Star Blizzard: The Persistent Threat Targeting Government, Diplomacy, and Ukraine Supporters

Star Blizzard, a notorious cyber threat group previously known as SEABORGIUM, has been active since at least 2012. Known for its sophisticated credential-harvesting campaigns, this group primarily targets individuals in government, diplomacy, defense policy research, and organizations involved with Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This article delves into the Star Blizzard group’s tactics, their latest WhatsApp-focused phishing campaign, and provides a detailed guide for detecting, removing, and preventing such attacks.

Overview of Star Blizzard (SEABORGIUM)

Star Blizzard is a cyber threat group with a long history of attacking high-profile targets, particularly those connected to government entities, defense policy, and international relations. In recent years, their focus has shifted to individuals and organizations assisting Ukraine. The group operates under multiple aliases, including Blue Callisto, BlueCharlie (TAG-53), Calisto, COLDRIVER, Dancing Salome, Gossamer Bear, Iron Frontier, TA446, and UNC4057.

Known for their credential-harvesting campaigns, Star Blizzard has employed several deceptive tactics to compromise targets’ login credentials. These tactics often involve spear-phishing emails that trick recipients into revealing sensitive information.

Tactics and Techniques

Star Blizzard has a history of utilizing phishing campaigns to infiltrate systems. The group typically uses spear-phishing emails that include malicious links designed to harvest credentials. These emails often come from ProtonMail accounts and contain attachments or links that lead to credential-stealing pages. One of their favored techniques is Evilginx-powered phishing pages, which bypass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) techniques. Additionally, the group has leveraged email marketing platforms like HubSpot and MailerLite to obscure sender details and bypass security filters.

Recent actions taken by Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) have led to the seizure of over 180 domains linked to Star Blizzard. These domains had been used to target journalists, think tanks, and NGOs. However, these efforts have not deterred the group, which has adapted by launching new phishing campaigns, such as their WhatsApp-focused scheme.

The Latest Campaign: WhatsApp Phishing Scheme

Star Blizzard’s latest phishing campaign exploits WhatsApp’s features to compromise targets. The campaign begins with a spear-phishing email designed to appear as though it was sent by a U.S. government official. The email contains a QR code purportedly inviting the recipient to join a WhatsApp group supporting Ukraine NGOs. However, the QR code is broken, prompting the victim to reply for further instructions.

Once the victim responds, Star Blizzard sends a follow-up email with an apology and a t.ly shortened link to the WhatsApp group. When the victim clicks the link, they are directed to a deceptive webpage instructing them to scan a new QR code. Instead of gaining access to a legitimate WhatsApp group, this QR code is a trap designed to exploit WhatsApp’s account-linking feature, giving the attackers unauthorized access to the victim’s messages and data.

By using this method, Star Blizzard gains access to sensitive communications and data stored in WhatsApp, often through browser extensions. This is a prime example of the group’s ability to adapt and evolve its tactics, demonstrating the importance of vigilance and cybersecurity awareness.

Star Blizzard’s Phishing Attack: A Breakdown

How to Remove Star Blizzard Malware

If you suspect that you have been targeted or infected by Star Blizzard’s phishing campaigns, take the following steps to remove any malware or compromised data:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Disconnect your device from the internet to prevent further data exfiltration and communication with the attacker’s servers.
2. Scan with Anti-Malware Software: Use reputable anti-malware software such as SpyHunter or Malwarebytes to perform a full system scan. This will detect and remove any malicious files, browser extensions, or other threats associated with the attack.
3. Check for Unauthorized Access:
   • Review your WhatsApp account for any unusual activity. If the attacker gained access to your WhatsApp, reset your account password and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
   • Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised through credential harvesting.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Extensions: Delete any suspicious or unauthorized browser extensions that could have been used to infiltrate your WhatsApp account. Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove any tracking elements left by the attackers.
5. Check for Keyloggers: Run a system check for keyloggers or other spyware that may have been installed to capture sensitive information.
6. Rebuild Your Security: After removing the malware, reinstall any necessary software and update it to the latest version to close any security vulnerabilities.
7. Notify Authorities: Report the attack to your organization’s IT department, law enforcement, or any other relevant authorities, especially if you work in government, diplomacy, or a related field.

How to Prevent Future Star Blizzard Phishing Attacks

The best way to protect yourself and your organization from future phishing attacks is to implement proactive security measures. Here are some strategies:

1. Be Cautious with QR Codes and Links: Always verify the source of QR codes and links before clicking on them. Be particularly cautious when you receive unsolicited emails with QR codes or links to external websites.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your accounts, particularly on sensitive platforms like WhatsApp. This extra layer of security can help protect your accounts, even if attackers steal your login credentials.
3. Educate and Train Employees: Provide regular cybersecurity training to employees, especially those in high-risk sectors such as government and defense. This training should cover the dangers of spear-phishing and how to spot suspicious emails.
4. Use Secure Communication Channels: Avoid using unsecured communication channels for sensitive conversations. If you must use messaging apps, ensure that they are end-to-end encrypted.
5. Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized logins or other suspicious activity. Use tools that can track unusual login attempts.
6. Update Software Regularly: Keep all software, especially web browsers and security software, up to date with the latest patches to protect against vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
7. Use Anti-Phishing Tools: Install anti-phishing tools that can help detect malicious emails before they reach your inbox. Many security suites offer email filtering and scanning features that can flag suspicious messages.

Conclusion

Star Blizzard is a sophisticated cyber threat that poses a significant risk to individuals and organizations involved in sensitive political, diplomatic, and defense matters. Their ability to adapt and evolve, particularly through phishing campaigns targeting platforms like WhatsApp, highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and cybersecurity awareness.

By following the steps outlined above, you can help safeguard your personal and professional information from this persistent threat. Regular monitoring, training, and the use of security tools can go a long way in ensuring that you don’t fall victim to Star Blizzard’s malicious schemes.