WebCobra Cryptocurrency Miner

WebCobra is a cryptocurrency miner that deploys two different miner modules depending on the running environment of the device.

Threat ID:: CC-2785
Category:: Adware
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 14 November 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

WebCobra is a cryptocurrency miner that deploys two different miner modules depending on the running environment of the device.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows – All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, it is unclear how WebCobra is being delivered to devices, although it's known that it is delivered as a Microsoft installer (MSI) file. Once installed, WebCobra will check the running environment and deploys the Cryptonight miner on x86 environments and Claymore’s Zcash miner on x64 environments.

WebCobra use several anti-detection techniques, this includes editing ntdll.dll and user32.dll files to unhook the application programming interfaces (APIs) for some security products and terminating the installation if it detects that certain applications are running.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that: 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. Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate. 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

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

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.
Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
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: 7 September 2021 11:37 am