Exposing the 'Bring Your Own Installer' Tactic: A New EDR Bypass Threat
Introduction: The Evolving Landscape of Endpoint Security
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions have become integral to organizational cybersecurity strategies. However, as defenses strengthen, threat actors continuously adapt, seeking novel methods to circumvent security measures. A recent discovery by Aon’s Stroz Friedberg Incident Response Services highlights a new technique that exploits the upgrade process of SentinelOne’s EDR, emphasizing the need for vigilant security practices.
The 'Bring Your Own Installer' Technique Explained
The identified method, termed 'Bring Your Own Installer,' involves leveraging the upgrade or downgrade process of the SentinelOne agent to bypass its anti-tamper protections. By exploiting this process, attackers can temporarily disable the EDR, leaving endpoints unprotected and vulnerable to malicious activities.
In observed instances, threat actors gained local administrative access by exploiting vulnerabilities in publicly accessible applications. Subsequently, they utilized legitimate SentinelOne installer files to initiate the upgrade process. During the brief window when SentinelOne processes were inactive, attackers executed malicious payloads, including variants of the Babuk ransomware.
Indicators of EDR Bypass
Forensic analyses revealed several indicators suggestive of this bypass technique:
- Creation of multiple versions of legitimate SentinelOne installer files.
- Event logs indicating product version changes, service restarts, and firewall configuration modifications.
- Scheduled task alterations corresponding with the upgrade/downgrade process.
These signs underscore the importance of monitoring for unusual activities that may indicate an attempted or successful EDR bypass.
Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices
In response to the discovery, SentinelOne has issued guidance to mitigate this vulnerability:
- Utilize the local agent passphrase feature to prevent unauthorized uninstalls or upgrades.
- Enable the Local Upgrade Authorization feature to ensure that any upgrades are authenticated through the SentinelOne management console.
Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the following best practices:
- Regularly update and patch all software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Employ digital footprint analysis to monitor for unauthorized changes in the network.
- Utilize dark web surveillance and darknet monitoring services to detect compromised data and stolen credentials.
- Implement digital threat scoring to assess and prioritize potential risks.
Platforms like Foresiet can assist in online risk evaluation , providing insights into potential vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security posture.
Conclusion: Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity
The emergence of the 'Bring Your Own Installer' technique serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving tactics employed by cyber adversaries. While EDR solutions like SentinelOne offer robust protection, they are not impervious to exploitation. Organizations must remain proactive, continuously updating their security measures and staying informed about emerging threats. By adopting comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and leveraging tools for brand protection and threat detection, businesses can better safeguard their digital assets against sophisticated attacks.
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