PBot Adware

PBot, also known as PythonBot, is a newly observed Python-based adware.

Threat ID:: CC-2291
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 25 April 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

PBot, also known as PythonBot, is a newly observed Python-based adware.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

It is delivered by the RiG exploit kit alongside a secondary package containing a full Python installation. Once initialised, the Python installer will run before removing itself from the system. PBot will then be installed disguised as a seemingly legitimate program.

Run key entries are added to the registry to maintain persistence.

Pbot is able to inject scripts into all websites visited using a number of browsers. Attackers can then control the content displayed to users, showing advertisements as well as other malicious content. A large list of primarily Russian sites to avoid are included in PBot's code. It can also replace legitimate certificates on HTTPS sites and capture information transferred between a user and the browser.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect 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, anti-virus 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 affected devices 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, anti-virus 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 affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:52 pm