Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that attempts to extort money from victims by restricting access to a computer system or files. The most prevalent form of this profit-motivated malware is crypto-ransomware, which encrypts files into encoded messages that can only be decrypted (decoded) with a key held by the malicious user or group.

Ransomware
Image Credit: Kaspersky Lab
REAL assesses with high confidence that many businesses, schools, government agencies, and home users will remain at high risk of ransomware infections throughout 2016 because hackers that are financed and extremely motivated will continue to innovate and expand the targeting scope of their extortion campaigns. The most prevalent form of this profit driven malware is known as crypto-ransomware, referring to the use of encryption to render files locked until a ransom is paid to release a decryption key. The observed increase in ransomware infections and development of new variants over the last two years illustrates the attractive incentives for criminal hackers, as the perceived return on investment outweighs the risk of attribution and prosecution. In recent months, numerous cybersecurity firms released threat predictions for 2016, with universal agreement that ransomware and other forms of cyber extortion would not only continue to increase, but expand into new digital territories. In addition to personal devices such as tablets and smartphones, hackers will probably target other Internet-connected devices including home automation systems, smart appliances, vehicles, and medical devices. Likewise, servers, websites, and cloud solutions are also at risk, particularly for those who outsource data storage and management to third-party vendors with poor cybersecurity practices.
  • The tactics used to distribute ransomware often involve cunning social engineering tactics, such as carefully crafted phishing emails, designed to manipulate as many unsuspecting victims as possible to maximize profit. Other infection vectors include exploit kits, drive-by downloads, malvertising, and botnets.
  • The developers and propagators of ransomware are able to obscure their identities and reduce the likelihood of attribution using a variety of tactics. Most variants of ransomware now rely on the Tor anonymity network for command and control, as well as the use of crypto currency, namely Bitcoin, for anonymously accepting ransom payments. In addition to built-in anti-forensic capabilities designed to avoid detection and forensic examination, newer variants attempt to eliminate data recovery options by encrypting additional connected drives and network shares, deleting Shadow Volume Copies and system restoration points, and even overwriting free disk space.
  • Demonstrating the effectiveness of ransomware and the damages a single campaign can inflict, the Cyber Threat Alliance reported that the CryptoWall 3.0 variant infected hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide and netted criminals $325 million in less than one year. In 2015, Microsoft reported that it had removed ransomware infections from 24,000 computers after updating malware signatures in its Malicious Software Removal Tool. Furthermore, in the 2015 Kaspersky Security Bulletin, the cybersecurity company reported the detection of ransomware on over 50,000 computers on corporate networks, double the amount they detected in 2014.
  • There is an expanding marketplace for customizable, user-friendly ransomware tools, ransomware-as-a-service offerings, and affiliate programs that allow average users with limited technical ability to distribute malware and conduct for-profit cyber attacks. In 2015, a ransomware kit named Tox was released that allowed any Internet user to distribute and profit from ransomware. Although the developer of Tox ultimately put the kit up for sale fearing discovery by law enforcement, other hackers quickly filled the void by offering affiliate programs that promised shared profits to anyone who distributes the ransomware to more victims.
For many organizations, ransomware may not be entirely preventable; however, the impact of a successful infection can be greatly reduced if a robust data backup process is in place. Comprehensive data backups should be scheduled as often as possible and must be kept offline in a separate and secure location. The most effective method to prevent ransomware infections is to conduct regular training and awareness exercises with all employees to ensure users are proficient in safe Internet-browsing techniques and the ability to identify phishing emails.
While ransomware infections may not be entirely preventable due to the effectiveness of well-crafted phishing emails or drive-by downloads from otherwise legitimate sites, the most effective strategy to mitigate the impact of ransomware is having a comprehensive data backup protocol. In order to increase the likelihood of preventing ransomware infections, organizations must conduct regular training and awareness exercises with all employees to ensure common understanding safe-browsing techniques and how to identify and avoid phishing attempts.

The following is a list of ransomware mitigation recommendations:
Data Protection:
  • Schedule backups of data often and ensure they are kept offline in a separate and secure location. Consider maintaining multiple backups in different locations for redundancy. Test your backups regularly.
  • If an online backup and recovery service is used, contact the service immediately after a ransomware infection is suspected to prevent the malware from overwriting previous file versions with the newly encrypted versions.
System Management:
  • Ensure anti-virus software is up-to-date with the latest definitions and schedule scans as often as permitted.
  • Enable automated patches for operating systems, software, plugins, and web browsers.
  • Follow the Principle of Least Privilege for all user accounts; enable User Access Control (UAC) to prevent unauthorized changes.
  • Turn off unused wireless connections.
  • Disable macros on Microsoft Office software. Enterprise administrators managing Microsoft Office 2016 should use Group Policy to block macros for end users. Microsoft provides detailed instructions here.
  • Use ad blocking extensions in browsers to prevent “drive-by” infections from ads containing malicious code.
  • Disable the vssadmin.exe tool by renaming it to prevent ransomware from deleting Shadow Volume Copies. Instructions on how to rename this tool are included here.
  • Disable Windows Script Host and Windows PowerShell.
  • Disable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) on systems and servers if it is not needed in your environment.
  • Use web and email protection to block access to malicious websites and scan all emails, attachments, and downloads and configure email servers to proactively block emails containing suspicious attachments such as .exe, .vbs, and .scr.
  • Configure systems by modifying the Group Policy Editor to prevent executables(.exe, .rar, .pdf.exe, .zip) from running in %appdata%, %localappdata%, %temp%, and the Recycle Bin. CryptoPrevent is a free tool that can help automate this process and prevent ransomware from executing. Download it here.
  • Implement a behavior blocker to prevent ransomware from executing or making any unauthorized changes to systems or files.
  • Consider utilizing a free or commercially available anti-ransomware tool by any of the leading computer security software vendors.
  • To counteract ransomware variants that modify the Master Boot Record (MRB) and encrypt the Master File Table (MFT), Cisco Talos has released a Windows disk filter driver called MBRFilter, available on GitHub here.
  • For Mac OS X users, consider installing the free tool, RansomWhere? Information about this tool is available on the Objective. See website here and the tool itself can be downloaded here.
Network Management:
  • Keep firewall turned on and properly configured.
  • Close and monitor unused ports.
  • Block known malicious Tor IP addresses. A list of active Tor nodes updated every 30 minutes can be found here.
Mobile Device Management:
  • For Android users: disable the “unknown sources” option in the Android security settings menu, only install apps from the official Google Play store, and avoid "rooting" the device.
  • For Apple iOS users: ensure your data is backed up on iCloud and enable two-factor authentication, only download media and apps from the official iTunes and App Stores, and avoid “jailbreaking” the device.
Post-Infection Remediation:
  • Alert the appropriate information security contact within your organization if unusual activity is seen on networks, computers, or mobile devices.
  • Disconnect from networks immediately if an infection is suspected and do not reconnect until the computer or device has been thoroughly scanned and cleaned.
  • If an infection occurs, after removing the malware and cleaning the machine, make sure to change all system, network, and online account passwords.
Known Ransomware
(AS OF 11/9/2016)

If your business is infected by any of the ransomwares below, we may be able to help!

777

7ev3n

8lock8

Alfa


Alma Locker

Alpha

Alpha Crypt

AnonPop


Apocalypse

AutoLocky

BadBlock

Bandarchor


Bart

BitStak

Black Shades

Bucbi


Central Security Treatment Organization

Cerber

Chimera

CoinVault


Comrade Circle

Coverton

CrypBoss

CrypMIC


Crypren

CryptFile2

CryptMix

CryptoBit


CryptoHost

CryptoJoker

CryptoRoger

CryptoWall


CryptXXX

CryPy

Crysis

CTB-Faker


CTB-Locker

cuteRansomware

DecryptorMax

Ded Cryptor


DetoxCrypto

DMA Locker

Dogspectus

Domino


DXXD

EduCrypt

El Gato

Exotic Ransomware


Fantom

FBI MoneyPak

FLocker

FSociety


Globe

GPCode

HDDCryptor

Hidden Tear


Hitler-Ransomware

HolyCrypt

JapanLocker

Jigsaw


JuicyLemon

KimcilWare

Koler

KozyJozy


Linux.Encoder

Lockdroid.E

LockerPIN

LockLock


Locky

Maktub Locker

MarsJoke

MIRCOP


MM Locker

MSIL/Samas.A/Samsam

NanoLocker

Nemucod


NoobCrypt

Nuke

PadCrypt

Petya


PizzaCrypts

PokemonGo Ransomware

Power Worm

PowerWare


R980

RAA

Radamant

Ransom32


RektLocker

Rokku

Satana

Shark


Simple_Encoder

Simplelocker

Smash!

Smrss32


SNSLocker

Stampado

TeslaCrypt

TorrentLocker


TowerWeb

Trojan.Encoder.6491

Troldesh

TrueCrypter


Unlock92

VirLock

Wildfire

Xorist


XRTN

ZCryptor

Zimbra

If your organization is the victim of a ransomware infection, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies removes ransomware, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.
A botnet is a group of internet-connected computers and devices that have been infected by malware that allows a malicious actor to control them remotely. The malicious actor then uses the botnet for nefarious purposes such as sending spam email, stealing data, spreading additional malware infections to other devices, generating illicit advertising revenue through click-fraud, mining cryptocurrencies, or conducting distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. In the cases where botnets are used to conduct DDoS attacks, these infected devices are used to generate an excessive amount of network traffic designed to overwhelm a website, server, or online service to the point that legitimate users cannot access it. The use of a botnet in any of these illicit activities can make attribution difficult. Some botnet-creators may sell or rent their botnets to others who want to conduct attacks but who don’t have the time, skill, or motivation to create one themselves.

Botnet
Image Credit: NJ Cybersecurity
Any internet-connected device that has latent hardware or software vulnerabilities can be ripe for hijacking by a malicious actor seeking to create a botnet. In order to do so, the malicious actor begins looking for specific devices that possess an easily exploitable vulnerability. He can find these devices by using a search engine specifically designed to expose their existence and location. The information that these search engines can reveal include the make and model of a device, as well as the location, IP address, the operating system, open ports, running services, and much more.

Once the malicious actor locates a device he wants to exploit and compromise, he uses a port scanner to determine what ports are listening, what services are running, and what operating system is being used. As soon as the malicious actor gathers enough information about the device and how it’s connected, he uses that information to his advantage and utilizes his skills and tools to gain unauthorized access. He may use default login credentials to access the administration panel of the device or he may attempt to brute-force the login screen. He may discover that the device is not password-protected or that the particular vulnerability he’s looking to exploit has been hardcoded into the device by the manufacturer.

After the malicious actor has gained access to the device, he installs malware onto it, either by delivering and launching an executable file or by replacing the firmware with a modified version. This malware is designed to allow him remote access of the device or it tells the device to establish contact with a command-and-control (C2) server and wait for additional commands. It can also act as a worm, establishing peer-to-peer (P2P) connections with additional vulnerable devices and spreading the infection automatically, saving the malicious actor the time and trouble of compromising each device individually.

Once the botnet has been created, the malicious actor decides how he will use it and issues commands to the zombie devices through the C2 server, which is either an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channel or a dedicated server.
This is not an exhaustive list and will be updated periodically:
IP Cameras, DVRs, and NVRs running Netsurveillance and CMS, software developed by China-based firm, XiongMai Technologies
    October 2016:
    • Vulnerabilities were published in a Technical Advisory by Flashpoint. (Flashpoint)
    October 2016:
    • XiongMai Technologies announced a recall of up to 10,000 of its IP cameras after they had been identified as having been used in the DDoS attack against Dyn’S DNS servers on October 21, 2016. (Reuters)
AirLink Cellular Gateway produced by Canada-based firm, Sierra Wireless
    October 2016:
    • Sierra Wireless discovers their AirLink gateways are being exploited by the Mirai Botnet and warns customers to change the default login credentials on the devices. Models LS300, GX400, GX/ES440, GX/ES450, and RV50 are particularly vulnerable. Sierra Wireless released a technical bulletin that includes recommended actions for consumers. ICS-CERT also released an alert for this vulnerability. (ZDNet)
IP Cameras, DVRs, and NVRs produced by China-based firm, Dahua Technology
    October 2016:
    • Dahua Technology responds to allegations of its products’ vulnerabilities and directs users to its cybersecurity best practices guide here. The company also advises consumers to only purchase its products from its list of authorized distributors here and offers product replacement discounts for pre-January 2015 product models. (CEPro)
Routers produced by China-based firm, Huawei
    September 2016:
    • Securi discovered a botnet leveraging over 6,000 compromised Huawei routers. Huawei has recently released a number of security advisories addressing this issue. (Securi)
Routers produced by USA-based firm, Ubiquiti Networks
    May 2016:
    • A worm was discovered exploiting vulnerabilities in Ubiquiti Network routers running outdated firmware, using default login credentials to gain access, and self-propagating to other vulnerable devices. Ubiquiti Networks released a patch and a newer version of the software. (Symantec)
LTE Routers produced by Taiwan-based firm, Quanta Computer, Inc.
    April 2016:
    • A security researcher found that routers produced by Quanta had a number of critical vulnerabilities, including a hardcoded SSH server key and PIN, built-in backdoors, and weak password requirements. Quanta decided not to patch the vulnerabilities. (ThreatPost)
CCTV-DVR systems running Cross Web Server, software from China-based firm, TVT
    March 2016:
    • Vulnerability reported by an RSA security researcher, along with a list of vendors that sell/rebrand this hardware (KernerOnSec.com)
IP Cameras produced by China-based firm, Foscam
    Febuary 2016:
    • Brian Krebs provides an in-depth look into the Foscam IP camera issue. (KrebsOnSecurity)
    November 2015:
    • A consumer posted a complaint on the Foscam technical support message board that he witnessed his Foscam F8921p model IP camera attempting to call out to more than a dozen online hosts in various countries, despite disabling associated P2P settings and isolating the device on his network. (Foscam)
NAS devices produced by Taiwan-based firm, QNAP Systems, Inc.
    December 2014:
    • Attackers exploit the widely-publicized Shellshock, or Bash, vulnerability in QNAP network attached storage devices, using them to create a click-fraud botnet. QNAP released a patch to address the vulnerability. (SecurityWeek)
  • Disconnect the infected device from the network.
  • Disconnect the infected device from its power source, and drain the remaining power from the internal battery, if applicable. Some botnet Trojans run from the memory of the infected device so removing the power source will clean the infection.
  • Perform a reboot and, if possible, reset the device to its factory-default settings.
  • Access the device’s administration panel. This may be done either on the device itself or through a web browser. Once you have gained access, immediately change the default login credentials to something more secure, using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and non-alphanumeric characters or symbols.
  • Ensure that the device has the most up-to-date version of the firmware installed and apply patches as soon as they are released. Consult the product documentation or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to check the firmware version and download and install patches and updates.
It is important to note that, in some cases, resetting the device, changing login credentials, and updating firmware will not completely eliminate the possibility or potential of compromise, especially if the malware is being delivered via the firmware itself or if there is an issue with the underlying hardware. Also, if the device contains hardcoded credentials or if consumers cannot disable SSH or Telnet access to the device, there is the potential for additional compromise.
Consumers are then left with only a few remaining options:
  • Search online for any published security alerts or publicly-posted consumer complaints regarding security problems with your particular device.
  • Discontinue the use of any vulnerable device that has not been patched, or cannot be patched, by the vendor.
Click to Enlarge
What is a Botnet
Image Credit: Kaspersky Lab
  • Establish a network activity baseline prior to connecting any IoT devices to your network. Continue to monitor both the inbound and outbound traffic on your network after connecting the device(s) for spikes in traffic or other anomalies.
  • Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on routers.
  • Disable SSH (TCP 22) and Telnet (TCP 23) access.
  • Block ports TCP 103 and TCP 2323.
  • Block outbound connections on port TCP 48101.
Known BOTNETS
(AS OF 11/9/2016)

Aidra

January 2012: Attacks originating from home internet routers, internet-connected televisions, cable set-top boxes, DVRs, VoIP devices, IP cameras, and media centers. This botnet targets ARM-based devices running Linux.

Bashlite

September 2014: Also known as Lizkebab, Torlus, and Gafgyt, discovered after the ShellShock vulnerability found in the Bash command shell was publicized. A detailed analysis of Bashlite can be found on Flashpoint’s website.

Hajime Botnet

October 2016: A worm currently targeting IoT devices such as routers, DVRs, and CCTV systems. Hajime spreads by scanning for devices running Telnet servers using default credentials. A more detailed analysis of the Hajime botnet can be found as a downloadable PDF on Rapidity Networks website, here.

Linux/IRCTelnet

October 2016: Is an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) botnet that was created using ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) binaries, a common file format for Linux and UNIX-based systems. This format is used in the firmware of many IoT devices including routers, DVRs, and IP cameras.


Linux/Moose

2015: Linux/Moose is a family of malware that primarily targets Linux-based consumer routers, including those issued to consumers by ISPs, as well as other devices running on the MIPS and ARM architectures. It gains access by brute-forcing weak Telnet credentials.

Mirai Botnet

August 2016: Evolved from a previously-created Trojan, known as Gafgyt, Lizkebab, Bashlite, Bash0day, Bashdoor, and Torlus. Affects same systems as Bashlite.

TheMoon

Discovered in 2014 and still alive and growing: Infects Linksys and Asus Routers currently. Linksys also provides step-by-step instructions on how to protect routers from TheMoon here. ASUS suggests disabling all UPnP services and disabling remote access.

If your organization is the victim of a botnet attack, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies prevents botnets, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.
Exploit Kits (EKs) are toolkits that automate the exploitation of vulnerabilities in popular software applications in order to maximize successful infections and serve as a platform to deliver malicious payloads such as Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software. Most users will encounter EKs from visiting seemingly legitimate, high-traffic websites that either contain links to EKs embedded within malicious advertising (malvertising) or have malicious code hidden directly within the website itself. Malicious URLs linking to EKs are commonly distributed through spam email and spear-phishing campaigns.

Exploit Kit
Image Credit: PC Mag
There are four key stages to an EK attack:

  1. Contact - the victim accesses a link that connects to an EK server (i.e. from a malicious ad, compromised website, or email hyperlink)
  2. Redirect - the victim is filtered based on a set of criteria specified by the EK attacker, such as the IP address or browser type, and redirected to the server that hosts the EK, and then delivers them to the landing page that will determine what vulnerabilities to exploit.
  3. Exploit - once the vulnerabilities are identified, the EK server downloads the exploit files to target the appropriate applications
  4. Infect - once the vulnerabilities are exploited, the attacker downloads and executes malware on the victim’s machine, often a banking Trojan or ransomware
The constantly evolving nature of exploit kits underscores the need for a progressive and proactive cybersecurity posture - one that equally addresses the vulnerabilities and exploits of people, processes, and technology. Below are some mitigation strategies to help defend against EKs:
For Applications:
  • Keep all operating systems, applications, and essential software up-to-date.
  • Update Content Management Systems such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal running on webservers.
  • Update all plugins used by the webserver and disable/remove all unused plugins.
  • Whitelist permitted/trusted programs to prevent execution of malicious or unapproved programs including DLL files, scripts, and installers.
  • Immediately patch and regularly audit applications, and consider disabling or uninstalling Adobe Flash Player, Internet Explorer, Silverlight, Adobe Reader, and Java if they are not essential to operations.
  • Implement a web application firewall and/or File Integrity Monitoring solution.
  • Perform monthly vulnerability scans of all public-facing applications and sites.
  • Use a browser exploit prevention feature to block the exploit if a user accesses the host URL.
  • Utilize web reputation services to ensure that redirection chains are blocked before the malicious payload is downloaded.
  • Apply data execution prevention (DEP), address space layout randomization (ASLR), enhanced mitigation experience toolkit (EMET), security-enhanced Linux (SELinux), and Grsecurity.
For Networks:
  • Implement a host-based intrusion detection/prevention system (HIDS/HIPS) to identify suspicious behavior in program execution and detect malware not yet identified by anti-virus (AV) vendors.
  • Implement deep packet inspection (DPI) technology.
  • Segment and segregate networks into security zones to protect sensitive information and critical services.
  • Secure backdoors into networks and regularly audit network trust relationships shared with third parties.
  • Close all unneeded ports and disable unnecessary services.
  • Perform automated, dynamic analysis of email and web content run in a sandbox to detect suspicious behavior and malware not yet identified by AV vendors.
For Users:
  • Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hyperlinks contained in emails or attachments, especially those from untrusted sources.
  • Restrict administrative privileges to operating systems and applications based on user duties (the impact of a compromise is reduced if malware is only run on a low privilege user machine).
  • Disable local administrator accounts to help prevent an attacker from propagating through a network.
A typical kit includes a directory page for exploits, one for images and sometimes another for configuration data. The kit also includes a statistics page that allows the user to view exploited computers and their data--geographical location, operating system and version, software installed, exploits already delivered, and much more. This data is usually used to see which systems are most poorly secured and can be used to spread more malware.

The two most important parts in a toolkit are the landing page and control panel. The landing page is used as a starting point for the exploitation process. It collects data on the victim and uses that data to determine which exploit to use. The control panel is used to adjust exploits and also upload custom malware to be implemented afterwards.
Exploits kits are expected to become more advanced in the coming years and will remain a top cyber threat. They are difficult to track down, especially since organized crime gangs won't let just anyone rent or lease a kit. Often a user has to go through a rigorous process before they can get their hands on even the cheapest of kits.

To avoid being targeted, constantly check to make sure your software is up to date and avoid any unsolicited websites at all costs. These toolkits are set up to exploit any possible vulnerabilities and you just never know who is tracking your data.
Known Exploit Kits
(AS OF 11/11/2016)

Angler

2013: Angler is one of the most sophisticated EKs used by cybercriminals today and was first observed in 2013. Angler uses malvertising to direct users to its servers, and is known to exploit Adobe Flash Player, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Silverlight, Java, and ActiveX. Angler infects users with ransomware and point-of-sale (PoS) malware.

Blackhole

2010-2013: Exploiting Java and PDF vulnerabilities. On the decline since alleged creator, Paunch, was arrested in Russia.

Fiesta

2008: Fiesta was developed to deliver crypto-ransomware and fake antivirus malware payloads to its victims and exploits vulnerabilities in Flash, Internet Explorer, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Microsoft Silverlight, and has the capability of terminating running processes and disabling common system tools to make detection and removal more difficult. Two-thirds of Fiesta-related traffic occurred in three countries: United States, Japan, and Australia.

Floki Bot

September 2016: Was designed to be multipurpose and bypass antivirus protection. To accomplish this, it decompresses its payload and is injected via NtReadVirtualMemory, eventually becoming a part of a system parent process. Additional modifications include using another network protocol to conceal itself from Deep Packet Inspection. Read more about Floki Bot here.


Magnitude

October 2013: Breached the servers of PHP.net, a popular scripting language development website, and redirected the site’s visitors to its landing page using a compromised JavaScript file. It then exploited vulnerabilities in Java and Flash to deliver malicious payloads like Zeus, Andromeda, Necurs, Zusy, and Ngrbot. Magnitude was later used in an attack against Yahoo and WordPress website users.

Neutrino

2012: Remains active, exploiting vulnerabilities in all Java versions at least up to Java 7 Update 11. Neutrino downloads a ransomware variant on the victim’s machine when it successfully finds a vulnerable target. Leased to attackers, Neutrino EK is now equipped with Cryptolocker 2 and CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware and variants of the Kovter malware – click-fraud malware that resides in registry, evading detection.

Nuclear

2009: Most widely used EKs. It exploits vulnerabilities in Active X, Flash, Internet Explorer, Java, PDF, and Silverlight, and disseminates malware and ransomware. Nuclear can detect if antivirus software is running and, if found, it terminates the associated process as well as antivirus driver files.

RIG

Discovered in 2014 and still alive and growing: 1.3 million worldwide infections and growing. RIG 3.0 targets vulnerabilities in Java, Internet Explorer, Flash, and Silverlight, and spreads through malvertisements on web pages.


Sundown

2016: Sundown exploit kit (EK), also known as Beta, is not as sophisticated as other EKs. Typically infects users through malvertising. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers were able to inject an iframe into a legitimate website, redirecting users to an obfuscated landing page with the Sundown EK.

Sweet Orange

2012: Created to fill the void left behind by the Blackhole EK after its author was arrested and it quickly rose in popularity among cybercriminals. Sweet Orange contains many of the same features as other variants, including a database that records a list of successful infections, statistics about various current exploits, and regular malware updating. It is also capable of evading and disabling sandboxes.

If your organization is the victim of a Exploit Kit attack, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies addresses Exploit Kits, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.
Mobile malware is malicious software designed to exploit the operating systems of smartphones and tablets. Once a device is infected, mobile malware is capable of disabling the device, allow a malicious actor to remotely control the device, tracking the user's activity, locking the device or encryption or stealing personal information transmitted from or stored on the device. As users are increasingly turning to mobile devices for both business and personal use, malicious cyber actors are increasing developing malware designed to compromise these devices. In 2015, IBM researchers determined there was roughly the same amount of infected mobile devices as there were infected PCs.

Mobile Malware
Image Credit: Hackread
Mobile malware can infect user's mobile devices through a number of means, including clicking malicious links in SMS texts and webpages and downloading malicious applications. Once a device is infected, the actor can conduct malicious activity or load additional malware onto the device.
Banking Trojans designed to steal user credentials for online banking accounts and mobile are the most prevalent form of Mobile Malware, accounting for 30 percent of all mobile malware according to IBM Security Intelligence. Other mobile malware variants have the capability to log keystrokes, steal personal information, send SMS texts from the mobile device, and download crypto-ransomware to lock the device or encrypt files until the user pays a ransom.
Click to Enlarge
What is Mobile Malware
Image Credit: ISACA
  • Immediately apply patches and updates supplied by operating system vendor, the phone manufacturer, or the network carrier.
  • Avoid downloading third-party applications from unauthorized sources.
  • Avoid “rooting” devices, which allows the user to retain administrative privileges and provides attackers with ample opportunity to control a device.
  • Bluetooth should be disabled when it is not required or in use.
  • Consider downloading or purchasing an anti-malware app. (Malwarebytes or Kaspersky)
  • Never trust text messages sent from an unknown user, especially on third party messaging apps.
  • Avoid responding to or clicking links in unsolicited text messages from unknown senders.
  • Organizations operating with BYOD policies are urged to educate employees on mobile threats and vulnerabilities, implement monitoring and endpoint protection on all mobile devices, establish the capability to remotely wipe lost or compromised devices, and ensure programs and users have the lowest level of privileges necessary to complete tasks.
Consumer awareness of mobile security threats still lags behind the reality of the situation. Users who would never install software from an unverified source on their PC readily click on links in SMS messages and unwittingly download files from unknown sources on their mobile devices.

As a result, SMiShing (SMS phishing) campaigns designed to distribute mobile malware are exponentially more effective then email phishing, especially when customized to target the client base of a specific financial institution or service provider.

Users are also notoriously slow to update their mobile devices’ OS. It is therefore no surprise that mobile malware commonly observed in attacks on consumers, such as the Basebridge Trojan, exploit vulnerabilities in outdated mobile systems.

Worst yet, a significant segment of mobile users actually take steps to jailbreak or root their devices in order to access unofficial app markets or get free programs. In doing so, they not only annihilate their phone’s built-in security, but also drastically increase the risk of downloading a malicious app. In fact, according to recent reports, up to 32 percent of apps on unofficial markets contain malicious content.
Known Mobile Malware
(AS OF 11/15/2016)
The below list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide an overview of the most prevalent Mobile Malware.

Acecard

AndroRAT

Bankosy

Cepsohord


CallJam

DressCode

Exaspy

FakeDefender


Fusob

Gazon

Ghost Push

GM Bot


Godless

Gugi

Gunpoder

HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Ztorg.ad


HummingBad

Marcher

Morder.A

MulDrop


Pawost

Pegasus

Podec

Rootnik


Tordow

Twitoor

Simplocker

Slembunk


SMS Thief

Svpeng

Viking Horde

Wirelurker


Xiny

If your organization is the victim of a Mobile Malware, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies handles Mobile Device Management, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.
PoS malware is malicious software designed to steal credit and debit card data from payment processing systems, known as point-of-sale (PoS) terminals.

Point-of-Sales Malware
Image Credit: IBM
PoS malware targets consumers personal and financial data stored on one of up to three "tracks" on the magnetic strip located on the back of a payment card. The majority of payment cards in the U.S. contain two tracks of data used by financial institutions to store a customers information; some cards contain a third track.
Track 1:
  • Stores 79 alphanumeric characters containing the customers name, primary account number, card expiration date, and card verification value (CVV) code, along with additional characters to differentiate between data fields and identify endpoints.
Track 2:
  • Stores 40 numeric characters and contains nearly the same information as the first track, except for the customers name.
Track 3:
  • Is not standardized among banks and therefore rarely used. If present, however, it may include an encrypted Personal Identification Number (PIN), country code, and currency units.

When a payment card is swiped through a PoS system, unencrypted payment data from Track 1 and Track 2 of the card are briefly stored in the systems Random Access Memory (RAM) for authorization and processing before being encrypted for transmission and storage in the payment server for that company. Although the payment card industry has uniformly adopted a strict set of data security standards which require end-to-end encryption of payment information, the RAM remains the one vulnerable location where PoS malware can exploit unencrypted payment information.
  1. Infection: The malware is introduced onto the targeted system or network.
  2. Execution: The malware then scans and monitors processes to find data, creates or modifies registry entries to maintain persistence, and may even introduce additional elements such as keylogger malware or bot functionality.
  3. Collection: PoS malware uses RAM "scrapers" to evaluate the clear-text RAM data by using regular expressions (regex) or the Luhn Algorithm to differentiate between Track 1 and Track 2 data versus other types of data.
  4. Extraction: The malware then extracts the payment card data and transmits it back to the hackers via a command and control (C2) server.
  5. Profit: That information can then be used to create fraudulent cards for physical use at retail stores and automated teller machines (ATMs), to make online purchases, or to sell for profit on black-market websites or forums.

A 7 step breakdown of how the infection works. Please review the graphic below:

Click to Enlarge
Prevent PoS Malware
Image Credit: Websense Forcepoint
There is always too much focus on the latest POS malware infection, as opposed to retailers having failed to put in place, the defenses that would better blunt these types of attacks. Every time the POS malware hits the market, everyone goes crazy, we have all these news releases, and we may even have a graphic released with the new malware. Yet, we ignore the fact that there's malware getting on the point of sale in the first place.

What retailers need to do is ensure they submit POS devices to security audits before they're rolled out. The problem is the vulnerabilities in the point of sale as well as the lack of deep-dive testing in the point of sale. Retail establishments are not doing their due diligence.

One common mistake retailers make is failing to scrub default passwords or account names from devices. In about every 3 or 4 out of 10 retail stores, the password is default. Any business that is bigger than a mom-and-pop shop to use network segmentation to better isolate POS systems and make related malware infections easier to block and detect.

We recommend table-top exercises, involving outside consultants, to help brainstorm the easiest - and thus most likely - ways an attacker would try to penetrate any particular retailer's network. You're not going to make any modern system bulletproof, but you can make it less profitable for the attackers to attack you.
General Network and PoS Security
  • Implement all recommended vendor patches and test to ensure the patch is successfully integrated.
  • Enforce up-to-date AV signatures, but do not only rely on AV signatures alone; criminals often customize PoS malware in order to bypass the targeted networks AV solution.
  • Monitor firewalls for outbound traffic to unknown or suspicious IP addresses and domains.
  • Mandate regular password changes, especially immediately before and after the holiday season, and enforce complex password rules for all network and remote access users.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible, especially for remote access applications and employees who manage customer data.
  • Lock user accounts after multiple failed login attempts.
  • Implement malware detection software to identify anomalous and suspicious patterns of behavior.
  • Implement software to detect key-loggers on PoS terminals.
  • Deploy a host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS).
On the Network
  • Ensure that your PoS systems have a firewall or proxy installed for protection.
  • Deploy an appropriately configured intrusion prevention system (IPS).
  • Employ proper network segmentation, such that PoS systems operate on a separate, protected subnet.
  • All VPN access should be performed through the IPS and must use up-to-date authentication mechanisms.
  • Segregate your PoS system from other network functions such as email and non-PoS related applications. If the PoS is attached to enterprise resource planning (ERP), inventory, or finance systems, use application gateways to ensure the PoS functionality is logically protected.
Encryption
  • Confirm what data is at rest on PoS terminals and deploy endpoint encryption for those devices.
  • Encrypting Card and PIN information before going into the payment terminal memory has been an effective technique to safeguard the payment data. There are several vendors who provide this technology.
  • Some retailers have elected to replace in store payment terminals with new technology to encrypt card account numbers and other track data as it is swiped in the mag stripe reader or read by the chip reader.
Internet Access
  • If the PoS is processed by software operating on a single terminal, consider not allowing that terminal Internet access, or restricting its internet access to only those destinations required for PoS functions (such as payment gateways).
  • Do not use PoS terminals or other computers with access to PoS systems for Internet surfing, checking email, or accessing social media.
  • Consider requiring two or more employees to approve any updates of the payment processing applications and, if possible, filter updates to terminals through a controlled server on the network.
Physical Access
  • Ensure that there are no active USB ports or other media drives open on a PoS terminal. If running a Windows OS, ensure that auto-run is disabled to protect against insider threats.
  • Inform employees to be on the lookout for skimmers, USB sticks, or other devices connected to PoS systems.
  • Check all PoS systems, including card swipe equipment, for connected devices on a daily basis.
  • Keep a detailed log of employees, vendors, and 3rd parties who access PoS terminals and servers.
Whitelisting
  • Enforce a strict application whitelisting policy.
  • Log and configure alerts triggered by any changes made to that whitelisting policy.
  • Record and change default settings of any PoS hardware and software, including default passwords.
Application Security
  • Perform Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) audits on any web applications.
  • Test databases and web login portals against brute force password attacks and SQL injections.
  • Secure webservers that contain customer data, including payment gateways and e-commerce applications.
  • Ensure that no unauthorized code has been introduced to the production environment.
  • Run regular vulnerability scan against your approved applications and patch vulnerable software immediately.
  • Re-run vulnerability scans whenever new or updated applications are introduced.
Remote Access Controls
  • Segregate the payment processing systems from remote access applications when possible.
  • Restrict the network resources remote access users can access.
  • Monitor remote user accounts for login abnormalities such as frequent failed login attempts, logins during non-normal working hours, and abnormal duration of logon.
  • Enable and regularly review host-based security logs.
  • Disable unused ports and services especially those that support remote access such as remote desktop protocol (RDP) and virtual network computing (VNC).
Third Party Vendors
  • Conduct information security and risk assessments of all third party vendors with access to your network.
  • Do not allow vendors to remote access your network with outdated and unsecure operating systems.
  • Maintain an accurate list of third parties with remote access or physical access to the network perimeter.
  • Require vendors to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access when possible. If MFA is not available, disable remote access except when specifically requested and scheduled by the vendor.
  • Establish baselines for all 3rd party vendor network activity, including remote access and logins.
  • Monitor 3rd party vendor activity for anomalous behavior such as frequent failed login attempts, logins during non-normal working hours, and abnormal duration of logon.
  • Evaluate and limit third party network access privileges. For example, whitelist third party network addresses on a firewall provisioned to control remote access by third parties.
  • Segment the network if possible through the use of secured VPNs with managed access control.
Known PoS Malware
(AS OF 11/16/2016)
The below list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide an overview of the most prevalent PoS Malware.

AbaddonPOS

Alina

Backoff

BlackPOS


CenterPOS

Dexter

FastPOS

FighterPOS


FrameworkPOS

MalumPOS

Multigrain

NewPosThings


PoSeidon

Punkey

ScanPOS

TreasureHunt

If your organization is the victim of PoS Malware, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies prevents PoS Malware, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.
A Trojan is a type of malware that, unlike viruses and worms, does not self-replicate. Named after the wooden horse used to sneak Greek warriors through the gates of Troy, Trojans are often disguised as legitimate software in order to avoid detection or trick users into installing the Trojan onto their system. Users can be exposed to Trojans through numerous vectors, such as clicking on links or opening attachments in phishing emails, other forms of social engineering, malicious advertising (malvertisting), or by visiting compromised websites, known as drive-by downloads. Once a Trojan executes, it often downloads other malware onto the system or provides an attacker with a backdoor to gain access and conduct further malicious activity, such as stealing, deleting, or modifying data. Majority of infections start off by the use of a Trojan.

Trojan Horse
  1. Installation: A Trojan is typically introduced onto a system after a user-initiated action, either through social engineering, web-browsing, or use of filesharing or peer-to-peer networks.
  2. Command and Control: Once a victim unknowingly allows a Trojan onto their machine, it connects to the malicious server to receive instructions from the attacker.
  3. Download: Trojans will often load additional malware onto the compromised system, such as keyloggers, remote administration tools, or ransomware.
  4. Objective: Once the attacker has installed the right tools or established the access they need, they can copy, delete, and modify data, cause damage to the compromised device, or maintain control over the system for other malicious purposes.
Trojans typically seek to perform one or more of the following activities:
Damage:
  • Trojans can wreak havoc on a computer system by forcing it to slow down or completely crash, corrupting data, reformatting discs, or encrypting data (Ransomware).
Control:
  • Trojans can be used to enlist a computer or server into a Botnet.
Spying:
  • Trojans are used to access files, log keystrokes, watch the user's screen, access and enable the webcam or microphone.
Theft:
  • Trojans are used to steal personal, medical, or financial information that is then sold on the dark web or used to commit identity theft or fraud. Attackers can also use compromised financial information to transfer funds electronically.
Ransom:
  • Trojans can serve as ransomware, encrypting files, or locking down a system until a ransom is paid by the victim.

Click to Enlarge
Trojan Horse Objectives
Image Credit: IBM
Following basic best practices will decrease your chances of being compromised by a Trojan:
  • Use a reputable antivirus program and set to update automatically.
  • Run antivirus scans as frequent as possible.
  • Ensure your firewall is enabled.
  • Only download software and files from legitimate sources.
  • Scan all files and programs before installing them.
  • Update your operating system and all software as soon as updates become available.
  • Require administrative permission to install new apps and programs.
  • Never open email attachments or links in suspicious emails.
  • Avoid clicking online ads or pop-ups.
  • Avoid illegitimate or suspicious websites and file-sharing services.
  • Use a quality email filtering service - We offer a detailed email security service for any email system.
Known Trojan Variants
(AS OF 11/15/2016)
The below list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide an overview of the most prevalent Trojans.

Adwind

Bayrob

Bedep

Beta Bot


BlackEnergy

Bolek

Carberp

Citadel


Corebot

Delilah

Dreambot

Dridex


DroidJack

DualToy

Dyre

FakeBank


GM Bot

GovRAT

Gozi

GozNym


HawkEye

Komplex

Kovter

Linux.Backdoor.Irc.16


Linux.DDoS.93

Lost Door RAT

LuaBot

Lurk


Mangit

Mirai

Nemucod

Neverquest


Nymaim

Odinaff

Petya

PNscan


Pony

PowerDuke

Retefe

Ramnit


REMCOS

Rex

Scylex

Shakti


Shifu

SlemBunk

Slicer

Spy-Agent


SpyNote

Sysscan

Tinba

TrickBot


ZBot

If your organization is the victim of Trojans, or would like to learn more about how REAL Solutions Technologies prevents Trojans, please contact us at Support@REALSolutionsTech.com.