SilentBrute Trojan

First observed in 2013, SilentBrute (also known as SilentBruter) is a multi-platform brute-force trojan written in Go.

Threat ID:: CC-3149
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 15 July 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

First observed in 2013, SilentBrute (also known as SilentBruter) is a multi-platform brute-force trojan written in Go.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Linux - Most popular distributions

Threat details

At the time of publication, it is unclear how SilentBrute is delivered, although there are unconfirmed reports indicating it may be distributed as a secondary payload in spam or phishing campaigns.

Once installed, SilentBrute will collect system information and send it to a command and control (C2) server. It then downloads a configuration file detailing the services and applications SilentBrute should attempt to brute-force. It an attack is successful, SilentBrute will send the compromised credentials back to the C2 for further use.

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 2:45 pm