Open-Source Software Supply Chain Attacks Strike the Banking Sector: According to cybersecurity researchers, the banking sector has become the target of open-source software supply chain attacks, which is a concerning development.
These attacks involve advanced techniques and deceptive tactics, posing significant risks to financial institutions.
This news item sheds light on the methods employed by threat actors and emphasizes the need for robust supply chain security in the banking industry.
Key Takeaways to Open-Source Software Supply Chain Attacks Strike the Banking Sector:
Table of Contents
- Open-source software supply chain attacks are increasingly targeting the banking sector, employing advanced techniques and deceptive tactics to compromise the web assets of victim banks.
- Attackers utilize fake LinkedIn profiles and customized command-and-control centers for each target to appear credible and evade detection.
- Financial institutions face severe risks as malicious actors exploit supply chain vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of implementing robust countermeasures and supply chain security.
In a concerning revelation, cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a series of open-source software supply chain attacks specifically aimed at the banking sector.
These attacks are marked by sophisticated methods, including the precise targeting of web assets within victim banks, where malicious functionalities are surreptitiously attached. Employing deceptive tactics, attackers create fake LinkedIn profiles to appear credible and establish customized command-and-control centers for each target.
These tactics have raised significant alarms in the financial industry.
Deceptive Techniques and Infection Sequences
One such attack involved the upload of packages to the npm registry, where the malware author masqueraded as an employee of the target bank. The packages, equipped with preinstall scripts, initiated the infection sequence upon activation. To further deceive, the threat actor crafted a fake LinkedIn page to reinforce the ruse.
Once launched, the script identified the host operating system, allowing the download of second-stage malware from a remote server using an Azure subdomain that incorporated the bank’s name.
Leveraging Azure’s legitimate status, the attacker cleverly bypassed traditional deny list methods.
Havoc – The Second-Stage Payload
The second-stage payload employed in the intrusion is Havoc, an open-source command-and-control (C2) framework favored by malicious actors seeking to evade detection associated with other commonly used tools.
By exploiting Cobalt Strike, Sliver, and Brute Ratel, Havoc enables cybercriminals to operate covertly and launch sophisticated attacks.
Meticulously Designed Web-Inject Toolkit
In a separate attack, a meticulously designed npm package was aimed at a different bank.
This package skillfully blended into the bank’s website, remaining dormant until triggered to act. The package covertly intercepted login data, exfiltrating sensitive details to an actor-controlled infrastructure.
Such targeted attacks highlight the importance of safeguarding the entire software creation and distribution process.
Supply Chain Security Imperative for Financial Institutions
The financial sector’s reliance on open-source software makes it crucial to bolster supply chain security. Once a malicious open-source package infiltrates the pipeline, immediate damage is done, rendering subsequent countermeasures ineffective.
Robust supply chain security is paramount to protecting valuable data and maintaining trust in the financial industry.
Conclusion
As the banking sector faces escalating open-source software supply chain attacks, it is imperative for financial institutions to fortify their defenses against cyber threats. The use of advanced techniques and deceptive tactics poses serious risks, demanding a proactive approach to supply chain security.
By staying vigilant and implementing robust countermeasures, financial institutions can safeguard against potential breaches and maintain the trust of their customers.
