Scranos Rootkit Spyware

Scranos is a recently observed rootkit-enabled spyware trojan. At the time of publication, it is still in development and its creators are regularly adding new components as well as improving existing functionality.

Threat ID:: CC-3013
Category:: Spyware, Trojan, Rootkit
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 17 April 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

The following Windows internet browsers:
- All Chromium-based browsers, including Google Chrome, Opera and Yandex
- Baidu Browser
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox

Threat details

Scranos is delivered via cracked software downloads and illegitimate applications such as video players, drivers and anti-virus products. When opened, these applications install a signed rootkit driver, which is then used to maintain persistence and install further Scranos components.

Once installed, Scranos injects a downloader into a legitimate process which then communicates with a command and control server. It can then download various modules, providing it with a wide range of capabilities, including:

stealing account and payment credentials from various popular services
exfiltrating browsing history and cookies
downloading and executing payloads
displaying malicious adverts
installing JavaScript adware or malicious extensions
sending phishing messages

For further information:

Inside Scranos – A Cross Platform, Rootkit-Enabled Spyware Operation white paper

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	To prevent and detect an 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 an 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 2:52 pm