AdvisorsBot Downloader

Security researchers have discovered a new C-based downloader trojan known as AdvisorsBot targeting governmental, telecommunications and leisure organisations.

Threat ID:: CC-2636
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email spam
Published:: 29 August 2018 12:00 AM

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

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

Security researchers have discovered a new C-based downloader trojan known as AdvisorsBot targeting governmental, telecommunications and leisure organisations.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

AdvisorsBot is being distributed through large-scale spam campaigns using several different lure documents. These documents contain malicious macros that execute a PowerShell script to download and install AdvisorsBot.

Once installed, AdvisorsBot has much of the same functionality as the Marap downloader, including collecting user and system information before connecting to a command and control server.

An alternate version of AdvisorsBot, known as PoshAdvisor, also exists. Rewritten in PowerShell and .NET, it has the same functionality as AdvisorsBot.

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 12:36 pm