A recent incident involving a collaboration between a North Korean state-sponsored threat group, Jumpy Pisces, and the Play ransomware group has raised significant cybersecurity concerns. This joint effort, uncovered by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, signifies a shift in tactics for Jumpy Pisces, known for their cyberespionage activities and deployment of custom ransomware like Maui.
The attack, which utilized the Play ransomware first identified in mid-2022, displayed a level of coordination between Jumpy Pisces and the Play ransomware group, Fiddling Scorpius. While Fiddling Scorpius is believed to operate under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, they have denied this on their leak site.
Unit 42’s investigation revealed a series of events leading up to the deployment of the Play ransomware. In May 2024, Jumpy Pisces gained initial access through a compromised user account and used tools like Sliver and DTrack malware to move laterally across the network. This access was exploited by another unidentified actor in early September 2024, who conducted pre-ransomware activities before deploying the Play ransomware.
The attackers leveraged PowerShell scripts, Mimikatz, PsExec, and TokenPlayer tools to facilitate their activities, including command execution, credential dumping, lateral movement, and privilege escalation. The customized Sliver C2 Framework provided a means for persistent command and control communication, while the DTrack malware collected sensitive information from the compromised systems.
Unit 42 analysts believe that Jumpy Pisces collaborated with the Play ransomware group in this attack based on the shared use of the compromised account and the presence of tools commonly associated with Play ransomware incidents. Whether this collaboration was formal or opportunistic remains uncertain, but it marks the first documented instance of such cooperation.
Security experts like Erich Kron from KnowBe4 highlight the financial motivations behind North Korea’s involvement in ransomware operations. While North Korean actors possess expertise in network access, partnering with an established ransomware group can help them navigate the nuances of ransomware attacks. Kron emphasized the importance of organizations focusing on combating email phishing, as ransomware campaigns often rely on social engineering tactics.
This unprecedented collaboration between a state-sponsored threat group and a ransomware gang underscores the evolving landscape of cyber threats. As North Korean groups potentially increase their participation in ransomware campaigns, businesses and organizations worldwide must bolster their defenses against such sophisticated attacks. Stay tuned for more updates on cybersecurity developments and ways to protect your organization from similar threats.
In related news, check out these topics for more insights into cybersecurity threats and tactics used by malicious actors:
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2. Elite North Korean Hackers Breach Russian Missile Developer
3. Iranian Hackers Team Up with Ransomware Gangs Against US
4. Russian Hackers Shift Tactics, Target Victims with Paid Malware
5. North Korean Hackers Deploy FASTCash Malware for ATM Cashouts
These stories shed light on the diverse range of cyber threats facing organizations globally and underscore the importance of staying vigilant against evolving cybersecurity risks.