Checkpoint, a leading cybersecurity firm, has discovered that a malware strain initially designed to propagate through USB drives has inadvertently started affecting networked storage devices. The malware originates from a group known as Camaro Dragon, which exhibits similarities to China's Mustang Panda and LuminousMoth cyber espionage campaigns.
In early 2023, an investigation into an incident at a European hospital shed light on these unintended consequences rather than a targeted attack. The infection is attributed to self-propagating malware spread via USB drives by the Camaro Dragon group. Checkpoint's researchers have identified updated versions of the malware toolset, including WispRider and HopperTick, which possess similar capabilities for spreading through USB drives, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.
These malware tools are associated with other tools employed by the same threat actor, such as TinyNote, a Go-based backdoor, and HorseShell, a malicious router firmware implant. Notably, these tools share infrastructure and exhibit similar operational objectives, providing further evidence of the threat actor's activities.
The infection process begins when a victim executes a malicious Delphi launcher found on an infected USB flash drive. This action activates a backdoor, which proceeds to install malware on other drives when connected to the compromised machine. The malware poses higher risks in enterprise IT environments as infected machines continue to install malware on newly connected network drives, while drives already connected during the initial infection remain unaffected.
Additionally, the malware employs DLL sideloading techniques, utilizing components from security software such as G-DATA Total Security, as well as components from Electronic Arts and Riot Games. These techniques allow the malware to bypass security measures and establish persistence within the compromised system.
The accidental spread of this Chinese malware to networked storage devices raises concerns about the potential for widespread infection and unauthorized access to critical data. Organizations are advised to implement stringent security measures, including regular patching and updates, network segmentation, and robust endpoint protection. It is crucial to stay vigilant and leverage comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to detect and mitigate such threats effectively.
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