NanoCore Remote Access Trojan

First observed in 2013, NanoCore is a modular remote access trojan. It is available for sale on the Dark Web

Threat ID:: CC-2090
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 1 March 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

First observed in 2013, NanoCore is a modular remote access trojan. It is available for sale on the Dark Web

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Users are able to easily add their own plugins using a graphical interface to increase its capability. A free "cracked" version is also available.

NanoCore is delivered disguised as an Adobe Flash Player update. When opened it will asks for the user's credentials before installing itself. Its modularity makes it popular with other cyber criminals, who have created new plugins to allowing NanoCore to perform ransomware attacks, mine cryptocurrency or perform financial fraud. There are six base modules provided with NanoCore:

Core - Collects system information such as OS version, IP addresses and device hardware.
Security - Provides access to additional security information as well as antivirus and firewall tools.
Tools - Adds instant messaging, file transfer and file execution capabilities
Management - Accesses the remote console, registry editor, task manager and file browser.
Network - Supports network connections to other local devices.
Surveillance - Allows for remote desktop control and audio/video feeds.

The author of NanoCore was arrested and charged in 2017, however it remains available to purchase online.

Threat updates

Date	Update
10 Apr 2018	A new spam campaign has been observed delivering Nanocore via malicious zip attachments.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	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, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.

Type

Step

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, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:50 pm