China-Linked Hackers Targeting Unpatched SonicWall SMA 100 Appliances

Recent reports have brought to light a campaign by hackers linked to China, which targets unpatched SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 100 appliances. The hackers use malware to gain privileged access to these devices, enabling them to pilfer user credentials and persist through firmware updates. This campaign seems to have been active for some time, with attacks possibly dating back to 2021. The malware has been specifically designed for SonicWall devices, indicating a deep understanding of the software, which raises fears that the attackers may have gained access to critical networks.

SonicWall SMA 100 is a commonly used remote access solution that enables organizations to provide secure network access to external locations. However, as with all internet-facing solutions, these appliances are susceptible to attacks if not adequately maintained. If regular software updates, patches, and security configurations are not performed, they can become a possible gateway for malicious actors to enter into the networks.

According to reports, hackers with ties to China have been targeting unpatched SonicWall SMA 100 appliances. Threat intelligence firm Mandiant, owned by Google, has been monitoring this activity under the name UNC4540. The malware involved is a combination of bash scripts and an ELF binary called TinyShell, which acts as a backdoor to allow the attacker privileged access to the SonicWall devices and maintain persistence even after firmware updates.

Mandiant’s report highlights the attackers’ in-depth understanding of device software and their ability to develop tailored malware. They have also demonstrated the ability to achieve persistence across firmware updates, a complex feat that requires a high level of technical expertise. The report suggests that the attackers may have gained access to sensitive networks, which allowed them to deploy the malware on the target appliances.

The precise initial intrusion vector utilized in the attack remains unknown. However, it is suspected that the malware was deployed on devices, possibly as early as 2021, by exploiting known security weaknesses. Organizations should remain vigilant in evaluating their security posture and take measures to fix any known vulnerabilities to prevent similar attacks.

Since the attack was disclosed, SonicWall has released version 10.2.1.7 updates that include new security enhancements, such as File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) and anomalous process identification. Although the updates have been launched to patch the vulnerabilities, it is essential to update devices promptly to prevent potential attacks. Additionally, SonicWall has recommended that users review their security configurations, including policies, authentication, and encryption settings.

This attack occurred only two months after a China-linked threat actor exploited a now-patched vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN as a zero-day in attacks aimed at a European government entity and a managed service provider (MSP) located in Africa. In recent years, Chinese attackers have utilized several zero-day exploits and malware to target various internet-facing network appliances. Therefore, it is crucial to implement proactive cybersecurity measures.

The recent China-linked hacking campaign directed towards unpatched SonicWall SMA 100 appliances underscores the criticality of regularly updating security configurations and promptly installing patches. The advanced level of attacker sophistication and their in-depth understanding of the targeted devices emphasize the importance of organizations remaining vigilant in their security assessments. Neglecting to take appropriate measures could result in a successful attack, ultimately leading to severe data breaches and network compromise.

Explore more

Why Should Leaders Invest in Employee Career Growth?

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, a staggering statistic reveals the stakes of neglecting employee development: turnover costs the median S&P 500 company $480 million annually due to talent loss, underscoring a critical challenge for leaders. This immense financial burden highlights the urgent need to retain skilled individuals and maintain a competitive edge through strategic initiatives. Employee career growth, often overlooked

Making Time for Questions to Boost Workplace Curiosity

Introduction to Fostering Inquiry at Work Imagine a bustling office where deadlines loom large, meetings are packed with agendas, and every minute counts—yet no one dares to ask a clarifying question for fear of derailing the schedule. This scenario is all too common in modern workplaces, where the pressure to perform often overshadows the need for curiosity. Fostering an environment

Embedded Finance: From SaaS Promise to SME Practice

Imagine a small business owner managing daily operations through a single software platform, seamlessly handling not just inventory or customer relations but also payments, loans, and business accounts without ever stepping into a bank. This is the transformative vision of embedded finance, a trend that integrates financial services directly into vertical Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, turning them into indispensable tools for

DevOps Tools: Gateways to Major Cyberattacks Exposed

In the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, DevOps tools have emerged as indispensable assets for organizations aiming to streamline software development and IT operations with unmatched efficiency, making them critical to modern business success. Platforms like GitHub, Jira, and Confluence enable seamless collaboration, allowing teams to manage code, track projects, and document workflows at an accelerated pace. However, this very integration

Trend Analysis: Agentic DevOps in Digital Transformation

In an era where digital transformation remains a critical yet elusive goal for countless enterprises, the frustration of stalled progress is palpable— over 70% of initiatives fail to meet expectations, costing billions annually in wasted resources and missed opportunities. This staggering reality underscores a persistent struggle to modernize IT infrastructure amid soaring costs and sluggish timelines. As companies grapple with