Cryptocurrency Firms Hit by 3CX Attack Using Gopuram Malware

North Korean threat actors, known as Lazarus Group, conducted a supply chain attack on 3CX, a VoIP communications company. The attackers targeted the company’s customers by distributing trojanized versions of its desktop applications for Windows and macOS, resulting in a large-scale compromise.

Researchers have found that the attack is spread via trojanized MSI installers for 3CXDesktopApp and that the installation package contains an infected DII library. The payload connects to a command-and-control (C2) server and downloads an infostealer, which then collects system information and browser history and sends it back to the C2 server.

The Gopuram malware has been found to be responsible for a number of infections that increased in March 2023, and it was discovered that the cause was directly related to the 3CX supply chain attack. Cryptocurrency companies were specifically targeted, and the malware dropped two files on infected machines: a malicious library called wlbsctrl.dll and an encrypted shellcode payload located in C:\Windows\System32\config\TxR.TxR.0.regtrans-ms.

Kaspersky researchers revealed that the Gopuram malware was used by the attackers with surgical precision, targeting less than ten infected machines. This suggests that the attackers had a financial motive and were specifically interested in such companies.

The infected 3CX software installations were found worldwide, with the highest figures in Germany,  France, Italy and Brazil. The researchers noted that the attackers had a particular interest in cryptocurrency companies.

After several customers reported that 3CXDesktopApp was being flagged as malicious by security software, 3CX confirmed that its Electron-based desktop client was compromised with malware.

Following the supply chain attack against 3CX, the company has advised its customers to uninstall the Electron desktop app from their Windows and macOS systems and switch to the progressive web application Web Client App.

High-profile companies and organizations such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Air France, UK’s National Health Service, Coca-Cola, American Express, McDonald’s, IKEA, BMW and Toyota, are among the customers of 3CX.