TL;DR

1. Characteristics and Functionalities of GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider is a highly modular backdoor, adjustable for specific attack scenarios.

2. Attack Vectors Used by GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider primarily exploits n-day vulnerabilities in public-facing devices and applications.

3. Known Incidents Involving GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider has been involved in several high-profile incidents, including attacks on U.S. telecommunications companies such as T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies.

4. Recent Activities and Reports Related to GhostSpider Malware

   • Recent reports indicate that GhostSpider has been actively used in attacks against telecommunications companies and government networks across multiple countries, including the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Research

Summary

The investigation into 'GhostSpider' malware reveals it as a sophisticated, multi-modular backdoor used by the Chinese APT group known as Salt Typhoon (also referred to as Earth Estries, FamousSparrow, GhostEmperor, and UNC2286). Active since at least 2020, GhostSpider targets critical sectors such as telecommunications, government entities, and technology companies. The malware is known for its advanced attack techniques, including exploiting public-facing server vulnerabilities and using living-off-the-land binaries for lateral movement.

GhostSpider's modular structure allows it to perform specific tasks through different modules, making it difficult for defenders to identify and mitigate. The malware communicates with attacker-controlled infrastructure using a custom protocol protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS). Recent activities have shown GhostSpider being deployed in attacks against telecommunications companies and government networks across multiple countries, including the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The malware's versatility and stealth capabilities make it a significant threat in the cyber espionage landscape.

Recent reports indicate that GhostSpider has been actively used in attacks against telecommunications companies and government networks across multiple countries. The malware's deployment in these regions underscores its significance in Salt Typhoon's cyber espionage operations. The malware's ability to remain undetected for extended periods and its use of advanced stealth techniques, such as encryption and memory-only residency, make it a formidable tool in Salt Typhoon's arsenal.

Detailed Findings

1. Characteristics and Functionalities of GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider is a highly modular backdoor, adjustable for specific attack scenarios. It can enact specific modules to perform distinct tasks, making it difficult for defenders to identify its full capabilities. The malware communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using a custom protocol protected by TLS, ensuring secure and stealthy communication.
   • The malware supports various commands, including uploading malicious modules, executing specific tasks, and maintaining periodic communication with the C2 server. This modularity allows Salt Typhoon to adjust their attack strategies based on the victim's network and defenses.

2. Attack Vectors Used by GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider primarily exploits n-day vulnerabilities in public-facing devices and applications. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2023-46805 and CVE-2024-21887 in Ivanti's Connect Secure VPN, CVE-2023-48788 in Fortinet's Enterprise Management Server, CVE-2022-3236 in Sophos Firewalls, and the ProxyLogon vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server.
   • The malware also uses living-off-the-land binaries (LOLbins) for intelligence gathering and lateral movement within compromised networks, further complicating detection and mitigation efforts.

3. Known Incidents Involving GhostSpider Malware

   • GhostSpider has been involved in several high-profile incidents, including attacks on U.S. telecommunications companies such as T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. These breaches have compromised private communications of U.S. government officials and stolen information related to court-authorized wiretapping requests.
   • The malware has also been used in long-term espionage campaigns against Southeast Asian government networks and telecommunications companies, highlighting its global reach and impact.

4. Recent Activities and Reports Related to GhostSpider Malware

   • Recent reports indicate that GhostSpider has been actively used in attacks against telecommunications companies and government networks across multiple countries, including the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The malware's deployment in these regions underscores its significance in Salt Typhoon's cyber espionage operations.
   • The malware's ability to remain undetected for extended periods and its use of advanced stealth techniques, such as encryption and memory-only residency, make it a formidable tool in Salt Typhoon's arsenal.

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