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Fallout Exploit Kit

First observed in 2018, Fallout is a new exploit kit that is based on the older Nuclear Pack exploit kit.

Threat ID:
CC-2644
Category:
Trojan
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Exploit kit
Published:
7 September 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This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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

First observed in 2018, Fallout is a new exploit kit that is based on the older Nuclear Pack exploit kit.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

  • Microsoft Windows - All versions
  • Apple macOS - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, Fallout's distribution method is unknown, however it is probable that it is spread via phishing campaigns.

Fallout exploits two vulnerabilities. The first being a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player (CVE-2018-4878). The second is a vulnerability in the way that Visual Basic Script engines handle objects in system memory (CVE-2018-8174).

Threat updates

Date Update
10 Sep 2018 Update

Further details have emerged regarding Fallout's infection vector and payloads.

The exploit kit is delivered by drive-by-download or malvertising attacks from previously compromised websites. It will fingerprint the user's browser profile in an attempt to match to a target of interest. If successful, the user is redirected to a landing page for the kit.

Once on a device, Fallout will install different malware depending on the user profile collected earlier. Observed payloads include Smoke Loader and GandCrab.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an 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.
  • Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
  • All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
  • Strong password policies are in place.
  • 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: 11 January 2022 3:44 pm