Executive Summary

• Sentry Global Intelligence (SGI) detected a file identified as standalone-framework.js originating from IP address 14.103.202.110.
• The file, while currently exhibiting a low severity rating, warrants further investigation due to its potential for malicious activity.
• The source IP is located in Shanghai, China and belongs to AS4811 (China Telecom).
• The likely objective is reconnaissance or delivery of further malicious payloads, given the nature of JavaScript frameworks.
• The business risk level is currently low, but could escalate if the file is successfully executed and compromises internal systems.

Organizations should proactively monitor their networks and endpoints for related activity to prevent potential exploitation.

Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)

An SGI sensor detected network activity from IP address 14.103.202.110, associated with AS4811 in Shanghai, China. The traffic included a payload identified as standalone-framework.js. The observed protocol was TCP, and a SHA256 hash of the file was recorded. Initial analysis suggests the file is a JavaScript framework, but its purpose is currently unknown. Further investigation is recommended to determine if this is a legitimate file or a component of a malicious campaign.

Malware/Technique Overview

The file standalone-framework.js is classified as a potentially malicious JavaScript framework. JavaScript frameworks can be used for various purposes, including web application development, but can also be leveraged by attackers to deliver malicious payloads or perform client-side attacks. Given the lack of malicious detections on VirusTotal, this could be a custom framework used for targeted attacks or a benign file misclassified by our systems. Further analysis of the file’s code is necessary to understand its functionality and potential impact.

• T1059.007 – Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript
• T1189 – Drive-by Compromise
• T1204.002 – User Execution: Malicious File

VirusTotal Snapshot

VirusTotal analysis shows the following:

• Malicious: 0
• Undetected: 57
• Harmless: 0

The file has a low reputation score of -575.

Notable aliases include: rating.py, k4[1].rar, aff_c, dependency_links.txt, dom-node.html, zip-safe, k1[1].rar, ADB-pass.txt, __init__.py, wordbased_en.properties, bootstrapbuttons.css, not-zip-safe, types.mjs, dotnet-a96c8118.js, __init__7.py, cup.coffee, top_level.txt, mode-text.js, emptyfile, scriptClassifiers.cfg.

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

We recommend monitoring these IoCs for at least 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk SPL

index=* (sha256="01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b" OR src_ip="14.103.202.110")
| table _time, host, src_ip, dest_ip, file_name, sha256

This query searches for events containing the SHA256 hash of the standalone-framework.js file or connections from the source IP address. Validate results against known internal JavaScript frameworks and investigate any unexpected occurrences.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate: Immediately isolate any affected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
2. Block: Block the source IP address (14.103.202.110) at the firewall to prevent further communication.
3. Scan: Perform a full system scan on potentially affected systems using updated antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
4. Reimage (if needed): If the system is heavily compromised, reimage it from a known good backup.
5. Reset Credentials: Reset the credentials of any accounts that may have been compromised.

Ensure all actions are communicated between IT and leadership. Preserve evidence for potential forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all user accounts to prevent unauthorized access (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tuning: Fine-tune EDR solutions to detect and block suspicious JavaScript execution (NIST CSF: DE.CM-1, CIS Control 10).
• Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit the impact of a potential breach (NIST CSF: PR.AC-4, CIS Control 14).
• Least Privilege: Enforce the principle of least privilege to limit user access to only the resources they need (NIST CSF: PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
• Patch Management: Maintain strict SLAs for patching systems (NIST CSF: ID.AM-4, CIS Control 7).

Business Impact & Risk Outlook

The potential business impact includes operational disruption due to system compromise, legal ramifications if sensitive data is accessed, and reputational damage due to a security breach. While currently assessed as low severity, the risk could escalate if the standalone-framework.js file is used in a more sophisticated attack.

Over the next 3-6 months, we anticipate an increase in JavaScript-based attacks targeting client-side vulnerabilities. Organizations should proactively strengthen their defenses and improve their detection capabilities.

Appendix

Assumptions & Data Gaps:

• Sensor name is unavailable.
• Network port is unavailable.
• A full payload sample is unavailable.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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