Pensive Ursa

Threat Actor updated 7 months ago (2024-05-04T19:17:57.929Z)
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Pensive Ursa, also known as Turla, Uroburos, Venomous Bear, and Waterbug, is a Russian-based advanced persistent threat (APT) group that has been operating since at least 2004. The group, linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), is renowned for its sophisticated cyber-espionage activities and intelligence-gathering operations. Unit 42 of Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity firm, has been closely tracking the evolution and activities of this threat actor, providing valuable insights into their methods and targets. One of the key tools in Pensive Ursa's arsenal is an advanced .NET backdoor named Kazuar, which it typically uses as a second-stage payload. Kazuar, named after a large and dangerous bird, the cassowary, is known for its stealth and sophistication. Recently, Unit 42 researchers observed an upgraded variant of this backdoor being used by Pensive Ursa, indicating the group's ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities and maintain its effectiveness against targeted systems. Most notably, the new version of Kazuar has been deployed against Ukraine's defense sector, demonstrating Pensive Ursa's continued focus on high-value targets. This discovery strengthens the attribution of Kazuar to Pensive Ursa, further highlighting the group's persistent threat. As such, organizations, especially those within the defense industry or geopolitical hotspots, should remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks posed by threat actors like Pensive Ursa.
Description last updated: 2024-05-04T18:49:26.830Z
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Possible Aliases / Cluster overlaps
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Alias DescriptionVotes
Turla is a possible alias for Pensive Ursa. Turla, a threat actor linked to Russia, is known for its sophisticated cyber espionage operations. The group has been associated with numerous high-profile attacks, often utilizing advanced backdoors and fileless malware for infiltration and persistence. Turla's tactics, techniques, and procedures (
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Uroburos is a possible alias for Pensive Ursa. Uroburos, also known as Snake, Turla, Pensive Ursa, and Venomous Bear, is a sophisticated malware linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The development of this malicious software began in late 2003, with its operations traced back to at least 2004. Uroburos is part of a broader arsen
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Miscellaneous Associations
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Backdoor
Apt
Russia
Espionage
Payload
Analyst Notes & Discussion
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Associated Malware
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Alias DescriptionAssociation TypeVotes
The Kazuar Malware is associated with Pensive Ursa. Kazuar is a sophisticated multiplatform trojan horse malware that has been associated with the Russian-based threat group Turla, also known as Pensive Ursa, Uroburos, or Snake. This group, believed to be linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), has been operating since at least 2004 andUnspecified
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The Ursa Malware is associated with Pensive Ursa. Ursa is a highly active and motivated malware threat actor, also known as APT28, Fancy Bear, and Sofacy, which has been linked to various high-profile cyberattacks, including the US election interference in 2016 and the NotPetya attacks. The group is known for its use of the HeadLace backdoor malwarUnspecified
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Associated Threat Actors
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Alias DescriptionAssociation TypeVotes
The Pensive Threat Actor is associated with Pensive Ursa. Pensive Ursa, also known as Turla or Uroburos, is a Russian-based threat group that has been active since at least 2004 and is linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The group employs advanced and stealthy tools like Kazuar, a .NET backdoor used as a second stage payload. In 2023, PenUnspecified
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Source Document References
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