IMAPLoader

Profile: IMAPLoader

Captain's Notes: The Origins and Evolution of IMAPLoader

IMAPLoader, first spotted in the wild seas of cyberspace on September 1, 2022, is a cunning tool crafted by IMPERIAL KITTEN. This malware, shrouded in the guise of a "StreamingUX Updater," is a dynamic link library (DLL) distributed for sly insertion via AppDomainManager injection. It cleverly uses email for command and control (C2), connecting to imap.yandex[.]com over TLS, creating two IMAP folders for its nefarious communications. The names of these folders bear the mark of a non-native English speaker, riddled with typographical errors​​​​.

Pirate's Guidance: Navigating the Threat IMAPLoader, like a deceitful siren, uses attachments in email messages to receive orders and dispatch replies, masking its true nature. Its operations span various malicious activities as per the MITRE ATT&CK framework:

1. Reconnaissance (T1590.005): IMAPLoader gathers victim network information, specifically IP addresses, by beacons.
2. Resource Development (T1584.006): Utilizes compromised infrastructure, including web services.
3. Initial Access (T1189): Deploys malware through strategic web compromise (SWC).
4. Execution (T1059.003, T1059.005, T1059.006): Collects system info via cmd.exe scripts, installs Python backconnect shell via Visual Basic scripts in Excel documents, and drops Python-based backconnect shell.
5. Persistence (T1037.005): Achieves persistence through the registry Run key.
6. Defense Evasion (T1055, T1140): Executes via AppDomainManager injection and obfuscates C2 addresses.
7. Discovery (T1518.001): Enumerates installed antivirus software.
8. Collection (T1005): Gathers data from the local system.
9. Command and Control (T1071.003, T1095): Uses mail protocols for C2 and relies on raw sockets for communication.
10. Exfiltration (T1041): Exfiltrates data directly over the C2 protocol

This vile creation is part of a larger campaign targeting sectors like transportation, logistics, and technology, with a focus on Middle Eastern entities​​​​.