Malware Without a File Bypasses Detection Through Windows Registry

  • By David Lukic
  • Published: Dec 25, 2021
  • Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022

A remote access Trojan based in JavaScipt avoids identification with a fileless approach.  The Trojan is implemented through social engineering.  The hackers behind this attack have successfully avoided detection until the winter of 2021.

When was the Attack First Identified?
 
This digital attack was first identified in mid-November.  Though digital security researchers are still attempting to figure out how the malware goes undetected and how its persistence features work, researchers with the Prevailion Adversarial Counterintelligence Team state the malware is likely a tool for initial access and reconnaissance.

How is the Attack Performed?

Researchers with the Prevailion Adversarial Counterintelligence Team have named the malware DarkWatchman.  DarkWatchman is concealed as a no-cost notification for storage expiration.  The malware is transmitted through spear-phishing emails.  The email messages are attached with an invoice as a ZIP archive with the payload used to infect the targeted operating system.
 
This unique malware employs a domain generation algorithm to pinpoint the command-and-control infrastructure.  The malware uses Windows registry for storage capabilities, setting the stage for sidestepping engines that flag malware.
 
The remote access trojan uses breakthrough methods for attacks without reliance on files.  These novel methods also allow for dynamic run-time and on-system activity similar to self-updates and subsequent recompilation.  
 
This remote access trojan is especially dangerous as it is fileless and a C#-based keylogger. C#-based keyloggers are positioned within computer registries so the operators of those machines cannot identify them.  These components do not take up much space, making their detection much more challenging.  The keylogger is 8.5kb.  The JavaScript code is a mere 32kb.
 

Who is Behind the Malware Attack?

Digital security specialists with Prevailion state the DarkWatchman attack stems from Russia.  Prevailion’s team has not named the organization responsible for the attack.  The digital security group revealed an enterprise-level organization is likely responsible for the attack.  
 

Why is This Malware Attack so Problematic?

Digital security professionals are concerned about DarkWatchman as it is an advancement in the use of malware attacks without files.  This idiosyncratic approach to attacking computers relies on the registry for permanent and temporary storage.  Such an approach is unique in that it does not make an imprint on the disk.  The malware functions below or near the threshold of detection employed by the vast majority of digital security tools.
 
This digital attack also has cyber security specialists worried as it removes the need for those behind ransomware to bring in affiliates responsible for adding malware that locks files.  Those affiliates also exfiltrate files.  DarkWatchman sets the stage for the smooth and efficient deployment of ransomware.  The result is the ransomware developers enjoying improved oversight over the operation that allows them to focus on negotiating ransoms rather than executing the subtleties of the attack.

About the Author
IDStrong Logo

Related Articles

Instagram Vulnerability Allowed Hackers Access to Control Your Phone

Security experts Check Point Research discovered a critical vulnerability while examining Instagra ... Read More

Alien Malware Infects More than 226 Mobile Apps and Steals Bank Data

As reported on September 24, 2020, by ZDNet and ThreatPost, a new strain of malware named “A ... Read More

Universal Health Systems Hit by Ransomware Attack

Universal Health Systems (UHS), a Fortune 500 company owning more than 400 hospitals across the co ... Read More

Exchange Server Bug Exposes a Big Risk to Hackers

Months after Microsoft released a patch to fix a serious flaw in MS Exchange Server, more than 61% ... Read More

Clients’ Bank Data Exposed in Blackbaud Ransomware Attack

Blackbaud software was victim to a ransomware attack last May, and new information suggests that c ... Read More

Latest Articles

Cybersecurity Threats: What You Need to Know About Piggybacking

Cybersecurity Threats: What You Need to Know About Piggybacking

In cybersecurity, piggybacking refers to an unauthorized person gaining access to a restricted area or system by exploiting the access privileges of an authorized user, typically by following them or leveraging their credentials, usually without their knowledge or consent.

What You Need to Know about the Coast Guard Data Breach

What You Need to Know about the Coast Guard Data Breach

The Coast Guard is the only branch of the United States military in the Department of Homeland Security. It enforces federal law, controls the nation's borders and maritime Approaches, and protects the United States ports and waterways.

Mars Hydro Security Flaw Puts IoT Users at Risk

Mars Hydro Security Flaw Puts IoT Users at Risk

Mars Hydro is a leading Chinese brand producing a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for indoor gardening and the hydroponics industry.

What You Need to Know about the Community Health Center Data Breach

What You Need to Know about the Community Health Center Data Breach

Community Health Center (CHC) is a non-profit founded in 1972 and headquartered in Middletown, Connecticut. It offers a broad range of services, including dentistry, primary care, urgent care, specialty medical services, and behavioral health.

What You Need to Know about the DeepSeek Data Breach

What You Need to Know about the DeepSeek Data Breach

DeepSeek, founded by Liang Wenfeng, is an AI development firm located in Hangzhou, China. The company focuses on developing open source Large Language Models (LLMs) and specializes in data analytics and machine learning.

What is vendor fraud and how to protect your business from vendor fraud

What is vendor fraud and how to protect your business from vendor fraud

Vendor fraud is a type of financial abuse that occurs when fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses to trick companies and individuals into paying for services they'll never receive.

Featured Articles

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Buying your own home is the American Dream, but it might seem out of reach to those with bad credit. However, the good news is, if your credit is less than perfect, you do still have options and in most cases, can still buy a home.

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

Any good IT article on computers and network security will address the importance of strong, secure passwords. However, the challenge of good passwords is that most people have a hard time remembering them, so they use simple or obvious ones that pose a security risk.

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Senior scams are becoming a major epidemic for two reasons. First, seniors often have a lot of money in the bank from a life of working hard and saving.

Notice

By proceeding with this scan, you agree to let IDStrong run a Free Scan of supplied parameters of your personal information and provide free preliminary findings in compliance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report.

Rest assured: IDStrong will not share your information with third parties or store your information beyond what is required to perform your scan and share your results.

Free Identity Threat Scan
Instantly Check if Your Personal Information is Exposed
All fields below are required
Please enter first name
Please enter last name
Please enter a city
Please select a state
Please enter an age
Please enter an email address
Close