SOC Alert Analysis: APT35 HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Tool Detected

Introduction to Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Data Exfiltration

Welcome to an insightful discussion on a critical and sophisticated cybersecurity threat landscape, where the detection of specialized tools for data exfiltration, specifically APT35’s HyperScrape, has become a focal point for security professionals worldwide. This exploration draws upon the extensive expertise provided by LetsDefend, a premier platform in the realm of cybersecurity education. LetsDefend (letsdefend.io) sets itself apart by offering simulated environments and realistic scenarios that are indispensable for cybersecurity practitioners keen on honing their skills in identifying, understanding, and mitigating a wide array of cyber threats. The platform emphasizes engaging, hands-on learning experiences, pivotal for professionals dedicated to navigating the intricate and ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

In this analysis, we delve into a recent incident identified on December 27, 2023, at 11:22 AM, marked by the detection of APT35’s HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Tool. Classified with medium severity, this event underscores the necessity for immediate and strategic cybersecurity responses. Through a detailed examination of this incident, we aim to unveil the multifaceted aspects of such cyber threats and foster effective strategies for confronting these challenges, leveraging the knowledge and resources available through LetsDefend. As we embark on this journey, we’ll dissect the incident’s complexities, offering a comprehensive overview that aids in the understanding and prevention of similar threats in the future.

Case Study: APT35 HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Tool Detected

The cybersecurity realm is continually challenged by sophisticated cyber-espionage groups like APT35, also known as Charming Kitten. This group has been notably active, employing innovative tools to infiltrate and extract sensitive information stealthily. A recent incident spotlighted their deployment of HyperScrape, a tool designed to siphon emails from victims’ mailboxes, marking a significant escalation in data leakage tactics.

Event Overview

  • Event ID: 212
  • Event Time: December 27, 2023, 11:22 AM
  • Rule: SOC250 – APT35 HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Tool Detected
  • Level: Security Analyst


This incident, identified under rule SOC250, is classified as a medium severity event, indicative of the sophisticated threat landscape organizations must navigate. The detection of the HyperScrape tool in use underscores the necessity for advanced detection and response strategies to counter such espionage activities effectively.

Detailed Incident Analysis

  • Hostname: Arthur
  • IP Address: 172.16.17.72
  • Process Name: EmailDownloader.exe
  • Process Path: C:\Users\LetsDefend\Downloads\EmailDownloader.exe
  • Parent Process: C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
  • Command Line Execution: C:\Users\LetsDefend\Downloads\EmailDownloader.exe
  • File Hash: cd2ba296828660ecd07a36e8931b851dda0802069ed926b3161745aae9aa6daa


This process, EmailDownloader.exe, was instrumental in the operation of HyperScrape, serving as the mechanism through which emails were extracted from victims’ mailboxes. The executable’s location within the user’s downloads directory and its initiation from a common system process (Explorer.EXE) are indicative of a user-initiated action, potentially as a result of phishing or other social engineering techniques.

The Role of the Parent Process and Command Line Actions

The parent process, C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE, typically associated with the Windows graphical shell for file navigation and desktop organization, suggests that the malicious process was likely initiated through user interaction, such as opening a downloaded file. This aspect of the incident highlights the importance of user education and awareness in preventing the initial foothold of cyber threats.

The Trigger Reason and Implications of the Device Action Being Allowed

The trigger for the SOC alert was unusual or suspicious patterns of behavior linked to the file hash of EmailDownloader.exe. This detection indicates that despite the system allowing the action, the SOC team’s monitoring tools were able to identify and flag the activity as potentially malicious, showcasing the layered defense approach necessary in modern cybersecurity operations.

The fact that the device action was allowed underscores a critical challenge in cybersecurity: balancing between preventing legitimate activities and blocking malicious actions without overly intrusive or disruptive controls. It also highlights the need for continuous monitoring, rapid incident response capabilities, and the implementation of robust security measures like application whitelisting and behavior analysis to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.

This incident analysis not only sheds light on the specific details of the HyperScrape data exfiltration detection but also serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present and evolving cyber threats facing organizations. It reinforces the necessity for vigilant cybersecurity practices, advanced threat detection tools, and comprehensive training and awareness programs to protect against sophisticated actors like APT35.

The Significance of HyperScrape Detection

The detection of HyperScrape underscores the advanced capabilities of APT35 in developing tools tailored for specific espionage activities, notably data exfiltration. This incident exemplifies the group’s ongoing evolution and the critical need for robust cybersecurity defenses capable of identifying and mitigating such threats.

Through this case study, it becomes clear that the APT35 HyperScrape data exfiltration incident is a complex cybersecurity challenge, illustrating the intricate nature of defending against state-sponsored cyber espionage. The event details, from the exploitation of vulnerabilities to the execution of the attack, highlight the multifaceted approach needed to protect digital assets against sophisticated adversaries.

Understanding APT35 and HyperScrape

APT35, also known as Charming Kitten, OilRig, and Phosphorus, represents a sophisticated cyber-espionage group with origins linked to the Iranian government. This group has been active since at least 2014, engaging in a wide array of cyber operations aimed at espionage, intellectual property theft, and surveillance activities primarily against entities that are considered adversaries or of strategic interest to Iran. APT35’s operations have been marked by their evolving tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), showcasing a keen adaptability to the changing cybersecurity landscape.

Charming Kitten | CFR Interactives

APT35 (Threat Actor) | Malpedia

Historical Context of APT35

APT35’s cyber activities have predominantly targeted sectors and entities in the Middle East, although their operations have expanded globally, affecting organizations in the United States, Europe, and beyond. Their primary objectives revolve around gathering intelligence, influencing events, and disrupting perceived adversaries through a variety of cyber means. Over the years, APT35 has been implicated in numerous cyber-espionage campaigns targeting government agencies, media organizations, academic institutions, and human rights activists, among others.

An In-Depth Look at APT35 aka Charming Kitten | Avertium

Magic Hound, TA453, COBALT ILLUSION, Charming Kitten, ITG18, Phosphorus, Newscaster, APT35, Group G0059 | MITRE ATT&CK®

Introduction to the HyperScrape Tool

HyperScrape emerges as a new tool in APT35’s arsenal, designed with a specific focus on data exfiltration. As of August 2022, HyperScrape has been observed being used to extract emails from victims’ mailboxes, indicating a strategic pivot towards targeting communications for intelligence gathering. This tool underscores APT35’s ongoing efforts to refine their capabilities in stealthily exfiltrating sensitive information.

Its Functionality and Intended Use

HyperScrape is engineered to automate the extraction of emails from compromised mailboxes, enabling the operators to sift through vast quantities of data efficiently. This tool likely leverages compromised credentials or exploits vulnerabilities to gain access to email accounts, from which it can silently harvest information without triggering conventional security alerts.

New Iranian APT Data Extraction Tool | blog.Google

How It Differs from Other Data Exfiltration Tools

What sets HyperScrape apart from other data exfiltration tools is its targeted focus on email communications, paired with its stealth and efficiency. Many data exfiltration tools are designed to siphon a broad range of data types from compromised systems, potentially raising flags through the volume of outbound data. HyperScrape, conversely, narrows its scope to emails, reducing its footprint and evading detection by blending in with regular email traffic. This specialized approach exemplifies APT35’s strategic evolution in cyber-espionage, highlighting their emphasis on acquiring actionable intelligence with minimal risk of discovery.

Incident Analysis: HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Detection

The recent detection of the HyperScrape data exfiltration tool in a cybersecurity incident marks a critical juncture in the ongoing battle against sophisticated cyber threats. This section delves into the specific SOC (Security Operations Center) alert pertaining to HyperScrape, elucidating the technical details of the incident and its broader implications.

Identify Potential Reconnaissance Activity on The Network

Upon reviewing the connections made to the host prior to its compromise, I identified two IP addresses that can be attributed to APT35.

  • 173[.]209[.]51[.]54
  • 136[.]243[.]108[.]14

Additionally, I discovered a log file indicating successful access to the email account just minutes before the deployment of the email downloader malware, as detailed previously.

Determine the Type of Reconnaissance

My assessment is that the assailant was poised to accumulate information on the victim’s identity, intending to utilize pilfered credentials for the email exfiltration effort. This inference is drawn from the previously mentioned log details and aligns with my prior research into the operational methodologies of this malware category.

Attacker IP Analysis

The two IP addresses I pinpointed earlier are both of an external nature.

  • 173[.]209[.]51[.]54
  • 136[.]243[.]108[.]14

IP Reputation Check

The first IP address that I will examine for its reputation is 173[.]209[.]51[.]54.

The VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com/gui/ip-address/173.209.51.54) scan identified 4 security vendors that flagged with IP address as malicious.

The Cisco Talos (https://talosintelligence.com/reputation_center/lookup?search=173.209.51.54) search resulted in a neutral sender IP reputation and an unknown web reputation.

The search on AbuseIPDB (https://www.abuseipdb.com/check/173.209.51.54) revealed that the IP address is listed in their database with one report, associated with an Indicator of Compromise (IOC) for Charming Kitten or APT35.

The referenced Google Blog post also included a compilation of Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for HyperScrape, among which the IP addresses uncovered during the incident analysis were identified. You can find more detailed information on this topic by visiting the blog post directly: Google Threat Analysis Group Blog (https://blog.google/threat-analysis-group/new-iranian-apt-data-extraction-tool/).

Furthermore, the LetsDefend Threat Intelligence Feed has also marked this IP address as malicious and linked it to APT35 activities.

I will now examine the second IP of 136[.]243[.]108[.]14 in the exact same manner for its reputation.

The VirusTotal https://www.virustotal.com/gui/ip-address/136.243.108.14) scan identified 6 security vendors that flagged with IP address as malicious.

The investigation through Cisco Talos (https://talosintelligence.com/reputation_center/lookup?search=136.243.108.14) revealed that the sender IP holds a neutral reputation, while its web reputation remains undetermined.

The search on AbuseIPDB (https://www.abuseipdb.com/check/136.243.108.14) revealed that the IP address is listed in their database with one report, associated with an Indicator of Compromise (IOC) for Charming Kitten or APT35.

Additionally, the Threat Intelligence Feed provided by LetsDefend has classified this IP address as malicious and associated it with the activities of APT35.

Determine the Scope

Based on previous and further examination, no other systems were affected by this malicious activity.

Containment

Given the deployment of harmful software leading to the unauthorized access and extraction of email data, initiating containment measures becomes imperative.

Lesson Learned

Incident Artifacts

C2 Servers

  • 173[.]209[.]51[.]54
  • 136[.]243[.]108[.]14

File Hash

  • cd2ba296828660ecd07a36e8931b851dda0802069ed926b3161745aae9aa6daa

Targeted Host

  • 172.16.17.72

Analyst Note

Incident Overview

On December 27, 2023, a significant cybersecurity incident unfolded as the HyperScrape Data Exfiltration Tool, utilized by the notorious APT35 group, was detected within our network infrastructure. This event, identified under the SOC alert SOC250, represents a medium-severity incident, drawing attention to the sophisticated techniques employed by cyber adversaries to compromise organizational data.

Key Incident Details

  • Event Time: 11:22 AM, December 27, 2023
  • Source IP: 172.16.17.72 (Internal IP address indicating a compromised host within our network)
  • Attack Vector: Utilization of HyperScrape by APT35 to exfiltrate data, specifically targeting email communications from the compromised system.
  • Indicators of Compromise (IoCs): Execution of the EmailDownloader.exe process, unusual network traffic patterns to known malicious external IP addresses, and alterations in system files and configurations indicative of APT35’s TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures).

Analysis and Findings

  • Reputation Checks: Preliminary investigations and external threat intelligence sources, such as Cisco Talos and AbuseIPDB, have not specifically mentioned the internal IP due to its nature. However, associated external communication endpoints have been flagged as malicious and linked to APT35 operations, underscoring the credibility of the threat.
  • Attack Mechanics: Detailed log analysis highlighted the execution of EmailDownloader.exe, a tool associated with HyperScrape, marking the initial breach vector. Further examination unveiled subsequent unauthorized activities, including data exfiltration attempts and suspicious outbound connections to known APT35 command and control (C2) servers.

Strategies for Preventing and Mitigating Data Exfiltration Incidents

The detection and analysis of advanced data exfiltration tools like HyperScrape underscore a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Tools such as HyperScrape, which are designed to stealthily extract sensitive information, present significant risks and data security implications for organizations. They can bypass traditional security measures, enabling attackers to gain access to a wealth of sensitive data, including corporate emails, intellectual property, and personal information of employees and customers. The implications of such breaches are vast, ranging from financial losses and legal consequences to reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

To combat these threats, organizations must adopt a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity that includes the following strategies:

  1. Employee Education and Awareness: One of the first lines of defense against cyber threats is a well-informed workforce. Employees should be trained to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious links, and other common tactics used by attackers to infiltrate corporate networks. Regular training sessions, simulations of phishing attacks, and security awareness campaigns can significantly reduce the risk of successful breaches.
  2. Regular Updates and Patches: Keeping software up to date is crucial for closing security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. This includes not only operating systems and applications but also firmware on devices and network hardware. Automating the patch management process can help ensure that updates are applied in a timely manner.
  3. Network Monitoring and Anomaly Detection: Implementing sophisticated network monitoring tools can help identify unusual patterns of behavior that may indicate a cyberattack. Anomaly detection systems can automatically alert security teams to potential breaches, allowing for rapid response before significant damage occurs. These systems should be configured to monitor for signs of data exfiltration, such as unusual outbound data transfers.
  4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Technologies: DLP solutions can help organizations control what data can be transferred outside the network. By setting policies that restrict the sharing of sensitive information, organizations can prevent critical data from being sent to unauthorized recipients.

Implementing these strategies requires a commitment to ongoing vigilance and investment in cybersecurity infrastructure. However, the cost of such measure’s pales in comparison to the potential losses associated with a successful data exfiltration incident. By prioritizing cybersecurity, organizations can protect themselves against the evolving threats posed by tools like HyperScrape and the actors who wield them.

Conclusion

Throughout this discussion, we’ve delved into the complexities of modern cyber threats, exemplified by sophisticated tools like HyperScrape and the activities of state-sponsored groups such as APT35. These threats underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures tailored to anticipate and neutralize advanced attack vectors.

Key Takeaways

  • The Evolving Threat Landscape: The continuous advancement of cyber espionage tools necessitates a dynamic and proactive security posture.
  • Strategies for Enhanced Protection: Implementing comprehensive strategies, including employee education, regular system updates, network monitoring, and the adoption of a zero trust model, is vital for safeguarding sensitive data.
  • The Role of Anomaly Detection: Advanced monitoring and anomaly detection play pivotal roles in identifying suspicious activities that could indicate a breach or attempted exfiltration.

The cornerstone of effective cybersecurity is the acknowledgment that the threat landscape is perpetually evolving. Staying one step ahead of sophisticated threats like APT35 requires not only the implementation of current best practices but also a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, alongside fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization, is fundamental.

The Importance of Proactivity

Proactive cybersecurity measures are indispensable in the digital age. They not only help in mitigating the risks of cyberattacks but also in minimizing the potential impact of successful breaches. By anticipating the moves of adversaries and preparing defenses accordingly, organizations can maintain the integrity of their systems and the trust of their stakeholders.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, facing off against sophisticated cyber threats demands a multi-faceted approach, embracing both technological solutions and human vigilance. The journey towards cyber resilience is ongoing, requiring constant vigilance, evolution, and collaboration across the global cybersecurity community. By staying informed and prepared, organizations can navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence, ensuring their assets and, more importantly, their people remain protected in the face of ever-emerging threats.

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