TR-12 - Analysis of a PlugX malware variant used for targeted attacks

TR-12 - Analysis of a PlugX malware variant used for targeted attacks

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  1. Overview
  2. Report
  3. Recommendation
  4. Overview of the PlugX infection process
  5. Classification Of This Document
  6. Revision

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Overview

This report is the analysis of a Remote Access Tool (RAT) which is usually named PlugX (also known as Gulpix, Korplug). This malware is often used in targeted attacks against private organizations, governments, political organization and even some individuals. This PlugX variant is interesting on several aspects like the use of a perfectly valid signed binary in order to perform its attack. It also features mechanisms in order to defeat protection like Windows UAC (User Account Control). The purpose of the analysis is to improve the detection at the potential victims site but review the security measures in place within other organization to limit the impact of such targeted attack.

Report

Recommendation

  • CIRCL recommends private organization or any potential targets to verify the Indicator of Compromise (IOC) contained in the report (appendix A) to detect any potential infection. CIRCL can be contacted in case of detection.

  • CIRCL recommends to review the infection process of PlugX in order to assess the security measures taken into an organization.

Overview of the PlugX infection process

Overview

The infection process is fully described in the PlugX analysis report.

Classification Of This Document

TLP:WHITE information may be distributed without restriction, subject to copyright controls.

Revision

  • Version 1.1 January 17, 2014 - Loader added
  • Version 1.0 March 28, 2013