Ethical Hacking News
Russian cyber spies have successfully exploited a novel attack vector known as the "nearest neighbor attack" to target network security, compromising multiple organizations with offices near their target. This tactic allows attackers to gain access to the target's network by breaching neighboring organizations and using stolen credentials. Organizations are advised to review their security protocols and take immediate action to protect themselves against similar attacks.
The "nearest neighbor attack" is a novel attack vector used by Russian cyberspies to target network security. The attackers compromise neighboring organizations to breach the target's Wi-Fi network using stolen credentials. The multi-step attack involves password-spraying, gaining access to the target's Wi-Fi network, and routing exfiltrated data through compromised machines. Robust security measures, including multifactor authentication for Wi-Fi networks, are essential to prevent such attacks. APT28, a Kremlin-backed threat actor, is behind this attack, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cyber espionage tactics.
In a recent report by threat intel and memory forensics firm Volexity, it has been revealed that Russian cyberspies have successfully exploited a novel attack vector to target network security. The attack, dubbed the "nearest neighbor attack," involves compromising multiple organizations whose offices are in close physical proximity to the target. This tactic allows the attackers to gain access to the target's network by breaching their neighboring organizations and using stolen credentials to connect to the target's Wi-Fi network.
According to Volexity, the multi-step attack began with password-spraying the victim's web portals to obtain valid credentials. However, since the target had implemented multifactor authentication, these credentials were unusable on the organization's services except on its Wi-Fi network. The attackers then used devices connected to both wired and wireless networks to gain access to the target's Wi-Fi network using the stolen credentials.
Once connected, the attackers moved laterally within the network and routed exfiltrated data through compromised machines on neighboring networks. Volexity observed that the lengths a creative, resourceful, and motivated threat actor is willing to go to in order to achieve their cyber espionage objectives were revealed in this investigation.
This attack highlights the importance of having robust security measures in place, including multifactor authentication, especially for Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for organizations to be aware of their surroundings and take steps to protect themselves from potential threats.
Furthermore, this incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by APT28, a Kremlin-backed threat actor known for its sophisticated cyber espionage tactics. The fact that Volexity was able to detect and analyze this novel attack vector highlights the firm's expertise in threat intelligence and memory forensics.
In light of these findings, organizations are advised to review their security protocols and take immediate action to protect themselves against similar attacks. This includes implementing robust multifactor authentication measures for Wi-Fi networks and being vigilant about potential threats.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the need for international cooperation in combating cyber espionage. The involvement of Russian cyberspies highlights the need for governments and organizations to work together to share intelligence and best practices in defending against these types of attacks.
Related Information:
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/11/25/infosec_news_in_brief/
Published: Sun Nov 24 20:15:53 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
