Quasar RAT

Quasar is a remote access trojan (RAT) which uses Rich Text Format (RTF) documents to spread malware. The malicious documents are Excel spreadsheets which include a macro.

Threat ID:: CC-2119
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email spam
Published:: 8 March 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Quasar is a remote access trojan (RAT) which uses Rich Text Format (RTF) documents to spread malware. The malicious documents are Excel spreadsheets which include a macro.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - all versions

Threat details

The RTF document has the “.doc” extension and when opened in Microsoft Word a repeated warning popup is displayed. During this time a PowerShell command is executed to deliver the payload, which allows a remote attacker to access the computer, log keystrokes and edit the registry.

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 12:53 pm