Source URL: https://blog.talosintelligence.com/pathwiper-targets-ukraine/
Source: Cisco Talos Blog
Title: Newly identified wiper malware “PathWiper” targets critical infrastructure in Ukraine
Feedly Summary: Cisco Talos observed a destructive attack on a critical infrastructure entity within Ukraine, using a previously unknown wiper we are calling “PathWiper.”
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Cisco Talos has reported a destructive cyber attack on critical infrastructure in Ukraine perpetrated by a Russian APT group using a new type of malware called “PathWiper.” This wiper malware utilizes administrative access to execute destructive commands, indicating a significant threat to infrastructure security, and showcases the evolving tactics of cyber attackers targeting critical systems.
Detailed Description:
The analysis discusses the emergence of a novel wiper malware, PathWiper, which targets critical infrastructure in Ukraine, illustrating significant implications for infrastructure and cybersecurity. The malware was deployed using a legitimate endpoint administration tool, suggesting that attackers had access to administrative consoles.
Key Insights Include:
– **Attack Overview**:
– PathWiper is a newly identified wiper malware affecting Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
– The attack leverages an endpoint administration framework, hinting at prior administrative access by attackers.
– Attributes the attack to a Russia-based APT, reinforcing ongoing cybersecurity threats in the region.
– **Wiper Capabilities**:
– PathWiper is designed to overwrite file system artifacts with random data, rendering the data unrecoverable.
– It gathers information on storage media and uses complex execution strategies to maximize the extent of the damage.
– The technique resembles past malware, such as HermeticWiper, but with more sophisticated methods for identifying and destroying data.
– **Protection Mechanisms Offered**:
– Cisco Secure Endpoint can prevent execution of similar malware.
– Cisco technologies can detect and block malicious activities — including Cisco Secure Firewall, Secure Email, and Secure Malware Analytics.
– Emphasis on Cisco’s Zero Trust principles that mitigate risk by implementing stringent access controls.
– **Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)**:
– The text provides specific IOCs which are critical for organizations to set alerts and block potential threats related to PathWiper.
– **Wider Threat Landscape**:
– The recurring nature of wiper malware underlines the persistent risk to critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and threat awareness.
This report serves as an essential update for professionals focused on infrastructure security and incident response, particularly in regions vulnerable to state-sponsored cyber threats. The evolution of wiper malware like PathWiper highlights the importance of proactive defenses and intelligence-sharing frameworks in mitigating risks associated with advanced persistent threats.