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Introduction:
A new wave of cyberattacks is turning heads in the cybersecurity world. The DragonForce ransomware gang has unleashed another sophisticated strike, this time infiltrating the supply chain through Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs). These tools, essential for IT administrators to monitor and control networks, are now being exploited as entry points by threat actors aiming for maximum impact. Sophosā Managed Detection and Response (MDR) team recently uncovered a chilling case involving the DragonForce group leveraging known vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp, an RMM platform, to compromise a major MSP and its client base.
What Happened:
In a recently documented incident, the DragonForce ransomware group exploited a trio of critical vulnerabilities in the SimpleHelp RMM platform ā CVE-2024-57727 (path traversal), CVE-2024-57728 (arbitrary file upload), and CVE-2024-57726 (privilege escalation). These vulnerabilities, which were made public in January 2025, provided attackers with a gateway to bypass security barriers and gain privileged access to the MSPās systems.
Once inside, DragonForce weaponized the legitimate SimpleHelp system to distribute ransomware across multiple downstream client environments, using a double extortion method. This means they didnāt just encrypt sensitive data; they also exfiltrated it, threatening public exposure unless a ransom was paid. The attackers systematically collected device data, user credentials, network configurations, and other sensitive info from the MSP-managed networks to strengthen their extortion game.
DragonForce, originally a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform, has now shifted into a more aggressive cartel-style operation, recruiting infamous groups like Scattered Spider. Theyāve also made bold claims of overtaking infrastructure from rival ransomware outfits like RansomHub.
The attack was flagged when Sophos MDR noticed unusual deployment activity involving the SimpleHelp installer, pushed through the MSPās legitimate systems. One lucky MSP client, who had Sophos XDR endpoint protection in place, was spared the worst. The malware was blocked, and Sophosā MDR team neutralized the threat before it could do real damage.
However, the rest of the MSPās network, including multiple clients without advanced threat protection, wasnāt so fortunate. These entities suffered both ransomware infections and data breaches. Sophos Rapid Response was called in for a thorough incident response and cleanup operation.
This event is another stark reminder that MSPs are prime targets for cybercriminals. Their role in managing multiple client networks makes them a high-value target. The incident also emphasizes the importance of rapid vulnerability patching and robust multi-layered cybersecurity defenses.
What Undercode Say:
DragonForce’s latest campaign highlights a critical evolution in the ransomware ecosystem. No longer just relying on brute-force or phishing tactics, these cybercrime syndicates are now targeting the very tools used to manage and secure enterprise environments ā in this case, RMM software like SimpleHelp.
Exploiting vulnerabilities that were publicly disclosed only a few months ago showcases not only the attackers’ technical aptitude but also their speed in operationalizing exploits. By focusing on MSPs, DragonForce maximizes reach with minimal effort. A single breach in an MSP can cascade into dozens or even hundreds of compromised organizations. This is a classic supply chain attack strategy, optimized for chaos and profit.
The shift from a RaaS model to a cartel-like structure signals a concerning trend. DragonForce isnāt just offering ransomware kits to affiliates ā it’s building an empire by onboarding aggressive groups with proven attack records. This approach boosts the group’s capabilities and increases the frequency and complexity of attacks. Their public confrontation with rivals like RansomHub reveals a competitive, almost corporate structure to modern cybercrime.
Moreover, the double extortion tactic continues to be favored, with attackers not only locking systems but also stealing sensitive data to pressure victims into payment. The fact that attackers used the SimpleHelp platform itself to distribute ransomware adds an extra layer of deception, turning trusted IT tools into delivery mechanisms for malware.
Organizations using RMM tools need to stay alert. MSPs must prioritize real-time threat detection and maintain updated security patches. Traditional firewalls and antivirus programs are no longer sufficient ā behavioral monitoring and active threat hunting are essential.
This incident is also a lesson in the value of advanced MDR and XDR solutions. The client protected by Sophos XDR avoided disaster, proving that proactive defense still works. Businesses should rethink cybersecurity as a reactive measure and treat it as an essential, ongoing investment.
The message is clear: the threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and adversaries are more coordinated and better resourced than ever before. The time to act is now ā not after an attack occurs.
Fact Checker Results ā
The vulnerabilities exploited were officially published in early 2025
DragonForceās affiliate model aligns with recent RaaS evolutions
Sophos MDR intervention successfully prevented ransomware execution in at least one client
Prediction š®
As DragonForce continues to refine its cartel-style structure, we can expect a surge in collaborative cyberattacks with increasing precision. MSPs will remain a high-priority target, and RMM platforms like SimpleHelp will see heightened scrutiny from both attackers and defenders. We anticipate more public-private partnerships emerging to identify and patch critical infrastructure vulnerabilities faster, while MDR and XDR adoption rates are likely to spike across industries.
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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