🔗 DarkWebInformer.com - Cyber Threat Intelligence
📅 Date: December 25, 2024
🚨 Title: Alleged Sudo SSH Access Sale for 190+ Stanford University Servers
🛡️ Victim Country: United States
🏭 Victim Industry: Education
🏢 Victim Organization: Stanford University
🌐 Victim Site: stanford.edu
📜 Category: Initial Access
🔗 Claim: https://breachforums.st/Thread-SELLING-Sudo-ssh-access-to-over-190-Stanford-University-Server
🕵️♂️ Threat Actor: antigov
🌍 Network: OpenWeb
Details of the Breach
The threat actor antigov has claimed to possess sudo SSH access to over 190 servers at Stanford University. The post advertises these credentials as a one-time sale and even offers root-level access at a separate price.
What’s Being Offered?
- Sudo Access: Administrative privileges for all domains hosted on the affected servers.
- Database Access: A "huge database" of Stanford University data is included in the package.
- Defense Services: The actor promises ongoing support to protect and maintain access.
- Lifetime Access Warranty: Guaranteed as long as the servers are not migrated to another host.
Pricing Details
The actor has priced this offering at $100,000, but the post explicitly mentions that the price is negotiable. Buyers are required to provide proof of funds before receiving any demonstrations of access.
Verification
The post is accompanied by a screenshot of a terminal session, purportedly showing directories and domains linked to Stanford University's network. This is a common tactic used by threat actors to verify claims, though the authenticity of the evidence remains unconfirmed.
How It Happened?
While the actor has not disclosed specific details about how the servers were compromised, the inclusion of administrative privileges and database access suggests a deep infiltration, potentially due to unpatched vulnerabilities, weak SSH credentials, or phishing campaigns.
Threat Actor's Terms
- Payment: Transactions are facilitated via BreachForums' escrow system.
- Contact: Interested buyers are directed to communicate with the actor on Telegram ().
Potential Impact
If true, this access could lead to:
- Exposure of confidential research, including federally funded projects.
- Theft of PII for students, staff, and affiliates.
- Access to sensitive institutional data, including financial records and communications.
Community Warning
The sale of access to high-profile institutions like Stanford University highlights the growing market for Initial Access Brokers (IABs). Educational institutions must prioritize robust monitoring, frequent audits, and strict authentication protocols to mitigate risks.
Stay informed with DarkWebInformer.com for the latest insights into cyber threat intelligence.
