EP002: How Hackers Execute a Software Supply Chain Attack

Introduction

In the digital landscape, security remains a significant concern, particularly with the rise of software supply chain attacks. In this episode of Weekly Security Nerd Out, we delve into what these attacks are, how they occur, and a recent case study involving the customer engagement platform, Com100.

Understanding Software Supply Chain Attacks

A software supply chain attack takes advantage of the interconnectedness of software vendors and their customers. At its core, this type of attack involves a threat actor compromising a software vendor's network to gain access to the vendor’s codebase. Once inside, the attacker modifies the code, introducing malicious elements. When customers download and install this compromised software, their systems can potentially become infected, allowing the attacker access to the users’ systems.

This attack vector is often referred to as a "one-to-many" style attack because compromising a single vendor can result in the exploitation of many customer environments. A notable example is the SolarWinds attack, where a large number of its customers were affected after hackers infiltrated their software development process.

The Com100 Case Study

We recently observed a concerning incident involving Com100, a platform known for its customer engagement services, including chatbot solutions. In Com100's case, attackers accessed their development server and modified a desktop agent. This modification constituted a supply chain attack.

For simplicity, let’s examine a basic structure of the Com100 network, which includes various servers and workstations. In our scenario, the hacker targets two critical systems: a development server and the company website.

Once the attacker successfully infiltrates Com100's environment through various means, they set their sights on the development server, aiming to retrieve the code. Following this, they insert malicious code that installs backdoors, which are hidden pathways for attackers to access the system.

This compromised code then gets uploaded to the company website, enabling other users to download the altered software. As countless companies grapple with the need to download Com100’s desktop application, they unknowingly download the malicious installer. Upon installation, this malware is activated and connects back to a command and control server operated by the attacker. This allows the hacker to interact with and control victim systems from a distance.

The beauty of this attack lies in its scale—the attacker targets one company but can exploit numerous others by harnessing the compromised software. While the execution of such an attack can be complex and pose unique challenges for attackers, the potential rewards are significant because the damage can extend far beyond the initial target.

As threats evolve, software supply chain attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent. Companies must recognize the necessity of fortifying their development environments to thwart these types of breaches.

Keywords

Software supply chain attacks
Threat actor
Compromise
Malicious code
Command and control server
Com100
One-to-many attack
Backdoor
Security vulnerabilities
SolarWinds

FAQ

What is a software supply chain attack?
A software supply chain attack is when an attacker compromises a software vendor's network and modifies their code, thereby introducing malicious elements that can infect customers' systems when they download the software.

How do supply chain attacks occur?
Supply chain attacks typically occur through the infiltration of a vendor’s environment, often targeting development servers to introduce malicious code that gets disseminated through legitimate software updates.

What is the significance of the Com100 case study?
The Com100 case study illustrates how attackers can exploit a single company to gain access to numerous customer systems by modifying the software installation, showcasing the potential impact of software supply chain attacks.

Why are supply chain attacks considered one-to-many attacks?
Supply chain attacks are labeled one-to-many attacks because by compromising a single vendor, attackers can potentially infect multiple systems across various organizations that rely on that vendor’s software.

How can organizations protect themselves from supply chain attacks?
Organizations can enhance their security posture by implementing robust safeguards around their development environments, monitoring for unusual activity, and regularly scrutinizing third-party software for vulnerabilities.