HOPLIGHT Spyware Trojan

HOPLIGHT is a newly observed spyware trojan attributed to the Hidden Cobra advanced persistent threat group.

Threat ID:: CC-3020
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Spear phishing
Published:: 11 April 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

HOPLIGHT is a newly observed spyware trojan attributed to the Hidden Cobra advanced persistent threat group.

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 HOPLIGHT is delivered, although Hidden Cobra have previously used sophisticated spear phishing campaigns to distribute their tools.

HOPLIGHT consists of nine individual files, with seven of these files acting as proxies to disguise its activity and mask command and control communications using valid public SSL certificates. Beneath these layers of obfuscation, the eighth file uses another SSL certificate to create a secure connection before collecting sensitive information, including financial credentials and passwords. The ninth file is then used to extract the information using a separate outbound connection. HOPLIGHT can also create and alter registry keys, spawn and terminate processes and alter files.

For further information:

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: 5 November 2020 2:37 pm