# they hardcoded the password. thats the hack. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2WCggEGzFA Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/q2WCggEGzFA Generated: 2026-03-06T16:32:16.838+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The main hack demonstrated in this security deep dive involves finding a hardcoded password ("super_secret_password") within the Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines binary, which grants immediate root access after executing the program, bypassing the initial password prompt. **Key Points:** - The attacker exploited a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-22769) in Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines, tracked by Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG). - The vulnerability allowed the attacker to gain root access by finding and using the hardcoded password "super_secret_password" within the binary. - The threat actor, potentially UNC6201/Silk Typhoon, used this flaw to move laterally within networks hosting Dell appliances since at least mid-2024. - GRIMBOLT, a C#-written backdoor compiled using native ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation and packed with UPX, replaced the older BRICKSTORM payload. - The attackers employed novel tactics, including creating "Ghost NICs" and using iptables rules for stealthy network pivoting, evading network monitoring. - The hardcoded credentials were found in the `/home/kos/tomcat9/tomcat-users.xml` file, allowing authentication to the Dell RecoverPoint Tomcat Manager to deploy malicious WAR files. ![Screenshot at 00:00: Presenter begins the discussion directly addressing the audience about security flaws, setting the stage for the technical analysis of the Dell RecoverPoint vulnerability.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/q2WCggEGzFA/00-00-00.jpg) **Context:** This video discusses a significant security finding detailed in a joint report by Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) concerning a zero-day exploitation in Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines, tracked as CVE-2026-22769. The exploit chain involves an advanced persistent threat cluster, UNC6201 (also known as Silk Typhoon), which has been leveraging this flaw to maintain persistent access and deploy malware like GRIMBOLT across compromised networks. The presenter highlights the specific hardcoded credential flaw that provided a direct path to root access. ## Detailed Analysis The video explains a critical finding regarding a zero-day exploitation in Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines (CVE-2026-22769), which was actively exploited by the UNC6201 threat cluster (linked to Silk Typhoon) since at least mid-2024. The most direct method of exploitation shown involves running the target binary (named 'dell') which prompts for a password; however, running the 'strings' command on the binary reveals the hardcoded password "super_secret_password", which grants immediate root access, bypassing the prompt. This hardcoding is identified as a major flaw. The attackers also utilized GRIMBOLT, a C#-written, UPX-packed backdoor compiled with native ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation to complicate static analysis. Furthermore, the attackers employed novel tactics like creating 'Ghost NICs' and using iptables rules to pivot stealthily across VMware virtual infrastructure without being detected by standard logging. The vulnerability in the Dell appliance exploitation stems from hardcoded administrative credentials found in `/home/kos/tomcat9/tomcat-users.xml`, which allowed the actor to authenticate to the Tomcat Manager and deploy malicious web archives (WAR files) to gain root execution. ### Cryptography Review - Symmetric cryptography vs. Asymmetric cryptography - Symmetric cryptography requires a pre-shared key (PSK) that must not be disclosed to third parties - Asymmetric cryptography uses public/private key pairs for authentication and key exchange ### Dell Exploit Demonstration - Running the compiled binary prompts for a password, but strings analysis reveals the hardcoded password 'super_secret_password' - Using the hardcoded password grants immediate root access and enters 'SUPER SECRET MODE' ### Threat Actor Tactics (UNC6201/Silk Typhoon) - Exploiting Dell appliance zero-day, using GRIMBOLT backdoor (C# AOT compiled, UPX packed) - Employing novel tactics like 'Ghost NICs' and iptables rules for stealthy network pivoting ### Vulnerability Root Cause - Hardcoded admin credentials found in `/home/kos/tomcat9/tomcat-users.xml` on the Dell RecoverPoint appliance - This allowed authentication to Tomcat Manager to deploy malicious WAR files. ### YARA Rules Provided - GTIG released YARA rules (G_APT_BackdoorToehold_GRIMBOLT_1 and G_Hunting_BackdoorToehold_GRIMBOLT_1) to detect the GRIMBOLT backdoor and related artifacts. ![Screenshot at 00:05: The presenter displays the Google Cloud blog post titled "From BRICKSTORM to GRIMBOLT: UNC6201 Exploiting a Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines Zero-Day".](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/q2WCggEGzFA/00-00-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:01: A diagram illustrating the two main cryptographic schemes: symmetric \(shared secret key\) and asymmetric \(public/private key exchange\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/q2WCggEGzFA/00-02-01.jpg) ![Screenshot at 04:57: A terminal session where running the compiled binary './dell' prompts for a password, demonstrating the hardcoded credential mechanism.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/q2WCggEGzFA/00-04-57.jpg) ![Screenshot at 08:20: The YARA rule G\_APT\_BackdoorToehold\_GRIMBOLT\_1 containing string signatures used to detect the GRIMBOLT malware.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/q2WCggEGzFA/00-08-20.jpg)