Marap Downloader

Marap is a newly discovered C-based downloader malware being used in large-scale campaigns by the TA505 advanced persistent threat group.

Threat ID:: CC-2618
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 20 August 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Marap is a newly discovered C-based downloader malware being used in large-scale campaigns by the TA505 advanced persistent threat group.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

As with most other TA505-affiliated malware, Marap is being distributed via spam or phishing emails. Depending on the campaign these emails can contain a variety of different attachments:

Microsoft Word documents with malicious macros.
Microsoft Excel Web Query (.iqy) files.
PDF documents with .iqy files
Password-protected ZIP archives with .iqy files

Once installed on a device, Marap will contact a command & control (C2) server before downloading a DLL module to collect system and user information. This is then sent back to the C2 server, at which point TA505 will use Marap to deploy other malware variants for use in secondary infections.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect a 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 12:47 pm