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drewt@secureworldexpo.com (Drew Todd)@SecureWorld News //

Salt Typhoon Group Expands Espionage Using JumbledPath - Chinese cyber espionage group Salt Typhoon is expanding its espionage campaign by compromising telecom networks globally using a custom malware called JumbledPath to monitor network traffic, gaining access through stolen credentials and exploiting Cisco router vulnerabilities.
The Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Salt Typhoon is expanding its espionage campaign, targeting U.S. telecommunication providers and other networks globally. The group, active since at least 2019, has been breaching major companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. Between December 2024 and January 2025, Salt Typhoon compromised additional telecom networks across the globe. The attacks involve a custom utility called JumbledPath, used to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data.

Salt Typhoon gains initial access through stolen credentials and exploiting vulnerabilities in Cisco routers. Specifically, they target internet-exposed Cisco network routers, leveraging CVE-2023-20198 and CVE-2023-20273 to escalate privileges and gain root access. Once inside, they extract credentials by intercepting authentication traffic, modify network configurations, and create hidden accounts to maintain persistent access. The group's objectives include intercepting sensitive communications, tracking political activists, and stealing research from academic institutions.

Recommended read:
References :
  • bsky.app: The Chinese state-sponsored Salt Typhoon hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • BleepingComputer: The Chinese state-sponsored Salt Typhoon hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • securityaffairs.com: Salt Typhoon used custom malware JumbledPath to spy U.S. telecom providers
  • www.bleepingcomputer.com: state-sponsored hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • Anonymous ???????? :af:: state-sponsored hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • BleepingComputer: The Chinese state-sponsored Salt Typhoon hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • Carly Page: state-sponsored hacking group uses a custom utility called JumbledPath to stealthily monitor network traffic and potentially capture sensitive data in cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunication providers.
  • Blog: New Details: Salt Typhoon Used Leaked Creds in Telecom Attack
  • SecureWorld News: Chinese cyber espionage group Salt Typhoon has made headlines in the last year, breaching major , including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies.
  • cyberscoop.com: Salt Typhoon gained initial access to telecoms through Cisco devices
  • www.bleepingcomputer.com: Chinese hackers breach more U.S. telecoms via unpatched Cisco routers
  • gbhackers.com: Gbhackers news on Salt Typhoon Hackers Exploit Cisco Vulnerability
  • www.the420.in: The 420 news on Chinese Hackers Target US Telecom Giants
@www.bleepingcomputer.com //

Chinese APT Groups Target Telecom (and) Healthcare - Chinese APT groups are targeting U.S. telecom providers and European healthcare organizations using custom malware and exploiting vulnerabilities to steal data and potentially deploy ransomware.
Chinese APT groups are actively targeting U.S. telecom providers and European healthcare organizations using sophisticated cyberattacks. The attacks involve custom malware, such as JumbledPath used by Salt Typhoon to spy on U.S. telecom networks, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities like the Check Point flaw (CVE-2024-24919). These campaigns are characterized by the deployment of advanced tools like ShadowPad and NailaoLocker ransomware, indicating a blend of espionage and financially-motivated cybercrime.

These threat actors gain initial access through exploited vulnerabilities, then move laterally within the networks using techniques like RDP to obtain elevated privileges. The attackers then deploy ShadowPad and PlugX, before deploying the NailaoLocker ransomware in the final stages, encrypting files and demanding Bitcoin payments. These findings highlight the evolving tactics of Chinese APT groups and the challenges in attributing these attacks, given the blurring lines between state-sponsored espionage and financially driven operations.

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References :
@cyberscoop.com //

Salt Typhoon's Ongoing Telecom Attacks - Chinese nation-state actor Salt Typhoon targets telecommunications providers, breaching five firms between December 2024 and January 2025, exploiting Cisco vulnerabilities despite sanctions.
The Chinese nation-state hacking group Salt Typhoon, despite facing US sanctions, continues to actively target telecommunications providers. Between December 2024 and January 2025, Recorded Future observed Salt Typhoon breaching five telecom firms, including a US-based affiliate of a UK telecom provider, a US internet service provider, and companies in Italy, South Africa, and Thailand. The group also performed reconnaissance on a Myanmar-based telecom provider.

Salt Typhoon exploited vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XE software, specifically CVE-2023-20198 and CVE-2023-20273, to compromise unpatched Cisco devices. They attempted to compromise over 1,000 Cisco routers globally, focusing on those within telecom networks. Additionally, Salt Typhoon targeted universities, including the University of California and Utah Tech, potentially seeking access to research related to telecommunications and engineering.

Recommended read:
References :
  • cyberscoop.com: Salt Typhoon remains active, hits more telecom networks via Cisco routers
  • The Register - Security: More victims of China's Salt Typhoon crew emerge: Telcos just now hit via Cisco bugs
  • Carly Page: The China-backed Salt Typhoon group is still hacking telecommunications providers, despite government sanctions. Recorded Future says Salt Typhoon breached five firms between December and January, including a US affiliate of a prominent UK provider and a US-based ISP
  • techcrunch.com: The China-backed Salt Typhoon group is still hacking telecommunications providers, despite government sanctions.
  • www.wired.com: Wired's coverage of Salt Typhoon's ongoing hacking activities.
  • Threats | CyberScoop: Salt Typhoon remains active, hits more telecom networks via Cisco routers
  • cyberinsider.com: Chinese Hackers Breach Cisco Devices in Global Telecom Attacks
  • securebulletin.com: RedMike (Salt Typhoon) continues global Telecom attacks
  • CyberInsider: Chinese Hackers Breach Cisco Devices in Global Telecom Attacks
  • Secure Bulletin: Report on RedMike's continued attacks on telecom providers.
  • Talkback Resources: Salt Typhoon Targeting Old Cisco Vulnerabilities in Fresh Telecom Hacks [exp] [net]
  • Talkback Resources: Chinese state-sponsored APT group Salt Typhoon targets telecommunications providers and universities by exploiting Cisco vulnerabilities, creating privileged accounts, bypassing firewalls, and exfiltrating data using GRE tunnels, prompting organizations to patch devices, enforce access controls, and monitor for unauthorized changes.
  • Talkback Resources: Salt Typhoon Targeting Old Cisco Vulnerabilities in Fresh Telecom Hacks
  • PCMag UK security: China's Salt Typhoon Spies Are Still Eavesdropping on Global Networks
  • ciso2ciso.com: Salt Typhoon Targeting Old Cisco Vulnerabilities in Fresh Telecom Hacks
  • ciso2ciso.com: Salt Typhoon Targeting Old Cisco Vulnerabilities in Fresh Telecom Hacks – Source: www.securityweek.com
  • securityaffairs.com: China-linked APT Salt Typhoon breached telecoms by exploiting Cisco router flaws
  • securityaffairs.com: China-linked APT Salt Typhoon breached telecoms by exploiting Cisco router flaws
  • BleepingComputer: China's Salt Typhoon hackers are still actively targeting telecoms worldwide and have breached more U.S. telecommunications providers via unpatched Cisco IOS XE network devices.
  • industrialcyber.co: Insikt Group details RedMike cyber espionage campaign on telecom providers using Cisco vulnerabilities
  • securityonline.info: Cybersecurity researchers at Insikt Group have identified an ongoing cyber espionage campaign by RedMike (also tracked as Salt Typhoon).
  • Industrial Cyber: Insikt Group details RedMike cyber espionage campaign on telecom providers using Cisco vulnerabilities
  • SecureWorld News: Salt Typhoon Expands Espionage Campaign, Targets Cisco Routers
  • Cisco Talos Blog: Weathering the storm: In the midst of a Typhoon
  • cyberscoop.com: Cisco Talos observed the campaign targeting major U.S. telecommunication companies and observed the attackers primarily used legitimate login credentials to gain initial access, making detection and prevention difficult.
  • cyberscoop.com: Salt Typhoon gained initial access to telecoms through Cisco devices
  • securityaffairs.com: Salt Typhoon used custom malware JumbledPath to spy U.S. telecom providers
@ciso2ciso.com //

Salt Typhoon exploits Exchange Server Vulnerability - Chinese APT group Salt Typhoon exploits a years-old Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerability, with 91% of at-risk servers unpatched, allowing network access and data theft, using custom malware and rootkits.
References: ciso2ciso.com , Pyrzout :vm: ,
The Chinese APT group Salt Typhoon continues to exploit a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Servers, despite a patch being available for almost four years. A staggering 91% of at-risk Exchange servers remain unpatched, leaving them exposed to exploitation. This negligence allows the attackers to gain initial access to networks, enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration, potentially leading to data breaches and further system compromises. This specific vulnerability, known as ProxyLogon (CVE-2021-26855), has been a long-term target and was first disclosed by Microsoft in March 2021, with warnings that it was being used to achieve remote code execution.

Salt Typhoon maintains a stealthy presence on victim networks using custom malware such as GhostSpider, SnappyBee, and the Masol remote access trojan to establish persistence. The group targets well-known vulnerabilities for initial access, and their methods include using the Demodex rootkit to remain hidden. Despite repeated warnings from law enforcement and private sector security firms, the vast majority of public-facing Microsoft Exchange Server instances remain unpatched. The continued exploitation of this flaw highlights the ongoing challenge of patching critical systems and ensuring organizations apply available security updates.

Recommended read:
References :
  • ciso2ciso.com: One of Salt Typhoon’s favorite flaws still wide open on 91% of at-risk Exchange Servers – Source: go.theregister.com
  • Pyrzout :vm:: One of Salt Typhoon’s favorite flaws still wide open on 91% of at-risk Exchange Servers – Source: go.theregister.com
  • ciso2ciso.com: One of Salt Typhoon’s favorite flaws still wide open on 91% of at-risk Exchange Servers – Source: go.theregister.com

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