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RTF-based Malware Distribution Campaign

A new campaign has been observed distributing several well-known information stealing and spyware trojans using Rich Text Format (RTF) files.
Threat ID:
CC-2736
Category:
Trojan
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Phishing, Email spam
Published:
18 October 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This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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

A new campaign has been observed distributing several well-known information stealing and spyware trojans using Rich Text Format (RTF) files.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

  • Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

The campaign uses specially crafted RTF files containing exploits for two code execution vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) feature to deliver malware. These files are embedded within DOCX (Microsoft Word) files that are delivered through large-scale spam and phishing campaigns. When a user opens these DOCX files the embedded RTF file is automatically opened and the exploit is executed.

Malware delivered in this campaign includes the Agent Tesla spyware, the LokiBot information stealer and a variant of the Andromeda botnet alongside a large number of unidentified malware. Whilst Agent Tesla, Loki and Andromeda appear to be the main payloads at this time, it is highly likely the operators of this campaign will add further payloads in the future.

For further information:

Remediation steps

Type Step

Microsoft produced updates to address both CVE-2017-0199 and CVE-2017-11882. User and organisations are encouraged to apply these updates immediately if they have not already done so.

Additionally, to prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

  • 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 12:54 pm