Spam Campaign Using the IQY Extension

A new spam campaign has been observed using attachments containing Excel Web Query (.iqy) files.

Threat ID:: CC-2481
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 13 June 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

A new spam campaign has been observed using attachments containing Excel Web Query (.iqy) files.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Excel Web Query files are simple text files which execute any script contained within in them when opened. They are used to import and manipulate web data within Excel worksheets. It is believed the attackers behind this campaign are using .iqy files as they are not commonly used and as such are not typically detected by anti-virus products.

The campaign itself is using the Necurs botnet to distribute the lure documents. Currently, the final payload is the FlawedAmmy remote access trojan, although this is likely to change in the future.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	Change .iqy file associations so that they do not open automatically in Excel. Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection ensure that: 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, anti-virus 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. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

Change .iqy file associations so that they do not open automatically in Excel.

Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection ensure that:

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, anti-virus 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.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:55 pm