Stargazer Goblin | |
Date of Initial Activity | 2022 |
Location | Unknown |
Suspected Attribution | Cybercriminals |
Motivation | FInancial Gain |
Overview
In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the emergence of sophisticated threat groups poses significant challenges for both cybersecurity professionals and everyday users. One such group, known as Stargazer Goblin, has gained notoriety for its innovative use of GitHub as a platform for distributing malware and phishing attacks. This group operates a network of “Ghost” accounts—fake profiles that mimic legitimate users on GitHub—to promote and disseminate malicious content, effectively creating a robust distribution channel for their cybercriminal activities. Their operations exemplify a new trend in malware distribution, leveraging the appearance of legitimacy to lure unsuspecting victims.
The Stargazers Ghost Network, as identified by Check Point Research, is characterized by its intricate tactics that go beyond traditional malware distribution methods. Unlike previous techniques that primarily relied on email attachments or direct links to malicious software, Stargazer Goblin utilizes GitHub repositories to host phishing templates and malware. These repositories are adorned with multiple “stars” and are actively engaged by a network of accounts, giving the illusion of legitimacy. The group employs a Distribution as a Service (DaaS) model, allowing them to scale their operations and reach a broader audience, making it increasingly difficult for cybersecurity defenses to detect and mitigate their activities.
Common Targets
Information
Attack vectors
Web Browsing
How they work
At the core of their operations lies the creation of a Ghost Network, consisting of over 3,000 active accounts identified by researchers. Each account plays a specific role within this network:
Repository Accounts: These accounts host the malicious repositories containing the phishing links and other malicious files. By creating repositories with enticing names or themes, the actors attract potential victims.
Commit Accounts: This category of accounts is responsible for regularly updating the repository content. When a malicious link is flagged or detected, these accounts swiftly modify the repository by changing the links, thereby ensuring continuous access to the malicious payloads.
Release Accounts: These accounts focus on uploading the malware within password-protected archives. By encrypting the malicious files, the actors aim to evade scanning mechanisms employed by security solutions. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the detection efforts.
Stargazer Accounts: Engaging in activities typical of genuine users, these accounts increase the repository’s credibility. By artificially inflating the activity around their repositories, they make it harder for security systems to identify and flag them as malicious.
The Atlantida Stealer Campaign
A significant campaign associated with Stargazer Goblin is the distribution of Atlantida Stealer, a type of malware designed to extract sensitive information from infected systems. This campaign highlights the technical proficiency of the group and their adaptability in leveraging multiple platforms for their operations. The attack chain begins with links shared on platforms like Discord, directing users to malicious GitHub repositories.
Upon reaching the repository, victims are encouraged to download files masquerading as harmless content. However, these downloads often contain .HTA files that execute embedded VBScript code. This code is structured to steal user credentials and sensitive information while remaining stealthy. Once the malware is installed, it can exfiltrate data back to the attackers, often without the victim’s knowledge.
The Stargazer Goblin exhibits operational efficiency by ensuring that, once a malicious link is detected and taken down, the commit accounts promptly update the repository with new links. This adaptability allows them to maintain a persistent threat, constantly evolving to evade cybersecurity defenses.
Conclusion
The Stargazer Goblin threat actor illustrates the sophisticated techniques employed by modern cybercriminals. Their ability to exploit legitimate platforms like GitHub, coupled with their use of structured networks and role-based accounts, makes them a formidable adversary in the realm of cybersecurity. As this group continues to refine its methods, it underscores the need for constant vigilance, enhanced detection capabilities, and proactive security measures to combat evolving threats in the digital landscape. Understanding the technical operations of groups like Stargazer Goblin is crucial for cybersecurity professionals seeking to protect their organizations from the myriad of cyber threats that exist today.