Amadey Botnet

First observed in early 2019, Amadey is a botnet sold on dark web sites and hacking forums.

Threat ID:: CC-3222
Category:: Botnet
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Spam
Published:: 19 September 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

First observed in early 2019, Amadey is a botnet sold on dark web sites and hacking forums.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Despite being comparatively expensive, it has proven popular with a number of attackers, including the TA505 advanced persistent threat group, as a dropper for their own malware.

Amadey is delivered as ZIP file attachments distributed via spam email campaigns. When opened, these attachments will redirect the user to a compromised website, where they will be asked to provide their details (it is unclear if this is a phishing attempt or is intended to trick the user into thinking the site is legitimate) before downloading Amadey.

Once this is done, Amadey will create registry entries to disable security services and maintain persistence. It then connects to several different command and control servers to download any intended payloads, which are then subsequently installed.

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 2:55 pm