CISA, the NSA, and international partners have issued a joint alert regarding “BRICKSTORM,” a sophisticated backdoor malware used by PRC state-sponsored actors. The malware specifically targets VMware ESXi and Windows environments to maintain stealthy, long-term persistence in critical infrastructure networks.
Business Impact
BRICKSTORM is a tool for deep entrenchment. Its discovery in critical sectors suggests a pre-positioning strategy for future disruption. The malware’s ability to hide within virtualization layers makes detection and remediation extremely difficult.
Why It Happened
State actors are increasingly targeting the virtualization layer (ESXi) because it lacks the same level of EDR monitoring as standard operating systems, allowing them to evade detection while controlling all hosted servers.
Recommended Executive Action
Mandate a threat hunt for BRICKSTORM IoCs, specifically focusing on your virtualization infrastructure. Ensure VMware management interfaces are isolated from the general network and strictly monitored for anomalous access.
Hashtags: #CISA #BRICKSTORM #China #APT #CriticalInfrastructure #VMware #Malware #CyberSecurity