NetWire Remote Access Trojan

First seen in 2012, NetWire is a remote access trojan (RAT).

Threat ID:: CC-3235
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email-spam
Published:: 3 October 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

First seen in 2012, NetWire is a remote access trojan (RAT).

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, Netwire is currently spreading through spam email campaigns. These campaigns ask users to navigate to a URL disguised as a PDF invoice, this URL downloads a 7z file containing NetWire, which installs once decompressed.

Upon installation, Netwire will dynamically extract malicious code into its memory to avoid analysis. It will then add an autorun registry key, resulting in re-infection of the user's machine if it is removed. Netwire then connects to its command and control server before awaiting further commands, and has the following capabilities:

Keylogging
Browser password extraction
Remote control capability
Secondary payload installation
User and system information collection
Input device control

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