Punisher Remote Access Trojan

First observed in late 2018, Punisher is a modular, .NET-based remote access trojan. Publicly available on several dark web forums, it can be configured with several capabilities according to the user's wishes.

Threat ID:: CC-2879
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Hacking tool
Published:: 14 January 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, Punisher is delivered exclusively by the Mjag dropper, although this is likely to change as more threat actors begin using the trojan. Once installed, it will connect to a threat actor specified command and control server before collecting and transmitting system information back to the server. It will also create registry keys to ensure persistence.

Punisher will attempt to collect a range of information, including; credentials, keystrokes, files and IP data. It will also monitor the Task Manager and prevent certain processes from terminating other processes. Newer variants of Punisher will enumerate removable drives and copy themselves to them to aid further propagation.

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: 14 February 2020 2:51 pm