Browser Extension Backdoor Trojan

This trojan uses malicious macros and a Remote Administration Tool to gain a backdoor on the affected system

Threat ID:: CC-2448
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

This trojan uses malicious macros and a Remote Administration Tool to gain a backdoor on the affected system

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge - All versions
Google Chrome - All versions

Threat details

The trojan is delivered through a document attached to spam emails, once the document has been opened and the macros are enabled a Zip archive is downloaded which adds the malicious extension to the browser. This malicious extension then executes the remote administration tool “VisIT” in the background. A script sends the details of this to the Command and Control server allowing the malicious actor to have a backdoor into the system.

Once completed it will allow the malicious user to connect to the user’s machine remotely and gain full control over it including everything typed into the browser where the malicious extension is activated.

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, 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. 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.
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 12:39 pm