What is a Watering Hole Attack? Definition, Prevention, and Mitigation

Watering Hole Attacks exploit trusted websites to target specific groups. Learn how Keepnet empowers organizations to prevent these stealthy threats with security awareness training and incident response tools.

2024-12-31

What is a Watering Hole Attack? Definition, Prevention, and Mitigation

Cyberattacks targeting trusted websites—known as watering hole attacks—have emerged as a sophisticated and increasingly dangerous threat. These attacks involve compromising legitimate websites frequented by specific organizations or industries, delivering malware, or harvesting sensitive information from unsuspecting visitors.

In recent years, high-profile incidents have highlighted the devastating potential of these attacks. For example, between 2023 and 2024, the Russian-linked hacking group APT29 exploited Mongolian government websites to infect visitors' iOS and Android devices with spyware. Similarly, in 2023, at least eight Israeli shipping and logistics websites were compromised in a watering hole attack linked to the Iran-affiliated group Tortoiseshell, targeting sensitive industrial systems.

With the increasing sophistication of these attacks, organizations must shift their focus from simply protecting systems to reducing human risk—an area where Keepnet Labs excels. Keepnet’s unified platform empowers organizations to mitigate these threats by enhancing employee vigilance and strengthening incident response capabilities.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

A clear definition of Watering Hole Attacks
How these attacks differ from other social engineering tactics
How Keepnet’s tools and solutions mitigate Watering Hole Attacks

Definition of Watering Hole Attacks

A Watering Hole Attack occurs when cybercriminals compromise trusted websites that a specific group—such as industry professionals or employees of a company—frequently visits. Once users access these compromised sites, malware is installed on their devices, or sensitive information is collected, which attackers later exploit.

Why Watering Hole Attacks Are Effective

Watering Hole Attacks leverage the natural trust users have in the websites they visit regularly, making them particularly dangerous. Unlike other attack methods that rely on tricking users into visiting suspicious or unknown links, these attacks focus on compromising legitimate, high-traffic sites. Here are some points why watering hole attacks are effective:

Targeted Nature: Attackers select industry-specific portals or commonly accessed websites, exploiting the trust users place in these platforms.
Low Suspicion: Users rarely suspect malicious activity on their routine web resources.
High Impact: Once attackers gain access, they often move laterally within a corporate network, exfiltrating data or escalating their control.

How Watering Hole Attacks Work

The table below explains the key stages of a Watering Hole Attack and how attackers execute each step:

Stage	Description	Goal of the Attacker
1. Target Selection	Attackers identify a specific group or organization they want to target (e.g., employees of a company or professionals in an industry).	Pinpoint a victim group with shared access to specific websites.
2. Website Compromise	Attackers infiltrate a legitimate website frequented by the target group by exploiting vulnerabilities in the site’s code, plugins, or third-party tools	Inject malicious code (e.g., JavaScript) into the website to deliver malware or redirect users.
3. Payload Delivery	When users visit the compromised site, the malicious code activates, delivering malware to their devices or redirecting them to a phishing site.	Infect user devices with spyware, ransomware, or data-stealing malware without their knowledge.
4. Data Collection or Access	The malware collects sensitive information (e.g., credentials, files) or establishes backdoors for lateral movement within corporate networks.	Harvest credentials, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the target organization.
5. Exploitation	Attackers use the collected data or network access for further actions, such as launching phishing attacks, extortion, or espionage.	Achieve their end goal, whether financial, reputational, or espionage-driven gains..

By understanding these stages, organizations can deploy defenses to disrupt the attack chain and mitigate the impact of Watering Hole Attacks.

Picture 1: How Watering Hole Attacks Work

Difference Between Watering Hole Attacks and Pharming

A pharming attack is a type of cyberattack that redirects users from legitimate websites to malicious ones, often without their knowledge. This is typically done by exploiting vulnerabilities in DNS servers or compromising users' devices to alter local DNS settings.

The reason many people confuse watering hole attacks with pharming attacks is that both involve manipulating website access to deliver malware or steal sensitive information. However, the methods and objectives differ significantly.

Below is a table highlighting the key differences between Watering Hole Attacks and Pharming:

Aspect	Pharming	Watering Hole Attacks
Attack Method	Redirects users from legitimate websites to malicious ones by manipulating DNS settings or hosts file.	Compromises legitimate, trusted websites frequented by the target group to inject malware or steal data.
Targeting	Broad, often untargeted, affecting anyone who accesses the altered DNS or infected host file.	Highly targeted, focusing on specific groups, industries, or organizations based on shared website usage..
Execution	Involves altering DNS entries or local hosts files to redirect users to fake websites.	Exploits vulnerabilities in legitimate websites to inject malicious code or deliver malware.
User Interaction	Users are unaware they are being redirected to a malicious website that mimics the legitimate one.	Users interact with familiar, legitimate websites that have been compromised by attackers.
Primary Goal	Collect credentials, financial details, or sensitive information through fake websites.	Deliver malware, harvest credentials, or establish network access through trusted websites.
Detection Difficulty	Difficult to detect since the redirection happens silently through DNS manipulation.	Hard to detect because it involves legitimate websites that users trust and visit regularly.
Examples	Attackers redirect a bank’s URL to a fake login page to steal credentials.	A news website used by aerospace professionals is compromised to deliver spyware to visitors’ devices.

By understanding these stages, organizations can deploy defenses to disrupt the attack chain and mitigate the impact of Watering Hole Attacks.

While Pharming and Watering Hole Attacks exploit user trust, the main difference lies in their execution. Pharming manipulates DNS systems, whereas Watering Hole Attacks compromise legitimate websites to target specific audiences.

Real-World Examples Watering Hole Attacks

Watering hole attacks continue to be a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape, with recent incidents demonstrating their evolving sophistication and impact. Here are some notable examples from 2023 and 2024:

1. APT29's Campaign Against Mongolian Government Websites (2023-2024)

Between November 2023 and July 2024, the Russian-linked hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear, compromised Mongolian government websites. They employed watering hole attacks to exploit vulnerabilities in iOS and Android devices of visitors, utilizing exploits similar to those used by commercial spyware vendors

2. Japanese University Research Laboratory Compromise (2023)

In 2023, a Japanese university's research laboratory website was compromised through a watering hole attack. Attackers used social engineering to prompt visitors into downloading malware disguised as an Adobe Flash Player update, targeting researchers and students.

3. Iranian APT Targeting the Mediterranean (2023)

In October 2023, an Iran-sponsored threat actor conducted watering hole attacks in the Mediterranean region. They compromised websites frequented by their targets to deliver malware, aiming to gather intelligence and conduct espionage activities.

4. Compromise of Japanese Websites by Unknown Attack Group (2023-2024)

Between 2023 and 2024, multiple Japanese websites were compromised in watering hole attacks by an unidentified group. The attackers installed malware with filenames previously associated with known APT groups, indicating a possible connection or imitation.

5. Russian Hackers Targeting Ukrainian Heating Utilities (2024)

In January 2024, Russian-linked hackers employed a new malware, dubbed "FrostyGoop," to disrupt heating services in Lviv, Ukraine, during one of the coldest times of the year. The attack affected around 600 buildings for 48 hours, marking the first instance of hackers successfully sabotaging a heating utility by manipulating temperature readings to trick control systems into cooling rather than heating water.

If you're looking to dive deeper into phishing trends, check out our detailed analysis of the Top 30 Phishing Statistics and Trends You Must Know in 2024 for insights into the latest developments and key data.

Signs of Watering Hole Attacks

Organizations targeted by such attacks should remain vigilant for the following indicators:

Unusual user behaviors: Frequent redirects to unrecognized domains, unexpected downloads, or pop-ups that deviate from normal website functionality.

Endpoint activity anomalies: Unauthorized permission escalations, installation of unknown software, or unexpected processes running in the background.
Network irregularities: Unexplained outbound traffic to unfamiliar IP addresses or domains, data exfiltration patterns, or anomalies in bandwidth usage.

By identifying and addressing these indicators early, organizations can mitigate the potential damage of a Watering Hole Attack and prevent further compromise

How Keepnet Human Risk Management Helps to Prevent Watering Hole Attacks

Keepnet trains your employees for Watering Hole Attacks by combining phishing simulations, security awareness training, and incident response tools into a cohesive platform.

This comprehensive approach addresses both the human and technical vulnerabilities exploited in such attacks. From educating employees to spot suspicious activity to leveraging automated tools for detection and containment, Keepnet empowers organizations to proactively mitigate Watering Hole risks.

Diverse Phishing Simulation Products

Keepnet’s phishing simulation tools prepare employees to recognize and respond to threats stemming from compromised websites. These simulations mirror real-world attack scenarios often linked to Watering Hole Attacks, such as:

Email Phishing Simulation: Teaches employees how to identify phishing emails that might exploit data harvested from compromised websites.
Voice Phishing (Vishing) Simulation: Trains staff to handle follow-up social engineering calls that attackers may use to escalate their access.
SMS Phishing (Smishing) Simulation: Demonstrates how attackers use stolen data to craft targeted SMS phishing messages.
MFA Phishing Simulation: Prepares employees to handle malicious second-factor prompts often resulting from stolen credentials.
QR Code Phishing (Quishing) Simulation: Highlights the risks of malicious QR codes or redirects embedded within compromised sites.
Callback Voice Phishing Simulation: Evaluates the risks posed by attackers who use harvested phone numbers to initiate callback scams.

By exposing employees to these scenarios, Keepnet enhances their ability to spot and report threats, even when they originate from legitimate-looking sources.

Security Awareness Training

To address the human element of Watering Hole Attacks, Keepnet delivers comprehensive security awareness training focused on reducing risky behaviors:

Behavioral Risk Identification and Mitigation: Employees learn to detect unsafe actions, such as clicking on unverified links or downloading suspicious files from familiar websites.
Comprehensive Content Library: Includes videos, interactive games, and other formats tailored to diverse learning preferences, ensuring high engagement.
Automated Training Programs: A 12-month, automated program keeps employees consistently informed about evolving threats, including Watering Hole tactics.

This training ensures employees are equipped to recognize the subtle signs of compromised websites and avoid actions that could enable malware infiltration.

Phishing Forensic and Incident Response

Keepnet’s advanced incident response tool provides real-time detection and mitigation to minimize the impact of Watering Hole Attacks:

Advanced Integration: By combining threat intelligence, antivirus tools, and sandboxing, Keepnet Incident Responder can identify malicious payloads delivered via compromised websites.
SOAR Integrations: Automated workflows reduce attacker dwell time by quickly isolating infected endpoints and blocking suspicious domains.
Email Threat Simulation: With over 1,500 simulated attack scenarios, Keepnet helps organizations identify vulnerabilities in their email defenses that attackers might exploit post-Watering Hole breaches.
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Promotes collaboration across industries to neutralize ongoing campaigns and prevent re-infection from known malicious indicators.

Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform ensures organizations can rapidly detect threats, quarantine compromised assets, and prevent further escalation of attacks originating from Watering Hole tactics.