#FactCheck - Bangladeshi Migrant’s Arrest Misrepresented as Indian in Viral Video!

Executive Summary:

BrazenBamboo’s DEEPDATA malware represents a new wave of advanced cyber espionage tools, exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient to extract VPN credentials and sensitive data through fileless malware techniques and secure C2 communications. With its modular design, DEEPDATA targets browsers, messaging apps, and password stores, while leveraging reflective DLL injection and encrypted DNS to evade detection. Cross-platform compatibility with tools like DEEPPOST and LightSpy highlights a coordinated development effort, enhancing its espionage capabilities. To mitigate such threats, organizations must enforce network segmentation, deploy advanced monitoring tools, patch vulnerabilities promptly, and implement robust endpoint protection. Vendors are urged to adopt security-by-design practices and incentivize vulnerability reporting, as vigilance and proactive planning are critical to combating this sophisticated threat landscape.

Introduction

The increased use of zero-day vulnerabilities by more complex threat actors reinforces the importance of more developed countermeasures. One of the threat actors identified is BrazenBamboo uses a zero-day vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient for Windows through the DEEPDATA advanced malware framework. This research explores technical details about DEEPDATA, the tricks used in its operations, and its other effects.

Technical Findings

1. Vulnerability Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in Fortinet’s FortiClient lies in its failure to securely handle sensitive information in memory. DEEPDATA capitalises on this flaw via a specialised plugin, which:

• Accesses the VPN client’s process memory.
• Extracts unencrypted VPN credentials from memory, bypassing typical security protections.
• Transfers credentials to a remote C2 server via encrypted communication channels.

2. Modular Architecture

DEEPDATA exhibits a highly modular design, with its core components comprising:

• Loader Module (data.dll): Decrypts and executes other payloads.
• Orchestrator Module (frame.dll): Manages the execution of multiple plugins.
• FortiClient Plugin: Specifically designed to target Fortinet’s VPN client.

Each plugin operates independently, allowing flexibility in attack strategies depending on the target system.

3. Command-and-Control (C2) Communication

DEEPDATA establishes secure channels to its C2 infrastructure using WebSocket and HTTPS protocols, enabling stealthy exfiltration of harvested data. Technical analysis of network traffic revealed:

• Dynamic IP switching for C2 servers to evade detection.
• Use of Domain Fronting, hiding C2 communication within legitimate HTTPS traffic.
• Time-based communication intervals to minimise anomalies in network behavior.

4. Advanced Credential Harvesting Techniques

Beyond VPN credentials, DEEPDATA is capable of:

• Dumping password stores from popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
• Extracting application-level credentials from messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype.
• Intercepting credentials stored in local databases used by apps like KeePass and Microsoft Outlook.

5. Persistence Mechanisms

To maintain long-term access, DEEPDATA employs sophisticated persistence techniques:

• Registry-based persistence: Modifies Windows registry keys to reload itself upon system reboot.
• DLL Hijacking: Substitutes legitimate DLLs with malicious ones to execute during normal application operations.
• Scheduled Tasks and Services: Configures scheduled tasks to periodically execute the malware, ensuring continuous operation even if detected and partially removed.

Additional Tools in BrazenBamboo’s Arsenal

1. DEEPPOST

A complementary tool used for data exfiltration, DEEPPOST facilitates the transfer of sensitive files, including system logs, captured credentials, and recorded user activities, to remote endpoints.

2. LightSpy Variants

• The Windows variant includes a lightweight installer that downloads orchestrators and plugins, expanding espionage capabilities across platforms.
• Shellcode-based execution ensures that LightSpy’s payload operates entirely in memory, minimising artifacts on the disk.

3. Cross-Platform Overlaps

BrazenBamboo’s shared codebase across DEEPDATA, DEEPPOST, and LightSpy points to a centralised development effort, possibly linked to a Digital Quartermaster framework. This shared ecosystem enhances their ability to operate efficiently across macOS, iOS, and Windows systems.

Notable Attack Techniques

1. Memory Injection and Data Extraction

Using Reflective DLL Injection, DEEPDATA injects itself into legitimate processes, avoiding detection by traditional antivirus solutions.

• Memory Scraping: Captures credentials and sensitive information in real-time.
• Volatile Data Extraction: Extracts transient data that only exists in memory during specific application states.

2. Fileless Malware Techniques

DEEPDATA leverages fileless infection methods, where its payload operates exclusively in memory, leaving minimal traces on the system. This complicates post-incident forensic investigations.

3. Network Layer Evasion

By utilising encrypted DNS queries and certificate pinning, DEEPDATA ensures that network-level defenses like intrusion detection systems (IDS) and firewalls are ineffective in blocking its communications.

Recommendations

1. For Organisations

• Apply Network Segmentation: Isolate VPN servers from critical assets.
• Enhance Monitoring Tools: Deploy behavioral analysis tools that detect anomalous processes and memory scraping activities.
• Regularly Update and Patch Software: Although Fortinet has yet to patch this vulnerability, organisations must remain vigilant and apply fixes as soon as they are released.

2. For Security Teams

• Harden Endpoint Protections: Implement tools like Memory Integrity Protection to prevent unauthorised memory access.
• Use Network Sandboxing: Monitor and analyse outgoing network traffic for unusual behaviors.
• Threat Hunting: Proactively search for indicators of compromise (IOCs) such as unauthorised DLLs (data.dll, frame.dll) or C2 communications over non-standard intervals.

3. For Vendors

• Implement Security by Design: Adopt advanced memory protection mechanisms to prevent credential leakage.
• Bug Bounty Programs: Encourage researchers to report vulnerabilities, accelerating patch development.

Conclusion

DEEPDATA is a form of cyber espionage and represents the next generation of tools that are more advanced and tunned for stealth, modularity and persistence. While Brazen Bamboo is in the process of fine-tuning its strategies, the organisations and vendors have to be more careful and be ready to respond to these tricks. The continuous updating, the ability to detect the threats and a proper plan on how to deal with incidents are crucial in combating the attacks.

References:

1. https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/warning-deepdata-malware-exploiting.html‍
2. http://www.theregister.com/2024/11/19/china_brazenbamboo_fortinet_0day/

Executive Summary:

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A manipulated viral photo of a Maldivian building with an alleged oversized portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the words "SURRENDER" went viral on social media. People responded with fear, indignation, and anxiety. Our research, however, showed that the image was manipulated and not authentic.

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Claim:

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A viral image claims that the Maldives displayed a huge portrait of PM Narendra Modi on a building front, along with the phrase “SURRENDER,” implying an act of national humiliation or submission.

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Fact Check:

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After a thorough examination of the viral post, we got to know that it had been altered. While the image displayed the same building, it was wrong to say it included Prime Minister Modi’s portrait along with the word “SURRENDER” shown in the viral version. We also checked the image with the Hive AI Detector, which marked it as 99.9% fake. This further confirmed that the viral image had been digitally altered.

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During our research, we also found several images from Prime Minister Modi’s visit, including one of the same building displaying his portrait, shared by the official X handle of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The post mentioned “His Excellency Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi was warmly welcomed by His Excellency President Dr.@MMuizzu at Republic Square, where he was honored with a Guard of Honor by #MNDF on his state visit to Maldives.” This image, captured from a different angle, also does not feature the word “surrender.

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Conclusion:

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The claim that the Maldives showed a picture of PM Modi with a surrender message is incorrect and misleading. The image is altered and is being spread to mislead people and stir up controversy. Users should check the authenticity of photos before sharing.

• Claim: Viral image shows the Maldives mocking India with a surrender sign
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

Introduction

In the advanced age of digitalization, the user base of Android phones is high. Our phones have become an integral part of our daily life activities from making online payments, booking cabs, playing online games, booking movie & show tickets, conducting online business activities, social networking, emailing and communication, we utilize our mobile phone devices. The Internet is easily accessible to everyone and offers various convenient services to users. People download various apps and utilize various services on the internet using their Android devices. Since it offers convenience, but in the growing digital landscape, threats and vulnerabilities have also emerged. Fraudsters find the vulnerabilities and target the users. Recently, various creepy online scams such as AI-based scams, deepfake scams, malware, spyware, malicious links leading to financial frauds, viruses, privacy breaches, data leakage, etc. have been faced by Android mobile users. Android mobile devices are more prone to vulnerabilities as compared to iOS. However, both Android and iOS platforms serve to provide safer digital space to mobile users. iOS offers more security features. but we have to play our part and be careful. There are certain safety measures which can be utilised by users to be safe in the growing digital age.

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User Responsibility: 

Law enforcement agencies have reported that they have received a growing number of complaints showing malware being used to compromise Android mobile devices. Both the platforms, Android and Google, have certain security mechanisms in place. However, cybersecurity experts emphasize that users must actively take care of safeguarding their mobile devices from evolving online threats. In this era of evolving cyber threats, being precautious and vigilant and personal responsibility for digital security is paramount.

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Being aware of evolving scams

1. Deepfake Scams: Deepfake is an AI-based technology. Deepfake is capable of creating realistic images or videos which in actuality are created by machine algorithms. Deepfake technology, since easily accessible, is misused by fraudsters to commit various cyber crimes or deceive and scam people through fake images or videos that look realistic. By using the Deepfake technology, cybercriminals manipulate audio and video content which looks very realistic but, in actuality, is fake. 
2. Voice cloning: To create a voice clone of anyone's, audio can be deepfaked too, which closely resembles a real one but, in actuality, is a fake voice created through deepfake technology. Recently, in Kerala, a man fell victim to an AI-based video call on WhatsApp. He received a video call from a person claiming to be his former colleague. The scammer, using AI deepfake technology, impersonated the face of his former colleague and asked for financial help of 40,000. 
3. Stalkerware or spyware: Stalkware or spyware is one of the serious threats to individual digital safety and personal information. Stalkware is basically software installed into your device without your consent or knowledge in order to track your activities and exploit your data. Stalkware, also referred to as spyware, is a type of malicious software secretly installed on your device without your knowledge. Its purpose is to track you or monitor your activities and record sensitive information such as passwords, text messages, GPS location, call history and access to your photos and videos. Cybercriminals and stalkers use this malicious software to unauthorisedly gain access to someone's phone devices.

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Best practices or Cyber security tips:

• Keep your software up to date: Turn on automatic software updates for your device and make sure your mobile apps are up to date.
• Using strong passwords: Use strong passwords on your lock/unlock and on important apps on your mobile device.
• Using 2FA or multi-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication provides extra layers of security. Be cautious before clicking on any link and downloading any app or file: Users are often led to click on malicious online links. Scammers may present such links to users through false advertisements on social media platforms, payment processes for online purchases, or in phone text messages. Through the links, victims are led either to phishing sites to give away personal data or to download harmful Android Package Kit (APK) files used to distribute and install apps on Android mobile phones.‍
• Secure Payments: Do not open any malicious links. Always make payments from secure and trusted payment apps.  Use strong passwords for your payment apps as well. And secure your banking credentials.‍
• Safe browsing: Pay due care and attention while clicking on any link and downloading content. Ignore the links or attachments of suspicious emails which are from an unknown sender. ‍
• Do not download third-party apps: Using an APK file to download a third-party app to an Android device is commonly known as sideloading. Be cautious and avoid downloading apps from third-party or dubious sites. Doing so may lead to the installation of malware in the device, which in turn may result in confidential and sensitive data such as banking credentials being stolen. Always download apps only from the official app store.‍
• App permissions: Review app permission and only grant permission which is necessary to use that app. ‍
• Do not bypass security measures: Android offers more flexibility in the mobile operating system and in mobile settings. For example, sideloading of apps is disabled by default, and alerts are also in place to warn users. However, an unwitting user who may not truly understand the warnings may simply grant permission to an app to bypass the default setting.‍
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor your devices and system logs for security check-ups and for detecting any suspicious activity.‍
• Reporting online scams: A powerful resource available to victims of cybercrime is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, equipped with a 24x7 helpline number, 1930. This portal serves as a centralized platform for reporting cybercrimes, including financial fraud.

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Conclusion:

The era of digitalisation has transformed our lives, with Android phones becoming an integral part of our daily routines. While these devices offer convenience, they also expose us to online threats and vulnerabilities, such as scams like deepfake technology-based scams, voice clones, spyware, malware, and malicious links that can lead to significant financial and privacy breaches. Android devices might be more susceptible to such scams. By being aware of emerging scams like deepfakes, spyware, and other malicious activities, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our digital lives. Our mobile devices remain as valuable assets for us. However, they are also potential targets for cybercriminals. Users must remain proactive in protecting their devices and personal data from potential threats. By taking personal responsibility for our digital security and following these best practices, we can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, ensuring that our Android phones remain powerful tools for convenience and connection while keeping our data and privacy intact and staying safe from online threats and vulnerabilities.

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References: 

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-why-android-devices-prone-online-scams-users-guard-against-it-2252066

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