Saturday July 11, 2026

Advisory ID:   ngCERT-2025-100003

SUMMARY

ngCERT is aware of LockGoga, MegaCortex, and Nefilim, sophisticated and hybrid ransomware variants which have been active from 2019-2021, and linked to a threat actor identified as deadforz with aliases “Boba,” “msfv,” and “farnetwork. These ransomware strains have targeted critical infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation sectors in several countries across the globe, resulting in the loss of millions of US dollars. This underscores the need for Organizations to review their systems for indicators of compromise (IoCs) and strengthen defences against potential affiliate-driven attacks.

Damage:      Critical

Probability:  High 

Platform(s):  Microsoft Windows, Dell Firmware

DESCRIPTION

Notably, LockGoga targets industrial systems by utilizing Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, and appends ".locked" to files. Initial access is achieved through phishing or stolen Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) credentials. Thereafter, the malware is dropped in the %TEMP% folder, which disables networks, clears disk space with cipher.exe, encrypts files and demands email-based payment. Also, MegaCortex is a hybrid ransomware used to target enterprises and possesses anti-analysis capabilities. Its attack chain involves initial access through phishing, SQL injection, or RDP exploits. Next, it uses Cobalt Strike for persistence, runs kill.bat to evade antivirus detection, propagates via Qakbot, and demands multi-million-dollar ransoms. Furthermore, Nefilim uses double extortion with AES-128 or Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA-2048) cryptosystem (a family of public-key cryptosystems used for secure data transmission). It also appends ".NEFILIM" or ".DERZKO" to files, while exploiting CVE-2019-19781 (a critical vulnerability in Citrix Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and Gateway products, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely via a directory traversal flaw). Threat actors also exploit RDP or phishing for initial access. Further, Mimikatz and PsExec/WMI are employed for credential dumping, lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and persistence before exfiltrating data to clouds like MEGAsync. Thereafter, the criminals threaten to leak sensitive information.

INDICATORS OF COMPROMISE

The following are observed Indicators of Compromise IoCs:

1. LockGoga: SHA256 hashes in Fortinet/Unit42 reports; %TEMP% execution, cipher.exe use, ".locked" extensions; email-based ransom demands.

2. MegaCortex: Hashes in Heimdal reports; kill.bat, Cobalt Strike beacons, RDP port 3389 activity; Qakbot-related traffic.

3. Nefilim: Delphi-based samples; Mimikatz dumps, PsExec/WMI usage, MEGAsync exfiltration; connections to known exfil domains; Citrix exploit attempts.

CONSEQUENCES

Successful attacks by LockGoga, MegaCortex, and Nefilim ransomware variants could result in:

    1. Disruption of operations, supply chain interruptions and possible Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
    2. Financial losses due to ransom payments, recovery costs and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) fines.
    3. Reputational damage due to data exposure from possible dark web leaks and the possibility of secondary extortion.
    4. National security risks occasioned by breaches to defence and sensitive critical infrastructure.

SOLUTION/MITIGATION

ngCERT recommends that organisations:

    1. Patch vulnerabilities such as CVE-2019-19781 and RDP, enforce Multifactor authentication, implement Zero Trust and least-privilege access to initial access.
    2. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for behavioural monitoring such as process injection, lateral movement, credential dumping and cloud exfiltration.
    3. Maintain offline, immutable backups (3-2-1 rule); test recovery quarterly; avoid ransom payments and report to ngCERT in the event of an attack, to ensure speedy recovery.
    4. Block IoCs at firewalls.
    5. Conduct regular phishing awareness training for all staff.

HYPERLINK

Advisory ID:   ngCERT-2025-100002

SUMMARY

ngCERT has detected about 78 (medium to low) vulnerabilities primarily impacting Microsoft Windows components like Windows Digital Media and Secure Boot, as well as Dell firmware. These weaknesses include elevation of privilege (EoP), security feature bypasses, and improper access controls, with CVSS v3.1 scores from 4.3 to 8.1 (low to high severity). Most of these require local access, but exploitation could lead to system compromise or data exposure. Although the vulnerabilities have been patched, there is an urgent need for these systems to be updated and the patches applied to safeguard against exploits and possible cyberattacks.

Damage:      Critical

Probability:  High 

Platform(s):  Microsoft Windows, Dell Firmware

DESCRIPTION

The vulnerabilities mainly affect Microsoft Windows 10/11 and Server 2019/2022, with some impacting Dell firmware and older non-Microsoft products. Key details include:

a) Windows Digital Media (EoP):Over 40 CVEs, such as (CVE-2025-21229 and CVE-2025-21255), involve improper input validation or out-of-bounds reads, allowing local attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges.

b)  Windows Secure Boot:CVE-2025-21211 allows bypassing Secure Boot via flaws in DBX update validation, enabling unsigned bootloader execution.

c)  Dell Firmware: CVE-2024-52537 permits high-privileged attackers to exploit symlink issues in the Dell Client Platform Firmware Update Utility for privilege escalation.

d) Other Microsoft Issues:CVEs like CVE-2024-55541 (audio driver buffer overflow) and CVE-2024-51456 (SMB Remote Code Execution) cover Denial-of-Service (DoS), kernel exploits, and remote code execution.

e)  Legacy/Other Vendors: Older CVEs such as CVE-2023-50946 in OpenSSH, CVE-2021-29669 in Zyxel) involve RCE, EoP, or information disclosure in non-Microsoft products.

CONSEQUENCES

Successful exploitation of these flaws could result in:

    1. Privilege Escalation: Local attackers could gain SYSTEM access, enabling malware persistence, data theft, or network lateral movement.
    2. System Integrity Loss: Secure Boot bypass (CVE-2025-21211) allows rootkits or tampered firmware to evade boot protections.
    3. Service Disruption: Denial of Service (DoS) issues, such as (CVE-2024-55541), may crash services or leak kernel memory.
    4. Chained Attacks: These flaws could enable ransomware or APTs. No active exploits are reported as of October 2025, but local access increases insider threat risks.

SOLUTION/MITIGATION

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, ngCERT recommends the following measures:

    1. Apply Patches: Install Microsoft January 2025 updates via Windows Update or WSUS. For CVE-2024-52537, update Dell firmware using Dell Command Update.
    2. Enhance Access Controls: Enforce least privilege, disable untrusted media playback, and use AppLocker/WDAC to block unsigned binaries.
    3. Monitor and Harden: Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0; use EDR tools to detect privilege escalation. Apply upstream patches for legacy CVEs such as OpenSSH.
    4. Verify Systems: Scan for vulnerable versions with tools like Qualys or Tenable. Check Microsoft Security Response Centre for updates.
    5. Best Practices: Segment networks, adopt zero-trust, and test patches in staging environments. Isolate or retire end-of-support systems.

HYPERLINK

Advisory ID:   ngCERT-2025-100001

SUMMARY

ngCERT has detected over 100 (Critical and high) vulnerabilities primarily affecting Microsoft Windows components like Office and a few third-party issues. Key risks include remote code execution (RCE), elevation of privilege (EoP), and zero-day exploits, with high CVSS scores (up to 9.8). Ten critical flaws and eight zero-days were noted, some actively exploited and listed in the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's catalogue. It is pertinent to note that these vulnerabilities have been patched by Microsoft, hence the urgent need for system updates and the application of available patches.

Damage:      Critical

Probability:  High 

Platform(s):  Microsoft Windows

DESCRIPTION

The vulnerabilities principally affect Microsoft systems categorized as follows:

a)  RCE in Core Windows Components (About 36% of Microsoft CVEs): Flaws enabling arbitrary code execution via emails, packets, or files with low interaction. Examples include Windows OLE (e.g., CVE-2025-21298 for zero-click Outlook previews), Telephony Service (over 20 CVEs like CVE-2025-21286, CVE-2025-21266, all CVSS 8.8), Remote Desktop Services (e.g., CVE-2025-21297), and others like BranchCache and SPNEGO authentication.

b)   EoP in Virtualization and Installers (About 25% of Microsoft CVEs): Allows attackers to escalate to SYSTEM privileges. Notable are Hyper-V flaws, including CVE-2025-21333, exploited zero-days with CVSS 7.8, and App Installer issues such as CVE-2025-21275. Also includes NTLMv1 remote exploitation.

c)   Office and Developer Tools Issues:RCE/EoP in Access, Excel, Outlook, .NET, and Visual Studio, including CVE-2025-21186, zero-days with CVSS 7.8, often via malicious documents.

d)      DoS and Information Disclosure:Impacts services like MSMQ (e.g., CVE-2025-21251) and kernel memory leaks.

e)   Third-Party and Older CVEs:Includes authentication bypass in Progress WhatsUp Gold, such as CVE-2024-12108, CVSS 9.6 and legacy issues like Kerberos (2022 CVEs).

CONSEQUENCES

Successful exploitation of these flaws could result in:

    1. Full System Compromise: RCE flaws allow attackers to run arbitrary code as the user or SYSTEM, enabling malware deployment, ransomware, or persistent access.
    2. Privilege Escalation and Lateral Movement: EoP in Hyper-V or installers facilitates VM escapes, domain dominance, or supply-chain attacks in enterprise networks.
    3. Data Theft/Exfiltration: Information disclosures (e.g., NTLM hashes via CVE-2025-21308) enable pass-the-hash attacks; Office flaws risk sensitive document leaks.
    4. Service Disruption: DoS in MSMQ or RDP could halt critical operations in monitored environments.
    5. Broader Impact: Zero-days like CVE-2025-21298 are wormable via email, amplifying spread in unpatched fleets. For third parties such as WhatsUp Gold, unauthorized server access risks network-wide reconnaissance. Unmitigated, these could lead to regulatory non-compliance issues with GDPR and NIST, and financial losses from breaches.

SOLUTION/MITIGATION

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, ngCERT recommends the following measures:

    1. Patch Urgently: Apply January 2025 updates such as KB5040431 through Windows Update or management tools; prioritize exposed systems and test first.
    2. Hardening Measures: Disable NTLMv1, block unnecessary ports such as PGM UDP, restrict email previews in Outlook, enable Credential Guard for Hyper-V, and use EPA for authentication. For third-party tools like WhatsUp Gold, upgrade to patched versions and rotate keys.
    3. Detection Strategies: Deploy EDR for anomaly monitoring (e.g., Telephony or OLE activity), enable logging for RDP/MSMQ, and scan for PoCs.
    4. General Practices: Ensure network segmentation, least privilege, regular scans, and MSRC subscriptions to reduce exposure.

HYPERLINK

Advisory ID: NCC-CSIRT-2025-019

Summary: 

Europol and Eurojust have dismantled a cybercrime-as-a-service (CaaS) network, Operation SIMCARTEL, which operated large-scale SIM-farm systems used to create over 49 million fake online accounts across more than 80 countries. In Nigeria and West Africa, similar operations threaten KYC integrity, telecom infrastructure, and financial systems, facilitating smishing, phishing, money-mule schemes, and social-media manipulation. Telecom operators, fintech platforms, and regulators must assume that phone numbers can be rented or abused at scale and strengthen verification, detection, and onboarding controls.

Damage/Probability: Critical/High

Product(s): 

  • Mobile network services (SIM cards, SMS/MMS delivery, voice)
  • Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), retail SIM distribution channels
  • Online services relying on phone-number verification (social media, messaging apps, Fintech, e-commerce)
  • SMS gateway providers and aggregators

Version(s): 

Not version-specific (Telecom operations, KYC and provisioning processes, Verification services)

Platform(s): 

  • Mobile networks (GSM/3G/4G/5G)
  • SMS/SS7/SS8/SS7-like routing infrastructure
  • Web platforms using phone verification, number-rental marketplaces

Description: 

SIM farms are collections of GSM modems and SIM cards used to automate OTP receipt and account registration. They enable criminals to bypass phone verification and conduct large-scale fraud. In Nigeria, this threat can support financial fraud and phishing schemes, election-related disinformation, bulk SMS scams, and exploitation of weak SIM registration and KYC enforcement. Enhanced telecom monitoring, cross-sector collaboration, and strict KYC compliance are essential to mitigate this risk.

Impacts: 

  • Fraudulent fintech and bank accounts opened with rented SIMs.
  • Smishing campaigns using new numbers to evade blacklists.
  • Large-scale fake social-media profiles spreading scams and misinformation.
  • Weakening of phone-based verification and erosion of trust in KYC systems.
  • Regulatory and reputational risks for operators enabling number abuse.

Solutions: 

Focus Area

Recommended Action

Detection & Monitoring

• Analyze for bulk SIM provisioning or activation spikes.
• Detect SIM-box patterns: high SMS/voice, static IMEI/geo, no normal usage.
• Monitor SMS gateways for mass OTP traffic to diverse destinations.

KYC & SIM Controls

• Enforce strict ID and biometric verification for new SIMs.
• Audit agents/resellers; suspend suspicious bulk activations.
• Implement cooling-off periods before number reuse.

Fraud Prevention

• Apply behavioral/velocity checks for phone-verified accounts.
• Flag SIMs used for multiple OTPs or high-velocity registrations.
• Share intelligence with banks/fintechs on suspect number ranges.

Coordination & Awareness

• Establish shared blocklists for abused numbers/resellers.
• Enable 24/7 monitoring for smishing or fake-account spikes.
• Issue public advisories warning users against unsolicited messages or requests.

 

References:

Advisory ID: NCC-CSIRT-2025-018

Summary: 

Researchers have discovered ClayRat, a new Android spyware disguised as popular apps like WhatsApp and TikTok. It spreads through Telegram and fake websites, stealing messages, photos, and other personal data. The malware can also take secret pictures and send malicious links to contacts, making it hard to detect and remove. 

Damage/Probability: Critical/High

Product(s): 

  • Android mobile devices (APK (Android Package Kit) side-loaded or installed from untrusted stores / Telegram channels)
  • Popular mobile app brands used as lures (WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Google Photos)

Version(s): 

Not version-specific, it affects affects Android devices where a malicious APK is installed and granted required roles/permissions.

Platform(s): 

  • Android OS (various versions).
  • Devices with SMS/notification privileges and browsers/Telegram clients used to download APK droppers.

Description: 

Zimperium security researchers have discovered a new Android spyware called ClayRat, which pretends to be popular apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, and Google Photos. The attackers share these fake apps through Telegram channels and phishing websites, often using lookalike domains and fake reviews to appear genuine.

When users download and install these fake apps manually, they are tricked into giving the spyware special permissions, such as access to text messages and notifications. This allows ClayRat to read messages (including security codes), check call logs, view contacts, take photos, and send stolen data to the attackers’ servers. It can also send harmful links to the victim’s contacts, spreading the infection further.

The malware is constantly changing, with over 600 different versions found in just a few months. It also uses advanced hiding techniques to avoid detection by antivirus software, making it difficult to remove once installed. Because it spreads through public channels like Telegram, the spyware can reach a large number of victims very quickly.

Impacts: 

  • Disclosure of sensitive communications (SMS, verification codes) and account takeover risk.
  • Loss of privacy (photos, location, microphone/camera capabilities).
  • Rapid lateral spread via messages to contacts and Telegram channels, increasing scale of compromise.
  • Potential secondary payloads installed by the loader (additional RATs, credential stealers).

Solutions: 

  1. Deploy Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) and Google Play Protect to detect malicious APKs and abnormal behaviors.
  2. Validate apps against an approved allowlist; remove any mismatched packages immediately.
  3. Block malicious domains, phishing sites, and suspicious Telegram channels at the DNS/network level.
  4. Disable side-loading on managed devices; allow installations only from the Play Store or enterprise app store.
  5. For suspected devices, remove unknown APKs, revoke sensitive permissions, rotate credentials, and enforce phishing-resistant MFA.
  6. Isolate and analyze compromised devices, collecting relevant artifacts for forensics.
  7. Educate users to avoid installing apps from untrusted links or channels and to verify app sources.
  8. Keep MTD/antivirus and EDR signatures updated and configure alerts for suspicious app or SMS-handler activities.

References:

  1. win.satacom (Satacom / LegionLoader) Downloader used to Deploy Cryptocurrency-Stealers and Info-Stealers
  2. CISA Sound Alarm over Hackers Targeting Cisco Security Devices
  3. ngCERT SECURITY ADVISORY ON AVALANCHE BOTNET INFRSTARUCTURE
  4. Multiple Critical Vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, IBM, and Asterisk Products

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