Executive Summary

• SGI has observed an instance of ‘standalone-framework.js’ malware originating from IP address 103.181.143.99 in Indonesia.
• The malware has a low severity rating, with minimal detections across VirusTotal’s vendor network.
• The objective of ‘standalone-framework.js’ is currently unknown but based on the file name, it could serve as a framework for other malicious scripts.
• The business risk is considered low, but the presence of any malware warrants further investigation and monitoring.
• We anticipate an increase in JavaScript-based attacks, so proactive monitoring and defenses are essential.

Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)

SGI sensors detected a suspicious file transfer originating from 103.181.143.99, associated with AS136052 (PT Cloud Hosting Indonesia). The file, identified with the SHA256 hash 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b, was flagged as a possible malware sample. Further analysis is required to determine the file’s exact purpose and potential impact.

Malware/Technique Overview

The malware family is identified as ‘standalone-framework.js’. Given the ‘framework’ aspect in the name, it is possible that this Javascript file contains functions that other malicious scripts could call upon.

While initial access vector is unknown, it could be delivered via:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links.
• Compromised websites injecting malicious JavaScript.
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.

Typical targets include:

• Web browsers.
• Web servers.

MITRE ATT&CK Mapping:

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

VirusTotal Snapshot

VirusTotal analysis shows:

• Malicious detections: 0
• Undetected: 62
• Harmless: 0

The low detection rate suggests that this sample might be a new or obfuscated variant. VirusTotal identified aliases for the hash including ‘__init__.py’, ‘mirror.rs’, ‘extension.js’, and other seemingly benign files, suggesting possible code reuse or packaging techniques.

Links:

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Recommendation: Monitor these IoCs for at least 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk SPL:

index=* (sha256=01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b OR source_ip=103.181.143.0/24)
| table _time, host, source, eventtype, index

Elastic/Kibana KQL:

(sha256:"01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b" OR source.ip : "103.181.143.0/24")

Wazuh/OSSEC:

  60000
  sha256
  01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b
  Malicious File Detected

Guidance: Validate the findings by checking for related network activity or suspicious processes on the affected hosts. Check for legitimate software that might be triggering these alerts as false positives.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate the affected system from the network to prevent further spread.
2. Block the identified IP address (103.181.143.XXX) at the firewall.
3. Scan the affected system with updated antivirus and anti-malware software.
4. If necessary, reimage the system from a known good backup.
5. Reset any potentially compromised credentials.

Inform your IT team and leadership about the incident and the actions taken. Preserve any relevant logs and artifacts for further investigation and forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
• Tune your Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) system to detect suspicious JavaScript execution (NIST CSF: DE.CM-7, CIS Control 10).
• Implement Network Segmentation to limit the lateral movement of attackers (NIST CSF: PR.AC-4, CIS Control 14).
• Enforce Least Privilege access controls (NIST CSF: PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
• Establish Patch SLAs for vulnerabilities (NIST CSF: ID.AM-2, CIS Control 7).

Business Impact & Risk Outlook

The detection of ‘standalone-framework.js’ poses a potential risk to operational continuity, data security, and regulatory compliance. While the initial impact appears low, successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, system compromise, and reputational damage. Legal and financial ramifications may arise depending on the nature of affected data and compliance requirements.

We anticipate an increase in JavaScript-based attacks targeting web applications and browsers. Organizations must prioritize proactive monitoring, robust security controls, and continuous security awareness training to mitigate these emerging threats.

Appendix

Assumptions & Data Gaps:

• Payload sample not available, limiting complete behavioral analysis.
• Specific target or purpose of the malware is unknown.
• No information on the initial access vector.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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