Qrypter MaaS Remote Access Trojan

A new Java-based remote access trojan (RAT), known as Qrypter, has been observed. Developed by the 'QUA R&D' criminal group, it is offered on a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) basis to compete with the Adwind RAT.

Threat ID:: CC-2150
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 22 March 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Qrypter is typically delivered via malicious email campaigns, each consisting of several hundred messages. When installed, it will download and execute two randomly-named .vbs files in the %Temp% folder to gather information on the firewall and antivirus products present on the device. Registry entries are created to terminate and disable a number of security-related processes, lower overall security settings and initiate Qrypter at startup. Finally, a connection to a Tor-based command and control server is initiated.

As a plugin-based tool, Qrypter has a wide range of functionality, including:

Remote desktop connection
Webcam access
File system manipulation
Installation of additional files
Task manager control

QUA R&D claim Qrypter is undetectable by all major antivirus products. They also offer a large number of cracked malware products in order to entice buyers to their site.

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 12:53 pm