Skip to main content

Underminer Exploit Kit

First observed in July 2017, the Underminer exploit kit has received various sophisticated updates in recent weeks.

Threat ID:
CC-2858
Category:
exploit
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Exploit kit
Published:
27 December 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This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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 July 2017, the Underminer exploit kit has received various sophisticated updates in recent weeks.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

The exploit kit employs various capabilities designed to deter reverse engineering analysis and network traffic detection, including a custom method of packaging its payloads based on the ROM file system (romfs) format.

Underminer uses a multistage system for delivering its payloads and this allows the operators to deliver custom or unique payloads depending on the campaign. It should, however, be noted that Underminer has only been observed delivering cryptocurrency mining payloads. Underminer installs a Fallout Exploit Kit is known to leverage.

Remediation steps

Type Step

To prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

  • 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: 17 February 2020 1:00 pm