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Maritime Cyber Security & Threats 25 Apr - May 21


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Dryad and cyber partners RedSkyAlliance continue to monitor attempted attacks within the maritime sector. Here we continue to examine how email is used to deceive the recipient and potentially expose the target organisations.

"Fraudulent emails designed to make recipients hand over sensitive information, extort money or trigger malware installation on shore-based or vessel IT networks remains one of the biggest day-to-day cyber threats facing the maritime industry."

Dryad Global's cyber security partners, Red Sky Alliance, perform weekly queries of  backend databases, identifying all new data containing Motor Vessel (MV) and Motor Tanker (MT) in the subject line of malicious emails.  Email subject line Motor Vessel (MV) or Motor Tanker (MT) keyword usage is a common lure to entice users in the maritime industry to open emails containing malicious attachments.

Cyber Featured Image TwitterWith our cyber security partner we are providing a weekly list of Motor Vessels where it is observed that the vessel is being impersonated, with associated malicious emails.

The identified emails attempted to deliver malware or phishing links to compromise the vessels and/or parent companies.  Users should be aware of the subject lines used and the email addresses that are attempting to deliver the messages.

Those who work in the security industry can quickly identify the suspicious aspects of these emails, but the targets often cannot. Even if attackers can only get 10% of people to open their malicious email attachments, they can send thousands out in a day using similar templates resulting in hundreds of victims per day. They can also automate parts of this process for efficiency. It is critical to implement training for all employees to help identify malicious emails/attachments. This is still the major attack vector for attackers looking to attack a network. These analytical results illustrate how a recipient could be fooled into opening an infected email. They also demonstrate how common it is for attackers to specifically target pieces of a company’s supply chain to build up to cyber-attacks on the larger companies. Doing so could cause the recipient to become an infected member of the maritime supply chain and thus possibly infect victim vessels, port facilities and/or shore companies in the marine, agricultural, and other industries with additional malware.

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Malicious Email collection 25 Apr - 2 May 21

 First Seen

Subject Line Used

Malware Detections

Sending Email

Targets

Apr 25, 2021

port inquire - PDA n port info - load abt 55k clinker in bulk

W32/MSIL_Kryptik.DYY.gen!Eldorado

"joey@safeocean.com.cn" 280ed@20de95bfb5157.cn

20de95bfb5157.cn

Apr 25, 2021

MV WAN TONG 18 - FRT PAYMENT

Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml

“opshdy” bcd4142@3c1594bc.com

3c1594bc.com

Apr 25, 2021

MV SPAR CANIS--Loadg Port Agent Nomination

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"shipping8888@188.com" dfa6d55d059@679.com

1b84072c33545fa2e.com

Apr 25, 2021

MV English Bay - Inquiry 193-2020-SP0087-B(01) ++REMINDER++

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"opeMandy Ho" pacificbasin-technical@gl-es.com

gl-es.com

Apr 25, 2021

MV Koombana Bay - Inquiry 215-2020-SP0066-B(01)

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

“ME” pacificbasin-technical@gl-es.com

gl-es.com

Apr 25, 2021

(KOREA SHIPPING - KLCSM)

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"Park Jung-ho"

830@7cede0c1.kr

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

MV EUNICE - Agency Appointment & EPDA Inquiry

HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Agensla.gen

“opshk” a522b9@f925e2623c9.com

f925e2623c9.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

9f9@b682da816863.br

c973eadbb8f9b.biz

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

9f9@b682da816863.br

d7591795dda69ac9a1b.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HTML/Infected.WebPage.Gen2

“EBILLS”

9f9@b682da816863.br

a8871.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HTML/Infected.WebPage.Gen2

“EBILLS”

9f9@b682da816863.br

2854063a17.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

e3afe@90c149405390bc.cn

5db65b7c3fe.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

e3afe@90c149405390bc.cn

9edbfdd92aed82.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HTML/Infected.WebPage.Gen2

“EBILLS”

9f9@b682da816863.br

60a459f1d8.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping Documents-BL#SE20100078/001

Exploit:O97M/CVE-2017-11882.HDY!MTB

"Shanghai Ming Wah Shipping Co., Ltd" eka.wati@hinet.co.id

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

DHL Description: SHIPPING DOCUMENTS, ETC DOC

Exploit:Win32/CVE-2017-11882!ml

lekside@futurenetqy.com

tidlo.lt

Apr 25, 2021

PDA

W32/Heuristic-200!Eldorado

“Aiden Chan” aidenletzgo@gmail.com

kyec.com.tw

Apr 25, 2021

pda

HEUR.ExecInMail

bc_m_choco@hotmail.com

kyec.com.tw

Apr 25, 2021

FACTURA - Env\xedo electr\xf3nico de Comprobante Fiscal Digital   (438826)

Troj/Phish-JBG

“Servicio Seguro de Entrega de CFDI”

a26d7311@ff76befd6c73d81600c.mx

d6fcd.net

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping Documents-BL#SE20100078/001

Exploit:O97M/CVE-2017-11882.HDY!MTB

"Shanghai Ming Wah Shipping Co., Ltd" eka.wati@hinet.co.id

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS” 2c4be6a@0a5031072ef6.com

0023e3a6.net

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HTML/Phish.78C3!tr

“EBILLS” 2c4be6a@0a5031072ef6.com

8493fa9ba42.com

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HTML/Phish.78C3!tr

“EBILLS” 2c4be6a@0a5031072ef6.com

5c4852a79b845.il

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS” 2c4be6a@0a5031072ef6.com

a076f4c2d.net

Apr 25, 2021

Documents Of Shipping

Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl

"DHL International GmbH" efe1e7ac07ca3478@887.com

c4e30fc94334d457cb.uk

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

dpartin@singerlevick.com

aiyos.com

Apr 25, 2021

Draft BL//Extra Pick-up Fee//Update Vessel

Trojan:MSIL/AgentTesla!MTB

“Angelina Dacosta” Angelina.Dacosta@craneww.com

electroputere.ro

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

9869b@0ac0271.jp

63477882ea284c.au

Apr 25, 2021

Port agency appointment -MV/BBC NILE/ 1113043/

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"liufei@winlucky.com.cn" 6707285@bf5f566bbbb0.cn

bf5f566bbbb0.cn

Apr 25, 2021

MV KEY INTEGRITY / Acc Langlois - Discharging / Agency appointment & PDA

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"operations" f7235a61f@9d52f75c.gr

9d52f75c.gr

Apr 25, 2021

M.V //DA TONG YUN VOY// AGENCY NOMINATION FOR DISCHARGING WHEAT

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers Co" 33e8@6a68cebaf9.cn

6a68cebaf9.cn

Apr 25, 2021

Re: Re: MV SKY HEIGHT/FN

Program:Win32/Uwamson.A!ml

"james@seaconshipping.com" aa2d@2817aa0b22b13b.com

2817aa0b22b13b.com

Apr 25, 2021

MV OLYMPIC PRIDE / SEACON ENTERPRISE PTE LTD CP DD 05.03.2021

Trojan:Win32/AgentTesla!ml

"Ursa Shipbrokers" ba19a09a68@a02b.gr

a02b.gr

Apr 25, 2021

Shipping documents notice.

HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic

“EBILLS”

3f9633@a0e32fb.com

a0c170b93efd5e.au

Apr 25, 2021

SPAM: SHIPPING DOCUMENT

Trojan:Win32/VBInject.VAMV!MTB

“Shanghai Xing Yang Shipping Co., Ltd”

d7a6d@bb6a95ce6.cn

85441484b.it

Apr 25, 2021

PO 7365 and Duluth Seaway Port Authority Proposal

DOC/Phishing.Agent.TA

"Dean Lembke" dlembke@duluthport.com

duluthport.com

Apr 25, 2021

LX MARINE SPARE PARTS

Exploit:O97M/CVE-2017-11882.DR!MTB

"LX MARINE CO.,LTD" danus.hamid@hinet.co.id

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

M/T. YUAN JU WAN EPDA AND PORT INFO REQUEST

Exploit.CVE-2018-0802.Gen

“COSCO SHIPPING TANKER(Singapore) PteLtd” ops@csdvlp.com.sg

planasia.com

Apr 25, 2021

M/T. YUAN JU WAN EPDA AND PORT INFO REQUEST

Exploit.CVE-2018-0802.Gen

“COSCO SHIPPING TANKER(Singapore) PteLtd” e84@11fcfb6d27.sg

3a9b370c66a5e.com

Apr 25, 2021

KING SAIL CTM ARRANGEMENT

Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml

"zsship@shipping.sinosteel.com" 5d92aea@e6a360508ff2bca380.com

e6a360508ff2bca380.com

Apr 25, 2021

MV.GRACE OCEAN // 1st hire soa (resend)

Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl

"MIT OPS TEAM" <53630@dfe51de878.tw>

dfe51de878.tw

Apr 25, 2021

MV JACARANDA MAY/ CALL FOR DSG ABT 15000MT PKE IN BULK

Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl

"osd" 095fc82@8f06d6c40b.net

8f06d6c40b.net

Apr 25, 2021

MV JOIE N L / 1st hire statement

Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl

"Capt. VC Duan" dca6135@3c1594bc.com

3c1594bc.com

Apr 25, 2021

ENQUIRY // MV CSC RONG HAI LOADING OPERATION

Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl

"linyunzi@cmhk.com" 327569849@9395.com

9395.com

Apr 25, 2021

DHL Express shipping confirmation

Trojan:MSIL/AgentTesla.NK!MTB

“DHL EXPRESS” alfredo.soria@dhl.com

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

WG: Commercial Invoice & Bill Of lading, Packing List

Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml

“Postverteiler” pm@hoffmanneitle.com

hoffmanneitle.com

Apr 25, 2021

ACHTUNG: geblockter Dateianhang Re: Commercial Invoice & Bill Of\r\n lading, Packing List

Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml

“Bernard Pang”

u00a0febjobs@applianceworld.co.ug

welser.com

Apr 25, 2021

INVOICE PAYMENT/ SHIPPING DOCUMENT

Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.B!ml

“ACCOUNT PAYABLE” j.pidd@hotmail.com

fabrimat.fr

Apr 25, 2021

FedEx ONLINE SHIPPING PARCEL ARRIVAL NOTIFICATION DATED 30TH APRIL

Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml

“FeDEx OFFICE” info@123edeerty.ga

Targets Not Disclosed

Apr 25, 2021

ENC: Nova Reserva - Booking Engine

Exploit.CVE-2017-0199.Gen

caf9@97cd5f8e446.com

a01920e188.org

Apr 25, 2021

WG: Commercial Invoice & Bill Of lading, Packing List

Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml

“Postverteiler” pm@hoffmanneitle.com

hoffmanneitle.com

Apr 25, 2021

ESTADO DEL PEDIDO RO 12094 || PF-2021430 || LCL FOB ALEMANIA

Gen:Mail.Nophy.2

"Inge Lise Falkenskov-Habicht" admin@previousmail.host

indra.es

 


In the above collection, we see malicious actors attempting to use vessel names to try to spoof companies in the maritime supply chain. This week we observed a wide variety of maritime-related subject lines. Some of the new vessel names used this week include “MV Spar Canis” and “MV Grace Ocean” among others. There appears to be an ongoing campaign using the same subject line to target numerous recipients.

Analysts observed threat actors impersonating multiple companies to spread phishing malware while using the same subject line – “Shipping documents notice.” While obfuscation of the sending email makes identification of the true sender more difficult, analysts observed at least one sender email listed in original form allowing analysts to identify one of the companies being impersonated in this campaign. The sending email in one case appeared as “EBILLS<dpartin@singerlevick[.]com>” indicating the attacker is trying to impersonate the legal firm Singer & Levick, based out of Dallas, TX USA.

It appears that attackers are spoofing the sending email and are not using a compromised account. However, the email address belonging to a lead attorney at the company is listed in the recent COMB (Combination of many breaches) breach data. Through the compromise of legitimate business email credentials, attackers can login to real accounts appearing more legitimate, and leading to a higher rate of success. The following obfuscated email addresses were used to send malware:

  • “EBILLS” 2c4be6a@0a5031072ef6.com (“EBILLS”

dpartin@singerlevick.com)

  • “EBILLS” e3afe@90c149405390bc.cn
  • “EBILLS” 9f9@b682da816863.br
  • “EBILLS” 9869b@0ac0271.jp
  • “EBILLS” 3f9633@a0e32fb.com

The attackers are using the alias “EBILLS” to make the target think the email is coming from a legitimate online service. Although the sending emails are mostly obfuscated, the TLD’s used indicate the attackers are impersonating senders from Japan, Brazil, China, and likely the United States. Because the message body is “[redacted]” there is no additional information in the message body to help identify the attackers.

There are more than 15 unique email addresses being targeted by these malicious emails. If any of the targets opened the malicious attachment, they would be prompted to input their password into a fake login screen created by the attackers.

Figure 2 - Image of fake login screen created by attackers to steal credentials

Image of fake login screen created by attackers to steal credentials

After the target inputs their password (username is pre-filled by attackers), the attackers would steal this password for use in future cyber-attacks. All of the phishing links observed appear to spoof a login for SF Express Delivery, a common delivery tracking service. Companies who use this software should be aware of this threat and should monitor incoming emails for these patterns.

These analytical results illustrate how a recipient could be fooled into opening an infected email. They also demonstrate how common it is for attackers to specifically target pieces of a company’s supply chain to build up to cyber-attacks on the larger companies. Doing so could cause the recipient to become an infected member of the maritime supply chain and thus possibly infect victim vessels, port facilities and/or shore companies in the marine, agricultural, and other industries with additional malware.

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These analytical results illustrate how a recipient could be fooled into opening an infected email. They also demonstrate how common it is for attackers to specifically target pieces of a company’s supply chain to build up to cyber-attacks on the larger companies. Doing so could cause the recipient to become an infected member of the maritime supply chain and thus possibly infect victim vessels, port facilities and/or shore companies in the marine, agricultural, and other industries with additional malware

Fraudulent emails designed to make recipients hand over sensitive information, extort money or trigger malware installation on shore-based or vessel IT networks remains one of the biggest day-to-day cyber threats facing the maritime industry.  These threats often carry a financial liability to one or all those involved in the maritime transportation supply chain.   Preventative cyber protection offers a strong first-line defence by preventing deceptive messages from ever reaching staff inboxes, but malicious hackers are developing new techniques to evade current detection daily.  Using pre-emptive information from Red Sky Alliance-RedXray diagnostic tool, our Vessel Impersonation reports, and Maritime Blacklists offer a proactive solution to stopping cyber-attacks.    Recent studies suggest cyber-criminals are researching their targets and tailoring emails for staff in specific roles.  Another tactic is to spoof emails from the chief executive or other high-ranking maritime contemporaries in the hope staff lower down the supply chain will drop their awareness and follow the spoofed email obediently.  Analysts across the industry are beginning to see maritime-specific examples of these attacks.

Pre-empt, don't just defend

Preventative cyber protection offers a strong first-line defense by preventing deceptive messages from ever reaching staff inboxes, but malicious hackers are developing new techniques to evade current detection daily. Using preemptive information from Red Sky Alliance RedXray diagnostic tool, our Vessel Impersonation reports and Maritime Blacklists offer a proactive solution to stopping cyber-attacks. Recent studies suggest cyber-criminals are researching their targets and tailoring emails for staff in specific roles. Another tactic is to spoof emails from the chief executive or other high-ranking maritime contemporaries in the hope staff lower down the supply chain will drop their awareness and follow the spoofed email obediently. Analysts across the industry are beginning to see maritime-specific examples of these attacks.


The more convincing an email appears, the greater the chance employees will fall for a scam.  To address this residual risk, software-based protection should be treated as one constituent of a wider strategy that also encompasses the human-element as well as organizational workflows and procedures.

It is imperative to:

  • Train all levels of the marine supply chain to realize they are under constant cyber-attack.
  • Stress maintaining constant attention to real-world cyber consequences of careless cyber practices or general inattentiveness.
  • Provide practical guidance on how to look for a potential phishing attempt.
  • Use direct communication to verify emails and supply chain email communication.
  • Use Red Sky Alliance RedXray proactive support, our Vessel impersonation information and use the Maritime Black Lists to proactively block cyber attacks from identified malicious actors.

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