DEDESEC (Cybercriminals) – Threat Actor

Overview

Common targets

Health Care and Social Assistance

China

Attack Vectors

Software Vulnerabilities

How they operate

One of the group’s most notable tactics is website and database exploitation. DEDESEC leverages common vulnerabilities in outdated or improperly configured content management systems (CMS) and web applications. For example, in their attack on the Chinese General Hospital, the group gained unauthorized access to the hospital’s database. This breach involved exploiting security gaps that allowed them to extract and expose sensitive patient data. These attacks are often initiated using SQL injection techniques, a method where the attacker injects malicious SQL queries into input fields, allowing them to bypass security measures and gain access to backend databases. Once inside the system, they are capable of manipulating data or exfiltrating it for later use or publication on dark web forums.

DEDESEC’s operations also extend to exploiting unsecured or poorly configured network services, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers, which often have weak passwords or lack proper authentication. These vulnerabilities are ripe for exploitation, as many organizations, especially in sectors like healthcare, neglect to enforce strong security practices on these critical access points. DEDESEC is known to target healthcare providers and other critical sectors, where sensitive information can be stolen and exploited for financial gain or to disrupt operations.

In some of their operations, DEDESEC has demonstrated the ability to gain initial access through phishing campaigns. These campaigns are often well-crafted and targeted, relying on social engineering techniques to trick individuals into providing their login credentials or clicking on malicious links. Once the group gains access to internal systems, they move laterally through the network, escalating their privileges to obtain full control over the targeted organization’s digital assets. This method is typically paired with other techniques, such as creating backdoors or exploiting known vulnerabilities in third-party software to maintain persistent access.

Once DEDESEC has compromised a network, they generally proceed with exfiltrating data or defacing websites to draw attention to their activities. The stolen data is typically sold on the dark web or used for further extortion, sometimes in the form of ransom demands or threats to leak more sensitive information. In some cases, they may also post details about the attack, including stolen data or internal communications, as a way of humiliating the targeted organization and demonstrating their control over the compromised systems. The group often communicates with its audience via dark web forums, using these platforms to announce their attacks and showcase their capabilities.

DEDESEC’s attacks, though often characterized as being for “fun” or entertainment, demonstrate a clear technical proficiency and a deep understanding of security weaknesses within organizations. Their use of advanced attack vectors, such as SQL injection, social engineering, and exploiting unsecured services, reveals a well-rounded technical skill set. Their growing influence in the cybercrime ecosystem highlights the importance for organizations to adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including regular patching of vulnerabilities, implementation of strong access controls, and employee awareness training to mitigate the risks posed by groups like DEDESEC.

• Chinese General Hospital hit by data breach- report