Cyber Incident Victim: Central Intelligence Agency
Date:
Jul 2017
Location:
United States of America
Summary
WikiLeaks disclosed three alleged CIA hacking tools under the "Imperial" project, targeting Mac and Linux systems. The tools included Achilles, which trojanizes OS X disk image installers to execute specified payloads; SeaPea, a Mac rootkit enabling stealth persistence and tool execution during reboots; and Aeris, an automated Linux implant functioning as a customizable backdoor for operating systems like Debian and FreeBSD, with data exfiltration capabilities. The leak highlighted techniques for compromising systems without user knowledge, building tailored implants, and leveraging contractor research to develop offensive cyber tools.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 2 motives | 2 techniques |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
On July 28, 2017, WikiLeaks released a new batch of classified documents under its "Vault 7" series, specifically labeled "Imperial," which detailed three alleged CIA hacking tools targeting macOS and Linux operating systems. The tools—Achilles, Aeris, and SeaPea—were designed to infiltrate and maintain covert access to compromised systems. Achilles functioned by embedding malicious executables within macOS disk image (.dmg) installer files, enabling one-time execution of operator-specified payloads during installation. SeaPea, previously referenced in WikiLeaks' "DarkSeaSkies" leak, operated as a macOS rootkit, providing stealth capabilities and persistence across system reboots to launch additional tools undetected. Aeris targeted Linux systems, serving as an automated implant written in C and compatible with distributions including Debian, CentOS, Red Hat, FreeBSD, and Solaris. It functioned as a backdoor with data exfiltration features and allowed operators to build customized implants for specific missions.
The leak revealed operational specifics, including Aeris's naming origin (a character from *Final Fantasy*) and its modular design for adaptability. SeaPea's documentation confirmed its role in establishing long-term access to Mac systems, while Achilles facilitated initial compromise through trojanized installers. The disclosure followed WikiLeaks' earlier release of materials from Raytheon Blackbird Technologies, a CIA contractor that analyzed in-the-wild malware samples to inform agency tool development. The Imperial dump underscored the CIA's focus on cross-platform capabilities, expanding beyond its historically Windows-centric toolsets. No vendor or government responses to the leak were detailed in the source material, nor were specific victim cases or mitigation measures disclosed. The publication highlighted concerns about the proliferation of state-sponsored hacking tools and their potential repurposing by malicious actors.