APT Group Threat on Aviation Sector: Phases of Attack and Prevention

A name like "Sticky Werewolf" should evoke amusement, but not for cybersecurity decision makers in the aviation sector. This sophisticated group has been found stalking aviation companies, using highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns to breach systems and exfiltrate sensitive data, reported Darkreading. 

"Sticky Werewolf" is the latest in the long line of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups that have been targeting the global aviation industry. Take a look at these recent cases:

In 2021, the Host Kill Crew executed a DDoS attack on Cambodia Angkor Air, highlighting the vulnerabilities in online service availability. In 2023, the R00TK1T ISC Cyber Team breached Qatar Airways' systems, exposing the serious risks of unauthorized access to aviation data.

The aviation sector, with its complex web of interconnected systems and global operations, has become an attractive target for APT groups. Hadrian’s analysis of the situation, based on which we prepared an action plan for the aviation sector CISOs, revealed several crucial factors about the ATP threat on aviation cybersecurity. 

Understanding APT Groups and Their Tactics

ATP cyberattacks on the aviation sector are not random; they are meticulously planned and executed. Their goals range from cyber espionage to disrupting critical infrastructure, and the aviation industry is one of their prime targets.

Unlike the typical cybercriminals who are after quick financial gains, these are sophisticated, well-funded, and patient attackers often operating with the support of nation-states. 

For example, China’s APT1 and APT41 are connected to the People’s Liberation Army, while Russia’s Fancy Bear (APT28) is associated with the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence. These connections provide APT groups with the resources and tools needed to carry out complex and devastating cyberattacks.

APT groups like "Sticky Werewolf" use advanced techniques, such as spear-phishing, malware, and the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities. They meticulously plan their attacks, often spending months or even years lurking within systems, gathering information, and waiting for the right moment to strike. This persistence is what makes them so dangerous. Once inside a network, they can remain undetected for long periods, slowly but steadily achieving their objectives.

Aviation Cybersecurity: The Growing Challenges 

For those responsible for cybersecurity in the aviation sector, the challenges are immense. The aviation industry is a vast, interconnected ecosystem, including airlines, airports, aircraft systems, and a complex supply chain. Each of these components is a potential entry point for cyber attackers, making it incredibly difficult to secure the entire landscape. Attacks on any one of these can lead to significant operational disruptions, affecting everything from passenger safety to service continuity and financial stability of the businesses.

The regulatory environment in aviation further complicates the cybersecurity challenge. The industry is governed by a wide range of international regulations and standards. These are essential for safety and security but keeping up with them requires constant vigilance and resources.

The adoption of new technologies, such as IoT, AI, and cloud computing, introduces new vulnerabilities. Migrating legacy systems to digital and cloud platforms requires careful planning and execution to avoid misconfigurations and data breaches. Furthermore, the aviation sector's status as critical national infrastructure makes it a prime target for geopolitical attacks.

Proactive Security Measures for the Aviation Sector

Mitigation and recovery are no longer options for a sector like aviation. Proactive security approach – going beyond traditional cybersecurity measures and implementing strategies that target the early stages of an attack – must be the norm. Hadrian has spotted the most active ATP groups that target the sector, analyzed their attack patterns, and prepared a strategy to counter these attacks at the early stages. Here are some of the tips we recommend:

First, it’s crucial to monitor network traffic for any signs of reconnaissance activities. APT groups often start their attacks by gathering information about their targets, so identifying these early activities can prevent more serious breaches. Implementing strong authentication and access controls – using multi-factor authentication to secure all access points and applying the principle of least privilege to limit the exposure of sensitive information – is also essential.

Public-facing applications should be secured with regular vulnerability scans and patch management to block initial access attempts. Advanced email filtering and employee training can help prevent spear-phishing attacks, a common tactic used by APT groups like "Sticky Werewolf." Continuous monitoring of network activity, along with 3rd party risk monitoring, is vital for staying ahead of these sophisticated attackers.

For a sector that faces constantly evolving cyber threats, staying ahead requires not just vigilance, but a commitment to proactive security and a trusted security platform. Our research report helps you understand the nature of APT groups, the unique challenges they pose to the aviation industry, and tactics for aviation sector CISOs to better protect their systems, their data, and ultimately, their passengers.