Cyber Threat Report: 'Earth Preta Campaign Uses DOPLUGS to Target Asia'

This blog post by researchers from Trend Micro describes the use of a customized PlugX backdoor which they name DOPLUGS. The DOPLUGS malware uses the 'KillSomeOne' module which is a USB worm. The researchers attribute the activity to the APT group Earth Preta. The blog post outlines TTPs used in the campaign and provides technical analysis and indicators of compromise.

Pre-compromise

This category is used for any applicable mitigation activities that apply to techniques occurring before an adversary gains Initial Access, such as Reconnaissance and Resource Development techniques.

Execution Prevention

Block execution of code on a system through application control, and/or script blocking.

User Training

Train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spearphishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction.

Behavior Prevention on Endpoint

Use capabilities to prevent suspicious behavior patterns from occurring on endpoint systems. This could include suspicious process, file, API call, etc. behavior.

Data Loss Prevention

Use a data loss prevention (DLP) strategy to categorize sensitive data, identify data formats indicative of personal identifiable information (PII), and restrict exfiltration of sensitive data.(Citation: PurpleSec Data Loss Prevention)

Limit Hardware Installation

Block users or groups from installing or using unapproved hardware on systems, including USB devices.

Disable or Remove Feature or Program

Remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

Network Intrusion Prevention

Use intrusion detection signatures to block traffic at network boundaries.

Application Developer Guidance

This mitigation describes any guidance or training given to developers of applications to avoid introducing security weaknesses that an adversary may be able to take advantage of.

Update Software

Perform regular software updates to mitigate exploitation risk.

Audit

Perform audits or scans of systems, permissions, insecure software, insecure configurations, etc. to identify potential weaknesses.

Restrict File and Directory Permissions

Restrict access by setting directory and file permissions that are not specific to users or privileged accounts.

Remote Data Storage

Use remote security log and sensitive file storage where access can be controlled better to prevent exposure of intrusion detection log data or sensitive information.

Code Signing

Enforce binary and application integrity with digital signature verification to prevent untrusted code from executing.

User Account Management

Manage the creation, modification, use, and permissions associated to user accounts.

Privileged Account Management

Manage the creation, modification, use, and permissions associated to privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Operating System Configuration

Make configuration changes related to the operating system or a common feature of the operating system that result in system hardening against techniques.

Restrict Web-Based Content

Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc.

Software Configuration

Implement configuration changes to software (other than the operating system) to mitigate security risks associated to how the software operates.

Filter Network Traffic

Use network appliances to filter ingress or egress traffic and perform protocol-based filtering. Configure software on endpoints to filter network traffic.

SSL/TLS Inspection

Break and inspect SSL/TLS sessions to look at encrypted web traffic for adversary activity.