PowerPool Backdoor Trojan

PowerPool is a newly observed backdoor trojan exploiting the recently disclosed Windows ALPC vulnerability to target users throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Threat ID:: CC-2655
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email spam, Phishing, Backdoor
Published:: 7 September 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

PowerPool is a newly observed backdoor trojan exploiting the recently disclosed Windows ALPC vulnerability to target users throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, PowerPool is delivered via spam or phishing campaigns containing Symbolic Link (.slk) files. When opened, these files can be automatically loaded by Microsoft Excel to execute a PowerShell script. This script then downloads and installs PowerPool.

Once installed on a device, PowerPool initiates a first-stage module that collects system information and performs network reconnaissance. It will then download and execute a secondary backdoor module that will attempt to gain persistence. Once this is achieved the threat actors use five open-source tools (FireMaster, PowerDump, PowerSploit, SMBExec and Quarks PwDump) to traverse the network.

Remediation advice

Users are encouraged to review Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability CC-2646 for guidance on the ALPC vulnerability.

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. Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate. 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.
Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
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 12:52 pm