New Malware that utilizes 7 NSA Hacking Tools: WannaCry Used 2

A security researcher has identified a new strain of malware that also spreads itself by exploiting flaws in Windows SMB file sharing protocol, but unlike the WannaCry Ransomware that uses only two leaked NSA hacking tools, it exploits all the seven.

Multiple hacking groups are exploiting leaked NSA hacking tools, but almost all of them were making use of only two tools: EternalBlue and DoublePulsar.

Now, Miroslav Stampar, a security researcher who created famous ‘sqlmap’ tool and now a member of the Croatian Government CERT, has discovered a new network worm, dubbed EternalRocks, which is more dangerous than WannaCry and has no kill-switch in it.

Unlike WannaCry, EternalRocks seems to be designed to function secretly in order to ensure that it remains undetectable on the affected system.

However, Stampar learned of EternalRocks after it infected his SMB honeypot.

The NSA exploits used by EternalRocks, which Stampar called “DoomsDayWorm” on Twitter, includes:

  1. EternalBlue — SMBv1 exploit tool
  2. EternalRomance — SMBv1 exploit tool
  3. EternalChampion — SMBv2 exploit tool
  4. EternalSynergy — SMBv3 exploit tool
  5. SMBTouch — SMB reconnaissance tool
  6. ArchTouch — SMB reconnaissance tool
  7. DoublePulsar — Backdoor Trojan

SMBTouch and ArchTouch are SMB reconnaissance tools, designed to scan for open SMB ports on the public internet.

Whereas EternalBlue, EternalChampion, EternalSynergy and EternalRomance are SMB exploits, designed to compromise vulnerable Windows computers.
And, DoublePulsar is then used to spread the worm from one affected computers to the other vulnerable machines across the same network.

Stampar found that EternalRocks disguises itself as WannaCry to fool security researchers, but instead of dropping ransomware, it gains unauthorized control on the affected computer to launch future cyber attacks.

Here’s How EternalRocks Attack Works:

EternalRocks installation takes place in a two-stage process.

During the first stage, EternalRocks downloads the Tor web browser on the affected computers, which is then used to connect to its command-and-control (C&C) server located on the Tor network on the Dark Web.

“First stage malware UpdateInstaller.exe (got through remote exploitation with second stage malware) downloads necessary .NET components (for later stages) TaskScheduler and SharpZLib from the Internet, while dropping svchost.exe (e.g. sample) and taskhost.exe (e.g. sample),” Stampar says.

According to Stampar, the second stage comes with a delay of 24 hours in an attempt to avoid sandboxing techniques, making the worm infection undetectable.

After 24 hours, EternalRocks responds to the C&C server with an archive containing the seven Windows SMB exploits mentioned above.

“Component svchost.exe is used for downloading, unpacking and running Tor from archive.torproject.org along with C&C (ubgdgno5eswkhmpy.onion) communication requesting further instructions (e.g. installation of new components),” Stampar adds.

All the seven SMB exploits are then downloaded to the infected computer. EternalRocks then scans the internet for open SMB ports to spread itself to other vulnerable systems as well.

We are obviously researching on malware and system vulnerabilities that have existed and those emerging. The recent cyber attacks have been an eye opener for us here at cod.e and opened lengthened discussions and reading into how, as we advance in technology, security becomes a primary need.

kivuti kamau

Data Modelling, Design & Development

Press ESC to close