A watering hole attack is a cyberattack that focuses on specific groups of users by infecting websites they usually visit. The name "watering hole" comes from the way animal predators behave. They tend to lurk near watering holes, waiting patiently for a chance to attack vulnerable prey. Similarly, watering hole attackers wait on particular websites frequently visited by their targets, in hopes of infecting them with malware.
How does a watering hole attack work?
In a watering hole attack, cybercriminals identify websites commonly visited by their targets and exploit vulnerabilities within these sites to infect them. They typically target public websites frequented by professionals from specific industries, such as discussion boards, industry conferences, and industry-standard bodies. Attackers profile targets to learn their web habits. Targets are often employees of large organizations or government agencies.
The cybercriminal injects malicious Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or JavaScript code into the targeted website. This code redirects victims to a spoofed website that hosts the attacker's malware. Common malware used in watering hole attacks includes Remote Access Trojans (RATs), which provide the attacker with remote access to the victim's computer. Once inside the victim's computer, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or use it as a foothold to infiltrate a connected corporate network.
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Preventing watering hole attacks
Watering hole attacks can be challenging to prevent due to their targeted nature. However, organizations can implement several best practices to mitigate the risk of falling victim to these attacks:
Regular security testing
Organizations should regularly test their security solutions to provide the necessary defense level. Verifying that users always browse the internet securely ensures organizations can prevent intentional and unintentional malware downloads and block access to infected or malicious websites.
Advanced threat protection
Implementing security solutions that protect against advanced attack vectors is crucial in preventing watering hole attacks. Behavioral analysis solutions, for example, can help organizations detect zero-day exploits before attackers can target users, offering a better chance of early detection.
System and software updates
Keeping systems and software up to date is an essential best practice for avoiding watering hole attacks. Promptly installing operating system patches and software updates is crucial as attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated code.
Treat all traffic as untrusted
Organizations should adopt a ‘trust but verify’ approach, considering all traffic as untrusted until verified as legitimate. This approach is especially important with third-party traffic. It should be applied to all internet traffic, regardless of its source.
Test and secure against exposure
Secure web gateways play a significant role in protecting organizations from watering hole attacks. They enforce internet access policies, filter unwanted or malicious software, and protect against external and internal threats.
Related: How to manage persistent threats and zero day vulnerabilities
Watering hole attack statistics
Watering hole attacks have affected various organizations and industries, highlighting the need for cybersecurity measures. Here are a few notable examples:
- Forbes: In 2015, Forbes fell victim to a watering hole attack launched by a Chinese hacking group. The attack exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash Player to display malicious versions of Forbes' "Thought of the Day" feature. Any vulnerable devices visiting the Forbes website were infected with malware.
- U.S.-based Chinese news site: In August 2019, FortiGuard Labs discovered a watering hole attack targeting the community of a U.S.-based Chinese news site. The attack exploited known vulnerabilities in WinRAR and Rich Text Format (RTF) files, using various techniques, tools, and backdoor functionalities to target victims.
- Microsoft's Visual Basic Script (VBScript) Exploit: In February 2019, researchers at Trend Micro discovered an advanced watering hole attack that exploited Microsoft's VBScript programming language. The attack downloaded a "gist" snippet from GitHub, modified the code to create an exploit, and used a multistage infection scheme. The malware connected to private Slack channels to lure victims, showcasing sophisticated hacking techniques.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
In the news
In a development reported by cybersecurity firm ESET, the Chinese advanced persistent threat group known as Evasive Panda has intensified its targeting of Tibetans through sophisticated cyber operations. Known for its long-standing history of cyberespionage targeting governmental entities across China, India, and various Asian countries since 2012, Evasive Panda has recently employed watering hole and supply chain attacks.
These tactics involve compromising the website of the Monlam Festival organizer, a big event in Tibetan Buddhism, to distribute malware based on visitors' IP addresses. The group also exploited the website of an Indian company specializing in Tibetan language applications to disseminate trojanized software, infecting systems with potent backdoors like Nightdoor and MgBot. ESET's findings indicate the group's strategic use of current events and cultural interests to perpetrate espionage, posing cybersecurity risks to global Tibetan communities and proving the ongoing challenges in combating state-sponsored cyber threats.
FAQs
What is a watering hole attack and how does it relate to healthcare security?
A watering hole attack is a cyberattack where attackers compromise a website or online service frequently visited by a target group, such as healthcare professionals, to infect visitors with malware. In healthcare, these attacks can be used to gain access to sensitive patient data or disrupt healthcare operations.
Why are watering hole attacks a significant threat to healthcare organizations?
Watering hole attacks are big threats because they target trusted websites, making it more likely for healthcare professionals to be infected with malware. This can lead to breaches of patient information, unauthorized access to medical systems, and potential disruptions in patient care.
What measures can healthcare facilities take to prevent watering hole attacks?
Healthcare facilities can prevent watering hole attacks by ensuring that their own websites and online services are secure, educating staff about the risks of visiting compromised websites, using cybersecurity measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and regularly updating software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
How do watering hole attacks impact HIPAA compliance?
Watering hole attacks impact HIPAA compliance by increasing the risk of unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI). If attackers successfully compromise healthcare systems, they can access PHI, leading to data breaches and violations of HIPAA’s security and privacy requirements.
Farah Amod
