On August 19, 2024, Microsoft identified North Korean threat actor Citrine Sleet as exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Chrome, known as CVE-2024-7971. While the state-funded hacking group usually targets the cryptocurrency industry, covered entities are also at risk of being compromised for the high-value data they handle.
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Who is Citrine Sleet?
Citrine Sleet is a North Korean threat actor that targets high-value sectors like cryptocurrency. They use different malware, including the AppleJeus trojan and the FudModule rootkit.
Microsoft also notes, “While the FudModule rootkit deployed has also been attributed to Diamond Sleet, another North Korean threat actor, Microsoft previously identified shared infrastructure and tools between Diamond Sleet and Citrine Sleet, and [their] analysis indicates this might be shared use of the FudModule malware between these threat actors.”
How the exploit works
Users are directed to the domain voyagorclub[.]space, controlled by Citrine Sleet. Once the target connects, the exploit for CVE-2024-7971 is executed. Citrine Sleet can then bypass the browser's sandbox and run malicious code on the user’s system. The exploit also uses CVE-2024-38106, a Windows kernel vulnerability, to access the system and use the FudModule rootkit.
How this will affect covered entities
Protected health information (PHI) is considered a high-value target for cyberattacks. So, covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, that handle PHI must be especially careful of these cyber threats.
Specifically, the exploitation of CVE-2024-7971 could lead to unauthorized PHI access. Covered entities using Chrome must update their browsers to mitigate this risk.
Unauthorized PHI access can also lead to HIPAA violations and financial penalties for covered entities.
Read also: Why healthcare is a major target for cyberattacks
What covered entities should do to prevent these attacks
Update software: Covered entities must update their software, including browsers and operating systems with the latest security patches. Chrome users must update to version 128.0.6613.84 or newer versions.
Improve endpoint protection: Covered entities must use endpoint protection solutions, like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which offers tamper and network protection.
Monitor activity: Continually check for unusual activity or indicators of compromise (IOCs) and respond to potential data breaches.
Train employees: Covered entities must regularly train employees to recognize and report phishing attempts threat actors like Citrine Sleet use.
Use HIPAA compliant email: Threat actors often use phishing and social engineering attacks to send malware. HIPAA compliant emailing solutions, like Paubox, offer spam filters and malware scanning to protect covered entities against these threats.
Moreover, HIPAA compliant emails use advanced encryption to protect the emails and attachments. So, even if an attacker exploits vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-7971, the encrypted data remains unreadable, safeguarding PHI from unauthorized access.
FAQs
What makes an email HIPAA compliant?
An email is HIPAA compliant when it meets the HIPAA requirements for protecting sensitive patient information. Covered entities must use a HIPAA compliant emailing platform with encryption, access controls, and audit trails to safeguard patients' protected health information (PHI) and mitigate data breaches.
Additionally, the platform must sign a business associate agreement (BAA) with the healthcare entity to ensure HIPAA compliance.
How does HIPAA compliant email help with cybersecurity?
HIPAA compliant email, like Paubox, offers audit trails, access controls, and malware scanning. These features track PHI access and limit threat exposure, enhancing security against phishing and malware attacks.
Furthermore, Paubox email meets HIPAA’s Security Rule, helping organizations avoid penalties after a cyber incident.
Does HIPAA compliant email improve security for remote healthcare workers?
Yes, HIPAA compliant email protects PHI no matter the sender’s location, protecting healthcare organizations against threats associated with unsecured home or public networks.
Go deeper: HIPAA compliance in the age of remote work
