Cannon Downloader Trojan

Cannon is a newly observed dropper trojan, believed to have been created by APT28 advanced persistent threat group (also known as Fancy Bear).

Threat ID:: CC-2800
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 21 November 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Cannon is a newly observed dropper trojan, believed to have been created by APT28 advanced persistent threat group (also known as Fancy Bear).

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows – All versions

Threat details

As with most Fancy Bear affiliated malware, Cannon is distributed via spear-phishing campaigns with an attached Microsoft Word document. Once opened, the Word document will immediately attempt to retrieve a remote template containing a malicious macro. When the document is closed, the macro will install Cannon.

Cannon uses a complex system of email accounts to connect to a command and control server (C2), in an attempt to avoid detection. Once installed on a device, Cannon gathers system information and screenshots. If the infected system is of interest to the attacker, they will use Cannon to deliver other malware in a targeted attack.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	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.

Type

Step

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 1:00 pm