AA22-320A: Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Actors Compromise Federal Network, Deploy Crypto Miner, Credential Harvester

Cybersecurity
Original release date: November 16, 2022 | Last revised: November 25, 2022

### Summary

From mid-June through mid-July 2022, CISA conducted an incident response
engagement at a Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) organization where
CISA observed suspected advanced persistent threat (APT) activity. In the
course of incident response activities, CISA determined that cyber threat
actors exploited the Log4Shell vulnerability in an unpatched VMware Horizon
server, installed XMRig crypto mining software, moved laterally to the domain
controller (DC), compromised credentials, and then implanted Ngrok reverse
proxies on several hosts to maintain persistence. CISA and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI) assess that the FCEB network was compromised by Iranian
government-sponsored APT actors.

CISA and FBI are releasing this Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) providing the
suspected Iranian government-sponsored actors’ tactics, techniques, and
procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help network
defenders detect and protect against related compromises.

CISA and FBI encourage all organizations with affected VMware systems that did
not immediately apply available patches or workarounds to assume compromise
and initiate threat hunting activities. If suspected initial access or
compromise is detected based on IOCs or TTPs described in this CSA, CISA and
FBI encourage organizations to assume lateral movement by threat actors,
investigate connected systems (including the DC), and audit privileged
accounts. All organizations, regardless of identified evidence of compromise,
should apply the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this CSA to
protect against similar malicious cyber activity.

For more information on Iranian government-sponsored Iranian malicious cyber
activity, see CISA’s [Iran Cyber Threat Overview and
Advisories](https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/iran) webpage and FBI’s [Iran
Threats](https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/the-iran-threat)
webpage.

Download the PDF version of this report: [pdf, 528 kb](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/aa22-320a_joint_csa_iranian_government-
sponsored_apt_actors_compromise_federal%20network_deploy_crypto%20miner_credential_harvester.pdf).

For a downloadable copy of the Malware Analysis Report (MAR) accompanying this
report, see: [MAR 10387061-1.v1](https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/analysis-
reports/ar22-320a).

For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see: [AA22-320A.stix, 1.55 mb](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA22-320A.stix.xml).

### Technical Details

Note: This advisory uses the [MITRE ATT&CK for
Enterprise](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/matrices/enterprise/)
framework, version 11. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section for
a table of the threat actors’ activity mapped to MITRE ATT&CK® tactics and
techniques with corresponding mitigation and/or detection recommendations.

#### **Overview**

In April 2022, CISA conducted retrospective analysis using EINSTEIN—an FCEB-
wide intrusion detection system (IDS) operated and monitored by CISA—and
identified suspected APT activity on an FCEB organization’s network. CISA
observed bi-directional traffic between the network and a known malicious IP
address associated with exploitation of the Log4Shell vulnerability
(CVE-2021-44228) in VMware Horizon servers. In coordination with the FCEB
organization, CISA initiated threat hunting incident response activities;
however, prior to deploying an incident response team, CISA observed
additional suspected APT activity. Specifically, CISA observed HTTPS activity
from IP address 51.89.181[.]64 to the organization’s VMware server. Based on
trusted third-party reporting, 51.89.181[.]64 is a Lightweight Directory
Access Protocol (LDAP) server associated with threat actors exploiting
Log4Shell. Following HTTPS activity, CISA observed a suspected LDAP callback
on port 443 to this IP address. CISA also observed a DNS query for
us‐nation‐ny[.]cf that resolved back to 51.89.181[.]64 when the victim server
was returning this Log4Shell LDAP callback to the actors’ server.

CISA assessed that this traffic indicated a confirmed compromise based on the
successful callback to the indicator and informed the organization of these
findings; the organization investigated the activity and found signs of
compromise. As trusted-third party reporting associated Log4Shell activity
from 51.89.181[.]64 with lateral movement and targeting of DCs, CISA suspected
the threat actors had moved laterally and compromised the organization’s DC.

From mid-June through mid-July 2022, CISA conducted an onsite incident
response engagement and determined that the organization was compromised as
early as February 2022, by likely Iranian government-sponsored APT actors who
installed XMRig crypto mining software. The threat actors also moved laterally
to the domain controller, compromised credentials, and implanted Ngrok reverse
proxies.

#### **Threat Actor Activity**

In February 2022, the threat actors exploited Log4Shell [[T1190](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1190/)] for
initial access [[TA0001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/tactics/TA0001/)] to the
organization’s unpatched VMware Horizon server. As part of their initial
exploitation, CISA observed a connection to known malicious IP address
182.54.217[.]2 lasting 17.6 seconds.

The actors’ exploit payload ran the following PowerShell command
[[T1059.001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1059.001)] that
added an exclusion rule to Windows Defender [[T1562.001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1562.001)]:

powershell try{Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath ‘C:\’; Write-Host ‘added-
exclusion’} catch {Write-Host ‘adding-exclusion-failed’ }; powershell -enc
“$BASE64 encoded payload to download next stage and execute it”

The exclusion rule allowlisted the entire c:\drive, enabling threat actors to
download tools to the c:\drive without virus scans. The exploit payload then
downloaded mdeploy.text from 182.54.217[.]2/mdepoy.txt to
C:\users\public\mde.ps1
[[T1105](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1105/)]. When
executed, mde.ps1 downloaded file.zip from 182.54.217[.]2 and removed mde.ps1
from the disk
[[T1070.004](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1070/004/)].

file.zip contained XMRig cryptocurrency mining software and associated
configuration files.

* WinRing0x64.sys – XMRig Miner driver
* wuacltservice.exe – XMRig Miner
* config.json – XMRig miner configuration
* RuntimeBroker.exe – Associated file. This file can create a local user account [[T1136.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/001/)] and tests for internet connectivity by pinging 8.8.8.8 [[T1016.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1016/001/)]. The exploit payload created a Scheduled Task [[T1053.005](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1053/005)] that executed RuntimeBroker.exe daily as SYSTEM. Note: By exploiting Log4Shell, the actors gained access to a VMware service account with administrator and system level access. The Scheduled Task was named RuntimeBrokerService.exe to masquerade as a legitimate Windows task.

See MAR 10387061-1.v1 for additional information, including IOCs, on these
four files.

After obtaining initial access and installing XMRig on the VMWare Horizon
server, the actors used RDP
[[T1021.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1021/001/)] and
the built-in Windows user account DefaultAccount
[[T1078.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1078/001/)] to
move laterally
[[TA0008](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/tactics/TA0008/)] to a VMware
VDI-KMS host. Once the threat actor established themselves on the VDI-KMS
host, CISA observed the actors download around 30 megabytes of files from
transfer[.]sh server associated with 144.76.136[.]153. The actors downloaded
the following tools:

* [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029/) – a Microsoft signed tool for system administrators.
* [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0002/) – a credential theft tool.
* [Ngrok](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/) – a reverse proxy tool for proxying an internal service out onto an Ngrok domain, which the user can then access at a randomly generated subdomain at *.ngrok[.]io. CISA has observed this tool in use by some commercial products for benign purposes; however, this process bypasses typical firewall controls and may be a potentially unwanted application in production environments. Ngrok is known to be used for malicious purposes.[[1](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/)]

The threat actors then executed Mimikatz on VDI-KMS to harvest credentials and
created a rogue domain administrator account
[[T1136.002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)].
Using the newly created account, the actors leveraged RDP to propagate to
several hosts within the network. Upon logging into each host, the actors
manually disabled Windows Defender via the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and
implanted Ngrok executables and configuration files. The threat actors were
able to implant Ngrok on multiple hosts to ensure Ngrok’s persistence should
they lose access to a machine during a routine reboot. The actors were able to
proxy [[T1090](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)]
RDP sessions, which were only observable on the local network as outgoing
HTTPS port 443 connections to tunnel.us.ngrok[.]com and korgn.su.lennut[.]com
(the prior domain in reverse). It is possible, but was not observed, that the
threat actors configured a custom domain, or used other Ngrok tunnel domains,
wildcarded here as *.ngrok[.]com, *.ngrok[.]io, ngrok.*.tunnel[.]com, or
korgn.*.lennut[.]com.

Once the threat actors established a deep foothold in the network and moved
laterally to the domain controller, they executed the following PowerShell
command on the Active Directory to obtain a list of all machines attached to
the domain [[T1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1018)]:

Powershell.exe get-adcomputer -filter * -properties * | select
name,operatingsystem,ipv4address >

The threat actors also changed the password for the local administrator
account [[T1098](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1098/)] on
several hosts as a backup should the rogue domain administrator account get
detected and terminated. Additionally, the threat actor was observed
attempting to dump the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS)
process
[[T1003.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1003/001)] with
task manager but this was stopped by additional anti-virus the FCEB
organization had installed.

### MITRE ATT&CK TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES

See table 1 for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques in this
advisory, as well as corresponding detection and/or mitigation
recommendations. For additional mitigations, see the Mitigations section.

_Table 1: Cyber Threat Actors ATT &CK Techniques for Enterprise_

**Initial Access**

—

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Exploit Public-Facing Application

|

[T1190](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1190/)

|

The actors exploited Log4Shell for initial access to the organization’s VMware
Horizon server.

|

**Mitigation/Detection:** Use a firewall or web-application firewall and
enable logging to prevent and detect potential Log4Shell exploitation attempts
[[M1050](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1050)].

**Mitigation:** Perform regular vulnerability scanning to detect Log4J
vulnerabilities and update Log4J software using vendor provided patches
[[M1016](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1016)],[[M1051](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1051)].

**Execution**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendation**

Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell

|

[T1059.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1059/001/)

|

The actors ran PowerShell commands that added an exclusion rule to Windows
Defender.

The actors executed PowerShell on the AD to obtain a list of machines on the
domain.

|

**Mitigation:** Disable or remove PowerShell for non-administrative users
[[M1042](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1042)],[[M1026](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1026)]
or enable code-signing to execute only signed scripts
[[M1045](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1045)].

**Mitigation:** Employ anti-malware to automatically detect and quarantine
malicious scripts
[[M1049](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1049)].

**Persistence**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Account Manipulation

|

[T1098](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1098/)

|

The actors changed the password for the local administrator account on several
hosts.

|

**Mitigation:** Use multifactor authentication for user and privileged
accounts [[M1032](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1032)].

**Detection:** Monitor events for changes to account objects and/or
permissions on systems and the domain, such as event IDs 4738, 4728, and
4670. Monitor for modification of accounts in correlation with other
suspicious activity
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Create Account: Local Account

|

[T1136.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136/001/)

|

The actors’ malware can create local user accounts.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure access controls and firewalls to limit access to
domain controllers and systems used to create and manage accounts.

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments for actions that are
associated with local account creation, such as net user /add , useradd, and
dscl -create
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/datasources/DS0017/#Command%20Execution)].

**Detection:** Enable logging for new user creation
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Create Account: Domain Account

|

[T1136.002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)

|

The actors used Mimikatz to create a rogue domain administrator account.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure access controls and firewalls to limit access to
domain controllers and systems used to create and manage accounts.

**Detection:** Enable logging for new user creation, especially domain
administrator accounts
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task

|

[T1053.005](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1053/005/)

|

The actors’ exploit payload created Scheduled Task RuntimeBrokerService.exe,
which executed RuntimeBroker.exe daily as SYSTEM.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure settings for scheduled tasks to force tasks to run
under the context of the authenticated account instead of allowing them to run
as SYSTEM [[M1028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1028)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed processes and/or command-lines
that execute from the svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task
Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)]

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed scheduled jobs by enabling the
Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational setting within the event logging
service [[DS0003](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0003)].

Valid Accounts: Default Accounts

|

[T1078.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1078/001/)

|

The actors used built-in Windows user account DefaultAccount.

|

**Mitigation:** Change default usernames and passwords immediately after the
installation and before deployment to a production environment
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Develop rules to monitor logon behavior across default accounts
that have been activated or logged into
[[DS0028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0028)].

**Defense Evasion**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools

|

[T1562.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1562/001/)

|

The actors added an exclusion rule to Windows Defender. The tool allowlisted
the entire c:\drive, enabling the actors to bypass virus scans for tools they
downloaded to the c:\drive.

The actors manually disabled Windows Defender via the GUI.

|

**Mitigation:** Ensure proper user permissions are in place to prevent
adversaries from disabling or interfering with security services.
[[M1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1018)].

**Detection:** Monitor for changes made to Windows Registry keys and/or values
related to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools
such as HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
[[DS0024](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0024)].

**Detection:** Monitor for telemetry that provides context for modification or
deletion of information related to security software processes or services
such as Windows Defender definition files in Windows and System log files in
Linux [[DS0013](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0013)].

**Detection:** Monitor processes for unexpected termination related to
security tools/services
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion

|

[T1070.004](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1070/004/)

|

The actors removed malicious file mde.ps1 from the dis.

|

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments for actions that could
be utilized to unlink, rename, or delete files
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Detection:** Monitor for unexpected deletion of files from the system
[[DS0022](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0022)].

**Credential Access**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory

|

[T1003.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1003/001)

|

The actors were observed trying to dump LSASS process.

|

**Mitigation:** With Windows 10, Microsoft implemented new protections called
Credential Guard to protect the LSA secrets that can be used to obtain
credentials through forms of credential dumping
[[M1043](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1043)]

**Mitigation:** On Windows 10, enable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules to
secure LSASS and prevent credential stealing
[[M1040](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1040)].

**Mitigation:** Ensure that local administrator accounts have complex, unique
passwords across all systems on the network
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with LSASS.exe.
Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access LSASS.exe by opening the
process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory
where credential details are stored.
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may attempt to
access credential material stored in the process memory of the LSASS
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

Credentials from Password Stores

|

[T1555](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1555/)

|

The actors used Mimikatz to harvest credentials.

|

**Mitigation:** Organizations may consider weighing the risk of storing
credentials in password stores and web browsers. If system, software, or web
browser credential disclosure is a significant concern, technical controls,
policy, and user training may be used to prevent storage of credentials in
improper locations
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Monitor for processes being accessed that may search for common
password storage locations to obtain user credentials
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may search for
common password storage locations to obtain user credentials
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Discovery**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Remote System Discovery

|

[T1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1018)

|

The actors executed a PowerShell command on the AD to obtain a list of all
machines attached to the domain.

|

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may attempt to get
a listing of other systems by IP address, hostname, or other logical
identifier on a network that may be used for lateral movement
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed network connections associated
with pings/scans that may attempt to get a listing of other systems by IP
address, hostname, or other logical identifier on a network that may be used
for lateral movement
[[DS0029](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0029)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly executed processes that can be used to
discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when
executed in quick succession
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

System Network Configuration Discovery: Internet Connection Discovery

|

[T1016.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1016/001/)

|

The actors’ malware tests for internet connectivity by pinging 8.8.8.8.

|

**Mitigation:** Monitor executed commands, arguments
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017/#Command%20Execution)]
and executed processes (e.g., tracert or ping)
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009/#Process%20Creation)]
that may check for internet connectivity on compromised systems.

**Lateral Movement**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol

|

[T1021.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1021/001/)

|

The actors used RDP to move laterally to multiple hosts on the network.

|

**Mitigation:** Use MFA for remote logins
[[M1032](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1032)].

**Mitigation:** Disable the RDP service if it is unnecessary
[[M1042](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1042)].

**Mitigation:** Do not leave RDP accessible from the internet. Enable firewall
rules to block RDP traffic between network security zones within a network
[[M1030](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1030)].

**Mitigation:** Consider removing the local Administrators group from the list
of groups allowed to log in through RDP
[[M1026](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1026)].

**Detection:** Monitor for user accounts logged into systems associated with
RDP (ex: Windows EID 4624 Logon Type 10). Other factors, such as access
patterns (ex: multiple systems over a relatively short period of time) and
activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or
malicious behavior with RDP
[[DS0028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0028)].

**Command and Control**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Proxy

|

[T1090](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1090/)

|

The actors used Ngrok to proxy RDP connections and to perform command and
control.

|

**Mitigation:** Traffic to known anonymity networks and C2 infrastructure can
be blocked through the use of network allow and block lists
[[M1037](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1037)].

**Detection:** Monitor and analyze traffic patterns and packet inspection
associated to protocol(s) that do not follow the expected protocol standards
and traffic flows (e.g., extraneous packets that do not belong to established
flows, gratuitous or anomalous traffic patterns, anomalous syntax, or
structure)
[[DS0029](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0029)].

Ingress Tool Transfer

|

[T1105](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1105/)

|

The actors downloaded malware and multiple tools to the network, including
PsExec, Mimikatz, and Ngrok.

|

**Mitigation:** Employ anti-malware to automatically detect and quarantine
malicious scripts
[[M1049](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1049)].

### INCIDENT RESPONSE

If suspected initial access or compromise is detected based on IOCs or TTPs in
this CSA, CISA encourages organizations to assume lateral movement by threat
actors and investigate connected systems and the DC.

CISA recommends organizations apply the following steps **before applying**
any mitigations, including patching.

1. Immediately isolate affected systems.
2. Collect and review relevant logs, data, and artifacts. Take a memory capture of the device(s) and a forensic image capture for detailed analysis.
3. Consider soliciting support from a third-party incident response organization that can provide subject matter expertise to ensure the actor is eradicated from the network and to avoid residual issues that could enable follow-on exploitation.
4. Report incidents to CISA via CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center ([report@cisa.gov](https://us-cert.cisa.govmailto:report@cisa.gov) or 888-282-0870) or [your local FBI field office](https://us-cert.cisa.govwww.fbi.gov/contact-us/field), or FBI’s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by e-mail at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](https://us-cert.cisa.govmailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov).

### Mitigations

CISA and FBI recommend implementing the mitigations below and in Table 1 to
improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture on the basis of threat actor
behaviors.

* **Install updated builds to ensure affected VMware Horizon and UAG systems are updated to the latest version**.
* If updates or workarounds were not promptly applied following VMware’s [release of updates for Log4Shell in December 2021](https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0028.html), treat those VMware Horizon systems as compromised. Follow the pro-active incident response procedures outlined above prior to applying updates. If no compromise is detected, apply these updates as soon as possible.
* See VMware Security Advisory [VMSA-2021-0028.13](https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0028.html) and [VMware Knowledge Base (KB) 87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) to determine which VMware Horizon components are vulnerable.
* Note: Until the update is fully implemented, consider removing vulnerable components from the internet to limit the scope of traffic. While installing the updates, ensure network perimeter access controls are as restrictive as possible.
* If upgrading is not immediately feasible, see [KB87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) and [KB87092](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87092) for vendor-provided temporary workarounds. Implement temporary solutions using an account with administrative privileges. Note that these temporary solutions should not be treated as permanent fixes; vulnerable components should be upgraded to the latest build as soon as possible.
* Prior to implementing any temporary solution, ensure appropriate backups have been completed.
* Verify successful implementation of mitigations by executing the vendor supplied script Horizon_Windows_Log4j_Mitigations.zip without parameters to ensure that no vulnerabilities remain. See [KB87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) for details.
* **Keep all software up to date** and prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs)](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog).
* **Minimize the internet-facing attack surface** by hosting essential services on a segregated DMZ, ensuring strict network perimeter access controls, and not hosting internet-facing services that are not essential to business operations. Where possible, implement regularly updated web application firewalls (WAF) in front of public-facing services. WAFs can protect against web-based exploitation using signatures and heuristics that are likely to block or alert on malicious traffic.
* **Use best practices for identity and access management (IAM)** by implementing [phishing resistant multifactor authentication (MFA)](https://cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/fact-sheet-implementing-phishing-resistant-mfa-508c.pdf), enforcing use of strong passwords, regularly auditing administrator accounts and permissions, and limiting user access through the principle of least privilege. Disable inactive accounts uniformly across the AD, MFA systems, etc.
* If using Windows 10 version 1607 or Windows Server 2016 or later, monitor or disable Windows DefaultAccount, also known as the Default System Managed Account (DSMA).
* **Audit domain controllers to log** successful Kerberos Ticket Granting Service (TGS) requests and ensure the events are monitored for anomalous activity.
* Secure accounts.
* Enforce the principle of least privilege. Administrator accounts should have the minimum permission necessary to complete their tasks.
* Ensure there are unique and distinct administrative accounts for each set of administrative tasks.
* Create non-privileged accounts for privileged users and ensure they use the non-privileged accounts for all non-privileged access (e.g., web browsing, email access).
* **Create a deny list of known compromised credentials** and prevent users from using known-compromised passwords.
* **Secure credentials by restricting where accounts and credentials can be used** and by using local device credential protection features.
* Use virtualizing solutions on modern hardware and software to ensure credentials are securely stored.
* Ensure storage of clear text passwords in LSASS memory is disabled. Note: For Windows 8, this is enabled by default. For more information see Microsoft Security Advisory [Update to Improve Credentials Protection and Management](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-security-advisory-update-to-improve-credentials-protection-and-management-may-13-2014-93434251-04ac-b7f3-52aa-9f951c14b649).
* Consider disabling or limiting NTLM and WDigest Authentication.
* Implement Credential Guard for Windows 10 and Server 2016 (refer to Microsoft: Manage Windows Defender Credential Guard for more information). For Windows Server 2012R2, enable Protected Process Light for Local Security Authority (LSA).
* Minimize the AD attack surface to reduce malicious ticket-granting activity. Malicious activity such as “Kerberoasting” takes advantage of Kerberos’ TGS and can be used to obtain hashed credentials that threat actors attempt to crack.

### VALIDATE SECURITY CONTROLS

In addition to applying mitigations, CISA and FBI recommend exercising,
testing, and validating your organization’s security program against the
threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise framework in this
advisory. CISA and FBI recommend testing your existing security controls
inventory to assess how they perform against the ATT&CK techniques described
in this advisory.

To get started:

1. Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see table 1).
2. Align your security technologies against the technique.
3. Test your technologies against the technique.
4. Analyze your detection and prevention technologies performance.
5. Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
6. Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.

CISA and FBI recommend continually testing your security program, at scale, in
a production environment to ensure optimal performance against the MITRE
ATT&CK techniques identified in this advisory.

### References

* [[1] MITRE ATT&CK; Version 11: Software – Ngrok](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/)

### Revisions

* Initial Version: November 16, 2022

* * *

This product is provided subject to this [Notification](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/privacy/notification) and this [Privacy &
Use](https://www.dhs.gov/privacy-policy) policy.Original release date: November 16, 2022 | Last revised: November 25, 2022

### Summary

From mid-June through mid-July 2022, CISA conducted an incident response
engagement at a Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) organization where
CISA observed suspected advanced persistent threat (APT) activity. In the
course of incident response activities, CISA determined that cyber threat
actors exploited the Log4Shell vulnerability in an unpatched VMware Horizon
server, installed XMRig crypto mining software, moved laterally to the domain
controller (DC), compromised credentials, and then implanted Ngrok reverse
proxies on several hosts to maintain persistence. CISA and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI) assess that the FCEB network was compromised by Iranian
government-sponsored APT actors.

CISA and FBI are releasing this Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) providing the
suspected Iranian government-sponsored actors’ tactics, techniques, and
procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help network
defenders detect and protect against related compromises.

CISA and FBI encourage all organizations with affected VMware systems that did
not immediately apply available patches or workarounds to assume compromise
and initiate threat hunting activities. If suspected initial access or
compromise is detected based on IOCs or TTPs described in this CSA, CISA and
FBI encourage organizations to assume lateral movement by threat actors,
investigate connected systems (including the DC), and audit privileged
accounts. All organizations, regardless of identified evidence of compromise,
should apply the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this CSA to
protect against similar malicious cyber activity.

For more information on Iranian government-sponsored Iranian malicious cyber
activity, see CISA’s [Iran Cyber Threat Overview and
Advisories](https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/iran) webpage and FBI’s [Iran
Threats](https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/the-iran-threat)
webpage.

Download the PDF version of this report: [pdf, 528 kb](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/aa22-320a_joint_csa_iranian_government-
sponsored_apt_actors_compromise_federal%20network_deploy_crypto%20miner_credential_harvester.pdf).

For a downloadable copy of the Malware Analysis Report (MAR) accompanying this
report, see: [MAR 10387061-1.v1](https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/analysis-
reports/ar22-320a).

For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see: [AA22-320A.stix, 1.55 mb](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/AA22-320A.stix.xml).

### Technical Details

Note: This advisory uses the [MITRE ATT&CK for
Enterprise](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/matrices/enterprise/)
framework, version 11. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section for
a table of the threat actors’ activity mapped to MITRE ATT&CK® tactics and
techniques with corresponding mitigation and/or detection recommendations.

#### **Overview**

In April 2022, CISA conducted retrospective analysis using EINSTEIN—an FCEB-
wide intrusion detection system (IDS) operated and monitored by CISA—and
identified suspected APT activity on an FCEB organization’s network. CISA
observed bi-directional traffic between the network and a known malicious IP
address associated with exploitation of the Log4Shell vulnerability
(CVE-2021-44228) in VMware Horizon servers. In coordination with the FCEB
organization, CISA initiated threat hunting incident response activities;
however, prior to deploying an incident response team, CISA observed
additional suspected APT activity. Specifically, CISA observed HTTPS activity
from IP address 51.89.181[.]64 to the organization’s VMware server. Based on
trusted third-party reporting, 51.89.181[.]64 is a Lightweight Directory
Access Protocol (LDAP) server associated with threat actors exploiting
Log4Shell. Following HTTPS activity, CISA observed a suspected LDAP callback
on port 443 to this IP address. CISA also observed a DNS query for
us‐nation‐ny[.]cf that resolved back to 51.89.181[.]64 when the victim server
was returning this Log4Shell LDAP callback to the actors’ server.

CISA assessed that this traffic indicated a confirmed compromise based on the
successful callback to the indicator and informed the organization of these
findings; the organization investigated the activity and found signs of
compromise. As trusted-third party reporting associated Log4Shell activity
from 51.89.181[.]64 with lateral movement and targeting of DCs, CISA suspected
the threat actors had moved laterally and compromised the organization’s DC.

From mid-June through mid-July 2022, CISA conducted an onsite incident
response engagement and determined that the organization was compromised as
early as February 2022, by likely Iranian government-sponsored APT actors who
installed XMRig crypto mining software. The threat actors also moved laterally
to the domain controller, compromised credentials, and implanted Ngrok reverse
proxies.

#### **Threat Actor Activity**

In February 2022, the threat actors exploited Log4Shell [[T1190](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1190/)] for
initial access [[TA0001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/tactics/TA0001/)] to the
organization’s unpatched VMware Horizon server. As part of their initial
exploitation, CISA observed a connection to known malicious IP address
182.54.217[.]2 lasting 17.6 seconds.

The actors’ exploit payload ran the following PowerShell command
[[T1059.001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1059.001)] that
added an exclusion rule to Windows Defender [[T1562.001](https://us-
cert.cisa.govttps://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1562.001)]:

powershell try{Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath ‘C:\’; Write-Host ‘added-
exclusion’} catch {Write-Host ‘adding-exclusion-failed’ }; powershell -enc
“$BASE64 encoded payload to download next stage and execute it”

The exclusion rule allowlisted the entire c:\drive, enabling threat actors to
download tools to the c:\drive without virus scans. The exploit payload then
downloaded mdeploy.text from 182.54.217[.]2/mdepoy.txt to
C:\users\public\mde.ps1
[[T1105](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1105/)]. When
executed, mde.ps1 downloaded file.zip from 182.54.217[.]2 and removed mde.ps1
from the disk
[[T1070.004](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1070/004/)].

file.zip contained XMRig cryptocurrency mining software and associated
configuration files.

* WinRing0x64.sys – XMRig Miner driver
* wuacltservice.exe – XMRig Miner
* config.json – XMRig miner configuration
* RuntimeBroker.exe – Associated file. This file can create a local user account [[T1136.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/001/)] and tests for internet connectivity by pinging 8.8.8.8 [[T1016.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1016/001/)]. The exploit payload created a Scheduled Task [[T1053.005](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1053/005)] that executed RuntimeBroker.exe daily as SYSTEM. Note: By exploiting Log4Shell, the actors gained access to a VMware service account with administrator and system level access. The Scheduled Task was named RuntimeBrokerService.exe to masquerade as a legitimate Windows task.

See MAR 10387061-1.v1 for additional information, including IOCs, on these
four files.

After obtaining initial access and installing XMRig on the VMWare Horizon
server, the actors used RDP
[[T1021.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1021/001/)] and
the built-in Windows user account DefaultAccount
[[T1078.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1078/001/)] to
move laterally
[[TA0008](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/tactics/TA0008/)] to a VMware
VDI-KMS host. Once the threat actor established themselves on the VDI-KMS
host, CISA observed the actors download around 30 megabytes of files from
transfer[.]sh server associated with 144.76.136[.]153. The actors downloaded
the following tools:

* [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029/) – a Microsoft signed tool for system administrators.
* [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0002/) – a credential theft tool.
* [Ngrok](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/) – a reverse proxy tool for proxying an internal service out onto an Ngrok domain, which the user can then access at a randomly generated subdomain at *.ngrok[.]io. CISA has observed this tool in use by some commercial products for benign purposes; however, this process bypasses typical firewall controls and may be a potentially unwanted application in production environments. Ngrok is known to be used for malicious purposes.[[1](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/)]

The threat actors then executed Mimikatz on VDI-KMS to harvest credentials and
created a rogue domain administrator account
[[T1136.002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)].
Using the newly created account, the actors leveraged RDP to propagate to
several hosts within the network. Upon logging into each host, the actors
manually disabled Windows Defender via the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and
implanted Ngrok executables and configuration files. The threat actors were
able to implant Ngrok on multiple hosts to ensure Ngrok’s persistence should
they lose access to a machine during a routine reboot. The actors were able to
proxy [[T1090](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)]
RDP sessions, which were only observable on the local network as outgoing
HTTPS port 443 connections to tunnel.us.ngrok[.]com and korgn.su.lennut[.]com
(the prior domain in reverse). It is possible, but was not observed, that the
threat actors configured a custom domain, or used other Ngrok tunnel domains,
wildcarded here as *.ngrok[.]com, *.ngrok[.]io, ngrok.*.tunnel[.]com, or
korgn.*.lennut[.]com.

Once the threat actors established a deep foothold in the network and moved
laterally to the domain controller, they executed the following PowerShell
command on the Active Directory to obtain a list of all machines attached to
the domain [[T1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1018)]:

Powershell.exe get-adcomputer -filter * -properties * | select
name,operatingsystem,ipv4address >

The threat actors also changed the password for the local administrator
account [[T1098](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1098/)] on
several hosts as a backup should the rogue domain administrator account get
detected and terminated. Additionally, the threat actor was observed
attempting to dump the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS)
process
[[T1003.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1003/001)] with
task manager but this was stopped by additional anti-virus the FCEB
organization had installed.

### MITRE ATT&CK TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES

See table 1 for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques in this
advisory, as well as corresponding detection and/or mitigation
recommendations. For additional mitigations, see the Mitigations section.

_Table 1: Cyber Threat Actors ATT &CK Techniques for Enterprise_

**Initial Access**

—

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Exploit Public-Facing Application

|

[T1190](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1190/)

|

The actors exploited Log4Shell for initial access to the organization’s VMware
Horizon server.

|

**Mitigation/Detection:** Use a firewall or web-application firewall and
enable logging to prevent and detect potential Log4Shell exploitation attempts
[[M1050](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1050)].

**Mitigation:** Perform regular vulnerability scanning to detect Log4J
vulnerabilities and update Log4J software using vendor provided patches
[[M1016](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1016)],[[M1051](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1051)].

**Execution**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendation**

Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell

|

[T1059.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1059/001/)

|

The actors ran PowerShell commands that added an exclusion rule to Windows
Defender.

The actors executed PowerShell on the AD to obtain a list of machines on the
domain.

|

**Mitigation:** Disable or remove PowerShell for non-administrative users
[[M1042](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1042)],[[M1026](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1026)]
or enable code-signing to execute only signed scripts
[[M1045](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1045)].

**Mitigation:** Employ anti-malware to automatically detect and quarantine
malicious scripts
[[M1049](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1049)].

**Persistence**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Account Manipulation

|

[T1098](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1098/)

|

The actors changed the password for the local administrator account on several
hosts.

|

**Mitigation:** Use multifactor authentication for user and privileged
accounts [[M1032](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1032)].

**Detection:** Monitor events for changes to account objects and/or
permissions on systems and the domain, such as event IDs 4738, 4728, and
4670. Monitor for modification of accounts in correlation with other
suspicious activity
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Create Account: Local Account

|

[T1136.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136/001/)

|

The actors’ malware can create local user accounts.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure access controls and firewalls to limit access to
domain controllers and systems used to create and manage accounts.

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments for actions that are
associated with local account creation, such as net user /add , useradd, and
dscl -create
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/datasources/DS0017/#Command%20Execution)].

**Detection:** Enable logging for new user creation
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Create Account: Domain Account

|

[T1136.002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1136/002/)

|

The actors used Mimikatz to create a rogue domain administrator account.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure access controls and firewalls to limit access to
domain controllers and systems used to create and manage accounts.

**Detection:** Enable logging for new user creation, especially domain
administrator accounts
[[DS0002](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0002)].

Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task

|

[T1053.005](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1053/005/)

|

The actors’ exploit payload created Scheduled Task RuntimeBrokerService.exe,
which executed RuntimeBroker.exe daily as SYSTEM.

|

**Mitigation:** Configure settings for scheduled tasks to force tasks to run
under the context of the authenticated account instead of allowing them to run
as SYSTEM [[M1028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1028)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed processes and/or command-lines
that execute from the svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task
Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)]

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed scheduled jobs by enabling the
Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational setting within the event logging
service [[DS0003](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0003)].

Valid Accounts: Default Accounts

|

[T1078.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1078/001/)

|

The actors used built-in Windows user account DefaultAccount.

|

**Mitigation:** Change default usernames and passwords immediately after the
installation and before deployment to a production environment
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Develop rules to monitor logon behavior across default accounts
that have been activated or logged into
[[DS0028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0028)].

**Defense Evasion**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools

|

[T1562.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1562/001/)

|

The actors added an exclusion rule to Windows Defender. The tool allowlisted
the entire c:\drive, enabling the actors to bypass virus scans for tools they
downloaded to the c:\drive.

The actors manually disabled Windows Defender via the GUI.

|

**Mitigation:** Ensure proper user permissions are in place to prevent
adversaries from disabling or interfering with security services.
[[M1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1018)].

**Detection:** Monitor for changes made to Windows Registry keys and/or values
related to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools
such as HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
[[DS0024](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0024)].

**Detection:** Monitor for telemetry that provides context for modification or
deletion of information related to security software processes or services
such as Windows Defender definition files in Windows and System log files in
Linux [[DS0013](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0013)].

**Detection:** Monitor processes for unexpected termination related to
security tools/services
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion

|

[T1070.004](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1070/004/)

|

The actors removed malicious file mde.ps1 from the dis.

|

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments for actions that could
be utilized to unlink, rename, or delete files
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Detection:** Monitor for unexpected deletion of files from the system
[[DS0022](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0022)].

**Credential Access**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory

|

[T1003.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1003/001)

|

The actors were observed trying to dump LSASS process.

|

**Mitigation:** With Windows 10, Microsoft implemented new protections called
Credential Guard to protect the LSA secrets that can be used to obtain
credentials through forms of credential dumping
[[M1043](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1043)]

**Mitigation:** On Windows 10, enable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules to
secure LSASS and prevent credential stealing
[[M1040](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1040)].

**Mitigation:** Ensure that local administrator accounts have complex, unique
passwords across all systems on the network
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with LSASS.exe.
Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access LSASS.exe by opening the
process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory
where credential details are stored.
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may attempt to
access credential material stored in the process memory of the LSASS
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

Credentials from Password Stores

|

[T1555](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1555/)

|

The actors used Mimikatz to harvest credentials.

|

**Mitigation:** Organizations may consider weighing the risk of storing
credentials in password stores and web browsers. If system, software, or web
browser credential disclosure is a significant concern, technical controls,
policy, and user training may be used to prevent storage of credentials in
improper locations
[[M1027](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1027)].

**Detection:** Monitor for processes being accessed that may search for common
password storage locations to obtain user credentials
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may search for
common password storage locations to obtain user credentials
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Discovery**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Remote System Discovery

|

[T1018](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1018)

|

The actors executed a PowerShell command on the AD to obtain a list of all
machines attached to the domain.

|

**Detection:** Monitor executed commands and arguments that may attempt to get
a listing of other systems by IP address, hostname, or other logical
identifier on a network that may be used for lateral movement
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly constructed network connections associated
with pings/scans that may attempt to get a listing of other systems by IP
address, hostname, or other logical identifier on a network that may be used
for lateral movement
[[DS0029](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0029)].

**Detection:** Monitor for newly executed processes that can be used to
discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when
executed in quick succession
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009)].

System Network Configuration Discovery: Internet Connection Discovery

|

[T1016.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1016/001/)

|

The actors’ malware tests for internet connectivity by pinging 8.8.8.8.

|

**Mitigation:** Monitor executed commands, arguments
[[DS0017](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0017/#Command%20Execution)]
and executed processes (e.g., tracert or ping)
[[DS0009](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0009/#Process%20Creation)]
that may check for internet connectivity on compromised systems.

**Lateral Movement**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol

|

[T1021.001](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1021/001/)

|

The actors used RDP to move laterally to multiple hosts on the network.

|

**Mitigation:** Use MFA for remote logins
[[M1032](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1032)].

**Mitigation:** Disable the RDP service if it is unnecessary
[[M1042](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1042)].

**Mitigation:** Do not leave RDP accessible from the internet. Enable firewall
rules to block RDP traffic between network security zones within a network
[[M1030](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1030)].

**Mitigation:** Consider removing the local Administrators group from the list
of groups allowed to log in through RDP
[[M1026](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1026)].

**Detection:** Monitor for user accounts logged into systems associated with
RDP (ex: Windows EID 4624 Logon Type 10). Other factors, such as access
patterns (ex: multiple systems over a relatively short period of time) and
activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or
malicious behavior with RDP
[[DS0028](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0028)].

**Command and Control**

**Technique Title**

|

**ID**

|

**Use**

|

**Recommendations**

Proxy

|

[T1090](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1090/)

|

The actors used Ngrok to proxy RDP connections and to perform command and
control.

|

**Mitigation:** Traffic to known anonymity networks and C2 infrastructure can
be blocked through the use of network allow and block lists
[[M1037](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1037)].

**Detection:** Monitor and analyze traffic patterns and packet inspection
associated to protocol(s) that do not follow the expected protocol standards
and traffic flows (e.g., extraneous packets that do not belong to established
flows, gratuitous or anomalous traffic patterns, anomalous syntax, or
structure)
[[DS0029](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/datasources/DS0029)].

Ingress Tool Transfer

|

[T1105](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/techniques/T1105/)

|

The actors downloaded malware and multiple tools to the network, including
PsExec, Mimikatz, and Ngrok.

|

**Mitigation:** Employ anti-malware to automatically detect and quarantine
malicious scripts
[[M1049](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/mitigations/M1049)].

### INCIDENT RESPONSE

If suspected initial access or compromise is detected based on IOCs or TTPs in
this CSA, CISA encourages organizations to assume lateral movement by threat
actors and investigate connected systems and the DC.

CISA recommends organizations apply the following steps **before applying**
any mitigations, including patching.

1. Immediately isolate affected systems.
2. Collect and review relevant logs, data, and artifacts. Take a memory capture of the device(s) and a forensic image capture for detailed analysis.
3. Consider soliciting support from a third-party incident response organization that can provide subject matter expertise to ensure the actor is eradicated from the network and to avoid residual issues that could enable follow-on exploitation.
4. Report incidents to CISA via CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center ([report@cisa.gov](https://us-cert.cisa.govmailto:report@cisa.gov) or 888-282-0870) or [your local FBI field office](https://us-cert.cisa.govwww.fbi.gov/contact-us/field), or FBI’s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch) at (855) 292-3937 or by e-mail at [CyWatch@fbi.gov](https://us-cert.cisa.govmailto:CyWatch@fbi.gov).

### Mitigations

CISA and FBI recommend implementing the mitigations below and in Table 1 to
improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture on the basis of threat actor
behaviors.

* **Install updated builds to ensure affected VMware Horizon and UAG systems are updated to the latest version**.
* If updates or workarounds were not promptly applied following VMware’s [release of updates for Log4Shell in December 2021](https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0028.html), treat those VMware Horizon systems as compromised. Follow the pro-active incident response procedures outlined above prior to applying updates. If no compromise is detected, apply these updates as soon as possible.
* See VMware Security Advisory [VMSA-2021-0028.13](https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0028.html) and [VMware Knowledge Base (KB) 87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) to determine which VMware Horizon components are vulnerable.
* Note: Until the update is fully implemented, consider removing vulnerable components from the internet to limit the scope of traffic. While installing the updates, ensure network perimeter access controls are as restrictive as possible.
* If upgrading is not immediately feasible, see [KB87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) and [KB87092](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87092) for vendor-provided temporary workarounds. Implement temporary solutions using an account with administrative privileges. Note that these temporary solutions should not be treated as permanent fixes; vulnerable components should be upgraded to the latest build as soon as possible.
* Prior to implementing any temporary solution, ensure appropriate backups have been completed.
* Verify successful implementation of mitigations by executing the vendor supplied script Horizon_Windows_Log4j_Mitigations.zip without parameters to ensure that no vulnerabilities remain. See [KB87073](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87073) for details.
* **Keep all software up to date** and prioritize patching [known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs)](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog).
* **Minimize the internet-facing attack surface** by hosting essential services on a segregated DMZ, ensuring strict network perimeter access controls, and not hosting internet-facing services that are not essential to business operations. Where possible, implement regularly updated web application firewalls (WAF) in front of public-facing services. WAFs can protect against web-based exploitation using signatures and heuristics that are likely to block or alert on malicious traffic.
* **Use best practices for identity and access management (IAM)** by implementing [phishing resistant multifactor authentication (MFA)](https://cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/fact-sheet-implementing-phishing-resistant-mfa-508c.pdf), enforcing use of strong passwords, regularly auditing administrator accounts and permissions, and limiting user access through the principle of least privilege. Disable inactive accounts uniformly across the AD, MFA systems, etc.
* If using Windows 10 version 1607 or Windows Server 2016 or later, monitor or disable Windows DefaultAccount, also known as the Default System Managed Account (DSMA).
* **Audit domain controllers to log** successful Kerberos Ticket Granting Service (TGS) requests and ensure the events are monitored for anomalous activity.
* Secure accounts.
* Enforce the principle of least privilege. Administrator accounts should have the minimum permission necessary to complete their tasks.
* Ensure there are unique and distinct administrative accounts for each set of administrative tasks.
* Create non-privileged accounts for privileged users and ensure they use the non-privileged accounts for all non-privileged access (e.g., web browsing, email access).
* **Create a deny list of known compromised credentials** and prevent users from using known-compromised passwords.
* **Secure credentials by restricting where accounts and credentials can be used** and by using local device credential protection features.
* Use virtualizing solutions on modern hardware and software to ensure credentials are securely stored.
* Ensure storage of clear text passwords in LSASS memory is disabled. Note: For Windows 8, this is enabled by default. For more information see Microsoft Security Advisory [Update to Improve Credentials Protection and Management](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-security-advisory-update-to-improve-credentials-protection-and-management-may-13-2014-93434251-04ac-b7f3-52aa-9f951c14b649).
* Consider disabling or limiting NTLM and WDigest Authentication.
* Implement Credential Guard for Windows 10 and Server 2016 (refer to Microsoft: Manage Windows Defender Credential Guard for more information). For Windows Server 2012R2, enable Protected Process Light for Local Security Authority (LSA).
* Minimize the AD attack surface to reduce malicious ticket-granting activity. Malicious activity such as “Kerberoasting” takes advantage of Kerberos’ TGS and can be used to obtain hashed credentials that threat actors attempt to crack.

### VALIDATE SECURITY CONTROLS

In addition to applying mitigations, CISA and FBI recommend exercising,
testing, and validating your organization’s security program against the
threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise framework in this
advisory. CISA and FBI recommend testing your existing security controls
inventory to assess how they perform against the ATT&CK techniques described
in this advisory.

To get started:

1. Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see table 1).
2. Align your security technologies against the technique.
3. Test your technologies against the technique.
4. Analyze your detection and prevention technologies performance.
5. Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
6. Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.

CISA and FBI recommend continually testing your security program, at scale, in
a production environment to ensure optimal performance against the MITRE
ATT&CK techniques identified in this advisory.

### References

* [[1] MITRE ATT&CK; Version 11: Software – Ngrok](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v11/software/S0508/)

### Revisions

* Initial Version: November 16, 2022

* * *

This product is provided subject to this [Notification](https://us-
cert.cisa.gov/privacy/notification) and this [Privacy &
Use](https://www.dhs.gov/privacy-policy) policy. November 16 2022 09:04:03
AA22-320A: Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Actors Compromise Federal Network, Deploy Crypto Miner, Credential Harvester