Operation Endgame [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], the largest international law enforcement operation against botnets, targeted six significant malware droppers [5], including IcedID [1] [2] [4] [5] [7], SystemBC [1] [4] [5] [6] [7], Pikabot [1] [4] [5] [6] [7], Smokeloader [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], Bumblebee [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7], and Trickbot [1] [3] [5] [7].
Description
Led by France [5] [6], Germany [5] [6] [7], and the Netherlands [5] [6] [7], with support from Eurojust and other countries [5], the operation aimed to disrupt criminal networks by arresting high-value targets [5], dismantling infrastructure [3] [5], and freezing illicit proceeds [5]. Conducted between May 27 and 29, 2024 [5], the operation resulted in four arrests, 16 location searches [5], and the disruption of over 100 servers in Europe and North America. Control was gained over more than 2000 domains associated with the malware droppers. Notable discoveries included a suspect earning at least EUR 69m in cryptocurrency by renting out criminal infrastructure for ransomware deployment [5]. The suspects arrested included three Ukrainians and one Armenian who earned millions in cryptocurrency by deploying ransomware [6]. Law enforcement agencies from Denmark [1] [6], France [5] [6] [7], Germany [5] [6] [7], and the United States coordinated efforts to combat cybercrime [6]. While Operation Endgame was successful, it is acknowledged that the fight against botnets and cybercrime continues, with new actions to be announced on the website [5]. The operation focused on advanced malware droppers/loaders like IcedID [3], Smokeloader [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], and Trickbot [1] [3] [5] [7], which are used to install malware onto target systems [3]. Droppers are deployed through email attachments [3], hacked websites [3], or bundled with legitimate software [3]. Europol announced the arrest of suspects and the takedown of servers and domain names supporting dropper infrastructure [3]. Western law enforcement officials are using psychological measures to slow down hackers [3], including personalized messages and infiltrating cybercriminal infrastructure [3]. Another recent law enforcement action targeted the world’s largest botnet and arrested the alleged operator of the online anonymity service 911 S5 [3], seizing its domains and infrastructure [3]. Europol emphasized the role of botnets in ransomware attacks and the global impact of the operation on the dropper ecosystem [4], with Trickbot, a botnet previously targeted by Microsoft [4], also being shut down during the operation [4]. Trickbot [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [7], which has been active for about a decade [2], has been used to distribute other malware such as Ryuk ransomware [2]. IcedID has also been utilized by cybercriminals to deploy additional malware on compromised systems [2]. Many of the targeted malware families have been in operation for a long time and have been subject to previous takedown efforts [2]. Four suspects were arrested [1] [2], and eight fugitives were added to Europe’s Most Wanted list following the operation [1], which followed another takedown of botnet network “911 S5” and the arrest of a Chinese national in a joint effort led by the US Department of Justice [1].
Conclusion
The operation had significant impacts on disrupting criminal networks, arresting high-value targets [5], and seizing control over malicious infrastructure. Law enforcement agencies are actively combating cybercrime through coordinated efforts and innovative strategies. The takedown of botnets and malware droppers demonstrates the ongoing commitment to combating cyber threats. Future implications include continued efforts to target cybercriminals, enhance cybersecurity measures, and collaborate internationally to address evolving threats.
References
[1] https://www.csoonline.com/article/2132427/operation-endgame-deals-major-blow-to-malware-distribution-botnets.html
[2] https://duo.com/decipher/operation-endgame-targets-trickbot-icedid-other-botnets-in-huge-disruption
[3] https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/05/operation-endgame-hits-malware-delivery-platforms/
[4] https://www.techtarget.com/searchSecurity/news/366586973/Law-enforcement-conducts-largest-ever-botnet-takedown
[5] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/europol-operation-endgame-hits/
[6] https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/05/30/four-arrested-in-worlds-largest-malware-network-operation-europol-says
[7] https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/05/over-100-malware-dropper-servers-crushed-in-largest-ever-botnet-takedown/
