Vagger Trojan

A new adware trojan, known as Vagger, has been released by an unknown author.

Threat ID:: CC-1921
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Email spam, Download
Published:: 10 January 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

A new adware trojan, known as Vagger, has been released by an unknown author.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Vagger can be delivered using spam emails containing malicious attachments, but has also been seen disguised as free software downloads. Once on a system it uses AutoIT, a BASIC-like scripting language, to download the NetCat networking utility, presumably to connect to its command and control (C2) infrastructure.

Vagger will alter system settings and use browser redirects or pop-up adverts to coerce a user into visiting malicious websites where they will be served more adverts. Many of these adverts appear to use legitimate dialogue boxes in order to dismiss them, these may be used to disguise further malware infection. A compromised device will also experience significant performance and reliability issues including system crashes. It is unclear if this is an intended function as it makes detection of Vagger much easier.

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. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.

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.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:56 pm