Adobe Reader Backdoor

A Chinese APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group have been recently observed using an Adobe Reader installer as a Trojan for a new customised backdoor.

Threat ID:: CC-1312
Category:: Spyware, Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 6 April 2017 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A Chinese APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group have been recently observed using an Adobe Reader installer as a Trojan for a new customised backdoor.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All Versions

Threat details

The threat group publicly known as DragonOK are using a modified version of Adobe Reader to drop a new custom RAT (Remote Access Trojan) named ‘KHRAT’. The threat is distributed via spam email. The installer used is a RAR SFX file which contains both a legitimate Adobe Reader installer and a malicious VBScript file.

Once executed, KHRAT is installed as a small backdoor which is capable of the following:

• Providing access to the file system
• Logging keystrokes
• Capturing screenshots
• Enumerating processes
• Opening a remote DDoS command access

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect a Trojan infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 11:25 am