Threat Actor Exploits GlobalProtect VPN to Target Mexican Supermarket Chain

Introduction

In a concerning development, a threat actor known as ‘KUIPWER’ or ‘Jasobeam’ has been actively advertising network access to the Mexican division of the popular supermarket chain ‘H-E-B’ through a compromised GlobalProtect VPN. This incident highlights the ongoing security risks posed by legacy VPN technologies and the need for organizations to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures.

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Threat Actor and Targeted Organization
  • Threat Actor: ‘KUIPWER’ aka ‘Jasobeam’
  • Targeted Organization: Supermercados Internacionales HEB, S.A. de C.V.
• Threat Actor’s Modus Operandi
  • Compromised GlobalProtect VPN
  • Network Access Advertised on Cybercrime Forum
  • Potential Implications and Risks
  • Data Breach and Financial Theft
  • Lateral Movement and Further Compromise
  • Disruption of Operations
• Conclusion
• Suggestions

Threat Actor and Targeted Organization

Threat Actor: ‘KUIPWER’ aka ‘Jasobeam’

The threat actor responsible for this incident is known as ‘KUIPWER’ or ‘Jasobeam’, and they have been operating on the Russian language cybercrime forum ‘XSS’. During an online engagement, the threat actor provided the name of the target organization, Supermercados Internacionales HEB, S.A. de C.V. [www.heb.com.mx], which is the Mexican division of the H-E-B supermarket chain.

Targeted Organization: Supermercados Internacionales HEB, S.A. de C.V.

H-E-B is a private supermarket chain based in San Antonio, Texas, United States, with a significant presence in Mexico. The Mexican division, Supermercados Internacionales HEB, S.A. de C.V., has an annual revenue of approximately USD 46.7 million, making it a valuable target for cybercriminals.

Threat Actor’s Modus Operandi

Compromised GlobalProtect VPN

The threat actor has gained unauthorized access to the Mexican division of H-E-B’s network through a compromised GlobalProtect VPN. GlobalProtect is a popular VPN solution used by many organizations, but it has been the target of various vulnerabilities and exploits in the past, making it a prime target for threat actors.

Network Access Advertised on Cybercrime Forum

The threat actor has been actively advertising the network access to the Mexican H-E-B division on the ‘XSS’ cybercrime forum, indicating their intention to sell or leverage this access for further malicious activities.

Potential Implications and Risks

The compromise of the GlobalProtect VPN and the subsequent access to the Mexican H-E-B network could have several implications:

Data Breach and Financial Theft

The threat actor may attempt to steal sensitive customer or financial data from the compromised network, which could lead to a data breach and significant financial losses for the organization.

Lateral Movement and Further Compromise

With the initial access gained through the VPN, the threat actor may attempt to move laterally within the network, compromising additional systems and gaining deeper access to the organization’s infrastructure.

Disruption of Operations

The threat actor could potentially disrupt the operations of the Mexican H-E-B division, causing service interruptions and financial damage to the organization.

Conclusion

The incident involving the threat actor ‘KUIPWER’ and the compromise of the GlobalProtect VPN used by the Mexican division of H-E-B highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by organizations in the face of persistent cyber threats. As legacy VPN technologies continue to be targeted by threat actors, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures and stay vigilant against emerging threats.

Suggestions

1. Implement Robust VPN Security: Organizations should consider upgrading to more secure VPN solutions that offer advanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and regular security audits.
2. Enhance Network Monitoring and Incident Response: Implementing comprehensive network monitoring and incident response capabilities can help organizations detect and respond to potential security breaches in a timely manner.
3. Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices: Regularly training employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and maintaining strong password hygiene, can help mitigate the risk of successful attacks.
4. Regularly Review and Update Security Measures: Continuously reviewing and updating security measures, including patching vulnerabilities and implementing the latest security protocols, is crucial to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

By addressing these recommendations, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and better protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber attacks targeting legacy VPN technologies.

Source: XSS Forum, Online Engagement
Source Reliability: Trustworthy
Information Reliability: Likely
Motivation: Cyber Crime
Source Category: HUMINT
Severity: Low