The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) have jointly released a report alerting organizations to a new wave of supply chain attacks exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in MagicLine4NX software. Attributed to the Lazarus threat group based in North Korea, these attacks, dubbed Operation Dream Magic, specifically target organizations globally, with a focus on those in South Korea. The identified flaw affects MagicLine4NX versions prior to 1.0.026, making users of these versions susceptible to compromise. Operation Dream Magic follows a distinctive attack pattern.
It begins with a watering hole technique where the attackers compromise a media outlet’s website, embedding malicious scripts into articles. These scripts are designed to target visitors with specific IP ranges. Users employing the vulnerable MagicLine4NX software who visit the compromised site inadvertently execute the malicious code, providing attackers with control over their systems. The malicious code’s functions include reconnaissance, data exfiltration, downloading and executing encrypted payloads from the command and control server, and lateral movement within the network. The attackers then exploit the data synchronization function to propagate the information-stealing code to the server on the business side, ultimately compromising PCs within the targeted organization.
Lazarus Group’s modus operandi has consistently involved supply chain attacks and the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities as part of its cyber warfare tactics. Recent instances include leveraging a trojanized version of CyberLink software to distribute LambLoad malware globally and a supply chain attack by Labyrinth Chollima, a Lazarus subgroup, using a malicious version of the 3CX desktop app. Beyond these supply chain attacks, Lazarus has a track record of engaging in multiple cryptocurrency thefts, accumulating over $290 million from five crypto heists within three months. The report concludes by emphasizing the critical importance for organizations to update MagicLine4NX to the latest version, secure network-linked systems, and monitor for unauthorized activities to enhance cybersecurity and mitigate potential risks.
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