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Konni Malware Alert: Uncovering The Russian-Language Threat
Wajahat Raja
December 5, 2023 - TuxCare expert team
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a recent discovery sheds light on a new phishing attack being dubbed the Konni malware. This cyber assault employs a Russian-language Microsoft Word document malware delivery as its weapon of choice, delivering a potent malware strain designed to harvest sensitive information from compromised Windows systems.
Identifying The Konni Malware Culprit
Attributed to the Konni threat actor, this campaign shares striking similarities with the North Korean cluster known as Kimsuky (also recognized as APT43). Fortinet FortiGuard Labs researcher Cara Lin, in a recent analysis, revealed that the attack hinges on a remote access trojan (RAT). It has the capability to extract information and execute commands on compromised devices.
Konni Trojan Analysis
Konni, known for its strategic targeting towards Russian-language cyber attacks, employs spear-phishing emails and malicious documents as entry points for its cyber onslaughts. Recent document-based malware attacks, documented by Knowsec and ThreatMon, exploit vulnerabilities such as the WinRAR vulnerability (CVE-2023-38831) and employ obfuscated Visual Basic scripts to deploy the Konni RAT and a Windows Batch script for data collection from infected machines.
Modus Operandi
The primary objectives of cybersecurity threats from Konni encompass data exfiltration and espionage activities. To achieve these goals, the threat actor deploys a diverse array of malware and tools, constantly adapting tactics to evade detection and attribution. ThreatMon notes that Konni is agile in its approach, utilizing WinRAR vulnerabilities and obfuscated scripts to infiltrate and compromise systems.
Unraveling The Attack Sequence
Fortinet’s latest observation details a macro-laced Word document in Russian, masquerading as an article on the “Western Assessments of the Progress of the Special Military Operation.” When enabled, the Visual Basic for Application (VBA) macro initiates an interim Batch script, conducting system checks and User Account Control (UAC) bypass. This sequence ultimately facilitates the deployment of a DLL file, embedding information gathering, and exfiltration capabilities.
Payload Mechanics
The payload itself incorporates a UAC bypass and establishes encrypted communication with a command and control (C2) server. This sophisticated cyber threat intelligence allows the threat actor to execute privileged commands, posing a significant risk to the compromised system’s integrity.
International Intricacies
Konni is not the only North Korean threat actor with Russian-language cybercriminal groups in its crosshairs. Collaborative research from Kaspersky, Microsoft, and SentinelOne indicates that ScarCruft (aka APT37) has also targeted trading companies and missile engineering firms within the country. This revelation comes on the heels of Solar, the cybersecurity arm of Russian state-owned telecom company Rostelecom, disclosing that threat actors from Asia, predominantly China and North Korea, are responsible for a majority of recent attacks on Russia’s critical infrastructure.
Insights from Russian Cybersecurity
Solar’s recent disclosure underscores the persistent threat posed by the North Korean Lazarus group within the Russian Federation. As of early November, Lazarus hackers still maintain access to numerous Russian systems, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Conclusion
The evolving malware distribution tactics of threat actors like Konni necessitate constant vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures. As the digital landscape continues to advance, the collaboration between cybersecurity experts and organizations becomes paramount in mitigating the risks posed by sophisticated cyber espionage campaigns.
Maintaining robust cybersecurity practices, including vigilant malware detection and prevention measures, is imperative in safeguarding against evolving threats like the Konni campaign, ensuring the resilience and integrity of digital ecosystems.
Stay informed, stay secure.
The sources for this piece include articles in The Hacker News and ISP.PAGE.
