Tortoiseshell

    IranState-sponsoredUnknown

    Observation period

    19

    Techniques

    0

    Reports

    Latest observed activity
    No dated reports available
    First observed
    —

    Profile

    A previously undocumented attack group is using both custom and off-the-shelf malware to target IT providers in Saudi Arabia in what appear to be supply chain attacks with the end goal of compromising the IT providers’ customers. The group, which we are calling Tortoiseshell, has been active since at least July 2018. Symantec has identified a total of 11 organizations hit by the group, the majority of which are based in Saudi Arabia. In at least two organizations, evidence suggests that the attackers gained domain admin-level access.

    Relevance for Germany, Austria and Switzerland

    medium

    Assessment based on target countries according to MISP Galaxy (CFR Cyber Operations Tracker).

    Target sectors according to source

    • Defense
    • Government
    • Military
    • Finance
    • Energy
    • Healthcare
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Telecoms
    • High-Tech
    • Media
    • NGOs
    • Civil Society
    • Legal
    • Rail
    • Transportation

    Target countries according to source United States, Israel, Middle East, Europe

    Aliases

    • IMPERIAL KITTEN
    • Yellow Liderc
    • TA456
    • DUSTYCAVE
    • Crimson Sandstorm
    • Cuboid Sandstorm
    • Smoke Sandstorm
    • CURIUM

    MITRE ATT&CK techniques

    Observed techniques per ATT&CK Enterprise and ICS. Each technique links to the ATT&CK knowledge base.

    Software / tooling used

    External references

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