ESET Research Podcast: CosmicBeetle

The article presents insights from ESET senior malware researcher Jakub Souček regarding the cybercrime group known as CosmicBeetle. Unlike more sophisticated threat actors, CosmicBeetle operates with rudimentary skills and utilizes buggy malware to carry out their attacks, demonstrating a lack of finesse in their approach. Despite their shortcomings, they have surprisingly managed to compromise a number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) globally.

Souček elaborated on the toolkit employed by CosmicBeetle, which is notably written in Delphi. This toolkit features a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the attack process for the perpetrators, allowing them to set up, control, and execute attacks through easily accessible buttons and text fields. The use of a GUI signifies an unusual choice for cybercriminals, suggesting an emphasis on user-friendliness over sophistication.

During the discussion, Souček also touched upon CosmicBeetle’s encryption routines and how these might affect the security of their attacks. He noted that the group has attempted to infiltrate various targets while maintaining an aura of “stealth” characterized by their convoluted methodologies. This could imply that even with technical deficiencies, their unconventional strategies enable them to evade detection.

Furthermore, the conversation unveiled CosmicBeetle’s connections with more notorious gangs, such as LockBit and RansomHub. This association hints at a network of cybercriminals where less capable groups can still gain prominence by collaborating with established entities in the cybercrime ecosystem. Such alliances may provide CosmicBeetle with opportunities to access high-profile victims despite their lack of expertise.

Listeners interested in an in-depth exploration of this topic are encouraged to tune in to the ESET Research Podcast. The episode promises a comprehensive overview of CosmicBeetle’s activities, methodologies, and the broader implications of their presence in the cybercrime landscape.

ESET also invites readers to follow their continued research on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for the latest insights into CosmicBeetle and other cybercriminal actors. They emphasize the importance of staying informed about both individual threats and the overarching trends present in the cyber threat environment.

In summary, the article sheds light on the paradox of CosmicBeetle, a clumsy yet surprisingly effective threat actor. The deeper analysis provided by Souček enhances understanding of the challenges posed by such groups, who exploit vulnerabilities despite their lack of sophistication, ultimately underscoring the evolving nature of cyber threats faced by SMBs.