Categories: BackdoorMalware

APT15 Hackers Using Steganography Technique to Drop Okrum Backdoor Via PNG File to Evade Detection

Researchers discovered a previously unseen malware called Okrum that distributed from APT15 threat group via a hidden PNG file with steganography technique to evade detection.

APT15 threat group also known as Ke3chang has a long history of its malicious activities since 2010, and it was initially reported in 2013 during their campaign activity attack organization in Europe.

Okrum backdoor initially detected in December 2016 that targets various countries such as Slovakia, Belgium, Chile, Guatemala and Brazil and is believed to be operating out of China.

Okrum backdoor initially detected in December 2016 that targets various countries such as Slovakia, Belgium, Chile, Guatemala Brazil and is believed to be operating out of China.

The APT group continues to be active in 2019 to attack the same type of target but were using different malicious toolsets to compromise them.

Okrum has a similar modus operandi as previously documented Ke3chang (APT15)malware family with a basic set of backdoor commands.

Okrum Distribution and infection vector By APT15

Threat actors from APT15 hiding the okrum payload within a PNG file and infect the victim’s machine using steganography technique stay unnoticed and evade detection.

Attackers tried to hide malicious traffic with its C&C server within the normal traffic by registering the legitimate domain names.

Okrum backdoor installed and loaded by 2 different components which is frequently changed by malware authors to avoid detection.

According to ESET research, “Okrum is only equipped with basic backdoor commands, such as downloading and uploading files, executing files and shell commands. Most of the malicious activity has to be performed by typing shell commands manually, or by executing other tools and software”

“Researchers believe that the combination of simple backdoor and external tools fully accommodates their needs while being easier to develop, but it may also be an attempt to evade behavioral detection.”

Along with this, researchers discovered some of the external tools such as keylogger, tools for dumping passwords, or enumerating network sessions.

Based on the telemetry data, Threat actors employed various anti-emulation and anti-sandbox technique to avoid detection and it mainly targeting Slovakia, Belgium, Chile, Guatemala, and Brazil, Slovakia.

You can follow us on LinkedinTwitterFacebook for daily Cybersecurity updates also you can take the Best Cybersecurity course online to keep yourself updated.

Also Read:

Chinese APT’s New Malware MirageFox Launch Cyber Attack on Government & Military Sectors

Hackers using steganography to Drop the Powload Malware & Hide Their Malvertising Traffic

Balaji

BALAJI is an Ex-Security Researcher (Threat Research Labs) at Comodo Cybersecurity. Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder - Cyber Security News & GBHackers On Security.

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…

8 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…

9 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…

11 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…

15 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…

16 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…

16 hours ago