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Adobe ColdFusion Backdoor Installation Attack

An unknown advanced persistent threat group has been observed targeting unpatched Adobe ColdFusion servers to install a version of the China Chopper backdoor.
Threat ID:
CC-2781
Category:
Backdoor, Exploit
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Insecure network
Published:
12 November 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

An unknown advanced persistent threat group has been observed targeting unpatched Adobe ColdFusion servers to install a version of the China Chopper backdoor.

Threat details

The group is believed to have reverse-engineered Adobe's patch for CVE-2018-15961, an unauthenticated file upload vulnerability (released as part of their September 2018 security updates) before developing an exploit to take advantage of the flaw. The group are now scanning the public Internet for vulnerable ColdFusion installations to deploy the exploit against, installing a JavaServer Pages variant of China Chopper, a simple backdoor, in the process.

At the time of publication it is unclear what the group intend to do with the compromised servers, although there are indications they may be used to host other malware or in phishing campaigns.

For further information:

Remediation steps

Type Step
Users and administrators are encouraged to apply Adobe's APSB18-33 security update immediately if they have not already done so. Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:
  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
  • Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
  • All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
  • Strong password policies are in place.
  • Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
  • User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

CVE Vulnerabilities

Status

CVE-2018-15961

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:35 pm