![]() ![]() ![]() Instead of the typical usage of schtasks.exe to create this scheduled task, the malware uses Task Scheduler’s ITaskFolder::RegisterTaskDefinition COM function. This task executes the dropped DLL via the command C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe %AppData\\,UiaPatternRelease when the current user logs into Windows to maintain persistence. ![]() It then creates a scheduled task with the name “Scheduled” and the description “NTFS Volume Health Scan” and “Microsoft Corporation” as the Author to masquerade as a legitimate task. The loader names the DLL after a randomly chosen subdirectory in %AppData%, e.g., Adobe.dll, Microsoft.dll. It extracts a similarly AES-encrypted and DEFLATE-compressed third-stage loader DLL from itself and drops it into one of the existing directories in %AppData%. Processes checked are Avast Antivirus-related processes and commonly used malware analysis tools such as Process Explorer and Process Hacker. This sample contains a list of blacklisted names and exits if any of these processes are running. This executable is then loaded as a new module using Assembly.Load() and directly executed in memory using () with a string array argument containing “1ffawf” and "afgawkgo". NET binary (exe) with the internal name sdafsfdpieowrfb.exe, also protected by ConfuserEx. The resulting data is then decompressed using the DEFLATE algorithm. Prioritize patching known exploited vulnerabilities and zero-days.This malware decrypts the overlay using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) in CBC mode with a hardcoded key and initialization vector (IV). Patch and upgrade any platforms and software timely and make it into a standard security policy.Limit access to administrative accounts and portals to only relevant personnel and make sure they are not publicly accessible.Ensure that general security policies are employed including: implementing strong passwords, correct configurations, and proper administration security policies.Never open links or attachments from unknown senders.Emails from unknown senders should always be treated with caution.Search for Indicator of compromise (IOCs) in your environment utilizing your respective security controls.Block all threat indicators at your respective controls.In certain situations, individuals were instead infected with a different type of information-stealing malware known as RedLine or an Amadey botnet executor. It was observed that Cobalt Strike is not the only piece of malware used in the attacks. The malware campaign used the lure of a job in order to infect victims with leaked versions of Cobalt Strike beacons. Researchers discovered a new wave of phishing attacks in September that infect job seekers in the United States and New Zealand with Cobalt Strike beacons. Cobalt Strike includes a toolkit called Artifact Kit that is used to create shellcode loaders. Two-thirds of detected Cobalt hit efforts from 2016 to 2018 were attributable to well-resourced cybercrime organizations or APT groups, according to researchers.Ĭobalt Strike lets the attacker install a ‘Beacon’ agent on the target PC which provides the attacker with a plethora of capabilities, including command execution, file transfer, keylogging, mimikatz, port scanning, and privilege escalation. Cobalt Strike’s use in hostile activities was previously connected with huge cybercriminal operations like TA3546 and APT40. However, researchers began observing threat actors using Cobalt Strike by 2016. Cobalt Strike 3.0 was released in 2015 as a stand-alone opponent emulation platform. Cobalt Strike first appeared in 2012 in response to alleged flaws in the Metasploit Framework, an existing red team (penetration testing) tool. ![]()
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