Cybersecurity and intelligence agencies from the Five Eyes nations have issued a joint advisory shedding light on the evolving tactics of the notorious Russian state-sponsored threat actor, APT29. This hacking entity, known by various aliases including BlueBravo, Cloaked Ursa, Cozy Bear, and The Dukes, is believed to be affiliated with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
APT29 Showcases Improved Modus Operandi
The spotlight on APT29 intensified following its involvement in the high-profile supply chain compromise of SolarWinds software. However, recent months have witnessed a resurgence of its activities, with notable targets including tech giants like Microsoft and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), among others. The group’s strategic objectives appear to be fueled by a relentless pursuit of cyber espionage, leveraging sophisticated tactics to infiltrate and compromise targeted organizations.
According to the comprehensive security bulletin released by the collaborating agencies, APT29 has demonstrated a remarkable adaptability to the changing landscape of cybersecurity. As organizations transition towards cloud-based infrastructure, the threat actor has recalibrated its modus operandi, pivoting away from conventional methods of exploiting software vulnerabilities in on-premise networks.
Key tactics employed by APT29, as outlined in the advisory, include:
- Cloud Infrastructure Access. APT29 employs brute-force and password spraying attacks to obtain access to cloud infrastructure, targeting service and dormant accounts. This shift signifies a strategic move towards exploiting vulnerabilities inherent in cloud-based systems.
- Token-based Access. The threat actor leverages tokens to access victims’ accounts without the need for passwords, circumventing traditional authentication mechanisms and complicating detection efforts.
- Credential Reuse Techniques. APT29 utilizes password spraying and credential reuse techniques to compromise personal accounts, employing prompt bombing to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirements. Subsequently, the threat actors register their own devices to gain unauthorized access to the network.
- Residential Proxies. To conceal their true origins and evade detection, APT29 utilizes residential proxies to mask malicious traffic, making it indistinguishable from legitimate user activity. By leveraging IP addresses within internet service provider (ISP) ranges used for residential broadband customers, the threat actors effectively camouflage their operations.
In conclusion, the joint advisory serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of cybersecurity agencies in addressing complex cyber threats. By unveiling the tactics of APT29 and providing actionable insights, the advisory empowers organizations to improve their defenses and safeguard against the pervasive threat of state-sponsored cyber espionage.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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