IntelBroker
In a recent concerning development on the dark web, a notorious threat actor known as IntelBroker has listed access to a highly sensitive South Korean government agency for sale. The posting, which surfaced on July 11, 2024, on the notorious BreachForums, has raised alarms within the cybersecurity community and poses a significant threat to both national security and international relations.
Company Overview
IntelBroker is a well-known figure within the cybercrime underworld, notorious for their involvement in numerous high-profile breaches and the sale of access to compromised systems. Operating primarily on underground forums, IntelBroker has been linked to various data breaches targeting government entities, financial institutions, and large corporations globally. Their offerings typically involve unauthorized access to critical systems, often obtained through sophisticated cyberattacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities within these organizations' networks.
In previous years, IntelBroker has been involved in similar activities, with reports linking them to breaches in Eastern European government agencies, where they sold access to internal systems, leading to significant data leaks. The actor has also been associated with ransomware operations and has connections to other cybercriminal groups, making their activities particularly dangerous and wide-reaching.
Breach Details
According to the listing by IntelBroker, the access being sold includes a wide array of highly sensitive portals within the South Korean government agency. The offering encompasses:
- Internal Access Portal
- Web Portal
- User Credentials
- Command Equipment
- Other Systems Managed by Subordinate Agencies
The asking price for this access is $4,000, payable in Monero (XMR), a cryptocurrency favored by cybercriminals for its enhanced privacy features. IntelBroker has also indicated a willingness to negotiate on the price, suggesting a potential discount for interested buyers.
The specific government agency involved in this breach has not been disclosed in the post, but the description implies that it is one of the most critical entities within South Korea's governmental framework. Given the broad scope of access being offered, the potential for widespread disruption and intelligence leaks is immense.
Threat Actor Profile: IntelBroker
IntelBroker is a name that commands a certain level of fear and respect within the dark web community. They have built a reputation for providing access to high-value targets, often government or corporate entities, and are known for their meticulous approach to breaching these systems. IntelBroker is believed to be involved in several underground networks, including those focused on ransomware and data exploitation.
Their modus operandi typically involves gaining access through phishing campaigns, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, or purchasing initial access from other hackers. Once inside, they establish a foothold, often moving laterally within the network to escalate privileges and gain access to more sensitive systems. IntelBroker then packages this access for sale, offering it to the highest bidder on dark web forums like BreachForums.
This latest listing continues a pattern seen in previous breaches linked to IntelBroker, where the actor has capitalized on geopolitical tensions by targeting government agencies in regions experiencing political or military strife.