In early 2023, a user named “spyboy” generated significant attention on the Russian-language forum Ramp by promoting a tool designed to evade endpoint defense on the Windows operating system. This tool, known as Terminator, was showcased in a video and claimed to be capable of terminating any endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) platform.
The emergence of such a tool raises concerns for organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, service providers, and enterprises. EDR and XDR solutions play vital roles in identifying and mitigating threats, but they have increasingly become targets for bad actors in the cybersecurity landscape, as highlighted by Lumu’s 2023 Ransomware Flashcard.
To effectively defend against these insidious threats, organizations must understand how ransomware operates alongside all-in-one EDR/XDR killers like the Terminator tool.
One technique employed by attackers is CPL and DLL side-loading. Originally intended for quick access to tools in the Control Panel of the Microsoft Windows OS, CPL files have now become havens for malware software. The DLL side-loading technique allows attackers to deceive an application by loading a counterfeit DLL file in place of an authentic one, typically used for shared data across multiple programs. By replacing a legitimate DLL with a malicious one, the attacker’s code infects the entire targeted system.
Code injection is another commonly used method by attackers to insert malicious code into a legitimate application or process, enabling it to evade detection by EDR or EPP systems. This technique involves executing arbitrary code within the address space of another live process, thereby hiding the malicious code under a legitimate process and making it more challenging for security products to identify.
Userland API hooking is a technique frequently exploited by attackers to intercept API calls made by applications to system libraries or APIs within the user space. By redirecting function calls to their own code, attackers can manipulate an application’s behavior to serve their malicious endeavors.
Additionally, a recently developed polymorphic keylogger called BlackMamba has evolved to modify code without the need for traditional command and control (C2) infrastructure. The author’s primary objective was to develop code that could produce malware variants capable of evading detection algorithms employed by EDRs, using generative AI tools to constantly modify the code.
To enhance overall cyber resilience, including EDR/XDR, organizations need to implement robust security measures. Continuous threat intelligence and analysis are crucial, allowing organizations to configure EDR/XDR solutions effectively while also taking into account legacy and IoT/OT devices that may not be compatible with EDR agents. Leveraging network detection and response (NDR) or network analysis and visibility (NAV) tools can provide additional insights into malicious traffic flowing through the network.
Organizations should also integrate the latest threat feeds and intelligence with endpoint security to bolster their EDR/XDR system. Adopting a defense-in-depth approach with multiple layers of security controls, such as network segmentation, firewall rules, intrusion prevention systems, and anti-malware solutions, can mitigate the impact of potential breaches.
Furthermore, developing a comprehensive incident response plan specifically tailored for ransomware incidents is essential. This plan should include predefined steps for isolating infected systems, containing the spread, and restoring critical data from secure backups. Regular testing of the incident response plan through tabletop exercises and simulations ensures preparedness in the event of a ransomware attack.
It is important to note that EDR/XDR technologies are just one aspect of a robust cybersecurity stack. Ransomware operators and bad actors are constantly refining their tactics to bypass security measures. By combining continuous threat intelligence, defense in depth, and diligent incident response planning, organizations can strengthen their entire cybersecurity framework. With these precautions in place, endpoint defenses can continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding systems and data from the devastating effects of malicious attacks.