sLoad Downloader

First observed in January 2017, sLoad (also known as SnatchLoader) is a PowerShell-based downloader trojan targeting organisations throughout Western Europe and North America.

Threat ID:: CC-2814
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Phishing
Published:: 28 November 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

First observed in January 2017, sLoad (also known as SnatchLoader) is a PowerShell-based downloader trojan targeting organisations throughout Western Europe and North America.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

Believed to have been created by the TA554 advanced persistent threat, it has been used to deliver a wide range of malware, including Ramnit, Ursnif, and Gootkit.

sLoad is delivered via LNK files distributed through large-scale phishing campaigns. When opened, these LNK files download an initial PowerShell script, which then downloads sLoad and a list of command and control (C2) servers. sLoad will then collect system and user information before connecting to a C2 server and awaiting further commands.

Once installed, sLoad can load and install secondary payloads sent from the C2 server. It will also take screenshots, search the DNS cache for specific domains and check for the presence of ICA files on the system (at the time of publication it is unclear for what purpose).

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: 17 February 2020 1:00 pm