COBINT Remote Access Trojan

COBINT is a remote access trojan (RAT) that is being used to perform reconnaissance on infected users’ network before allowing attackers to implant more malware on the affected network.

Threat ID:: CC-2667
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Phishing
Published:: 13 September 2018 12:00 AM

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Summary

COBINT is a remote access trojan (RAT) that is being used to perform reconnaissance on infected users’ network before allowing attackers to implant more malware on the affected network.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows – All versions

Threat details

It is delivered via spam emails with either malicious links in the email or a Microsoft Word attachment that uses a relationship object to download an external VBScript file containing an exploit for CVE-2018-8174.

COBINT collects initial intelligence information about the compromised machine and is capable of streaming video from a compromised desktop. If the operator decides that the system is of interest, the backdoor will download and launch a CobaltStrike framework stager.

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. 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.

CVE Vulnerabilities

Status

CVE-2018-8174

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:41 pm