Bondat Worm

First observed in 2013, Bondat is a JavaScript worm and botnet. It was initially used to alter user's browser settings for malvertising and click fraud campaigns.

Threat ID:: CC-2483
Category:: Worm
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Physical
Published:: 14 June 2018 12:00 AM

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

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

First observed in 2013, Bondat is a JavaScript worm and botnet. It was initially used to alter user's browser settings for malvertising and click fraud campaigns.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions
WordPress sites

Threat details

It is now being used to mine the Monero cryptocurrency.

Bondat is distributed as a file on removable drives. .lnk files are automatically executed when an infected drive is connected to a system. These will search for files with a specific format and create shortcuts pointing at the Bondat launcher with the same name before hiding the original. When a user opens these shortcuts Bondat is installed and writes itself, along with new .lnk files, to any removable drives it can reach.

Once installed, Bondat will use headless browser windows to connect to a Coinhive-based mining page. It will also attempt to brute-force specific WordPress sites.

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. 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