using Trust Dev Tools - ties2/Red-Team GitHub Wiki

The use of trust development (Dev) tools in the execution of malicious codes is an increasingly common tactic used by cybercriminals to bypass security controls and evade detection. Trust Dev tools are software development tools designed to make the development and testing process more efficient by automating certain tasks and streamlining the development process. However, these tools can also be used to create and execute malicious code, making them a potent weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. In this essay, we will explore the use of Trust Dev tools in the execution of malicious code, including some examples and methods of prevention.

Trust Dev tools are software programs used by developers to streamline their workflows and improve the efficiency of their software development processes. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used Trust Dev tools:

  • Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
    • Visual Studio
    • Eclipse
    • NetBeans
    • IntelliJ IDEA
    • Atom
    • Sublime Text
  • Version Control Systems (VCS)
    • Git
    • Subversion (SVN)
    • Mercurial (Hg)
  • Build Automation Tools
    • Jenkins
    • Travis CI
    • CircleCI
    • TeamCity
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Tools
    • Docker
    • Kubernetes
    • Ansible
    • Puppet
    • Chef
  • Code Review Tools
    • Crucible
    • Review Board
    • CodeCollaborator
    • Gerrit
  • Test Automation Tools
    • Selenium
    • Appium
    • TestComplete
    • JMeter LoadRunner Code Quality and Security Tools SonarQube Checkmarx Fortify Coverity Veracode

The use of Trust Dev tools in the execution of malicious code can take various forms, including:

Malicious code embedded in legitimate software Cybercriminals can use Trust Dev tools to develop legitimate-looking software that contains hidden malicious code. This can include scripts, applications, and other software that appears to be legitimate, but is designed to execute malicious code once installed on a victim's computer. The use of Trust Dev tools in this context makes it more difficult for security tools to detect the malicious code, as it is hidden within a legitimate-looking package.

Exploiting vulnerabilities in Trust Dev tools Trust Dev tools are not immune to vulnerabilities and can be exploited by cybercriminals to inject malicious code into legitimate software during the development process. These vulnerabilities can include errors in the code, misconfigurations, or other weaknesses that can be exploited to insert malicious code. Once injected, the malicious code can be executed during the installation or use of the software, allowing the cybercriminal to gain access to sensitive information or control over the victim's computer.

Use of DevOps and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) tools DevOps and CI/CD tools are designed to streamline the software development process by automating tasks such as testing, building, and deployment. However, these tools can also be used to automate the execution of malicious code, making it easier for cybercriminals to scale their attacks and evade detection. By exploiting vulnerabilities in these tools, cybercriminals can create a continuous stream of malicious code that can be executed across multiple targets, increasing the reach and impact of their attacks.

a few examples of how cybercriminals can use Trust Dev tools to execute malicious code:

  • Malicious code hidden in legitimate software: A cybercriminal can use an IDE like Visual Studio or Eclipse to develop an application that appears to be legitimate, but also contains hidden malicious code. For example, the code could include a backdoor that allows the attacker to remotely access the victim's computer and steal sensitive data.

    • One example of how an IDE like Visual Studio or Eclipse can be used to develop an application that appears legitimate but also contains hidden malicious code is by creating a fake update for a popular software.

For instance, the attacker could use Visual Studio to develop an update for Adobe Reader or Java, which are commonly used applications. The update could be designed to appear genuine, with similar branding and user interface as the original software. However, the code could include a backdoor that allows the attacker to remotely access the victim's computer and steal sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information.

The attacker could distribute the fake update through a phishing email or by setting up a fake website that appears to be legitimate. Once the victim downloads and installs the update, the malicious code can be executed, giving the attacker access to the victim's computer.

The use of an IDE like Visual Studio or Eclipse can make it easier for the attacker to develop an update that appears genuine and is convincing enough to fool the victim into installing it. However, by implementing security measures such as regular updates and patches for software, using anti-malware solutions, and educating users on safe browsing and downloading practices, organizations can mitigate the risk of falling victim to such attacks.

  • Exploiting vulnerabilities in Trust Dev tools: Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in Trust Dev tools like Jenkins or Docker to inject malicious code into legitimate software during the development process. For instance, a hacker could exploit a vulnerability in Jenkins to insert a script that downloads and installs malware on the victim's computer when the software is installed.

    • One example of exploiting a vulnerability in a Trust Dev tool like Jenkins to inject malicious code could involve an attacker taking advantage of a known security flaw in Jenkins that allows unauthorized code execution. The attacker could use this vulnerability to insert a script that downloads and installs malware onto the victim's computer when the software is installed.

For instance, the attacker could modify the build process in Jenkins to include a malicious script that runs during the software build process. This script could be designed to download and install a Trojan or other type of malware onto the victim's computer without their knowledge.

To prevent this type of attack, it is important to regularly update and patch Trust Dev tools like Jenkins to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed. Additionally, implementing secure coding practices and regularly testing software for vulnerabilities can help prevent these types of attacks.

  • Use of DevOps and CI/CD tools: A cybercriminal could use CI/CD tools like Ansible or Chef to automate the deployment of malicious code across multiple targets. For example, the attacker could exploit a vulnerability in Ansible to execute a script that installs malware on all the computers in a targeted network.

    • A cybercriminal wants to infect the systems of a large corporation with ransomware. They identify that the corporation uses Ansible for automating their software deployment process. The attacker then exploits a vulnerability in Ansible to gain access to the deployment pipeline.

The attacker then modifies the deployment scripts to include a hidden piece of code that installs the ransomware on all the targeted systems. The code is carefully crafted to evade detection by the corporation's security measures.

The attacker then waits for the next deployment cycle and watches as the malicious code is automatically deployed to all the targeted systems. Once the ransomware is activated, the attacker demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

By exploiting the vulnerability in the DevOps tool, the attacker was able to automate the deployment of the ransomware and infect multiple systems with ease.

Methods of Prevention:

Preventing the use of Trust Dev tools in the execution of malicious code requires a multi-faceted approach that includes the following measures:

Security Testing of Trust Dev tools Trust Dev tools should be thoroughly tested for vulnerabilities before they are used in the development process. This testing should include regular security assessments and code reviews to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure that security controls are in place to prevent the insertion of malicious code.

Implementation of Secure Coding Practices Secure coding practices, such as input validation and output encoding, can help prevent vulnerabilities in the code that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Developers should be trained in these practices and encouraged to follow them during the development process.

Regular Updates of Trust Dev Tools Regular updates and patches for Trust Dev tools can help prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities by cybercriminals. It is essential that these updates are applied promptly to prevent attacks that exploit known vulnerabilities.

Use of Anti-Malware Solutions Anti-malware solutions can detect and prevent the execution of malicious code, even if it is hidden within a legitimate-looking package. These solutions should be regularly updated to ensure that they can detect the latest threats.

In conclusion, the use of Trust Dev tools in the execution of malicious code is a growing threat that requires a multi-faceted approach to prevention. This approach should include regular testing and updates of Trust Dev tools, the implementation of secure coding practices, and the use of anti-malware solutions. By adopting these measures, organizations can protect themselves from the potentially devastating impact of these types of attacks. It is essential that organizations