MalHide Malware

A new malware variant has been observed called Malhide. Using a method of business email compromise its primary focus is to create an email relay for fraud whilst hiding itself several times to remain anonymous.

Threat ID:: CC-2444
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 31 May 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows – All versions

Threat details

It is delivered using phishing emails and malicious macro documents of the .doc type, once opened the documents will run the hidden code and begin the infection process.

It uses an implementation of File-less Staging to run a Powershell script directly from memory. It connects to Command and Control Servers which provide email addresses, SMTP relays, and spam email bodies to be used. It starts services which act as an SMTP client then using a method of Spear phishing it sends fraudulent emails whilst attempting to keep source IPs and addresses obfuscated.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an 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. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

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.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:47 pm