Parallax Remote Access Trojan

First observed in December 2019, Parallax is an MASM-based remote access trojan sold through a number of hacking forums, with its creators offering a number of additional support services as well as bespoke development based on affiliate feedback.

Threat ID:: CC-3373
Category:
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 20 February 2020 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

As with most malware-as-a-service (MaaS) tools, Parallax can be delivered in any vector affiliates wish. However, at the time of publication, it has only been observed being distributed via spam campaigns.

Once installed, Parallax will create a scheduled tasks as well as a shortcut to itself in the Startup folder to ensure persistence. It will then connect to a command and control server hosted on the Duck DNS service and await further commands. By default, Parallax has the following capabilities, although its creators appear to be adding new features monthly:

Remote Desktop session creation
File transfer, execution, and deletion
Secondary payload installation
Email and financial credential extraction

For further information:

CVE-2017-11882

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.

Indicators of compromise

Main indicators

SHA256 File Hashes

345d8b4c0479d97440926471c2a8bed43162a3d75be12422c1c410f5ec90acd9

CVE Vulnerabilities

Status

CVE-2017-11882

Last edited: 29 June 2021 12:00 pm