A debate over actual exploitation is muddying response efforts. Multiple researchers say they’ve observed working proof of concepts while others assert evidence of attacks is lacking.
The China-linked operation has grown from a phishing kit marketplace into an active and growing community supporting a decentralized large-scale phishing ecosystem.
Phantom Taurus has stolen sensitive data from ministries of foreign affairs, embassies, diplomats and telecom networks in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, researchers said.
Cisco said it was investigating state-sponsored espionage attacks in May. CISA did not explain why it waited four months to issue an emergency directive.
Attackers have already used the exploit dubbed “ToolShell” to intrude hundreds of organizations globally, including private companies and government agencies.
The Hawaiian Airlines logo is displayed at a check-in area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on December 4, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)