Operation GhostSecret Data Theft Campaign

The HIDDEN COBRA advanced persistent threat group are believed to be conducting an ongoing campaign known as Operation GhostSecret.

Threat ID:: CC-2333
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 2 May 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

The HIDDEN COBRA advanced persistent threat group are believed to be conducting an ongoing campaign known as Operation GhostSecret.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows Server

Windows Desktops and Servers
Linux-based Servers

Linux

Threat details

Initially focused on Turkish government and finance sectors, it has now evolved into a series of attacks on 17 countries including the UK.

Multiple malware tools with similarities to other known HIDDEN COBRA tools such as BANKSHOT are used. These tools have multiple capabilities, including:

Listing files in a directory
Creating processes
Deleting files
Transmitting data to a command and control (C2) server
Gathering drive information
Setting the current working directory for the implant
Sending disk space information to a C2 server

A separate tool named Proxysvc is used to communicate with the C2 infrastructure, exfiltrating data and downloading further payloads using HTTP over SSL

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:51 pm