Cyber Threat Report: 'CVE-2024-21412: DarkGate Operators Exploit Microsoft Windows SmartScreen Bypass in Zero-Day Campaign'

This report by TrendMicro's Zero Day Initiative describes a campaign associated with the DarkGate ransomware. According to the post, DarkGate operators used fake software installers to exploit a Microsoft Windows SmartScreen bypass (CVE-2024-21412), leading to infection with DarkGate. Actors utilized PDFs with Google DoubleClick Digital Marketing open redirects to lure victims to compromised sites. The report includes detailed analysis of the infection process, including use of open redirects, exploitation of CVE-2024-21412, and sideloading DLL files.

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.