access to victim systems.
- TA0002 – Execution: Execution of PlugX malware on infected systems.
- TA0003 – Persistence: Establishing persistence through PlugX to maintain access.
- TA0004 – Privilege Escalation: Gaining elevated privileges on compromised systems.
- TA0005 – Defense Evasion: Techniques used to avoid detection while operating on infected systems.
- TA0006 – Credential Access: Stealing credentials from infected systems.
- TA0007 – Discovery: Gathering information about the infected environment.
- TA0008 – Lateral Movement: Moving within the network to access additional systems.
- TA0009 – Collection: Collecting sensitive information from victim systems.
- TA0011 – Exfiltration: Exfiltration of data from compromised systems.
Full Research: https://thecyberexpress.com/plugx-malware-removed/
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