Cyber Security Threat Summary:
The recent Clop ransomware attack targeted the MOVEit Transfer file-transfer platform, resulting in compromised networks worldwide. The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Managed File Transfer (MFT) application using a structured query language (SQL) attack vector. The compromised platforms contained sensitive data, potentially exposing a wide range of sensitive customer information from various industries and geographies. Affected entities included U.S. government agencies, airlines, media companies, an oil giant, health services, and international consulting firms.

Security Officer Comments:
File-transfer platforms are attractive targets for attackers due to the presence of sensitive data. In this case, the compromise of MOVEit Transfer allowed threat actors to gain access to valuable information from diverse organizations. The attack involved a remote code execution method, enabling attackers to probe, exploit, and upload a webshell to exfiltrate data from vulnerable internet-facing servers. While some have drawn comparisons to the SolarWinds supply chain attack, there are notable differences. The Clop attack focused on exploiting vulnerabilities in a specific application rather than compromising the software supply chain.

Suggested Correction(s):
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.

Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk- based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.

Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?

Check Your Security Team's Work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.

Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.

Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained how to avoid and spot phishing emails. Multi Factor authentication can help prevent malicious access to sensitive services.

Link(s):
https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2023/06/clop-ransomware-and-moveit-cyberattack