Plurox Backdoor

Plurox is a newly observed C-based modular backdoor. It appears to still be in active testing, with multiple variants seen in the wild.

Threat ID:: CC-3102
Category:: Backdoor
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 19 June 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

Plurox is a newly observed C-based modular backdoor. It appears to still be in active testing, with multiple variants seen in the wild.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, it is unclear how Plurox is initially delivered to a target system, although there are unconfirmed reports indicating it may be delivered as a secondary payload by another piece of malware.

By default, Plurox can alter registry entries and edit, transfer or delete files, with plugins used to extend its functionality. These are either included with Plurox upon delivery or downloaded afterwards, with each individual plugin containing a command script as well as a configuration file. At the time of publication, only cryptocurrency mining plugins have been discovered, although it is likely that other plugins exist.

Plurox can also propagate laterally using the EternalBlue SMB and EternalSilence UPnP exploits. Using a separate plugin, it will enumerate the local network, scan for exposed ports 135 and 445, and send back any found ports to the C2 server. The attacker will then send a command back to Plurox to deploy the relevant exploit.

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