SpicyOmelette Remote Access Trojan

SpicyOmelette is a remote access trojan that has been observed as a component of cyber attacks initiated by the Cobalt Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group.

Threat ID:: CC-2694
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Spear phishing
Published:: 27 September 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This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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

SpicyOmelette is a remote access trojan that has been observed as a component of cyber attacks initiated by the Cobalt Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

SpicyOmelette is utilised during the initial stages of an attack to gain a backdoor in the target network. It has been distributed via spear phishing campaigns that use emails with a legal theme.

The phishing emails contain a link that appears to lead to a PDF document, but this actually leads to the SpicyOmelette JavaScript file. This file is digitally signed using a valid certificate issued to a front company by a valid and trusted certificate authority.

When executed, SpicyOmelette installs a Dynamic-link Library (DLL) payload and creates a decoy document to display to the user. The DLL payload drops a valid Microsoft utility onto the system with a randomly named JavaScript file and two randomly named text files.

SpicyOmelette allows the APT to collect system information, check for the presence of anti-malware tools, execute arbitrary JavaScript code and install additional malware onto the affected device.

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.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:55 pm