Who’s Behind It?
APT19, also known as the Codoso Team, is a cyber espionage group suspected to have ties to China, operating with a mix of freelancers who may receive some degree of government sponsorship. Their focus is particularly sharp on the legal and investment sectors, making them a significant threat to organizations handling sensitive financial and legal data.
What’s Their Mission?
APT19 is primarily engaged in cyber operations aimed at compromising legal and investment entities. Whether it’s to steal sensitive information, gain financial leverage, or support broader economic espionage activities, their operations are clearly aligned with China’s strategic interests.
Their Arsenal
APT19 has a well-equipped toolkit, primarily featuring BEACON and COBALTSTRIKE malware. These tools allow them to infiltrate networks, bypass security measures, and establish persistent access, enabling them to carry out prolonged and stealthy data exfiltration.
How They Get In
In 2017, APT19 demonstrated their adaptability by employing a range of sophisticated techniques to compromise their targets. In early May, they used phishing lures with RTF attachments that exploited the Microsoft Windows vulnerability CVE 2017-0199. Later that month, they switched tactics, deploying macro-enabled Microsoft Excel (XLSM) documents. The most recent versions of these lures included an application whitelisting bypass, demonstrating their continuous evolution and refinement of attack methods. At least one of these phishing lures delivered a Cobalt Strike payload, further illustrating their capability to execute complex and targeted attacks.
Why This Matters to Us
At Hedgehog Security, we recognize that APT19’s focus on the legal and investment sectors makes them a formidable threat to organizations that handle highly sensitive data. Their ability to adapt their attack vectors and use advanced tools like COBALTSTRIKE means that they are a persistent and evolving threat.
That’s why we’re here. With our SOC365 service, we don’t just react to threats—we stay ahead of them. Our deep understanding of APT19’s tactics ensures that your organization’s defenses are robust and ready to repel even the most sophisticated attacks. We’re dedicated to protecting your most sensitive information, ensuring that it remains secure from prying eyes.
In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, defending against groups like APT19 requires more than just technical expertise—it demands a proactive, strategic defense. At Hedgehog Security, we’re committed to keeping the pricks on the outside, so your organization can operate securely and confidently in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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