CASHY200 Backdoor

First observed in early 2018, CASHY200 is a PowerShell-based backdoor associated with the larger xHunt malware campaign.

Threat ID:: CC-3240
Category:: Backdoor
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Phishing
Published:: 16 October 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

First observed in early 2018, CASHY200 is a PowerShell-based backdoor associated with the larger xHunt malware campaign.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Despite initially being heavily targeted at government and shipping organisations in the Middle East, it now appears to be affecting organisations throughout Europe. CASHY200 is delivered via malicious Microsoft Office attachments distributed through email phishing campaigns. When opened, a preliminary script in the attachments will execute CASHY200 directly in memory.

If successfully executed, CASHY200 will connect to a command and control server, using a bespoke DNS tunnelling protocol in order to bypass standard network monitoring, before awaiting further commands. CASHY200 variants are able to extract files as well as install secondary payloads.

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 2:58 pm