Brinztech Alert: VPN Access to Multiple US and Canadian Companies on Sale

Dark Web News Analysis: VPN Access to Multiple US and Canadian Companies on Sale

Unauthorized VPN access to the internal networks of several American and Canadian companies is being offered for sale on a hacker forum. The threat actor is selling initial access into a diverse group of companies, a hallmark of an Initial Access Broker (IAB) operation. The access is being sold with a starting price of $1,400 per company. The details of the sale indicate a critical risk to all affected organizations. The offered access includes:

• Type of Access: Unauthorized access via SonicWall VPN.
• Privilege Level: Primarily “Domain User” rights, with at least one instance of “Local Admin” rights.
• Targeted Sectors: A wide range including Architecture, Engineering & Design, Chemicals, Manufacturing, Construction, Media, and Industrial Machinery.
• Price: Starting at $1,400 per company.

Key Cybersecurity Insights

The sale of verified network access is a critical part of the modern cybercrime supply chain and is almost always a precursor to a major security incident like a ransomware attack.

• A Classic “Initial Access Broker” Playbook: The sale of verified network access to multiple companies is the primary business model of Initial Access Brokers (IABs). These criminals are the first link in the ransomware and data extortion ecosystem. They specialize in gaining a foothold in corporate networks and then selling that valuable access to other criminal groups, most commonly ransomware gangs, who then execute the final, destructive phase of the attack.
• Diverse Targets Suggest a Common, Widespread Vulnerability: The attack on companies across many unrelated industries strongly suggests the attacker is not an industry specialist. Instead, they are likely exploiting a common technical vulnerability—such as an unpatched flaw in SonicWall VPN devices that they have scanned the internet for—or are leveraging the success of a large-scale phishing campaign that compromised employees at all these different companies.
• Domain User Access is the First Step to a Full Compromise: While “domain user” access may sound low-level, it is all a skilled attacker needs to begin a serious intrusion. Once inside the network perimeter, they can start the process of reconnaissance, move laterally, scan for internal vulnerabilities, and escalate their privileges with the ultimate goal of gaining Domain Admin rights and controlling the entire network.

Critical Mitigation Strategies

The affected companies must assume an active breach is in progress, and this incident should serve as an urgent warning to all businesses using similar remote access technology.

• For the Affected Companies: Assume an Active Breach and Invalidate Credentials: The companies in these sectors must assume they are a target and launch an emergency compromise assessment to find the intrusion. The highest priority is to force an immediate password reset for all domain users and, critically, enforce phishing-resistant Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on the SonicWall VPN.
• For All Businesses Using SonicWall VPNs: Urgently Audit and Harden Your Configuration: This incident is a critical warning to all organizations using this technology. It is essential to immediately review all SonicWall VPN configurations, ensure all devices are fully patched with the latest security updates, and confirm that strong MFA is enforced for all remote users without exception.
• For All Organizations: Implement EDR and Network Segmentation: The best way to stop an intruder after they gain initial access is with robust internal security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions can detect the malicious activity an attacker performs after logging in. Network segmentation can prevent them from easily moving from a user’s access point to critical servers, containing the breach before it becomes a catastrophe.

Secure Your Organization with Brinztech As a cybersecurity provider, we can protect your business from the threats discussed here. Contact us to learn more about our services.

Questions or Feedback?

For expert advice, use our ‘Ask an Analyst’ feature. For general inquiries or to report this post, please email us: contact@brinztech.com