Overview
On December 14, 2020, Beijing time, FireEye posted a blog on a SolarWinds supply chain attack. The blog shows that SolarWinds software was trojanized by attackers around March 2020 and suffered a severe supply chain attack. Currently, SolarWinds has released relevant updates. Users are advised to install the updates immediately.
Background
According to the official blog, the versions of SolarWinds software released between March and June 2020 are all compromised by supply chain attacks. Attackers have implanted a malicious backdoor into the 2019.4-2020.2.1 versions released during this period. The backdoor bypasses verification by use SolarWinds’ digital certificates. After an initial dormant period of up to two weeks, it communicates third-party servers and performed operations according to the returned instructions, including transferring files, executing files, and restarting the system. The malware masquerades its network traffic as the Orion Improvement Program (OIP) protocol and stores reconnaissance results within legitimate plugin configuration files allowing it to blend in with legitimate SolarWinds activity.
SolarWinds Inc. is an American company founded in 1999 that develops software for companies to help manage their networks, systems, and information technology infrastructure.
Solution
Currently, SolarWinds has released version 2020.2.1. HF 1, and it is expected to release version 2020.2.1 HF 2 on December 15, 2020. Users should contact SolarWinds as soon as possible for update support.
If users cannot update immediately, they can adopt the workaround provided by SolarWinds at the following link:
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.
NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
