![]() ![]() Mandiant has observed over 30 confirmed targeted APT42 operations spanning these categories since early 2015. The group likely incorporates these tools into their operations when the objectives extend beyond credential harvesting. Malware deployment: While APT42 primarily prefers credential harvesting over activity on disk, several custom backdoors and lightweight tools complement its arsenal.Surveillance operations: As of at least late 2015, a subset of APT42’s infrastructure served as command-and-control (C2) servers for Android mobile malware designed to track locations, monitor communications, and generally surveil the activities of individuals of interest to the Iranian government, including activists and dissidents inside Iran.Mandiant also has indications that the group leverages credential harvesting to collect Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) codes to bypass authentication methods and has used compromised credentials to pursue access to the networks, devices, and accounts of employers, colleagues, and relatives of the initial victim. Credential harvesting: APT42 frequently targets corporate and personal email accounts through highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns with enhanced emphasis on building trust and rapport with the target before attempting to steal their credentials.In addition, APT42 infrequently uses Windows malware to complement their credential harvesting and surveillance efforts.ĪPT42 operations broadly fall into three categories: APT42 OperationsĪPT42 uses highly targeted spear-phishing and social engineering techniques designed to build trust and rapport with their victims in order to access their personal or corporate email accounts or to install Android malware on their mobile devices. Read the APT42 report now, and check out our podcast for even more information on APT42. APT42 partially coincides with public reporting on TA453 ( Proofpoint), Yellow Garuda ( PwC), ITG18 ( IBM X-Force), Phosphorus ( Microsoft), and Charming Kitten ( ClearSky and CERTFA). The full published report covers APT42’s recent and historical activity dating back to at least 2015, the group’s tactics, techniques, and procedures, targeting patterns, and elucidates historical connections to APT35. We estimate with moderate confidence that APT42 operates on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)’s Intelligence Organization (IRGC-IO) based on targeting patterns that align with the organization’s operational mandates and priorities. Today, Mandiant is releasing a comprehensive report detailing APT42, an Iranian state-sponsored cyber espionage group tasked with conducting information collection and surveillance operations against individuals and organizations of strategic interest to the Iranian government. Create a Free Mandiant Advantage Account. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |