Threat Overview

The Security Operations Center (SOC) has identified a significant cyber threat detailed in a recent report published by AlienVault on May 19, 2025. The report, titled Another Confluence Bites the Dust: Falling to ELPACO-team Ransomware, provides an in-depth analysis of a sophisticated attack that exploited unpatched Confluence servers using CVE-2023-22527.

Threat Actor and Attack Vector

The threat actor behind this incident leveraged an unpatched vulnerability in Confluence servers to gain initial access. The specific vulnerability, CVE-2023-22527, allowed the attacker to bypass security measures and infiltrate the network. Once inside, the attacker utilized Metasploit for command and control operations, ensuring persistent remote access through the installation of AnyDesk.

Network Discovery and Lateral Movement

Following initial access, the attacker conducted extensive network discovery activities to map out the infrastructure and identify critical assets. Various techniques were employed to escalate privileges within the compromised environment. Tools like Mimikatz were used to harvest credentials from compromised systems, enabling further lateral movement across the network.

The attacker moved laterally using compromised domain admin credentials, accessing multiple systems via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). This allowed them to spread their malicious activities across different parts of the network undetected for an extended period.

Deployment of ELPACO-team Ransomware

Approximately 62 hours after gaining initial access, the attacker deployed the ELPACO-team ransomware, a variant of Mimic. This ransomware was targeted at key servers within the organization, encrypting critical data and disrupting operations. While the deployment of ransomware was successful, no significant data exfiltration was observed during the incident.

Impact and Mitigation

The impact of this attack highlights the importance of timely patch management and robust security practices. Organizations must ensure that all software and systems are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing strong access controls and monitoring tools can help detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly.

Recommendations for Mitigation

1. Patch Management: Regularly update and patch all software and systems to protect against known vulnerabilities. Prioritize critical systems and applications that are exposed to the internet or handle sensitive data.

2. Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. Limit administrative access to only those who need it and monitor for any unusual activity.

3. Network Segmentation: Segment the network to isolate critical assets and limit lateral movement in case of a breach. This can help contain the impact of an attack and prevent it from spreading across the entire network.

4. Monitoring and Detection: Deploy advanced monitoring tools and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to continuously monitor network traffic and detect any suspicious activities. Regularly review logs and alerts for signs of potential threats.

5. Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to ensure a swift and effective response in case of a security breach. Train the SOC team on the latest threat trends and response techniques.

6. Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions for employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and reporting suspicious activities.

7. Backup and Recovery: Maintain regular backups of critical data and ensure that they are stored securely offsite. Test backup and recovery procedures regularly to ensure data can be restored quickly in case of an attack.

Conclusion

The incident detailed in the AlienVault report serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape and the need for proactive security measures. By staying vigilant, implementing robust security practices, and preparing for potential threats, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to similar attacks. The SOC will continue to monitor emerging threats and provide timely updates and recommendations to ensure the security of our systems and data.

For more detailed information on this threat, please refer to the following external references:

1. https://thedfirreport.com/2025/05/19/another-confluence-bites-the-dust-falling-to-elpaco-team-ransomware
2. https://otx.alienvault.com/pulse/682aeeb0cc1b99346ea53ce7

Please check the following page for additional information:

Another Confluence Bites the Dust: Falling to ELPACO-team Ransomware