StealthFalcon Backdoor

StealthFalcon is a newly observed backdoor, created in 2015 by the Stealth Falcon advanced persistent threat group for use in their own campaigns.

Threat ID:: CC-3208
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Backdoor
Published:: 11 September 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

StealthFalcon is a newly observed backdoor, created in 2015 by the Stealth Falcon advanced persistent threat group for use in their own campaigns.

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 StealthFalcon is distributed.

Once installed, StealthFalcon will initiate a connection with a command and control (C2) server by using the standard Windows component Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) before attempting to extract files. If StealthFalcon fails to connect to one of its two C2 severs, it will remove itself. Stealth Falcon is also able to install other payloads including cryptocurrency miners and ransomware tools.

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 2:58 pm