Bandook Malware Strikes Back 

anti-malware tools, Bandook Malware, network activity, Ophtek, Phishing Email, Remote Access Trojan, , , , ,
27
Feb 2024

A new variant of the Bandook malware has been discovered which targets Windows PCs, so it’s crucial you know how to deal with it. 

From its earliest detection in 2007, Bandook has been a capable strain of malware. Being a remote access trojan, Bandook’s main objective has always been to take control of infected PCs. However, following a period of inactivity, the malware has recently started a new campaign aimed at a wide range of industries in different locations. And once Bandook takes control of a compromised PC, it can not only launch further malware attacks, but also steal whatever it wants from the PC. 

What is the Bandook Malware Attack? 

Bandook’s latest campaign starts with a phishing email, one which uses an infected PDF file. Within this file, there is a link which directs users towards a .7z file – a compressed, archive file. Prompted to enter a password – which is detailed in the original PDF file – to access the .7z archive, the victim will unwittingly activate the malware. Once Bandook is active, it will take advantage of the Msinfo32 application – typically used to collate system data – and edits the Window Registry to remain active on the infected PC. 

With Bandook fully established on the victim’s PC, Bandook opens a communication channel with a remote command-and-control server. This allows Bandook to receive further instructions from the threat actors behind the attack. From here, Bandook is able to establish additional malware payloads on the PC, and give full control of the PC over to the remote threat actors. This means that the hackers can steal data, kill active processes on the PC, execute applications, and even uninstall the Bandook malware to cover their tracks if necessary. 

How Do You Stay Safe from Bandook? 

As with many contemporary threats, Bandook relies on a momentary lapse of judgement from the recipient of their initial email. The impact of a single phishing email can lead to devastating results, so it’s essential your staff understand all the telltale signs of a phishing email. With this information at their fingertips, they’re significantly less likely to unleash malware across your IT infrastructure. 

But what else can you do? After all, no organization is 100% secure, and it’s likely your defenses will be breached at some point in the future. Well, you can make sure that you identify a breach and minimize its impact by practicing the following: 

  • Use anti-malware tools: security suites such as AVG and McAfee represent fantastic tools for protecting your IT infrastructure. As well as carrying out deep scans across your systems for malware, they also feature tools to block malicious websites and can scan files before they’re downloaded to verify their safety. 
     
  • Monitor network activity: one of the surest signs of a systems breach is, as featured in the Bandook attack, unusual network activity. Therefore, you should regularly monitor your network activity to identify unusual patterns e.g. prolonged communication with unknown destinations along with downloads from unidentified sources. 

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals. 

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New Phishing Scam Uses a Photo from the Webb Telescope

GO#WEBBFUSCATOR, network activity, Ophtek, Phishing, SMACS 0723, Updates, Webb Telescope, , , , ,
13
Sep 2022

A new malware threat has been discovered which uses the public excitement around the Webb telescope to deliver a phishing scam.

The first image to be released by the Webb telescope project was entitled SMACS 0723, and its new, stunning view of the galaxy created headlines around the world. However, it’s this level of interest which has led to hackers using it as bait. The image is used as part of an email phishing scam and, unfortunately, fails to highlight the wonders of space. Instead, it compromises a PC and leaves it at risk of further attacks.

Phishing scams are a contemporary irritant in the IT security world, so we’re going to delve deeper into this one and see what we can do to help protect your PC.

The Threat from Outer Space

This latest strain of malware has been given the rather complex name of GO#WEBBFUSCATOR but the way in which it operates is simple. Security experts Securonix have discovered a phishing email – described as one promoting satellite service plans – which contains an infected Microsoft Office document. If this document is downloaded and opened, the malware will – if Word macros are enabled – begin to release its payload.

The malware begins by downloading the SMACS 0723 image, but this image is far from innocent as it contains hidden Base64 code. With this code activated, the infected PC is then systematically tested for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Once these have been detected and analyzed, the hackers begin a campaign of exploitation to take control of the PC. It’s also interesting to note that the computer language behind this malicious code is constructed from Go, a cross-platform language which highlights the scope of the threat actors behind GO#WEBBFUSCATOR.

Staying Safe on Planet Earth

The number of vulnerabilities this malware targets, along with its deceptive approach, make it a powerful weapon for hackers. Therefore, protecting yourself against its dangers is paramount and you must make sure you:

  • Monitor network activity: once malware such as GO#WEBBFUSCATOR has made its way onto your PC, it’s likely that you will notice a surge in unusual activity on your network e.g. increased traffic and downloads. And this is likely to be one of the only signs you receive, so it pays to keep a close eye on any spikes in network activity.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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