Windows Computer Hit with AgentTesla Malware to Steal Data

AgentTesla is a notorious malware that functions as a keylogger and information stealer. 

By logging keystrokes and capturing screenshots on infected systems, this notorious malware targets sensitive data like:-

  • Login credentials
  • Financial information

Recently, the cybersecurity researchers at BitSight Security discovered that AgentTesla malware had been actively attacking Windows machines to steal sensitive data.

Document
Free Webinar

Fastrack Compliance: The Path to ZERO-Vulnerability

Compounding the problem are zero-day vulnerabilities like the MOVEit SQLi, Zimbra XSS, and 300+ such vulnerabilities that get discovered each month. Delays in fixing these vulnerabilities lead to compliance issues, these delay can be minimized with a unique feature on AppTrana that helps you to get “Zero vulnerability report” within 72 hours.

AgentTesla Malware Attacking Windows

AgentTesla is a .NET-written Windows malware that steals sensitive data and emerged for the first time in 2014. It faced legal issues once it was sold widely, leading to its shutdown in March 2019. 

It later reemerged as OriginLogger, which shares the same code base and poses a persistent threat as a licensed-based Malware as a Service (MaaS) on the clear web with websites like-

  • agenttesla[.]com
  • originpro[.]me
OriginLogger (Source – Bitsight)

Researchers found that one of the sites sells short-term licenses (up to six months) for AgentTesla’s instance “OriginLogger” with several customizations. 

AgentTesla is a prevalent malware that was rebranded and updated in November. It spreads via phishing emails with loaders like:-

  • GuLoader
  • PureCrypter

After infecting it harvests the following data:-

  • Credentials
  • Keystrokes
  • Clipboard data
  • Screenshots

Not only that even, it also uses various protocols like:-

  • SMTP
  • FTP
  • HTTP

Over 1500 recent AgentTesla configurations were found, and 75% used email for exfiltration. However, since December 2022, no HTTP exfiltration has been observed.

Exfiltration methods by number of configs (Source – Bitsight)

The data gathered by the malware are mainly from:-

  • Browsers
  • VPN clients
  • Mail clients
  • FTP clients
  • VNC clients
  • Microsoft Applications
  • Social media apps

Pricing plans

In total, there are three plans, and here below, we have mentioned those three plans:-

  • 1-month plan will cost $50
  • 3-month plan will cost $75
  • 4-month plan will cost $90

Researchers accessed 3 months of victim data from 210 malware campaigns, compromising 5300 computers between Oct-Dec 2023. 

Around 2000 IP addresses were geographically mapped, which shows that the U.S. was the most targeted country, followed by

  • China
  • Germany

Common country top-level domains suggested European ties. Exploited data is used for direct exploitation and profit-driven schemes like ransomware and business email compromise attacks.

To counter the evolving threats, researchers urged to integrate the:-

  • Multi-layered defense mechanism
  • Proactive detection
  • Employee awareness
  • Robust cybersecurity strategy

Looking for cost-effective penetration testing services? Try Kelltron’s to assess and evaluate the security posture of digital systems – 

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

Threat Actors Exploit Google Docs And Weebly Services For Malware Attacks

Phishing attackers used Google Docs to deliver malicious links, bypassing security measures and redirecting victims…

5 hours ago

Python NodeStealer: Targeting Facebook Business Accounts to Harvest Login Credentials

The Python-based NodeStealer, a sophisticated info-stealer, has evolved to target new information and employ advanced…

6 hours ago

XSS Vulnerability in Bing.com Let Attackers Send Crafted Malicious Requests

A significant XSS vulnerability was recently uncovered in Microsoft’s Bing.com, potentially allowing attackers to execute…

8 hours ago

Meta Removed 2 Million Account Linked to Malicious Activities

 Meta has announced the removal of over 2 million accounts connected to malicious activities, including…

12 hours ago

Veritas Enterprise Vault Vulnerabilities Lets Attackers Execute Arbitrary Code Remotely

Critical security vulnerability has been identified in Veritas Enterprise Vault, a widely-used archiving and content…

13 hours ago

7-Zip RCE Vulnerability Let Attackers Execute Remote Code

A critical security vulnerability has been disclosed in the popular file archiving tool 7-Zip, allowing…

13 hours ago