Hacking

Banshee Stealer: A Growing Threat to macOS Users 

Overview 

Cybersecurity researchers at Check Point Research (CPR) have discovered a sophisticated macOS malware called Banshee Stealer, putting over 100 million macOS users globally at risk. The malware, designed to exfiltrate sensitive user data, demonstrates advanced evasion techniques, posing a significant threat to users and organizations relying on macOS. 

Key Threat Details: 

Malware Capabilities: 

  • Data Theft: Banshee Stealer targets browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive files, compromising user security. 
  • User Deception: It displays fake system pop-ups to trick users into revealing their macOS passwords, facilitating unauthorized access. 
  • Encryption and Exfiltration: Stolen data is compressed, encrypted, and transmitted to command-and-control (C&C) servers through stealthy channels, making detection challenging. 

C&C decryption     Source: Cybersecurity News 

Evasion Tactics: 

  • Advanced Encryption: The malware utilizes encryption techniques similar to Apple’s XProtect, camouflaging itself to evade detection by traditional antivirus systems. 
  • Stealth Operations: It operates seamlessly within system processes, avoiding scrutiny from debugging tools and remaining undetected for extended periods. 

Distribution Mechanisms: 

  • Phishing Websites: Banshee Stealer impersonates trusted software downloads, including Telegram and Chrome, to deceive users into downloading malicious files. 
  • Fake GitHub Repositories: It distributes DMG files with deceptive reviews and stars to gain user trust, facilitating the spread of the malware. 

Repository releases     source: Cybersecurity News 

Recent Developments: 

  • Expanded Targeting: The latest version of Banshee Stealer has removed geographic restrictions, such as the Russian language check, broadening its target audience globally. 
  • Source Code Leak: Following a source code leak, there has been increased activity, enabling other threat actors to develop variants and intensify the threat landscape. 

Impact: 

  • Users: Compromised browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, and personal files can lead to identity theft and financial losses. 
  • Organizations: Potential data breaches can result in reputational damage, financial losses, and legal implications. 
  • Global Threat: The malware’s expanded targeting underscores the need for enhanced vigilance among macOS users worldwide. 

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): 

The IOCs listed below are associated with the threat. For the full list of IOCs, please refer to the link

IP Address and Domain  File Hash 
41.216.183[.]49 00c68fb8bcb44581f15cb4f888b4dec8cd6d528cacb287dc1bdeeb34299b8c93 
Alden[.]io 1dcf3b607d2c9e181643dd6bf1fd85e39d3dc4f95b6992e5a435d0d900333416 
api7[.]cfd 3bcd41e8da4cf68bb38d9ef97789ec069d393306a5d1ea5846f0c4dc0d5beaab 
Authorisev[.]site b978c70331fc81804dea11bf0b334aa324d94a2540a285ba266dd5bbfbcbc114 

Recommendations: 

To mitigate the risks associated with Banshee Stealer, consider implementing the following proactive measures: 

  1. Avoid Untrusted Downloads: 
  • Refrain from downloading software from unverified sources, particularly free or “cracked” versions. 
  • Verify the authenticity of GitHub repositories before downloading any files. 
  1. Strengthening System Defenses: 
  • Regularly update macOS and all installed applications to patch known vulnerabilities. 
  • Deploy advanced security solutions with real-time threat detection and proactive intelligence. 
  1. Enhance Awareness and Training: 
  • Educate users on identifying phishing websites and suspicious downloads. 
  • Encourage caution when responding to system prompts or entering credentials. 
  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 
  • Secure accounts with 2FA to minimize the impact of stolen credentials. 
  1. Monitor System Activity: 
  • Regularly review system logs for unauthorized changes or suspicious activity. 
  • Use tools to monitor unexpected outgoing data transmissions. 
  • Utilize threat intelligence feeds to detect and block IOCs like malicious IPs, domains, and file hashes.  
  • Continuously monitor network traffic, emails, and file uploads to identify and mitigate threats early. 

Conclusion: 

The rise of the Banshee malware exemplifies the increasing sophistication of threats targeting macOS. Users and organizations must adopt layered security defenses, maintain vigilance, and prioritize awareness to mitigate the risks of advanced malware like Banshee. By leveraging updated tools and practices, you can safeguard critical systems and data from evolving cyber threats. 

References

Race Condition Vulnerability in OpenSSH (CVE-2024-6387): PoC Exploit Released  

Race Condition Vulnerability in OpenSSH (CVE-2024-6387): PoC Exploit Released  

OpenSSH is a suite of networking utilities based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It is extensively used for secure remote login, remote server management and administration, and file transfers via SCP and SFTP. OpenSSH server process ‘sshd’ is affected by a signal handler race condition allowing unauthenticated remote code execution with root privileges on glibc-based Linux systems.

Summary 

Application OpenSSH 
Severity High 
CVSS 8.1 
CVEs CVE-2024-6387 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

CVE-2024-6387, a high-severity vulnerability in OpenSSH’s server (sshd), has been identified and is currently being exploited in the wild. Known as “regreSSHion,” this flaw involves a sophisticated race condition during the authentication phase, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for this critical vulnerability has been released, further raising concerns. 

The vulnerability affects millions of OpenSSH servers globally, with older versions particularly at risk. Rated with a CVSS score of 8.1, the flaw poses a significant security threat. Over 14 million OpenSSH server instances exposed to the Internet have been identified as potentially vulnerable, with around 700,000 instances facing external internet threats. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Fixed Version 
Race Condition vulnerability   CVE-2024-6387  OpenSSH (8.5p1–9.8p1)  High  OpenSSH 9.8p2 or later 

Technical Summary 

CVE-2024-6387, also known as “regreSSHion,” is a critical vulnerability in OpenSSH’s server (sshd) caused by a signal handler race condition. This issue arises when the SIGALRM handler, triggered during a failed login attempt exceeding LoginGraceTime, invokes non-async-signal-safe functions like syslog(). The Vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, primarily affecting glibc-based Linux systems.

Exploitation is technically complex but feasible and has been demonstrated in controlled environments on 32-bit systems. OpenBSD systems are unaffected due to their different signal-handling mechanisms. 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2024-6387 OpenSSH v8.5p1 through 9.8p1 on glibc-based Linux systems Signal handler race condition in sshd’s SIGALRM, triggered during login timeout (LoginGraceTime). Remote Code Execution (Root Privileges) 

Impact:

This Vulnerability if exploited could lead to complete system takeover.

Remediation

  • Immediate Patch: Upgrade OpenSSH to version 9.8p2 or later, which resolves the issue. 
  • Access Restrictions: Implement firewall rules or TCP wrappers to limit SSH access to trusted IP ranges. 
  • Monitor Activity: Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to analyze logs for unusual activity, failed login attempts, or exploitation patterns. 

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): 

IP Address / Hostname File Hash 
209.141.53[.]247 0df799f05c6d97e2b7d4b26c8e7246f7 
108.174.58[.]28 11cc5f00b466d4f9be4e0a46f2eb51ae 
195.85.205[.]47 1f452448cea986aedc88ba50d48691f7 
62.72.191[.]203 207eb58423234306edaecb3ec89935d8 
botbot.ddosvps.cc  

Below are some IOCs associated with the threat. For a complete list of IOCs, refer to the AlienVault Pulse for CVE-2024-6387 

Conclusion: 

The public release of a PoC exploit for CVE-2024-6387 marks a critical moment for organizations relying on OpenSSH. While exploitation requires significant effort, the potential impact of a successful attack—complete system compromise and privilege escalation—is severe.

Swift patching and the adoption of layered security measures are imperative to mitigate the risks. 

Organizations must act promptly to safeguard their systems and monitor for signs of active exploitation. By staying informed and proactive, businesses can minimize the potential fallout from this serious vulnerability. 

References: 

  • https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/cve-2024-6387 
  • https://www.yorku.ca/uit/2025/01/openssh-remote-code-execution-regresshion-cve-2024-6387/

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