[auction - sold] Major Security Breach: Middle Eastern Embassy Access Sold on Dark Web

Company Overview

The breach occurred on a Middle Eastern embassy's digital infrastructure. The specific embassy has not been named, but the breach is significant due to the sensitive nature of the information and systems involved.

Breach Details

• Date of Discovery: June 19, 2024
• Forum: BreachForums
• Seller: User "IntelBroker," a moderator on BreachForums with high reputation.
• Type of Access for Sale:
  • SSH (Secure Shell): A protocol for securely accessing network services over an unsecured network.
  • Remote Desktop: Allows a user to connect and control a computer from a remote location.
  • Telnet: A protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communication facility.
  • SolarWinds: A software suite for IT management, particularly network and systems monitoring.
  • Cisco Routing Service: Networking solutions from Cisco, critical for managing data traffic.
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): An Internet Standard protocol for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks.
  • VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network): A group of devices on one or more local area networks configured to communicate as if they were attached to the same wire, when in fact they are located on a number of different LAN segments.
  • WAN (Wide Area Network): A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area.

Offer Details

• Communication Method: Interested buyers were instructed to message IntelBroker directly.
• Payment Method: XMR (Monero), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency.
• Buyer Requirements: Only users with a high rank or reputation on the forum were encouraged to reach out.

Threat Actor Profile

• Alias: IntelBroker
• Forum Role: Moderator on BreachForums.
• Reputation: High, with a reputation score of 3,531 and 797 posts since joining in June 2023.
• Activity: Known for selling high-value access and information on cybercrime forums.

IntelBroker is a prominent and notorious hacker known for their involvement in high-profile data breaches and cyberattacks. Operating as a moderator on BreachForums, IntelBroker has established a reputation for targeting sensitive and critical infrastructure, often involving government agencies and major corporations.

Notable Activities

• Europol Breach: IntelBroker recently claimed responsibility for breaching Europol's Platform for Experts (EPE), compromising sensitive data about ongoing investigations and internal procedures​ (SOCRadar® Cyber Intelligence Inc.)​​ (CPO Magazine)​.
• DC Health Link Breach: In March 2023, IntelBroker leaked personal data of approximately 170,000 individuals, including U.S. House members and their families, by breaching the DC Health Link insurance provider​ (Vulert)​​ (CPO Magazine)​.
• General Electric: In late 2023, IntelBroker claimed to have stolen classified information from General Electric, although the full extent of this breach remains unclear​ (Hackread)​.
• Zscaler Incident: In May 2024, IntelBroker alleged a breach of Zscaler, a prominent cloud security firm. Zscaler has disputed these claims, stating that no sensitive data was compromised​ (Hackread)​.
• Facebook Marketplace Leak: IntelBroker leaked a partial database of Facebook Marketplace, compromising around 200,000 entries with sensitive user data. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the contractor managing Facebook’s cloud services​ (Digital Watch Observatory)​.

Modus Operandi

IntelBroker typically sells access to compromised systems and data on BreachForums, requiring potential buyers to prove their reputation and use cryptocurrency for transactions. This hacker often utilizes escrow services to facilitate deals, enhancing trustworthiness within the cybercriminal community​ (Hackread)​.

Reputation and Influence

IntelBroker's position as a moderator on BreachForums underscores their influence and trust within this underground community. Their activities have significantly contributed to the site's notoriety and its eventual takedown by law enforcement​ (SOCRadar® Cyber Intelligence Inc.)​​ (CPO Magazine)​.

Conclusion

IntelBroker remains a significant threat in the cyber landscape, consistently targeting high-value entities and exploiting critical vulnerabilities. Their actions underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated threat actors.

Impact Analysis

• Potential Risks:
  • Espionage: Unauthorized access to embassy systems can lead to espionage, compromising national security.
  • Sensitive Information Exposure: Diplomatic communications, confidential documents, and personal data of embassy staff may be at risk.
  • Operational Disruption: Unauthorized access to critical infrastructure can disrupt embassy operations and services.
• Affected Systems: Multiple systems including SSH, Remote Desktop, Telnet, SolarWinds, Cisco services, SNMP, VLAN, and WAN are compromised, indicating a wide-ranging breach.