Introduction
The Russian cyber threat actor, Star Blizzard, has taken a new approach in its cyber-espionage operations, targeting victims' WhatsApp accounts through a sophisticated spear-phishing campaign. This represents a significant shift from the group’s traditional methods and showcases its adaptability in response to heightened scrutiny. Known for targeting government officials, diplomats, and researchers connected to Russia and Ukraine, Star Blizzard’s latest tactics highlight its commitment to gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Star Blizzard: A History of Cyber Espionage
Star Blizzard, previously known as SEABORGIUM, is a well-documented threat actor linked to Russia. Active since at least 2012, it is tracked under various aliases, including Blue Callisto, Dancing Salome, and Gossamer Bear. The group is notorious for credential harvesting campaigns that often leverage phishing emails to deceive targets into revealing sensitive data.
Earlier campaigns typically involved sending emails from seemingly legitimate ProtonMail accounts, embedding malicious links within attachments. These links redirected victims to adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) attack pages powered by Evilginx, enabling the group to harvest credentials and bypass two-factor authentication (2FA).
Star Blizzard has also exploited email marketing platforms like HubSpot and MailerLite to obscure its activities, bypassing the need for domains under its direct control.
A Shift in Tactics: Targeting WhatsApp Accounts
In late 2024, Star Blizzard began focusing on compromising WhatsApp accounts, marking a departure from its previous methods. According to Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence team, this pivot was likely a response to increased public exposure and law enforcement actions.
The campaign started with spear-phishing emails that appeared to originate from a U.S. government official, lending credibility to the messages. These emails contained a broken QR code, purportedly inviting recipients to join a WhatsApp group focused on supporting Ukraine’s NGOs. The broken code was a deliberate ploy to elicit a reply from the victim.
Once the target responded, they were sent a shortened link (via t[.]ly) to join the group. Clicking the link redirected victims to a page asking them to scan a QR code. However, this code was designed to link the victim’s WhatsApp account to a device controlled by the attackers. The attackers could then access messages and extract data using browser extensions.
Broader Implications and Mitigation Strategies
This campaign primarily targeted individuals in government, diplomacy, defense policy, and international relations. Victims also included those offering aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The attack highlighted Star Blizzard’s determination to adapt its techniques, even in the face of significant disruptions to its operations.
Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Justice had previously seized over 180 domains linked to the group between January 2023 and August 2024. Despite these efforts, Star Blizzard’s continued activity underscores the persistent nature of cyber threats.
To counter such tactics, experts recommend heightened vigilance when dealing with unsolicited emails, especially those containing links or QR codes. Verifying the authenticity of communications and avoiding interaction with suspicious links are crucial steps in mitigating risk.
Conclusion
Star Blizzard’s evolution in targeting WhatsApp accounts reflects its resilience and adaptability in the face of mounting challenges. By abandoning its long-standing methods in favor of exploiting newer avenues, the group continues to pose a significant threat to sensitive sectors. Organizations and individuals in targeted industries must remain vigilant and adopt robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard against such attacks.
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