www.trendmicro.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
23.206.209.41
Public Scan
URL:
https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/23/i/redline-vidar-first-abuses-ev-certificates.html?&web_view=true
Submission: On November 04 via api from IN — Scanned from DE
Submission: On November 04 via api from IN — Scanned from DE
Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM<form class="main-menu-search" aria-label="Search Trend Micro">
<div class="main-menu-search__field-wrapper" id="cludo-search-form">
<table class="gsc-search-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="gsc-input">
<input type="text" class="gsc-input-field" name="search" title="search" placeholder="Search" autocomplete="off" aria-label="search">
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</form>
Text Content
Business search close * Solutions * By Challenge * By Challenge * By Challenge Learn more * Understand, Prioritize & Mitigate Risks * Understand, Prioritize & Mitigate Risks Improve your risk posture with attack surface management Learn more * Protect Cloud-Native Apps * Protect Cloud-Native Apps Security that enables business outcomes Learn more * Protect Your Hybrid World * Protect Your Hybrid, Multi-Cloud World Gain visibility and meet business needs with security Learn more * Securing Your Borderless Workforce * Securing Your Borderless Workforce Connect with confidence from anywhere, on any device Learn more * Eliminate Network Blind Spots * Eliminate Network Blind Spots Secure users and key operations throughout your environment Learn more * See More. Respond Faster. * See More. Respond Faster. Move faster than your adversaries with powerful purpose-built XDR, attack surface risk management, and zero trust capabilities Learn more * Extend Your Team * Extend Your Team. Respond to Threats Agilely Maximize effectiveness with proactive risk reduction and managed services Learn more * Operationalizing Zero Trust * Operationalizing Zero Trust Understand your attack surface, assess your risk in real time, and adjust policies across network, workloads, and devices from a single console Learn more * By Role * By Role * By Role Learn more * CISO * CISO Drive business value with measurable cybersecurity outcomes Learn more * SOC Manager * SOC Manager See more, act faster Learn more * Infrastructure Manager * Infrastructure Manager Evolve your security to mitigate threats quickly and effectively Learn more * Cloud Builder and Developer * Cloud Builder and Developer Ensure code runs only as intended Learn more * Cloud Security Ops * Cloud Security Ops Gain visibility and control with security designed for cloud environments Learn more * By Industry * By Industry * By Industry Learn more * Healthcare * Healthcare Protect patient data, devices, and networks while meeting regulations Learn more * Manufacturing * Manufacturing Protecting your factory environments – from traditional devices to state-of-the-art infrastructures Learn more * Oil & Gas * Oil & Gas ICS/OT Security for the oil and gas utility industry Learn more * Electric Utility * Electric Utility ICS/OT Security for the electric utility Learn more * Federal * Federal Learn more * Automotive * Automotive Learn more * 5G Networks * 5G Networks Learn more * Small & Midsized Business Security * Small & Midsized Business Security Stop threats with easy-to-use solutions designed for your growing business Learn more * Platform * Vision One Platform * Vision One Platform * Trend Vision One Our Unified Platform Bridge threat protection and cyber risk management Learn more * AI Companion * Trend Vision One Companion Your generative AI cybersecurity assistant Learn more * Attack Surface Management * Attack Surface Management Stop breaches before they happen Learn more * XDR (Extended Detection & Response) * XDR (Extended Detection & Response) Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Cloud Security * Cloud Security * Trend Vision One™ Cloud Security Overview The most trusted cloud security platform for developers, security teams, and businesses Learn more * Attack Surface Risk Management for Cloud * Attack Surface Risk Management for Cloud Cloud asset discovery, vulnerability prioritization, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Attack Surface Management all in one Learn more * XDR for Cloud * XDR for Cloud Extend visibility to the cloud and streamline SOC investigations Learn more * Workload Security * Workload Security Secure your data center, cloud, and containers without compromising performance by leveraging a cloud security platform with CNAPP capabilities Learn more * Container Security * Container Security Simplify security for your cloud-native applications with advanced container image scanning, policy-based admission control, and container runtime protection Learn more * File Security * File Security Protect application workflow and cloud storage against advanced threats Learn more * Endpoint Security * Endpoint Security * Endpoint Security Overview Defend the endpoint through every stage of an attack Learn more * XDR for Endpoint * XDR for Endpoint Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Workload Security * Workload Security Optimized prevention, detection, and response for endpoints, servers, and cloud workloads Learn more * Industrial Endpoint Security * Industrial Endpoint Security Learn more * Mobile Security * Mobile Security On-premises and cloud protection against malware, malicious applications, and other mobile threats Learn more * Network Security * Network Security * Network Security Overview Expand the power of XDR with network detection and response Learn more * XDR for Network * XDR for Network Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Network Intrusion Prevention (IPS) * Network Intrusion Prevention (IPS) Protect against known, unknown, and undisclosed vulnerabilities in your network Learn more * Breach Detection System (BDS) * Breach Detection System (BDS) Detect and respond to targeted attacks moving inbound, outbound, and laterally Learn more * Secure Service Edge (SSE) * Secure Service Edge (SSE) Redefine trust and secure digital transformation with continuous risk assessments Learn more * Industrial Network Security * Industrial Network Security Learn more * 5G Network Security * 5G Network Security Learn more * Email Security * Email Security * Email Security Stop phishing, malware, ransomware, fraud, and targeted attacks from infiltrating your enterprise Learn more * Email and Collaboration Security * Trend Vision One™ Email and Collaboration Security Stop phishing, ransomware, and targeted attacks on any email service including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Learn more * OT Security * OT Security * OT Security Learn about solutions for ICS / OT security. Learn more * XDR for OT * XDR for OT Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Industrial Network Security * Industrial Network Security Industrial Network Security * Industrial Endpoint Security * Industrial Endpoint Security Learn more * Threat Insights * Threat Insights See threats coming from miles away Learn more * Identity Security * Identity Security End-to-end identity security from identity posture management to detection and response Learn more * On-Premises Data Sovereignty * On-Premises Data Sovereignty Prevent, detect, respond and protect without compromising data sovereignty Learn more * All Products, Services, and Trials * All Products, Services, and Trials Learn more * Research * Research * Research * Research Learn more * Research, News, and Perspectives * Research, News, and Perspectives Learn more * Research and Analysis * Research and Analysis Learn more * Security News * Security News Learn more * Zero Day Initiatives (ZDI) * Zero Day Initiatives (ZDI) Learn more * Services * Our Services * Our Services * Our Services Learn more * Service Packages * Service Packages Augment security teams with 24/7/365 managed detection, response, and support Learn more * Managed XDR * Managed XDR Augment threat detection with expertly managed detection and response (MDR) for email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks Learn more * Incident Response * Incident Response * Incident Response Our trusted experts are on call whether you're experiencing a breach or looking to proactively improve your IR plans Learn more * Insurance Carriers and Law Firms * Insurance Carriers and Law Firms Stop breaches with the best response and detection technology on the market and reduce clients’ downtime and claim costs Learn more * Support Services * Support Services Learn more * Partners * Partner Program * Partner Program * Partner Program Overview Grow your business and protect your customers with the best-in-class complete, multilayered security Learn more * Partner Competencies * Partner Competencies Stand out to customers with competency endorsements that showcase your expertise Learn more * Partner Successes * Partner Successes Learn more * Managed Security Service Provider * Managed Security Service Provider Deliver modern security operations services with our industry-leading XDR Learn more * Managed Service Provider * Managed Service Provider Partner with a leading expert in cybersecurity, leverage proven solutions designed for MSPs Learn more * Alliance Partners * Alliance Partners * Alliance Partners We work with the best to help you optimize performance and value Learn more * Technology Alliance Partners * Technology Alliance Partners Learn more * Find Alliance Partners * Find Alliance Partners Learn more * Partner Resources * Partner Resources * Partner Resources Discover resources designed to accelerate your business’s growth and enhance your capabilities as a Trend Micro partner Learn more * Partner Portal Login * Partner Portal Login Login * Trend Campus * Trend Campus Accelerate your learning with Trend Campus, an easy-to-use education platform that offers personalized technical guidance Learn more * Co-Selling * Co-Selling Access collaborative services designed to help you showcase the value of Trend Vision One™ and grow your business Learn more * Become a Partner * Become a Partner Learn more * Distributors * Distributors Learn more * Find Partners * Find Partners Locate a partner from whom you can purchase Trend Micro solutions Learn more * Company * Why Trend Micro * Why Trend Micro * Why Trend Micro Learn more * Customer Success Stories * Customer Success Stories Learn more * The Human Connection * The Human Connection Learn more * Industry Accolades * Industry Accolades Learn more * Strategic Alliances * Strategic Alliances Learn more * Compare Trend Micro * Compare Trend Micro * Compare Trend Micro See how Trend outperforms the competition Let's go * vs. Crowdstrike * Trend Micro vs. Crowdstrike Crowdstrike provides effective cybersecurity through its cloud-native platform, but its pricing may stretch budgets, especially for organizations seeking cost-effective scalability through a true single platform Let's go * vs. Microsoft * Trend Micro vs. Microsoft Microsoft offers a foundational layer of protection, yet it often requires supplemental solutions to fully address customers' security problems Let's go * vs. Palo Alto Networks * Trend Micro vs. Palo Alto Networks Palo Alto Networks delivers advanced cybersecurity solutions, but navigating its comprehensive suite can be complex and unlocking all capabilities requires significant investment Let's go * About Us * About Us * About Us Learn more * Trust Center * Trust Center Learn more * History * History Learn more * Diversity, Equity and Inclusion * Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learn more * Corporate Social Responsibility * Corporate Social Responsibility Learn more * Leadership * Leadership Learn more * Security Experts * Security Experts Learn more * Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Education * Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Education Learn more * Legal * Legal Learn more * Investors * Investors Learn more * Formula E Racing * Formula E Racing Learn more * Connect With Us * Connect With Us * Connect With Us Learn more * Newsroom * Newsroom Learn more * Events * Events Learn more * Careers * Careers Learn more * Webinars * Webinars Learn more Back Back Back Back * Free Trials * Contact Us Looking for home solutions? Under Attack? 3 Alerts Back Unread All * Silent Threat: Red Team Tool EDRSilencer Disrupting Endpoint Security Solutions close Learn more * Gartner 2024 CNAPP Market Guide Insights for Leaders close Get insights * 5 AI Security Takeaways featuring Forrester close Learn key strategies Folio (0) Support * Business Support Portal * Education and Certification * Contact Support * Find a Support Partner Resources * AI Security * Trend Micro vs. Competition * Cyber Risk Assessments * What Is? * Threat Encyclopedia * Cyber Insurance * Glossary of Terms * Webinars Log In * Vision One * Support * Partner Portal * Cloud One * Product Activation and Management * Referral Affiliate Back arrow_back search close Content has been added to your Folio Go to Folio (0) close Ransomware REDLINE/VIDAR ABUSES EV CERTIFICATES, SHIFTS TO RANSOMWARE In this blog, we investigate how threat actors used information-stealing malware with EV code signing certificates and later delivered ransomware payloads to its victims via the same delivery method. By: Hitomi Kimura, Ryan Soliven, Ricardo Valdez III, Nusrath Iqra, Ryan Maglaque September 13, 2023 Read time: 6 min (1609 words) Save to Folio Subscribe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have been observing malware families RedLine and Vidar since the middle of 2022, when both were used by threat actors to target victims via spear-phishing scams. Earlier this year, RedLine targeted the hospitality industry with its info stealer malware. Our latest investigations show that the threat actors behind RedLine and Vidar now distribute ransomware payloads with the same delivery techniques they use to spread info stealers. This suggests that the threat actors are streamlining operations by making their techniques multipurpose. In this particular case we investigated, the victim initially received a piece of info stealer malware with Extended Validation (EV) code signing certificates. After some time, however, they started receiving ransomware payloads via the same route. EV code signing certificates are issued to organizations that are verified to have legal and physical existence in each country. They entail an issuance process with extended identity verification compared to regular code signing certificates, as well as private key generation where a hardware token is required. Figure 1. The info stealer sample with an EV code signing Since June of this year, the CA/Browser Forum (CABF) — a public key infrastructure (PKI) industry group — made hardware key generation mandatory for even regular code signing certificates. This is an additional effort to address private key protection by making it more difficult to steal private keys and certificates from computers since they cannot be copied as software data. Despite these additional security measures, there were over 30 EV code-signed samples used from July to August 2023 related to this case. The info stealer, detected as TrojanSpy.Win32.VIDAR.SMA, was polymorphous, with each sample having a different hash. While there are other cases where threat actors have used EV certificates for their malware, this is the first time a single threat actor was observed with this many samples. It is currently unknown how the threat actor accessed the private key. In a previous report, we observed that QAKBOT operators abused regular code signing certificates, most of which were used by a single threat actor. Reviewing the certificate contents suggested that the certificates were directly issued by a certificate authority (CA) to a threat actor impersonating the victim companies. In the case of RedLine and Vidar, we can assume that that the threat actor who code-signed the EV certificate possibly owns the hard token itself or has access to the host that the hard token is connected. Certificates used for signing malicious modules can be revoked by reports from security researchers that result in invalidating their respective code signing. Code signing using X.509 certificates allows the setting of a “revocation date” that only invalidates modules signed after the specified revocation date. This is to protect the validity of code signing for modules signed before the private key was compromised. In the case we investigated, the code signing of the info stealer was not invalidated because the revocation date was set on August 3, the date we reported the abuse rather than the sample's signing date. The malware sample was signed on July 17, earlier than the revocation date set, and thus continued to have a valid signature verification. We contacted the CA to explain that the certificate should be revoked using the issuance date as the revocation date instead so that all code signing using that certificate is invalidated. The certificate was then processed with March 21 as the revocation date, and all public observed sample signatures beyond March 21 were invalidated. Notably, ineffective revocation date setting is a problem that has been reported in past research papers. The certificate we investigated had the serial number 5927C49718E319C84A7253F7DEB1A420, and in the following image we can see that the revocation date on the certificate revocation list (CRL) was updated from August 3 to March 21. Figure 2. The revocation date on the CRL was updated from August 3 to March 21. Technical analysis Figure 3. The infection chain of the piece of info stealer malware used by RedLine and Vidar Malicious actors behind RedLine and Vidar use classic and well-worn techniques to lure victims to run malicious files: * They use phrases in spear-phishing emails that call for action and invoke a sense of urgency on topics related to health and hotel accommodations. * * They use double extensions to trick users into thinking that the files they are executing are .pdf or .jpg files rather than .exe files that jump-start the infection when they are run. They also take advantage of regular users whose view might typically hide the extension, resulting in them failing to notice that the file they are executing is in face an EXE file. * * They use LNK files that contain the command to execute the malicious file to help bypass detection. * * Despite Google Drive’s built-in protocols, which automatically evaluate files to guard systems against malware, malicious actors manage to transfer malicious files through the file storage service. Figure 4. The infection chain that delivered a ransomware payload through the same delivery method used for RedLine and Vidar’s info stealer malware In the case we investigated, the victim had initially been getting info stealer malware from a series of campaigns around July 10 this year. On August 9, they received a ransomware payload after being tricked into downloading and opening a fake TripAdvisor complaint email attachment. The attachment used a double file extension (.pdf.htm) to masquerade itself as a benign .pdf file and conceal the actual .htm payload. Figure 5. The “TripAdvisor-Complaint.pdf.htm” file Figure 6. User downloading the spear-phishing attachment, as seen on the Trend Vision One™ Workbench Upon opening the attachment and selecting “Read Complaint,” the user then unknowingly executed the following JavaScript files from samuelelena[.]co: * hxxps://samuelelena[.]co/npm/module.external/jquery.min.js * hxxps://samuelelena[.]co/npm/module.external/moment.min.js * hxxps://samuelelena[.]co/npm/module.external/client.min.js * hxxps://samuelelena[.]co/npm/module.tripadvisor/module.tripadvisor.js Figure 7. The contents of “TripAdvisor-Complaint.PDF.htm” This subsequently downloaded and executed TripAdvisor Complaint-Possible Suspension.exe. A different version, spotted and analyzed by BleepingComputer, downloads an Excel XLL file when the "Read Complaint" button is selected. This XLL file is created using Excel-DNA, which integrates .NET into Microsoft Excel to execute the malware when it is opened. Figure 8. The subsequent download and execution of “TripAdvisor Complaint-Possible Suspension.exe” The file TripAdvisor Complaint-Possible Suspension.exe connected to the following URLs: * hxxps://doi[.]org (governs the Digital Object Identifier systems) * hxxps://i.ibb[.]co/Gp95Qcw/2286401330.png (image hosting site) Contents of the 2286401330.png file were read and transformed into an encrypted shellcode that was saved as: * C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\KYMRCRHEVFUJGZHWNKKD\YUUUBCFJVYCNCBMABZLBL Figure 9. The “2286401330.png” file Figure 10. Shellcode “YUUUBCFJVYCNCBMABZLBL” Afterward, the encrypted shellcode was decrypted to generate another shellcode, saved as follows: * C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Temp\70685a9e Figure 11. The outbound connection to “hxxps://i.ibb[.]co/Gp95Qcw/2286401330.png” leading to the creation of shellcode “70685a9e” Figure 12. Shellcode “70685a9e” Following this, TripAdvisor Complaint-Possible Suspension.exe spawned cmd.exe, where the second decrypted shellcode 70685a9e was injected. After this, cmd.exe dropped a legitimate 7-Zip standalone console application rgb9rast.exe in %temp% and launched it as follows: * C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Temp\rgb9rast.exe Figure 13. Process injection to “rgb9gast.exe” Eventually, the ransomware payload detected as Ransom.Win64.CYCLOPS.A was injected into rgb9rast.exe. We observed rgb9gast.exe dropping the ransom note, encrypting files with a .knight_l extension, and performing an outbound Server Message Block (SMB) connection to encrypt files on the network. Figure 14. Encryption using the “.knight_l” extension and outbound SMB connection to encrypt other files on the network We observed that the threat actors also use the following file names for their malicious files. The samples of the following files were found to have EV code signing: * Additional information about the reservation.exe * doctor's opinion.exe * Doctor's recommendations.exe The threat actors also use the following file names for their malicious files without EV code signing: * Additional informatoin about the reservation.exe (The spelling “informatoin” instead of “information” is as the file name reads.) * TripAdvisor Complaint - Possible Suspension.exe ransomware They also used the following double extensions: * Additional information about the reservation.jpg.exe * Additional information about the reservation.pdf.exe * cleaning products recommendations.pdf.exe * doctor's opinion.pdf.exe * doctor's opinion.pdf.exe.exe * Doctor's recommendations.pdf.exe * Requests.pdf.exe * requests.pdf.exe Common delivery methods for the ransomware payload observed include the following paths: * C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\AHYEW8U2\TripAdvisor-Complaint-Lcn5en.PDF.htm * C:\Users\ [user] \AppData\Local\Temp\gigiduru.PDF.htm * C:\Users\ [user] \AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\MNV4PEH3\TripAdvisor-Complaint-9dyl66.PDF.htm * C:\Users\ [user] \AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\J53L41BP\TripAdvisor-Complaint-1uy8dx.PDF.htm Conclusion Despite more stringent security measures implemented by the CABF, threat actors are still able to propagate information-stealing malware code-signed with EV certificates that should ideally already have a strong issuance process and secure private key protection. Revoking abused certificates with compromised private keys should also be thoroughly investigated to ensure that adjustments to revocation dates made by CAs cover all instances of use on malicious files. At this point, it is worth noting that unlike the samples of the info stealer we investigated, the files used to drop the ransomware payload did not have EV certificates. However, the two originate from the same threat actor and are spread using the same delivery method. We can therefore assume a division of labor between the payload provider and the operators. Users who have encountered info stealers are advised to be cautious against ransomware, as our findings suggest that threat actors are becoming more efficient in maximizing their techniques for different purposes and cybercrimes. Our investigations in this entry underline the importance of configuring and updating attack surface protections that remove malicious items before they even reach users. Organizations are recommended to “shift left” — take steps earlier in the threat life cycle to prevent attacks and implement measures to detect breaches before they cause extensive harm. In the case of ransomware attacks, early detection and mitigation can prevent threat actors from harvesting enough information that that they can leverage for a ransomware attack. Users should also avoid or refrain from downloading files, programs, and software from unverified sources and websites and install a multilayered protection system for their individual and enterprise systems. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) Get the list of IOCs here. Tags Malware | Ransomware | Exploits & Vulnerabilities | Research | Articles, News, Reports AUTHORS * Hitomi Kimura Incident Response Analyst * Ryan Soliven Incident Response Analyst * Ricardo Valdez III Threats Analyst * Nusrath Iqra Threats Analyst * Ryan Maglaque Incident Response Analyst Contact Us Subscribe RELATED ARTICLES * Fake LockBit, Real Damage: Ransomware Samples Abuse Amazon S3 to Steal Data * AI Pulse: Election Deepfakes, Disasters, Scams & more * Understanding the Initial Stages of Web Shell and VPN Threats: An MXDR Analysis See all articles Experience our unified platform for free * Claim your 30-day trial * * * * * RESOURCES * Blog * Newsroom * Threat Reports * Find a Partner * * SUPPORT * Business Support Portal * Contact Us * Downloads * Free Trials * * ABOUT TREND * About Us * Careers * Locations * Upcoming Events * Trust Center * Country Headquarters Trend Micro - United States (US) 225 East John Carpenter Freeway Suite 1500 Irving, Texas 75062 Phone: +1 (817) 569-8900 Select a country / region United States expand_more close THE AMERICAS * United States * Brasil * Canada * México MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA * South Africa * Middle East and North Africa EUROPE * België (Belgium) * Česká Republika * Danmark * Deutschland, Österreich Schweiz * España * France * Ireland * Italia * Nederland * Norge (Norway) * Polska (Poland) * Suomi (Finland) * Sverige (Sweden) * Türkiye (Turkey) * United Kingdom ASIA & PACIFIC * Australia * Центральная Азия (Central Asia) * Hong Kong (English) * 香港 (中文) (Hong Kong) * भारत गणराज्य (India) * Indonesia * 日本 (Japan) * 대한민국 (South Korea) * Malaysia * Монголия (Mongolia) and рузия (Georgia) * New Zealand * Philippines * Singapore * 台灣 (Taiwan) * ประเทศไทย (Thailand) * Việt Nam Privacy | Legal | Accessibility | Site map Copyright ©2024 Trend Micro Incorporated. All rights reserved Copyright ©2024 Trend Micro Incorporated. All rights reserved sXpIBdPeKzI9PC2p0SWMpUSM2NSxWzPyXTMLlbXmYa0R20xk This website uses cookies for website functionality, traffic analytics, personalization, social media functionality and advertising. Our Cookie Notice provides more information and explains how to amend your cookie settings.Learn more Cookies Settings Accept ✓ Danke für das Teilen! AddToAny Mehr… word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 BDOW!