Understanding the OneClik Cyber Threat: A Simplified Guide

Understanding the OneClik Cyber Threat: A Simplified Guide

Alex Cipher's Profile Pictire Alex Cipher 5 min read

The OneClik campaign is a sophisticated cyber threat that cleverly uses Microsoft ClickOnce and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch stealthy attacks, mainly targeting the energy sector. Imagine a burglar who uses a master key to enter homes without setting off alarms. Similarly, attackers use ClickOnce, a tool for deploying Windows applications, to sneak in malicious software disguised as legitimate programs. This method allows them to bypass many security measures without needing special permissions (MITRE ATT&CK). The attack often starts with phishing emails that lure victims to fake websites hosted on Azure, where harmful files are downloaded (Bleeping Computer).

In addition to ClickOnce, attackers use AWS to create secret communication channels, much like spies using encrypted radios. By leveraging services like CloudFront and Lambda, they maintain contact with compromised systems while avoiding detection. The backdoor, known as RunnerBeacon, uses encrypted channels to securely steal data (Rewterz). This combination of techniques shows how adaptable the campaign is and the challenges it poses to traditional security measures (Arabian Post).

Technical Analysis of the OneClik Campaign

Exploitation of Microsoft ClickOnce

The OneClik campaign uses Microsoft ClickOnce, a tool for self-updating Windows applications, to deliver harmful software disguised as legitimate programs. Think of it as a Trojan horse that doesn’t need special permissions to enter. This feature is exploited by attackers to run malicious code without needing to escalate privileges, providing a stealthy method of operation (MITRE ATT&CK).

Attackers use ClickOnce to run their code through the legitimate Deployment Service (dfsvc.exe), effectively bypassing security controls. The campaign starts with a phishing email containing a link to a fake site hosted on Azure, which delivers a disguised .APPLICATION file (Bleeping Computer).

Use of AWS Services for Command and Control

The OneClik campaign employs AWS to establish command and control (C2) channels, using services like CloudFront, API Gateway, and Lambda. This is like using a legitimate business to cover illegal activities. The backdoor, RunnerBeacon, communicates with C2 servers via encrypted channels, ensuring secure data exfiltration (Rewterz).

The campaign’s dynamic framework allows attackers to adapt to each target environment, maintaining long-term access with minimal detection. The use of legitimate cloud infrastructure complicates traditional detection methods, requiring advanced behavioral analysis and cloud traffic monitoring (Arabian Post).

Advanced Evasion Techniques

OneClik uses sophisticated evasion techniques to avoid detection. Imagine a chameleon blending into its surroundings. The campaign uses tactics like C2 obfuscation and sandbox evasion to thwart traditional security solutions (Bleeping Computer).

The .NET AppDomainManager injection technique, previously linked to Chinese threat actors, is used in the OneClik campaign. This technique, along with the method used to deploy the encrypted payload, shows a high level of sophistication and a preference for cloud-based staging using services from Alibaba and Amazon (Bleeping Computer).

Indicators of Compromise

The report from Trellix includes a list of indicators of compromise (IOCs) for all components of the OneClik campaign. These IOCs range from phishing lures to malware loaders and backdoor binaries. Security teams should monitor unusual ClickOnce manifest downloads and dfsvc.exe processes for suspicious activity (Bleeping Computer).

Deep packet inspection combined with endpoint detection may help identify lateral movement attempts using RunnerBeacon. Effective detection of emerging variants will require advanced behavioral analysis and cloud traffic monitoring (Arabian Post).

Attribution Challenges

While signs point to China-affiliated threat actors, researchers are cautious about making a definitive attribution. The OneClik campaign shares tactics with other campaigns linked to Chinese threat actors, but these overlaps are not enough to attribute the attacks to a specific group with certainty (Industrial Cyber).

The cautious attribution is due to the evolving nature of the OneClik campaign, which adapts and incorporates advanced tactics over time. The use of ‘living off the land’ tactics, blending malicious operations within enterprise and cloud tools, makes traditional detection nearly impossible without deep behavioral analysis (GB Hackers).

Final Thoughts

The OneClik campaign highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats, where attackers increasingly exploit legitimate technologies to mask their activities. By using Microsoft ClickOnce and AWS services, the attackers demonstrate a high level of sophistication and adaptability, making detection and attribution challenging. The campaign’s use of advanced evasion techniques further complicates efforts to secure networks (Bleeping Computer).

Security teams must adopt advanced behavioral analysis and cloud traffic monitoring to detect such threats effectively. The campaign’s reliance on ‘living off the land’ tactics highlights the need for innovative detection strategies (GB Hackers). As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures to protect against such sophisticated attacks.

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