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Alleged Targeting of Popular Jewelry Brand Cartier and Several Other Brands

Pietro Melillo : 4 November 2024 16:45

Recently, a concerning announcement appeared on the well-known dark web forum “BreachForums”: a source code leak for Cartier’s iOS app. Threat actors, known by the nicknames “IntelBroker” and “EnergyWeaponUser,” claim to have targeted various luxury brands, including Cartier, a high-end brand founded in 1847, renowned for its jewelry, gemstones, watches, and accessories. This alleged attack highlights the vulnerabilities in mobile applications and the associated risks with third-party suppliers.

Currently, we are unable to accurately confirm the veracity of the breach, as no press release has been issued on the official website regarding the incident. Therefore, this article should be used as an “intelligence source.”

The Threat Landscape: Who is IntelBroker

IntelBroker is a prominent figure in the cybercriminal community, with a solid reputation as an administrator on BreachForums. In the past, he has already disclosed sensitive data from large companies. His latest move—sharing the source code for Cartier’s iOS app—could compromise the app’s security and put user privacy at risk. This disclosure falls within a broader threat landscape, aiming to target prestigious brands and increase control over critical data and applications.

IntelBroker’s Post on BreachForums

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IntelBroker posted on BreachForums with the title “Cartier iOS Source Code, Leaked – Download!” With an apparently casual tone, the author referred to the information leak as a “minor leak,” suggesting the theft could be part of a larger campaign involving other brands.

This communication not only shares the source code but also demonstrates the hackers’ capabilities, enhancing their reputation in the dark web community. Platform users reacted enthusiastically, expressing interest in potential exploitable vulnerabilities.

At present, we cannot confirm the veracity of the news, as the organization has yet to release any official press statement on its website regarding the incident. Therefore, this article should be considered an ‘intelligence source.’

The Role of Third-Party Suppliers in Security Breaches

Many recent attacks exploit vulnerabilities in third-party supplier systems. Threat actors take advantage of the lack of strict security controls at these companies to infiltrate the networks of larger brands. In Cartier’s case, this underscores the importance of ensuring all suppliers adhere to stringent security standards, especially when managing mobile applications with sensitive user data. Supplier management is thus crucial to preventing severe breaches.

Implications for iOS App Security

The compromise of source code poses a serious threat to iOS app security. In the hands of cybercriminals, the code can be analyzed to uncover vulnerabilities that could be exploited to attack user devices. Besides undermining user trust, this type of attack can have significant legal consequences, particularly if personal data is compromised. App security is therefore essential to protect corporate reputation and user data.

Conclusions

This case exemplifies the security challenges modern companies must face. In the luxury sector, consumer trust is essential, and companies need to be proactive in protecting their digital assets and user data. Incident management, along with transparency, is vital to maintaining customer trust and loyalty.

As is our custom, we always allow space for a statement from the company should they wish to provide us with updates on the matter. We would be happy to publish such information in a dedicated article to highlight the issue.

RHC will monitor the evolution of the situation to publish further news on the blog should there be substantial updates. If any individuals with knowledge of the matter wish to provide information anonymously, they may use the whistleblower’s encrypted email.

Pietro Melillo
Head of the Dark Lab group. A Computer Engineer specialised in Cyber Security with a deep passion for Hacking and technology, currently CISO of WURTH Italia, he was responsible for Cyber Threat Intelligence & Dark Web analysis services at IBM, carries out research and teaching activities on Cyber Threat Intelligence topics at the University of Sannio, as a Ph.D, author of scientific papers and development of tools to support cybersecurity activities. Leads the CTI Team "RHC DarkLab"