Self-Signed SSL Certificates Used in Malware Command-and-Control Networks
Threat Type:
IntelliShield: Security Activity Bulletin
IntelliShield ID:
28441
Version:
1
First Published:
2013 March 01 21:09 GMT
Last Published:
2013 March 01 21:09 GMT
Port:
Not Available
Urgency:
Possible Use
Credibility:
Confirmed
Severity:
Mild Damage
Version Summary:
Self-signed SSL certificates could allow attackers conducting Advanced Persistent Threat campaigns to obscure malicious command-and-control infrastructure network communications.
Description
Self-signed SSL certificates could allow attackers conducting Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) campaigns to obscure malicious command-and-control (C2) infrastructure network communications.
Reports indicate that ongoing APT campaigns may use self-signed SSL certificates to encrypt network communications between C2 servers. The attackers could use crafted self-signed SSL certificates that use the names of legitimate businesses or individuals in an effort to obscure the nature of the malicious traffic.
Administrators are advised to implement an intrusion prevention system (IPS) or intrusion detection system (IDS) to help detect and prevent attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Reports indicate that Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attackers have been observed to use self-signed SSL certificates in the wild. Detection or identification of self-signed SSL certificates may be an indicator of malicious activity.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
IntelliShield
Security Activity Bulletin
Original Release Base
Associated Products:
N/A
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