Astaroth Information Stealing Trojan

Astaroth is an information stealing trojan that was first observed in 2017 and has continued to evolve over time.

Threat ID:: CC-2935
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Email spam
Published:: 14 February 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

Astaroth is an information stealing trojan that was first observed in 2017 and has continued to evolve over time.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

This latest version includes several functions to hide it's activity from antivirus defences and in the case of some antivirus software, notably Avast, inject malicious code into it's processes in order to execute further modules.

It is delivered through attachments or malicious hyperlinks emailed to the user as part of spam campaigns.

Once installed upon a machine, depending on the modules downloaded it will; capture keystrokes, system information, clipboard data and gather login passwords for mail accounts and remote computers on the same LAN.

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: 14 February 2020 2:51 pm