TraderTraitor: North Korean State-Sponsored APT Targets Blockchain Companies

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Actions to take today to mitigate cyber threats to cryptocurrency:
• Patch all systems.
• Prioritize patching known exploited vulnerabilities.
• Train users to recognize and report phishing attempts.
• Use multifactor authentication.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the U.S. Treasury Department (Treasury) are issuing this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) to highlight the cyber threat associated with cryptocurrency thefts and tactics used by a North Korean state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) group since at least 2020. This group is commonly tracked by the cybersecurity industry as Lazarus Group, APT38, BlueNoroff, and Stardust Chollima. For more information on North Korean state-sponsored malicious cyber activity, visit https://www.us-cert.cisa.gov/northkorea.

The U.S. government has observed North Korean cyber actors targeting a variety of organizations in the blockchain technology and cryptocurrency industry, including cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, play-to-earn cryptocurrency video games, cryptocurrency trading companies, venture capital funds investing in cryptocurrency, and individual holders of large amounts of cryptocurrency or valuable non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The activity described in this advisory involves social engineering of victims using a variety of communication platforms to encourage individuals to download trojanized cryptocurrency applications on Windows or macOS operating systems. The cyber actors then use the applications to gain access to the victim’s computer, propagate malware across the victim’s network environment, and steal private keys or exploit other security gaps. These activities enable additional follow-on activities that initiate fraudulent blockchain transactions.

The U.S. government previously published an advisory about North Korean state-sponsored cyber actors using AppleJeus malware to steal cryptocurrency: AppleJeus: Analysis of North Korea’s Cryptocurrency Malware. The U.S. government has also previously published advisories about North Korean state-sponsored cyber actors stealing money from banks using custom malware:

This advisory provides information on tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to stakeholders in the blockchain technology and cryptocurrency industry to help them identify and mitigate cyber threats against cryptocurrency. 

Click here for a PDF version of this report. 

Threat Update

The U.S. government has identified a group of North Korean state-sponsored malicious cyber actors using tactics similar to the previously identified Lazarus Group (see AppleJeus: Analysis of North Korea’s Cryptocurrency Malware). The Lazarus Group used AppleJeus trojanized cryptocurrency applications targeting individuals and companies—including cryptocurrency exchanges and financial services companies—through the dissemination of cryptocurrency trading applications that were modified to include malware that facilitates theft of cryptocurrency. As of April 2022, North Korea’s Lazarus Group actors have targeted various firms, entities, and exchanges in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry using spearphishing campaigns and malware to steal cryptocurrency. These actors will likely continue exploiting vulnerabilities of cryptocurrency technology firms, gaming companies, and exchanges to generate and launder funds to support the North Korean regime. 

Tactics, Techniques and Procedures

Intrusions begin with a large number of spearphishing messages sent to employees of cryptocurrency companies—often working in system administration or software development/IT operations (DevOps)—on a variety of communication platforms. The messages often mimic a recruitment effort and offer high-paying jobs to entice the recipients to download malware-laced cryptocurrency applications, which the U.S. government refers to as “TraderTraitor.”

The term TraderTraitor describes a series of malicious applications written using cross-platform JavaScript code with the Node.js runtime environment using the Electron framework. The malicious applications are derived from a variety of open-source projects and purport to be cryptocurrency trading or price prediction tools. TraderTraitor campaigns feature websites with modern design advertising the alleged features of the applications (see figure 1).

 

Figure 1: Screenshot of CryptAIS website

The JavaScript code providing the core functions of the software is bundled with Webpack. Within the code is a function that purports to be an “update,” with a name such as UpdateCheckSync(), that downloads and executes a malicious payload (see figure 2). 

The update function makes an HTTP POST request to a PHP script hosted on the TraderTraitor project’s domain at either the endpoint /update/ or /oath/checkupdate.php. In recent variants, the server’s response is parsed as a JSON document with a key-value pair, where the key is used as an AES 256 encryption key in Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) or Counter (CTR) mode to decrypt the value. The decrypted data is written as a file to the system’s temporary directory, as provided by the os.tmpdir() method of Node.js, and executed using the child_process.exec() method of Node.js, which spawns a shell as a child process of the current Electron application. The text “Update Finished” is then logged to the shell for the user to see.

Observed payloads include updated macOS and Windows variants of Manuscrypt, a custom remote access trojan (RAT), that collects system information and has the ability to execute arbitrary commands and download additional payloads (see North Korean Remote Access Tool: COPPERHEDGE). Post-compromise activity is tailored specifically to the victim’s environment and at times has been completed within a week of the initial intrusion.  

 

Figure 2: Screenshot depicting the UpdateCheckSync() and supporting functions bundled within 60b3cfe2ec3100caf4afde734cfd5147f78acf58ab17d4480196831db4aa5f18 associated with DAFOM

Indicators of Compromise

DAFOM
DAFOM purports to be a “cryptocurrency portfolio application.” A Mach-O binary packaged within the Electron application was signed by an Apple digital signature issued for the Apple Developer Team W58CYKFH67. The certificate associated with Apple Developer Team W58CYKFH67 has been revoked. A metadata file packaged in the DAFOM application provided the URL hxxps://github[.]com/dafomdev for bug reports. As of April 2022, this page was unavailable.

 

dafom[.]dev

Information as of February 2022:
IP Address: 45.14.227[.]58
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: February 7, 2022
Expires: February 7, 2023

 

60b3cfe2ec3100caf4afde734cfd5147f78acf58ab17d4480196831db4aa5f18

Tags: dropper macos
Name: DAFOM-1.0.0.dmg
Size: 87.91 MB (92182575 bytes)
MD5: c2ea5011a91cd59d0396eb4fa8da7d21
SHA-1: b2d9ca7b6d1bbbe4864ea11dfca343b7e15597d8
SHA-256: 60b3cfe2ec3100caf4afde734cfd5147f78acf58ab17d4480196831db4aa5f18
ssdeep: 1572864:LGLBnolF9kPEiKOabR2QEs1B1/LuUQrbecE6Xwijkca/pzpfaLtIP:LGVnoT9kPZK9tVEwBxWbecR5Faxzpf0M

 

TokenAIS
TokenAIS purports to help “build a portfolio of AI-based trading” for cryptocurrencies. Mach-O binaries packaged within the Electron application contained an Apple digital signature issued for the Apple Developer Team RN4BTXA4SA. The certificate associated with Apple Developer Team RN4BTXA4SA has been revoked. The application requires users to “register” an account by entering an email address and a password to use its features. The malicious TraderTraitor code is a Node.js function called UpdateCheckSync() located in a file named update.js, which is bundled in a file called renderer.prod.js, which is in an archive called app.asar. This function passes the email address that the user provided and the system platform to the C2 server, decrypts the response using AES 256 in CBC mode with the hardcoded initialization vector (IV) !@34QWer%^78TYui and a key provided in the response, then writes the decrypted data to a file and executes it in a new shell.

 

tokenais[.]com

Information as of January 2022:
IP Address: 199.188.103[.]115
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: January 27, 2022
Expires: January 27, 2023

 

5b40b73934c1583144f41d8463e227529fa7157e26e6012babd062e3fd7e0b03

Tags: dropper macos
Name: TokenAIS.app.zip
Size: 118.00 MB (123728267 bytes)
MD5: 930f6f729e5c4d5fb52189338e549e5e
SHA-1: 8e67006585e49f51db96604487138e688df732d3
SHA-256: 5b40b73934c1583144f41d8463e227529fa7157e26e6012babd062e3fd7e0b03
ssdeep: 3145728:aMFJlKVvw4+zLruAsHrmo5Vvw4+zLruAsHrmob0dC/E:aUlKtw4+/r2HNtw4+/r2HnMCM

 

CryptAIS
CryptAIS uses the same language as TokenAIS to advertise that it “helps build a portfolio of AI-based trading.” It is distributed as an Apple Disk Image (DMG) file that is digitally signed by an Apple digital signature issued for the Apple Developer Team CMHD64V5R8. The certificate associated with Apple Developer Team CMHD64V5R8 has been revoked. The application requires users to “register” an account by entering an email address and a password to use its features. The malicious TraderTraitor code is a Node.js function called UpdateCheckSync() located in a file named update.js, which is bundled in a file called renderer.prod.js, which is in an archive called app.asar. This function passes the email address that the user provided and the system platform to the C2 server, decrypts the response using AES 256 in CTR mode and a key provided in the response, then writes the decrypted data to a file and executes it in a new shell.

 

cryptais[.]com

Information as of August 2021:
IP Address: 82.102.31.14
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: August 2, 2021
Expires: August 2, 2022

 

f0e8c29e3349d030a97f4a8673387c2e21858cccd1fb9ebbf9009b27743b2e5b

Tags: dropper macos
Name: CryptAIS[.]dmg
Size: 80.36 MB (84259810 bytes)
MD5: 4e5ebbecd22c939f0edf1d16d68e8490
SHA-1: f1606d4d374d7e2ba756bdd4df9b780748f6dc98
SHA-256: f0e8c29e3349d030a97f4a8673387c2e21858cccd1fb9ebbf9009b27743b2e5b
ssdeep: 1572864:jx9QOwiLDCUrJXsKMoGTwiCcKFI8jmrvGqjL2hX6QklBmrZgkZjMz+dPSpR0Xcpk:F9QOTPCUrdsKEw3coIg2Or6XBmrZgkZw

 

AlticGO
AlticGO was observed packaged as Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) Windows executables that extracted an Electron application packaged for Windows. These executables contain a simpler version of TraderTraitor code in a function exported as UpdateCheckSync() located in a file named update.js, which is bundled in renderer.prod.js, which is in the app.asar archive. The function calls an external function located in a file node_modules/request/index.js bundled in renderer.prod.js to make an HTTP request to hxxps://www.alticgo[.]com/update/. One AlticGO sample, e3d98cc4539068ce335f1240deb1d72a0b57b9ca5803254616ea4999b66703ad, instead contacts hxxps://www.esilet[.]com/update/ (see below for more information about Esilet). Some image resources bundled with the application included the CreAI Deck logo (see below for more information about CreAI Deck). The response is written to disk and executed in a new shell using the child_process.exec() method in Node.js. Unlike newer versions of TraderTraitor, there is no mechanism to decrypt a payload.

 

alticgo[.]com

Information as of August 2020:
IP Address: 108.170.55[.]202
Registrar: NetEarth One Inc.
Created: August 8, 2020
Expires: August 8, 2021

 

765a79d22330098884e0f7ce692d61c40dfcf288826342f33d976d8314cfd819

Tags: dropper peexe nsis
Name: AlticGO.exe
Size: 43.54 MB (45656474 bytes)
MD5: 1c7d0ae1c4d2c0b70f75eab856327956
SHA-1: f3263451f8988a9b02268f0fb6893f7c41b906d9
SHA-256: 765a79d22330098884e0f7ce692d61c40dfcf288826342f33d976d8314cfd819
ssdeep: 786432:optZmVDkD1mZ1FggTqqLGAU6JXnjmDQ4YBXpleV0RnJYJKoSuDySLGh7yVPUXi7:opzKDginspAU6JXnJ46X+eC6cySihWVX
Compilation timestamp: 2018-12-15 22:26:14 UTC

 

e3d98cc4539068ce335f1240deb1d72a0b57b9ca5803254616ea4999b66703ad

Tags: dropper peexe nsis
Name: AlticGO_R.exe
Size: 44.58 MB (46745505 bytes)
MD5: 855b2f4c910602f895ee3c94118e979a
SHA-1: ff17bd5abe9f4939918f27afbe0072c18df6db37
SHA-256: e3d98cc4539068ce335f1240deb1d72a0b57b9ca5803254616ea4999b66703ad
ssdeep: 786432:LptZmVDkD1mQIiXUBkRbWGtqqLGAU6JXnjmDQ4YBXpleV0RnJYJKoSuDySLGh7yH:LpzKDgzRpWGwpAU6JXnJ46X+eC6cySiI
Compilation timestamp: 2020-02-12 16:15:17 UTC

 

8acd7c2708eb1119ba64699fd702ebd96c0d59a66cba5059f4e089f4b0914925

Tags: dropper peexe nsis
Name: AlticGO.exe
Size: 44.58 MB (46745644 bytes)
MD5: 9a6307362e3331459d350a201ad66cd9
SHA-1: 3f2c1e60b5fac4cf1013e3e1fc688be490d71a84
SHA-256: 8acd7c2708eb1119ba64699fd702ebd96c0d59a66cba5059f4e089f4b0914925
ssdeep: 786432:AptZmVDkD1mjPNDeuxOTKQqqLGAU6JXnjmDQ4YBXpleV0RnJYJKoSuDySLGh7yV7:ApzKDgqPxeuLpAU6JXnJ46X+eC6cySiG
Compilation timestamp: 2020-02-12 16:15:17 UTC

 

Esilet
Esilet claims to offer live cryptocurrency prices and price predictions. It contains a simpler version of TraderTraitor code in a function exported as UpdateCheckSync() located in a file named update.js, which is bundled in renderer.prod.js, which is in the app.asar archive. The function calls an external function located in a file node_modules/request/index.js bundled in renderer.prod.js to make an HTTP request to hxxps://www.esilet[.]com/update/. The response is written to disk and executed in a new shell using the child_process.exec() method in Node.js. Unlike newer versions of TraderTraitor, there is no mechanism to decrypt a payload. Esilet has been observed delivering payloads of at least two different macOS variants of Manuscrypt, 9d9dda39af17a37d92b429b68f4a8fc0a76e93ff1bd03f06258c51b73eb40efa and dced1acbbe11db2b9e7ae44a617f3c12d6613a8188f6a1ece0451e4cd4205156. 

 

Figure 3: Screenshot of the UpdateCheckSync() function in Esilet

esilet[.]com

Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 104.168.98[.]156
Registrar: NameSilo, LLC
Created: June 12, 2020
Expires: June 12, 2021

 

greenvideo[.]nl

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of April 2022:
IP Address: 62.84.240[.]140
Registrar: Flexwebhosting
Created: February 26, 2018
Expires: Unknown

 

dafnefonseca[.]com

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 151.101.64[.]119
Registrar: PublicDomainRegistry Created: August 27, 2019
Expires: August 27, 2022

 

haciendadeclarevot[.]com

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 185.66.41[.]17
Registrar: cdmon, 10DENCEHISPAHARD, S.L.
Created: March 2, 2005
Expires: March 2, 2023

 

sche-eg[.]org

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 160.153.235[.]20
Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC
Created: June 1, 2019
Expires: June 1, 2022

 

www.vinoymas[.]ch

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 46.16.62[.]238
Registrar: cdmon, 10DENCEHISPAHARD, S.L.
Created: January 24, 2010
Expires: Unknown

 

infodigitalnew[.]com

Likely legitimate but compromised. Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 107.154.160[.]132
Registrar: PublicDomainRegistry
Created: June 20, 2020
Expires: June 20, 2022

 

9ba02f8a985ec1a99ab7b78fa678f26c0273d91ae7cbe45b814e6775ec477598

Tags: dropper macos
Name: Esilet.dmg
Size: 77.90 MB (81688694 bytes) MD5: 53d9af8829a9c7f6f177178885901c01
SHA-1: ae9f4e39c576555faadee136c6c3b2d358ad90b9 SHA-256: 9ba02f8a985ec1a99ab7b78fa678f26c0273d91ae7cbe45b814e6775ec477598
ssdeep: 1572864:lffyoUnp5xmHVUTd+GgNPjFvp4YEbRU7h8cvjmUAm4Du73X0unpXkU:lfqHBmHo+BPj9CYEshLqcuAX0I0

 

9d9dda39af17a37d92b429b68f4a8fc0a76e93ff1bd03f06258c51b73eb40efa

Tags: trojan macho
Name: Esilet-tmpzpsb3
Size: 510.37 KB (522620 bytes)
MD5: 1ca31319721740ecb79f4b9ee74cd9b0
SHA-1: 41f855b54bf3db621b340b7c59722fb493ba39a5 SHA-256: 9d9dda39af17a37d92b429b68f4a8fc0a76e93ff1bd03f06258c51b73eb40efa
ssdeep: 6144:wAulcT94T94T97zDj1I/BkjhkbjZ8bZ87ZMSj71obV/7NobNo7NZTb7hMT5ETZ8I:wDskT1UBg2lirFbpR9mJGpmN C2 Endpoints:

  • hxxps://greenvideo[.]nl/wp-content/themes/top.php
  • hxxps://dafnefonseca[.]com/wp-content/themes/top.php
  • hxxps://haciendadeclarevot[.]com/wp-content/top.php

 

dced1acbbe11db2b9e7ae44a617f3c12d6613a8188f6a1ece0451e4cd4205156

Tags: trojan macho
Name: Esilet-tmpg7lpp Size: 38.24 KB (39156 bytes)
MD5: 9578c2be6437dcc8517e78a5de1fa975
SHA-1: d2a77c31c3e169bec655068e96cf4e7fc52e77b8
SHA-256: dced1acbbe11db2b9e7ae44a617f3c12d6613a8188f6a1ece0451e4cd4205156
ssdeep: 384:sdaWs0fDTmKnY4FPk6hTyQUitnI/kmCgr7lUryESll4yg9RpEwrUifJ8ttJOdy:sdayCkY4Fei9mhy/L9RBrny6y

C2 Endpoints: 

  • hxxps://sche-eg[.]org/plugins/top.php
  • hxxps://www.vinoymas[.]ch/wp-content/plugins/top.php
  • hxxps://infodigitalnew[.]com/wp-content/plugins/top.php

 

CreAI Deck
CreAI Deck claims to be a platform for “artificial intelligence and deep learning.” No droppers for it were identified, but the filenames of the below samples, win32.bin and darwin64.bin, match the naming conventions used by other versions of TraderTraitor when downloading a payload. Both are samples of Manuscrypt that contact hxxps://aideck[.]net/board.php for C2 using HTTP POST requests with multipart/form-data Content-Types.

 

creaideck[.]com

Information as of March 2020:
IP Address: 38.132.124[.]161
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: March 9, 2020
Expires: March 9, 2021

 

aideck[.]net

Information as of June 2020:
IP Address: 89.45.4[.]151
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: June 22, 2020
Expires: June 22, 2021

 

867c8b49d29ae1f6e4a7cd31b6fe7e278753a1ba03d4be338ed11fd1efc7dd36

Tags: trojan peexe
Name: win32.bin
Size: 2.10 MB (2198684 bytes)
MD5: 5d43baf1c9e9e3a939e5defd8f8fbd8d
SHA-1: d5ff73c043f3bb75dd749636307500b60a436550 SHA-256: 867c8b49d29ae1f6e4a7cd31b6fe7e278753a1ba03d4be338ed11fd1efc7dd36
ssdeep: 24576:y3SY+/2M3BMr7cdgSLBjbr4nzzy95VV7cEXV:ESZ2ESrHSV3D95oA
Compilation timestamp: 2020-06-23 06:06:35 UTC

 

89b5e248c222ebf2cb3b525d3650259e01cf7d8fff5e4aa15ccd7512b1e63957

Tags: trojan macho
Name: darwin64.bin
Size: 6.44 MB (6757832 bytes)
MD5: 8397ea747d2ab50da4f876a36d673272
SHA-1: 48a6d5141e25b6c63ad8da20b954b56afe589031
SHA-256: 89b5e248c222ebf2cb3b525d3650259e01cf7d8fff5e4aa15ccd7512b1e63957
ssdeep: 49152:KIH1kEh7zIXlDYwVhb26hRKtRwwfs62sRAdNhEJNDvOL3OXl5zpF+FqBNihzTvff:KIH1kEhI1LOJtm2spB

Source…

APT Cyber Tools Targeting ICS/SCADA Devices

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Summary

Actions to Take Today to Protect ICS/SCADA Devices:
• Enforce multifactor authentication for all remote access to ICS networks and devices whenever possible.
• Change all passwords to ICS/SCADA devices and systems on a consistent schedule, especially all default passwords, to device-unique strong passwords to mitigate password brute force attacks and to give defender monitoring systems opportunities to detect common attacks.
• Leverage a properly installed continuous OT monitoring solution to log and alert on malicious indicators and behaviors.

The Department of Energy (DOE), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are releasing this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) to warn that certain advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have exhibited the capability to gain full system access to multiple industrial control system (ICS)/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) devices, including:

  • Schneider Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs),
  • OMRON Sysmac NEX PLCs, and
  • Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) servers.

The APT actors have developed custom-made tools for targeting ICS/SCADA devices. The tools enable them to scan for, compromise, and control affected devices once they have established initial access to the operational technology (OT) network. Additionally, the actors can compromise Windows-based engineering workstations, which may be present in information technology (IT) or OT environments, using an exploit that compromises an ASRock motherboard driver with known vulnerabilities. By compromising and maintaining full system access to ICS/SCADA devices, APT actors could elevate privileges, move laterally within an OT environment, and disrupt critical devices or functions.

DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI urge critical infrastructure organizations, especially Energy Sector organizations, to implement the detection and mitigation recommendations provided in this CSA to detect potential malicious APT activity and harden their ICS/SCADA devices. 

Click here for a PDF version of this report. 

Technical Details

APT actors have developed custom-made tools that, once they have established initial access in an OT network, enables them to scan for, compromise, and control certain ICS/SCADA devices, including the following:

  • Schneider Electric MODICON and MODICON Nano PLCs, including (but may not be limited to) TM251, TM241, M258, M238, LMC058, and LMC078;
  • OMRON Sysmac NJ and NX PLCs, including (but may not be limited to) NEX NX1P2, NX-SL3300, NX-ECC203, NJ501-1300, S8VK, and R88D-1SN10F-ECT; and 
  • OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) servers.  

The APT actors’ tools have a modular architecture and enable cyber actors to conduct highly automated exploits against targeted devices. The tools have a virtual console with a command interface that mirrors the interface of the targeted ICS/SCADA device. Modules interact with targeted devices, enabling operations by lower-skilled cyber actors to emulate higher-skilled actor capabilities.

The APT actors can leverage the modules to scan for targeted devices, conduct reconnaissance on device details, upload malicious configuration/code to the targeted device, back up or restore device contents, and modify device parameters. 

In addition, the APT actors can use a tool that installs and exploits a known-vulnerable ASRock-signed motherboard driver, AsrDrv103.sys, exploiting CVE-2020-15368 to execute malicious code in the Windows kernel. Successful deployment of this tool can allow APT actors to move laterally within an IT or OT environment and disrupt critical devices or functions.

APT Tool for Schneider Electric Devices  

The APT actors’ tool for Schneider Electric devices has modules that interact via normal management protocols and Modbus (TCP 502). Modules may allow cyber actors to:

  • Run a rapid scan that identifies all Schneider PLCs on the local network via User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast with a destination port of 27127 (Note: UDP 27127 is a standard discovery scan used by engineering workstations to discover PLCs and may not be indicative of malicious activity);
  • Brute-force Schneider Electric PLC passwords using CODESYS and other available device protocols via UDP port 1740 against defaults or a dictionary word list (Note: this capability may work against other CODESYS-based devices depending on individual design and function, and this report will be updated as more information becomes available); 
  • Conduct a denial-of-service attack to prevent network communications from reaching the PLC;
  • Sever connections, requiring users to re-authenticate to the PLC, likely to facilitate capture of credentials; 
  • Conduct a ‘packet of death’ attack to crash the PLC until a power cycle and configuration recovery is conducted; and 
  • Send custom Modbus commands (Note: this capability may work against Modbus other than in Schneider Electric PLCs).

Refer to the appendix for tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) associated with this tool.

APT Tool for OMRON 

The APT actors’ tool for OMRON devices has modules that can interact by:

  • Scanning for OMRON using (Factory Interface Network Service (FINS) protocol;
  • Parsing the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) response from OMRON devices;
  • Retrieving the media access control (MAC) address of the device;
  • Polling for specific devices connected to the PLC;
  • Backing up/restoring arbitrary files to/from the PLC; and
  • Loading a custom malicious agent on OMRON PLCs for additional attacker-directed capability.

Additionally, the OMRON modules can upload an agent that allows a cyber actor to connect and initiate commands—such as file manipulation, packet captures, and code execution—via HTTP and/or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). 

Refer to the appendix for TTPs associated with this tool.

APT Tool for OPC UA 

The APT actors’ tool for OPC UA has modules with basic functionality to identify OPC UA servers and to connect to an OPC UA server using default or previously compromised credentials. The client can read the OPC UA structure from the server and potentially write tag values available via OPC UA.

Refer to the appendix for TTPs associated with this tool.

Mitigations

Note: these mitigations are provided to enable network defenders to begin efforts to protect systems and devices from new capabilities. They have not been verified against every environment and should be tested prior to implementing.

DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI recommend all organizations with ICS/SCADA devices implement the following proactive mitigations:

Resources

For additional information on securing OT devices, see 

Disclaimer

The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the DOE, CISA, NSA, or the FBI, and this guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Acknowledgements

The DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI would like to thank Dragos, Mandiant, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and Schneider Electric for their contributions to this joint CSA.

Appendix: APT Cyber Tools Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

See tables 1 through 3 for TTPs associated with the cyber actors’ tools described in this CSA mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS framework. See the ATT&CK for ICS framework for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques.

Table 1: APT Tool for Schneider Electric ICS TTPs

 

Table 2: APT Tool for OMRON ICS TTPs

 

Table 3: APT Tool for OPC UA ICS TTPs

Contact Information

All organizations should report incidents and anomalous activity to CISA 24/7 Operations Center at [email protected] or (888) 282-0870 and/or to the FBI via your local FBI field office or the FBI’s 24/7 CyWatch at (855) 292-3937 or [email protected]. When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. For NSA client requirements or general cybersecurity inquiries, contact the Cybersecurity Requirements Center at 410-854-4200 or [email protected]. 

Revisions

April 13, 2022: Initial Version

This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.

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Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures of Indicted State-Sponsored Russian Cyber Actors Targeting the Energy Sector

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Tactic Technique Use  Detection/Mitigations Reconnaissance [TA0043] Gather Victim Identity Information: Credentials [T1589.001]

The threat actor harvested credentials of third-party commercial organizations by sending spearphishing emails that contained a PDF attachment. The PDF attachment contained a shortened URL that, when clicked, led users to a website that prompted the user for their email address and password.
The threat actor harvested credentials of Energy Sector targets by sending spearphishing emails with a malicious Microsoft Word document or links to the watering holes created on compromised third-party websites.

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Reconnaissance [TA0043], Technique: Phishing for Information [T1598]:

Software Configuration: implement configuration changes to software (other than the operating system) to mitigate security risks associated to how the software operates.

User Training: train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spearphishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction.

Resource Development [TA0042] Compromise Infrastructure: Server [T1584.004] The threat actor created watering holes on compromised third-party organizations’ domains. This activity typically takes place outside the visibility of target organizations, making detection of this behavior difficult. Ensure that users browse the internet securely. Prevent intentional and unintentional download of malware or rootkits, and users from accessing infected or malicious websites. Treat all traffic as untrusted, even if it comes from a partner website or popular domain. Initial Access [TA0001] Valid Accounts [T1078] The threat actor obtained access to Energy Sector targets by leveraging compromised third-party infrastructure and previously compromised Energy Sector credentials against remote access services and infrastructure—specifically VPN, RDP, and Outlook Web Access—where MFA was not enabled.

Network Segmentation: architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services that should not be exposed from the internal network.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Update Software: perform regular software updates to mitigate exploitation risk.

Exploit Protection: use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring.

Application Isolation and Sandboxing: restrict execution of code to a virtual environment on or in transit to an endpoint system.

External Remote Services [T1133] The threat actor installed VPN clients on compromised third-party targets to connect to Energy Sector networks.

Network Segmentation: architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services that should not be exposed from the internal network.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Limit Access to Resource Over Network: prevent access to file shares, remote access to systems, and unnecessary services. Mechanisms to limit access may include use of network concentrators, RDP gateways, etc.

Disable or Remove Program: remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

Execution 
[TA0002] Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell [T1059.001]

During an RDP session, the threat actor used a PowerShell Script to create an account within a victim’s Microsoft Exchange Server. 

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Persistence [TA0003], Technique: Create Account: Local Account [T1136.001] 

Antivirus/Antimalware: use signatures or heuristics to detect malicious software.

Code Signing: enforce binary and application integrity with digital signature verification to prevent untrusted code from executing.

Disable or Remove Program: remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell [T1059.003]

The threat actor used a JavaScript with an embedded Command Shell script to:

  • Create a local administrator account; 
  • Disable the host-based firewall;
  • Globally open port 3389 for RDP access; and
  • Attempt to add the newly created account to the administrators group to gain elevated privileges. 

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Credential Access [TA0006], Technique: Input Capture [T1056]
  • Tactic: Execution [TA0002], Technique: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript [T1059.007]
  • Tactic: Persistence [TA0003], Technique: Create Account: Local Account [T1136.001]
Execution Prevention: block execution of code on a system through application control, and/or script blocking. Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task [T1053.005] The threat actor created a Scheduled Task to automatically log out of a newly created account every eight hours.

Audit: audit or scan systems, permissions, insecure software, insecure configurations, etc., to identify potential weaknesses.

Harden Operating System Configuration: make configuration changes related to the operating system or a common feature of the operating system that result in system hardening against techniques.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

User Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with user accounts.

Persistence [TA0003] Create Account: Local Account [T1136.001]  The threat actor created local administrator accounts on previously compromised third-party organizations for reconnaissance and to remotely access Energy Sector targets.    MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Server Software Component: Web Shell [T1505.003] The threat actor created webshells on Energy Sector targets’ publicly accessible email and web servers. Detect: the portion of the webshell that is on the server may be small and look innocuous. Process monitoring may be used to detect Web servers that perform suspicious actions such as running cmd.exe or accessing files that are not in the Web directory. File monitoring may be used to detect changes to files in the Web directory of a Web server that do not match with updates to the Web server’s content and may indicate implantation of a Web shell script. Log authentication attempts to the server and any unusual traffic patterns to or from the server and internal network. Defense Evasion [TA0005] Indicator Removal on Host: Clear Windows Event Logs [T1070.001]

The threat actor created new accounts on victim networks to perform cleanup operations. The accounts created were used to clear the following Windows event logs: System, Security, Terminal Services, Remote Services, and Audit. 

The threat actor also removed applications they installed while they were in the network along with any logs produced. For example, the VPN client installed at one third-party commercial facility was deleted along with the logs that were produced from its use. Finally, data generated by other accounts used on the systems accessed were deleted.

Note: this activity also applies to:

  • Tactic: Persistence [TA0003], Technique: Create Account: Local Account [T1136.001]

Encrypt Sensitive Information: protect sensitive information with strong encryption.

Remote Data Storage: use remote security log and sensitive file storage where access can be controlled better to prevent exposure of intrusion detection log data or sensitive information.

Restrict File and Directory Permissions: restrict access by setting directory and file permissions that are not specific to users or privileged accounts.

Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion [T1070.004]

The threat actor cleaned up target networks by deleting created screenshots and specific registry keys. 

The threat actor also deleted all batch scripts, output text documents, and any tools they brought into the environment, such as scr.exe.

Note: this activity also applies to:

  • Technique: Modify Registry [T1112]
Monitor: monitoring for command-line deletion functions to correlate with binaries or other files that an adversary may drop and remove may lead to detection of malicious activity. Another good practice is monitoring for known deletion and secure deletion tools that are not already on systems within an enterprise network that an adversary could introduce. Some monitoring tools may collect command-line arguments, but may not capture DEL commands since DEL is a native function within cmd.exe.
  Technique: Masquerading [T1036] After downloading tools from a remote server, the threat actor renamed the extensions.

Restrict File and Directory Permissions: restrict access by setting directory and file permissions that are not specific to users or privileged accounts.

Code Signing: enforce binary and application integrity with digital signature verification to prevent untrusted code from executing.

Execution Prevention: block execution of code on a system through application control, and/or script blocking.

Credential Access [TA0006] Brute Force: Password Cracking [T1110.002]

The threat actor used password-cracking techniques to obtain the plaintext passwords from obtained credential hashes.

The threat actor dropped and executed open-source and free password cracking tools such as Hydra, SecretsDump, and CrackMapExec, and Python.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Password Policies: set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

Forced Authentication [T1187] Microsoft Word attachments sent via spearphishing emails leveraged legitimate Microsoft Office functions for retrieving a document from a remote server over Server Message Block (SMB) using Transmission Control Protocol ports 445 or 139. As a part of the standard processes executed by Microsoft Word, this request authenticates the client with the server, sending the user’s credential hash to the remote server before retrieving the requested file. (Note: transfer of credentials can occur even if the file is not retrieved.)

Password Policies: set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

Filter Network Traffic: use network appliances to filter ingress or egress traffic and perform protocol-based filtering. Configure software on endpoints to filter network traffic.

The threat actor’s watering hole sites contained altered JavaScript and PHP files that requested a file icon using SMB from an IP address controlled by the threat actors.

The threat actor manipulated LNK files to repeatedly gather user credentials. Default Windows functionality enables icons to be loaded from a local or remote Windows repository. The threat actor exploited this built-in Windows functionality by setting the icon path to a remote server controller by the actors. When the user browses to the directory, Windows attempts to load the icon and initiate an SMB authentication session. During this process, the active user’s credentials are passed through the attempted SMB connection.
 

Note: this activity also applies to:

  • Tactic: Persistence [TA0003], Technique: Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Shortcut Modification [T1547.009]
OS Credential Dumping: Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) Memory [T1003.001] The threat actor used an Administrator PowerShell prompt to enable the WDigest authentication protocol to store plaintext passwords in the LSASS memory. With this enabled, credential harvesting tools can dump passwords from this process’s memory.

Operating System Configuration: make configuration changes related to the operating system or a common feature of the operating system that result in system hardening against techniques.

Password Policies: set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Privileged Process Integrity: protect processes with high privileges that can be used to interact with critical system components through use of protected process light, anti-process injection defenses, or other process integrity enforcement measures.

User Training: train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spearphishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction.

Credential Access Protection: use capabilities to prevent successful credential access by adversaries; including blocking forms of credential dumping.

OS Credential Dumping: NTDS [T1003.003] The threat actor collected the files ntds.dit. The file ntds.dit is the Active Directory (AD) database that contains all information related to the AD, including encrypted user passwords.

Monitor: monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping, especially attempts to access or copy the NTDS.dit.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, se of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

User Training: train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spearphishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction.

Discovery [TA0007] Remote System Discovery [T1018]

The threat actor used privileged credentials to access the Energy Sector victim’s domain controller. Once on the domain controller, the threat actors used batch scripts dc.bat and dit.bat to enumerate hosts, users, and additional information about the environment. 

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Persistence [TA0003], Technique: Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts [T1078.002]
  • Tactic: Discovery [TA0007], Technique: System Owner/User Discovery [T1033]

Monitor: normal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used.

Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information.

Monitor for processes that can be used to discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.

The threat actor accessed workstations and servers on corporate networks that contained data output from control systems within energy generation facilities. The threat actors accessed files pertaining to ICS or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. 

The actor targeted and copied profile and configuration information for accessing ICS systems on the network. The threat actor copied Virtual Network Connection (VNC) profiles that contained configuration information on accessing ICS systems and took screenshots of a Human Machine Interface (HMI).

Note: this activity also applies to

  • Tactic: Discovery [TA0007], Technique File and Directory Discovery [T1083]
  • Tactic: [TA0009], Technique: Screen Capture [T1113]
File and Directory Discovery [T1083]

The actor used dirsb.bat to gather folder and file names from hosts on the network.

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Execution [TA0002], Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell [T1059.003]
This type of attack technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on the abuse of system features. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. The threat actor conducted reconnaissance operations within the network. The threat actor focused on identifying and browsing file servers within the intended victim’s network. Lateral Movement [TA0008] Lateral Tool Transfer [T1570]

The threat actor moved laterally via PsExec, batch scripts, RDP, VNC, and admin shares.

Note: this activity also applies to:

  • Tactic: Lateral Movement [TA0008], Techniques: 
    • Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol [T1021.001]
    • Remote Services: SMB/Windows Admin Shares [T1021.002]
    • Remote Services: VNC [T1021.005]

Network Intrusion Prevention: use intrusion detection signatures to block traffic at network boundaries.

Network Segmentation: architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services that should not be exposed from the internal network.

Operating System Configuration: make configuration changes related to the operating system or a common feature of the operating system that result in system hardening against techniques.

Privileged Account Management: manage the creation of, modification of, use of, and permissions associated with privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

User Account Management: manage the creation of, modification o, se of, and permissions associated with user accounts.

Disable or Remove Feature or Program: remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

Audit: audit or scan systems, permissions, insecure software, insecure configurations, etc. to identify potential weaknesses.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Limit Access to Resource Over Network: prevent access to file shares, remote access to systems, and unnecessary services. Mechanisms to limit access may include use of network concentrators, RDP gateways, etc.

Filter Network Traffic: use network appliances to filter ingress or egress traffic and perform protocol-based filtering. Configure software on endpoints to filter network traffic.

Limit Software Installation: block users or groups from installing unapproved software.

Collection [TA0009] Data from Local System [T1005]  The threat actor collected the Windows SYSTEM registry hive file, which contains host configuration information.

Monitor: monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect files from a system. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather data.

Data may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as WMI and PowerShell.

Archive Collected Data: Archive via Utility [T1560.001] The threat actor compressed the ntds.dit file and the SYSTEM registry hive they had collected into archives named SYSTEM.zip and comps.zip. Audit: audit or scan systems, permissions, insecure software, insecure configurations, etc. to identify potential weaknesses. Screen Capture [T1113]

The threat actor used Windows’ Scheduled Tasks and batch scripts, to execute scr.exe and collect additional information from hosts on the network. The tool scr.exe is a screenshot utility that the threat actor used to capture the screen of systems across the network.

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Execution [TA0002], Techniques: 
    • Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell [T1059.003]
    • Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task [T1053.005]

Network Segmentation: architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services that should not be exposed from the internal network.

MFA: enforce use of two or more pieces of evidence (such as username and password plus a token, e.g., a physical smart card or token generator) to authenticate to a system.

Limit Access to Resource Over Network: prevent access to file shares, remote access to systems, and unnecessary services. Mechanisms to limit access may include use of network concentrators, RDP gateways, etc.

Disable or Remove Feature or Program: remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

The actor used batch scripts labeled pss.bat and psc.bat to run the PsExec tool. PsExec was used to execute scr.exe across the network and to collect screenshots of systems in a text file.

Note: this activity also applies to: 

  • Tactic: Execution [TA0002], Techniques: 
    • Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell [T1059.003]
    • System Services: Service Execution [T1569.002]
Command and Control [TA0011] Ingress Tool Transfer [T1105] The threat actor downloaded tools from a remote server.    

Monitor: monitor for file creation and files transferred into the network. Unusual processes with external network connections creating files on-system may be suspicious. Use of utilities, such as File Transfer Protocol, that does not normally occur may also be suspicious.

Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious.

Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.

Use intrusion detection signatures to block traffic at network boundaries.

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Strengthening Cybersecurity of SATCOM Network Providers and Customers

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Actions to Take Today:
• Use secure methods for authentication.
• Enforce principle of least privilege.
• Review trust relationships.
• Implement encryption.
• Ensure robust patching and system configuration audits.
• Monitor logs for suspicious activity.
• Ensure incident response, resilience, and continuity of operations plans are in place.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are aware of possible threats to U.S. and international satellite communication (SATCOM) networks. Successful intrusions into SATCOM networks could create risk in SATCOM network providers’ customer environments.

Given the current geopolitical situation, CISA’s Shields Up initiative requests that all organizations significantly lower their threshold for reporting and sharing indications of malicious cyber activity. To that end, CISA and FBI will update this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) as new information becomes available so that SATCOM providers and their customers can take additional mitigation steps pertinent to their environments.

CISA and FBI strongly encourages critical infrastructure organizations and other organizations that are either SATCOM network providers or customers to review and implement the mitigations outlined in this CSA to strengthen SATCOM network cybersecurity.

Click here for a PDF version of this report.

CISA and FBI strongly encourages critical infrastructure organizations and other organizations that are either SATCOM network providers or customers to review and implement the following mitigations:

Mitigations for SATCOM Network Providers

  • Put in place additional monitoring at ingress and egress points to SATCOM equipment to look for anomalous traffic, such as:
    • The presence of insecure remote access tools—such as Teletype Network Protocol (Telnet), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure Shell Protocol (SSH), Secure Copy Protocol (SCP), and Virtual Network Computing (VNC)—facilitating communications to and from SATCOM terminals.
    • Network traffic from SATCOM networks to other unexpected network segments.
    • Unauthorized use of local or backup accounts within SATCOM networks.
    • Unexpected SATCOM terminal to SATCOM terminal traffic.
    • Network traffic from the internet to closed group SATCOM networks.
    • Brute force login attempts over SATCOM network segments.
  • See the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, February 2022 for specific state-sponsored cyber threat activity relating to SATCOM networks.

Mitigations for SATCOM Network Providers and Customers

  • Use secure methods for authentication, including multifactor authentication where possible, for all accounts used to access, manage, and/or administer SATCOM networks. 
    • Use and enforce strong, complex passwords: Review password policies to ensure they align with the latest NIST guidelines. 
    • Do not use default credentials or weak passwords.
    • Audit accounts and credentials: remove terminated or unnecessary accounts; change expired credentials.
  • Enforce principle of least privilege through authorization policies. Minimize unnecessary privileges for identities. Consider privileges assigned to individual personnel accounts, as well as those assigned to non-personnel accounts (e.g., those assigned to software or systems). Account privileges should be clearly defined, narrowly scoped, and regularly audited against usage patterns.
  • Review trust relationships. Review existing trust relationships with IT service providers. Threat actors are known to exploit trust relationships between providers and their customers to gain access to customer networks and data.  
    • Remove unnecessary trust relationships. 
    • Review contractual relationships with all service providers. Ensure contracts include appropriate provisions addressing security, such as those listed below, and that these provisions are appropriately leveraged: 
      • Security controls the customer deems appropriate. 
      • Provider should have in place appropriate monitoring and logging of provider-managed customer systems.
      • Customer should have in place appropriate monitoring of the service provider’s presence, activities, and connections to the customer network.
      • Notification of confirmed or suspected security events and incidents occurring on the provider’s infrastructure and administrative networks.
  • Implement independent encryption across all communications links leased from, or provided by, your SATCOM provider. See National Security Agency (NSA) Cybersecurity Advisory: Protecting VSAT Communications for guidance.
  • Strengthen the security of operating systems, software, and firmware.
    • Ensure robust vulnerability management and patching practices are in place and, after testing, immediately patch known exploited vulnerabilities included in CISA’s living catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities carry significant risk to federal agencies as well as public and private sectors entities. 
    • Implement rigorous configuration management programs. Ensure the programs can track and mitigate emerging threats. Regularly audit system configurations for misconfigurations and security weaknesses.
  • Monitor network logs for suspicious activity and unauthorized or unusual login attempts.
    • Integrate SATCOM traffic into existing network security monitoring tools.
    • Review logs of systems behind SATCOM terminals for suspicious activity.
    • Ingest system and network generated logs into your enterprise security information and event management (SIEM) tool. 
    • Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools where possible on devices behind SATCOM terminals, and ingest into the SIEM.
    • Expand and enhance monitoring of network segments and assets that use SATCOM.
    • Expand monitoring to include ingress and egress traffic transiting SATCOM links and monitor for suspicious or anomalous network activity. 
    • Baseline SATCOM network traffic to determine what is normal and investigate deviations, such as large spikes in traffic.
  • Create, maintain, and exercise a cyber incident response plan, resilience plan, and continuity of operations plan so that critical functions and operations can be kept running if technology systems—including SATCOM networks—are disrupted or need to be taken offline.

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