Red Hat in the news, £5.5B in Bitcoin recovered from scammer, more Breaches
Hello! ArvinF is your editor of the F5 SIRT This Week in Security, covering 28 September to 4 October 2025. This week, Red Hat is in the news for their Consulting GitLab instance breach and an "Important" rated vulnerability in their OpenShift AI Service product. A win - UK's Metropolitan police have arrested a scammer and recovered £5.5B (!) in Bitcoin. Then came the breach disclosures from Alianz, Westjet, Motility and a "US tech company”. Finally, the ransomware and extortion gangs - Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters 1B Salesforce record under ransom and Radiant Group's extortion attempt getting slammed by another extortion group. Let’s get to it! Red Hat's Consulting GitLab instance has been breached by an extortion group named Crimson Collective. The group initially bragged about the breach on Telegram, showing file listings and other sensitive data in Customer Engagement Reports (CERs) that are related to Redhat customers environments. Redhat published a security incident advisory: We recently detected unauthorized access to a GitLab instance used for internal Red Hat Consulting collaboration in select engagements. Upon detection, we promptly launched a thorough investigation, removed the unauthorized party’s access, isolated the instance, and contacted the appropriate authorities. Our investigation, which is ongoing, found that an unauthorized third party had accessed and copied some data from this instance. Crimson Collective threat group notes that they found authentication tokens inside these repos and have “already used these to compromise downstream Red Hat customers.” In an advisory from the Belgian government, it notes the incident is “High Risk” for Belgian organizations and has “potential supply chain impact if service providers or IT partners worked with Red Hat Consulting” From the same advisory, it provided recommendations: Revoke & Rotate all tokens, keys, and credentials shared with Red Hat or used in integrations. Engage Third-Parties – ask your IT providers or partners whether they have used Red Hat Consulting and assess your potential exposure. Contact Red Hat for guidance on your specific exposure. Increase monitoring of authentication events, API calls, and system access for anomalies. https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/03/red_hat_gitlab_breach/ https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/security-update-incident-related-red-hat-consulting-gitlab-instance https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/02/cybercrims_claim_raid_on_28000/ https://ccb.belgium.be/news/hackers-crimson-collective-use-leaked-authentication-tokens-access-customer-systems From standard user to Full Cluster Admin in Red Hat Openshift AI Service via CVE-2025-10725 Red Hat OpenShift AI Service has a 9.9 out of 10 CVSS Score CVE, tracked as CVE-2025-10725, thinly avoiding a 10 out of 10, due to a requirement of a Low-Privileged attacker. https://www.first.org/cvss/calculator/3-1#CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H In the advisory: A flaw was found in Red Hat OpenShift AI Service. A low-privileged attacker with access to an authenticated account, for example as a data scientist using a standard Jupyter notebook, can escalate their privileges to a full cluster administrator. This allows for the complete compromise of the cluster’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attacker can steal sensitive data, disrupt all services, and take control of the underlying infrastructure, leading to a total breach of the platform and all applications hosted on it. To resolve the vulnerability, upgrade to RHOAI 2.16.3 or if Kueue features are not required, the Kueue component management state can be set to “Removed” in the RHOAI DataScienceCluster resource. For RHOAI 2.19+, a workaround is Prevent the RHOAI operator from managing the kueue-batch-user-rolebinding then Disable the ClusterRoleBinding by updating its subject to a different, non-existent, group. Once updates providing fixes have been applied, it's recommended to remove the clusterrolebinding. This “Important” rated CVE came out approx the same time as the Red Hat Consulting GitLab breach. https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/01/critical_red_hat_openshift_ai_bug/ https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2025-10725#cve-affected-packages £5.5B in Bitcoin recovered from scammer A scammer caught by the London Metropolitan Police after a seven-year investigation and recovered a record-busting Bitcoin seizure worth £5.5B. .. carried out what the police describe as a "large-scale fraud in China" between 2014 and 2017, and then attempted to launder the significant proceeds after arriving in the UK. The three-year fraud affected more than 128,000 people and netted 61,000 Bitcoin, which at current prices is worth more than £5.5 billion ($7.4 billion). At the point the crypto tokens were seized, they would have been worth around $404 million. The scammer fled using false documents and entered the UK and attempted to launder the stolen money by buying property, said the Met. An associate helped in attempting to cash in on the laundering by buying properties in the UK and Dubai. This associate was caught last year and was jailed/sentenced. The scammer may get additional time if they fail to pay up and return more than £3.1 million. The Crown Prosecution Service said the associate benefited by £3.5 million (c $4.7 million) from the fraud, led by the scammer, and the £3.1 million figure was the total sum of her available assets at the time. Reforms to crime legislation under the previous Conservative government aimed to make it easier for the UK authorities to seize, freeze and recover crypto assets, external. The changes would also allow some victims to apply for the release of their assets held in accounts. https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/30/met_police_bitcoin_fraud/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0415kk3rzo https://news.met.police.uk/news/woman-convicted-following-worlds-largest-seizure-501569 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-powers-to-seize-cryptoassets-used-by-criminals-go-live 3.7M breach notification letters - The mailman and mail servers will be busy sending breach notification letters. From the Maine AG breach disclosure pages on affected persons: Insurance biz Allianz Life - 1,497,036 WestJet - 1.2 million Motility - 766670 From the news ... "US tech company" - 250,000 The Impact: Allianz Life - The attackers accessed the data of the insurer's customers, staff, and financial professionals WestJet - affected its online services and mobile app, exposed customer data - could include names, contact details, information and documents provided in connection with their reservation and travel, and data regarding victims' Motility Software Solutions - "unauthorized actor deployed malware that encrypted a portion of our systems. Although the malware primarily restricted our access to internal data, the forensic evidence suggests that, before encryption, the actor may have removed limited files containing customers' personal data ... could include full names, home and email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, SSNs, and driver's license numbers." That’s a lot of names, SSNs, CCs, email addresses, addresses, IDs. All three businesses offered identity protection and credit monitoring services – Allianz Life and WestJet two years of coverage, Motility 12 months. https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/01/north_american_data_breaches/ Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters 1B Salesforce Records under ransom Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters gave Salesforce until October 10, a deadline to negotiate payment or leak their customer’s data. Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters are 3 threat / ransomware groups - Scattered Spider, ShinyHunters, and Lapsus$ - that had a moment of solidarity "to break into businesses' networks, steal their data, and force an extortion payment." Per Salesforce advisory: "We are aware of recent extortion attempts by threat actors, which we have investigated in partnership with external experts and authorities," "Our findings indicate these attempts relate to past or unsubstantiated incidents, and we remain engaged with affected customers to provide support," "At this time, there is no indication that the Salesforce platform has been compromised, nor is this activity related to any known vulnerability in our technology." In August of 2025, there was the Salesloft drift breach that affected Salesforce customers. https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/03/scattered_lapsus_hunters_latest_leak/ https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/14/in_brief_infosec/ https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/08/drift_breach_entry_salesloft_github/ https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/12/scattered_spidershinyhunterslapsus_cybercrime_collab/ https://status.salesforce.com/generalmessages/20000224?locale=en-US Radiant Group extortion gang crosses the line and gets schooled by other ransomware groups Radiant Group stole data from Kido International, a school for young children with branches in the UK, US, and India. They then posted unblurred pictures of 10 children, along with their addresses, parents’ names, and other personal data, and threatened to expose more if a ransom wasn't paid. Parents of some children claimed to have received threatening calls after Radiant published the data. London's Metropolitan Police investigators are following up on the case. But now, Radiant says it removed the child data it had posted after receiving pressure from other ransomware groups. It seems they crossed a line in the criminal world and backed down when called out for it. Rebecca Taylor, a threat intelligence knowledge manager at security biz Sophos, tells The Register that the crew was called out by the well-established ransomware-as-a-service Nova gang on the Russian Anonymous Market Place (RAMP), an online souk for cybercriminals. One of Nova's affiliate members, going under the handle BlackBeard, told Radiant, "reputation important, don't attack child right." "We have disabled any attacks relating to them, is not allowed anymore," Radiant answered, and added, "Any data relating to under 18s who attended have been deleted." BlackBeard congratulated them and wished the extortionists good luck for the future and Nova offered to help in future raids. Radiant claimed to have information on over 8,000 children enrolled at Kido, as well as their family, teachers, and staff. Taylor told us that the Radiant Group seems to be new script kiddies on the block and have overstepped themselves, and are now trying to make nice with the rest of the criminal community. https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/02/ransomware_radiant_delete_kids_info/ https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/25/ransomware_gang_publishes_toddlers_images/ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/02/kido-nursery-hackers-say-they-have-deleted-stolen-data Outro The amount of breach news from this week was something - the leaked personal and financial information will surely be the foundation of future breaches and extortions. These breaches were perpetrated by ransomware and extortion gangs that utilized social engineering and known and unknown vulnerabilities in their campaigns. As defenders, we should advise our organizations to keep our systems updated, implement levels and layers of security defenses and keep ourselves and our peers educated on good security practices. The silver lining is the recovery of the £5.5B worth of Bitcoin from scammers caught in the UK. The many victims of scammers have an opportunity to recover their lost assets. Credit to the original source and posts! I hope the news I picked is informative and educational. Till next time - Stay Safe and Secure! As always, if this is your first TWIS, you can always read past editions. We also encourage you to check out all of the content from the F5 SIRT.European airport software attack and zero day ‘s are here
A cyberattack disrupted automatic check in, boarding pass issuance, and baggage dispatch systems at several major European airports. The affected software was provided by Collins Aerospace (RTX subsidiary), and the attack left many airports resorting to manual operations (handwritten boarding passes, use of laptops, etc.). A critical vulnerability (CVE 2025 10035) in Fortra’s GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT) software was actively exploited as a zero day before the vendor publicly disclosed it. The flaw lies in the License Servlet and allows command injection via unsafe deserialization under certain conditions.Mobile Security: Current Challenges & A Vision For The Future
In today’s hyper-connected world, smartphones are far more than communication devices. They are personal assistants, financial hubs, health trackers, and corporate gateways. With over billions of smartphone users globally, these devices have become indispensable tools for work, entertainment, and daily life. However, their commonness has not gone unnoticed by cybercriminals, making mobile security one of the most pressing challenges of our time. From malicious apps to phishing attacks and zero-day vulnerabilities, threats targeting mobile devices are evolving rapidly. This article will explore the current mobile security landscape, the future of this field, and best practices for safeguarding mobile devices against growing cyber risks. The Current Mobile Threat Landscape Mobile devices have become lucrative targets for attackers, owing to their use in both personal and professional capacities. Nowadays, threats targeting mobile devices are more sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and automation. 1. Mobile Malware and Spyware: Malicious software crafted for smartphones has surged in recent years. Attacks like FluBot and Joker malware have compromised thousands of mobile devices globally. They steal sensitive information such as banking credentials and personal data. Spyware, such as Pegasus, has shown how attackers can exploit zero-day vulnerabilities to take control of a device remotely and exfiltrate information, including encrypted communications. 2. Smishing & Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks have migrated from email to mobile messaging. Smishing (SMS phishing) and phishing through messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger are highly effective because users tend to trust these platforms. Attackers use tactics like fake package delivery notifications or password reset requests to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. 3. Mobile Payments Under Siege: The widespread adoption of mobile payment platforms (Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal) and QR-code-based payments has introduced unprecedented convenience. However, these systems are now lucrative targets for attackers. For example, malicious QR codes redirect users to phishing sites or download malware to compromise financial accounts. 4. IoT and 5G Vulnerabilities: As smartphones increasingly function as controllers for IoT ecosystems (smart homes, wearables, connected cars), attackers see an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities across interconnected devices. With the rise of 5G networks, data is being transmitted faster than ever. This speed also introduces risks related to network attacks, unauthorized access, and greater attack surfaces. 5. Emerging AI-Powered Threats: Artificial intelligence has revolutionized how attackers create and execute cyberattacks. AI can be used to automate phishing campaigns, generate realistic text for scams, or even create deepfake audio and video to impersonate individuals in real time. These hyperrealistic attacks are harder to detect and even more effective at deceiving victims. Future of Mobile Security The challenges we face today are only the beginning. As mobile technology advances and becomes further integrated with every facet of human life, mobile security will define the frontlines of cybersecurity. 1. AI-Enhanced Defenses Just as attackers leverage AI for malicious purposes, defenders are increasingly using AI for anomaly detection and behavioral analytics. Machine learning tools can analyze user behavior in real time. They can detect unusual patterns such as unauthorized app activity or data exfiltration attempts. As AI improves, it will play a central role in combating AI-generated threats and various forms of malware. 2. Quantum-Safe Cryptography While quantum computing is still in its early stages, its eventual application will have profound implications for data encryption. Organizations are already exploring post-quantum cryptography. This ensures that mobile communications and sensitive information remain secure against the enormous processing power of quantum computers. 3. Zero-Trust Architecture for Mobile Devices Zero Trust principles, which by default trust no device, application, or user regardless of their network location, are being used more on mobile devices. Continuous verification, device posture checks, and contextual information (e.g., user behavior, location) will further tighten security for mobile endpoints accessing sensitive systems. 4. Hardware-Backed Security By 2025, most modern devices will come pre-equipped with secure enclaves (such as Apple’s Secure Enclave or Android’s Titan M chips). These hardware modules are isolated from the operating system. This keeps sensitive data like cryptographic keys, payment information, and biometric data secure from OS-level exploits. 5. Stricter Regulation and Compliance Privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and other global frameworks will continue to evolve, ensuring that users' data is handled responsibly. Mobile app developers will embed compliance-by-design practices. They will focus on transparency, limited data collection, and permission management to align with user rights. 6. Interconnected Ecosystems and Broader Risks As IoT ecosystems mature, the smartphone will act as the central controller for a growing range of devices. Cybersecurity solutions for mobile devices will need to address the cascading risks posed by compromised IoT devices, interconnected networks, and 5G-enabled technologies. Best Practices to Protect Mobile Devices Both individuals and organizations must adopt proactive mobile security strategies. Here are some of the best practices for reducing exposure to threats: For Individuals: Enable Biometric, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition alongside MFA for critical accounts such as banking, email, and corporate logins. Keep Devices and Apps Updated: Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch critical vulnerabilities. Many attacks target older, unpatched versions of software. Review App Permissions Carefully: Avoid granting unnecessary permissions to apps, especially for access to sensitive data like location, contacts, or storage. Use Trusted App Stores: Stick to verified marketplaces like Google Play and Apple’s App Store to avoid downloading malicious apps. Adopt Secure Communication Tools: Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp for confidential communication. Beware of Smishing and Phishing Attacks: Avoid clicking on suspicious links in SMS or messaging apps. If something seems too urgent or too good to be true, validate its authenticity via official channels. Use Mobile VPNs: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Install Anti-Malware Apps: Consider a trustworthy mobile security app to monitor your device for malware and other threats. For Organizations: Adopt Mobile Threat Defence (MTD): Deploy MTD solutions that integrate with Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) platforms. These tools provide real-time monitoring of mobile endpoints and threat mitigation. Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Use a zero-trust approach for mobile device access to corporate networks, continually verifying devices for access permissions. Enforce App Containerization: Use tools that separate corporate data from personal applications on mobile devices to prevent cross-contamination of information. Train Employees on Mobile Security: Regular awareness campaigns and training on recognizing smishing scams, fake apps, and account takeover attempts are critical. Monitor for SIM-Swap Attacks: Leverage tools capable of detecting and flagging suspicious account activity associated with SIM-swapping fraud. Restrict BYOD Access: For Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, enforce strict security policies, such as requiring up-to-date OS and apps, to minimize risks. Conclusion There is no doubt that the future of cybersecurity is mobile-centric. As smartphones continue to act as gateways to digital assets, IoT ecosystems, and corporate networks, they will remain a primary battleground for attackers and defenders alike. The good news is that both individuals and organizations are empowered to improve their resilience. By adopting stronger authentication measures, AI-powered defenses, zero trust principles, and remaining vigilant with updates and monitoring, mobile security can evolve to meet even the most sophisticated challenges ahead. In the race to safeguard the digital future, proactive preparation, collaboration, and innovation in mobile security ensures that technology continues to empower, not endanger its users.Apple’s MIE, Fake Chrome Ext, and C2PA Content Credentials in Google Pixel
Notable security news for the week of Sept 7-13th, 2025, brought to you by the F5 Security Incident Response Team. This week, your editor is Dharminder. In this edition, I have security news covering Apple's new built-in memory safety system called Memory Integrity Enforcement, the emergence of fake Chrome extensions used to hijack Meta business accounts, Google's introduction of Trusted Photography with C2PA Content Credentials in Google Pixel a significant step towards digital media transparency and CISA's alert regarding the actively exploited Dassault DELMIA Apriso RCE vulnerabilityPost-Quantum Cryptography, OpenSSH, & s1ngularity supply chain attack
This week in security: PQC by default, and a supply-chain gut check. At F5, we are publishing a forward‑looking series of blog posts which help security and IT leaders anticipate tomorrow’s risks and capitalize on emerging tech. Think of it as a field guide to future threats—and how to stay resilient as they arrive. We are about half way through the series, here are some of the highlights from my point of view.OpenSource Hacking Tools, Budget Constraints Drive AI Use, and New CISA OT Guidelines
A Chinese-speaking advanced persistent threat (APT) group, UAT-7237, has been targeting web infrastructure in Taiwan using customized open-source hacking tools. This group is believed to be a sub-group of UAT-5918, which has been active against Taiwan's critical infrastructure since at least 2023.
