TajMahal Exploitation Framework

TajMahal is a sophisticated exploitation framework discovered in the autumn of 2018 but believed to have been created in 2013.

Threat ID:: CC-3021
Category:: Exploit
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 11 April 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

TajMahal is a sophisticated exploitation framework discovered in the autumn of 2018 but believed to have been created in 2013.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

The framework consists of 2 packages and up to 80 additional modules designed to steal information and spy on the user. At present it is unknown how TajMahal is delivered.

Once deployed on a user’s machine, the first package, named Tokyo, creates a backdoor using PowerShell and contacts the attacker's command and control (C2) server. The second package, named Yokohama, leverages the embedded modules to perform various malicious activities on the infected machine.

Identified functionality includes:

Credential harvesting.
Audio and video recording.
Daily system fingerprinting.
Browser cookie collection.
Keylogging and clipboard monitoring.
Instant messaging conversation collection.
Process creation and deletion.
Registry key creation.
Assorted information collection, including from CD images, removable media and print queues.

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 2:43 pm