VPNFilter Malware Adds Capabilities to Exploit Endpoints

VPNFilter, a botnet-controlled malware that infects networking devices, was first documented by researchers from Cisco Talos. McAfee Labs also published a blog on May 23 with some initial information.

In our last post we discussed the three stages of infection and the devices affected by the malware, and how it can maintain a persistent presence on an infected device even after a reboot. The malware can also monitor traffic routed through the infected device. (Read the first post for more details.)

In this post we will report new information released by Cisco Talos. The findings reveal that that malware now targets additional devices, including products from Huawei, Asus, D-Link, Ubiquiti Networks, MikroTik, Upvel, ZTE Linksys, Netgear, and TP-Link.

In our previous post, we discussed two modules, a traffic sniffer and Tor, used in Stage 3 of the infection. Now researchers have analysed a third module in the third stage that intercepts network traffic by using a man-in-the-middle attack and injects malicious code while content passes through the router. Using this new module, an attacker can launch an exploit, and perform data exfiltration or a JavaScript injection onto the victim’s device.

The malware added another module that deletes its traces on the infected device. It then clears the flash memory and deletes operating system files, rendering the device inoperable.

The new Stage-3 module’s packet sniffer looks for basic authentication in the traffic content, and also monitors connections for industrial control systems traffic related to the Modbus protocol, which is typically used in SCADA systems. 

Coverage and Mitigation

The aforementioned IOCs are covered as follows:

• Detection names for files: Linux/VPNFilter
• V3 DAT with coverage version: 3367
• V2 DAT with coverage version: 8916

All samples are classified in the GTI cloud as malware, as well as all relevant URLs.

Further Recommendations from the Talos Threat Research Team

• Reboot SOHO routers and NAS devices to remove the potentially destructive, nonpersistent Stage 2 and Stage 3 malware
• Work with the manufacturer to ensure that your device is up to date with the latest patches. Apply the updated patches immediately.
• ISPs should aggressively work with their customers to ensure their devices are patched to the most recent firmware 

Updated Indicators of Compromise and Sample Hashes 

URLs and IP addresses

• photobucket[.]com/user/millerfred/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/jeniferaniston1/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/lisabraun87/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/eva_green1/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/suwe8/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/bob7301/library
• toknowall[.]com
• photobucket[.]com/user/amandaseyfried1/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/nikkireed11/library
• 4seiwn2ur4f65zo4[.]onion/bin256/update.php
• zm3lznxn27wtzkwa[.]onion/bin16/update.php
• photobucket[.]com/user/kmila302/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/monicabelci4/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/katyperry45/library
• photobucket[.]com/user/saragray1/library
• zuh3vcyskd4gipkm[.]onion/bin32/update.php
• 6b57dcnonk2edf5a[.]onion/bin32/update.php
• tljmmy4vmkqbdof4[.]onion/bin32/update.php

• 46.151.209[.]33
• 217.79.179[.]14
• 91.214.203[.]144
• 94.242.222[.]68
• 82.118.242[.]124
• 95.211.198[.]231
• 195.154.180[.]60
• 5.149.250[.]54
• 94.185.80[.]82
• 91.121.109[.]209
• 217.12.202[.]40
• 62.210.180[.]229
• 91.200.13[.]76

File Hashes

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