Mustard Tempest

Overview

Mustard Tempest is an initial access broker that has operated the SocGholish distribution network since at least 2017. Mustard Tempest has partnered with Indrik Spider to provide access for the download of additional malware including LockBit, WastedLocker, and remote access tools.

Naming & attribution

Mustard Tempest is tracked under 5 names across the industry. It uses 12 documented ATT&CK techniques — more than 35% of the 174 groups tracked here. Activity attributed since at least 2017.

Distinctive techniques

Techniques this group uses that are rare across the other 173 tracked groups — these carry more signal than the near-universal ones.

• T1583.008 Malvertising — used by 1 of 174 groups
• T1608.006 SEO Poisoning — used by 1 of 174 groups

Closest groups by technique overlap

Computed from shared ATT&CK techniques. Overlap is not attribution — distinct actors converge on the same tradecraft — but a high share is a useful pivot.

• Transparent Tribe Pakistan — 6 shared techniques (30% overlap)
• Elderwood China — 4 shared techniques (24% overlap)
• SideCopy Pakistan — 5 shared techniques (22% overlap)
• Machete — 4 shared techniques (21% overlap)
• Windshift — 5 shared techniques (19% overlap)
• LuminousMoth China — 6 shared techniques (18% overlap)

TTPs — 12 techniques across 6 tactics

Tools & malware (2)

SocGholish · Cobalt Strike

Reporting (3)

• How Microsoft names threat actors — Microsoft
• SocGholish, a very real threat from a very fake update — Andrew Northern
• Ransomware as a service: Understanding the cybercrime gig economy and how to protect yourself — Microsoft