SectopRAT Remote Access Trojan

SectopRAT is a newly observed .NET-based remote access trojan sold through hacking forums. Despite its use in a number of ongoing campaigns, it appears to still be in active development, with a number of unusable features.

Threat ID:: CC-3297
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 27 November 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

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 SectopRat is delivered, although there are unconfirmed reports indicating it may be distributed via watering hole attacks or drive-by-downloads.

Once installed, SectopRAT will attempt to connect to a command and control server using a hard-coded IP address before awaiting further commands, which are sent as specific byte values within network packets. By default, Sectops is able to perform the following actions:

collect user and system information
monitor mouse and keyboard inputs
launch hidden web browser sessions
download and install secondary payloads

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 2:59 pm