Introduction
A sophisticated cyber-attack targeted a managed service provider (MSP) by exploiting vulnerabilities in the SimpleHelp remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool. This breach led to the deployment of DragonForce ransomware and resulted in data theft across multiple client networks [4]. The incident underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and effective vulnerability management.
Description
A targeted cyber-attack exploited vulnerabilities in the SimpleHelp remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool of a managed service provider (MSP) [3] [4], leading to the deployment of DragonForce ransomware and data theft across multiple client networks [4] [5]. The threat actor gained initial access by pushing a malicious installer through the MSP’s legitimate SimpleHelp instance, leveraging a chain of vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-57726 [4], a privilege escalation flaw (CVSS score of 7.2) that allowed low-privilege technicians to gain admin access through missing backend authorization checks; CVE-2024-57727, an unauthenticated path traversal issue (CVSS score of 7.5) that enables attackers to download arbitrary files [7], including sensitive data; and CVE-2024-57728, which permits arbitrary file uploads and can lead to remote code execution if admin credentials are obtained (CVSS score of 7.2).
This advanced ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) [1] [3] [6], which emerged in mid-2023 [1] [6], has been rebranding itself as a “cartel” and shifting to a distributed affiliate model [6], gaining notoriety for claiming control over the infrastructure of RansomHub [6]. The attack exemplifies a sophisticated approach to weaponizing trust [3], turning RMM software into a significant risk exposure [3]. The incident was first detected through a suspicious SimpleHelp installer file [1] [6], and the attack was identified and partially contained by Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) [4] [5]. One client [1] [5] [6] [7], protected by Sophos XDR and enrolled in MDR services [5], successfully thwarted the ransomware and double extortion attempt due to effective behavioral detection and incident response [6]. However, the MSP and clients not utilizing Sophos MDR were significantly affected by the ransomware and data exfiltration [6].
During the breach [2], sensitive client data—including device names, configurations [1] [3] [6] [7], user information [1] [3] [6] [7], and network connections—was exfiltrated using double extortion tactics, pressuring victims to pay ransom while threatening to leak the stolen data. Following the incident, the MSP engaged Sophos Rapid Response for digital forensics and incident response [1] [6], with indicators of compromise related to the investigation made available on GitHub [6]. DragonForce ransomware is notorious for scrambling victims’ data and demanding ransoms [7], as well as stealing sensitive information. The group operates a cybercrime affiliate service [7], allowing affiliates to use its tools for attacks [7], and maintains communication channels on platforms like Telegram and Discord, with members believed to be English-speaking teenagers [7]. This incident highlights the critical need for effective vulnerability management [2], advanced detection tools [2], and scrutinizing every link in the supply chain [3], as the coordinated campaign successfully compromised several client environments lacking robust threat detection capabilities [3].
Conclusion
The DragonForce ransomware attack on the MSP serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in remote monitoring and management tools. The incident highlights the necessity for organizations to implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, including advanced detection tools and thorough vulnerability management. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is imperative for companies to scrutinize their supply chains and ensure robust threat detection capabilities to mitigate potential risks and safeguard sensitive data.
References
[1] https://osintcorp.net/dragonforce-actors-target-simplehelp-vulnerabilities-to-attack-msp-customers-sophos-news/
[2] https://www.hendryadrian.com/dragonforce-actors-target-simplehelp-vulnerabilities-to-attack-msp-customers/
[3] https://www.halcyon.ai/blog/dragonforce-ransomware-leverages-simplehelp-exploits-to-hit-msps
[4] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/dragonforce-ransomware-msp-attack/
[5] https://trustcrypt.com/dragonforce-ransomware-exploited-in-msp-attack-utilizing-rmm-tool/
[6] https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2025/05/27/dragonforce-actors-target-simplehelp-vulnerabilities-to-attack-msp-customers/
[7] https://securityaffairs.com/178350/cyber-crime/dragonforce-operator-chained-simplehelp-flaws-to-target-an-msp.html
