MAR-10336935-2.v1: Pulse Secure Connect

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Description

CISA received two Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts for analysis. The two CGI scripts are Pulse Secure system files that were modified by a malicious actor. The files contain a malicious modification which allows the attacker to maintain remote command and control (C2) access to a target system. This analysis is derived from malicious files found on Pulse Connect Secure devices.

For a downloadable copy of indicators of compromise, see: MAR-10336935-2.v1.stix.

Submitted Files (2)

c287cd9e3c37f5869dbce168a89a78836a61791a72b36d048c086576b9af2769 (licenseserverproto.cgi)

d27730060be3099846a673cfee890da05dc9f7b34d987c65f4299980b6865822 (licenseserverproto.cgi)

d27730060be3099846a673cfee890da05dc9f7b34d987c65f4299980b6865822

Tags

backdoortrojan

Details

Antivirus

No matches found.

YARA Rules

No matches found.

ssdeep Matches

Description

This is a CGI script that was maliciously modified (Figure 1) from a Pulse Secure system file. The malicious form accepts a command of no more than 45 characters in length. The script executes the provided command on the compromised system using the system function.

Screenshots

c287cd9e3c37f5869dbce168a89a78836a61791a72b36d048c086576b9af2769

Tags

backdoortrojan

Details

Antivirus

No matches found.

YARA Rules

No matches found.

ssdeep Matches

Description

This is a CGI script with same malicious modification as the file “licenseserverproto.cgi” (d27730060be3099846a673cfee890da05dc9f7b34d987c65f4299980b6865822).

Screenshots

CISA recommends that users and administrators consider using the following best practices to strengthen the security posture of their organization’s systems. Any configuration changes should be reviewed by system owners and administrators prior to implementation to avoid unwanted impacts.

• Maintain up-to-date antivirus signatures and engines.
• Keep operating system patches up-to-date.
• Disable File and Printer sharing services. If these services are required, use strong passwords or Active Directory authentication.
• Restrict users’ ability (permissions) to install and run unwanted software applications. Do not add users to the local administrators group unless required.
• Enforce a strong password policy and implement regular password changes.
• Exercise caution when opening e-mail attachments even if the attachment is expected and the sender appears to be known.
• Enable a personal firewall on agency workstations, configured to deny unsolicited connection requests.
• Disable unnecessary services on agency workstations and servers.
• Scan for and remove suspicious e-mail attachments; ensure the scanned attachment is its “true file type” (i.e., the extension matches the file header).
• Monitor users’ web browsing habits; restrict access to sites with unfavorable content.
• Exercise caution when using removable media (e.g., USB thumb drives, external drives, CDs, etc.).
• Scan all software downloaded from the Internet prior to executing.
• Maintain situational awareness of the latest threats and implement appropriate Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Additional information on malware incident prevention and handling can be found in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-83, “Guide to Malware Incident Prevention & Handling for Desktops and Laptops”.

CISA continuously strives to improve its products and services. You can help by answering a very short series of questions about this product at the following URL: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/forms/feedback/

What is a MIFR? A Malware Initial Findings Report (MIFR) is intended to provide organizations with malware analysis in a timely manner. In most instances this report will provide initial indicators for computer and network defense. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

What is a MAR? A Malware Analysis Report (MAR) is intended to provide organizations with more detailed malware analysis acquired via manual reverse engineering. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

Can I edit this document? This document is not to be edited in any way by recipients. All comments or questions related to this document should be directed to the CISA at 1-888-282-0870 or CISA Service Desk.

Can I submit malware to CISA? Malware samples can be submitted via three methods:

CISA encourages you to report any suspicious activity, including cybersecurity incidents, possible malicious code, software vulnerabilities, and phishing-related scams. Reporting forms can be found on CISA’s homepage at www.cisa.gov.