TYPEFRAME: HIDDEN COBRA Trojans

Eleven new trojans, collectively known as TYPEFRAME, associated with the HIDDEN COBRA advanced persistent threat group have been identified.

Threat ID:: CC-2493
Category:: Spyware, Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Phishing, Email spam
Published:: 15 June 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Eleven new trojans, collectively known as TYPEFRAME, associated with the HIDDEN COBRA advanced persistent threat group have been identified.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

TYPEFRAME consists of eleven Windows executable (.exe) files that all appear to be distributed using Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx) containing malicious Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros. This is a standard delivery method for HIDDEN COBRA, who use sophisticated spam and phishing campaigns to distribute the documents.

The files have various functions and capabilities, including:

downloading and installing files
connecting to command and control servers
install proxy or remote access trojans
alter firewall and security service settings

For further information:

US-CERT Malware Analysis Report (AR18-165A)

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, 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

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