QakBot

 Name: QakBot (also known as QBot or QuakBot)

Category: Malware

Type: Banking Trojan

Captain's Note: QakBot, also known as QuakBot, be a formidable banking trojan that's been plundering the cyber seas since the mid-2000s. It's a shapeshifting pest, constantly evolving to evade detection and capture. This malware latches onto its victims' systems, filching banking credentials and other personal treasures. The takedown of this digital buccaneer was a mighty feat, orchestrated by a coalition of cyber corsairs, including the FBI and their international counterparts. This grand alliance, using their savvy and cunning, successfully dismantled QakBot's infrastructure, sending a stern warning to other cyber brigands that the seas of the internet ain't a place for unchecked villainy. This victory marked a significant triumph in the ongoing battle to keep the digital waters safe for all sailors.

Primary Function: QakBot is a sophisticated banking Trojan that targets Windows systems. Initially discovered in 2007, it has evolved significantly over time. QakBot's capabilities include:

• Stealing sensitive information
• Exfiltrating confidential data
• Spreading to other machines on the network to install additional malicious software

Infection Method: QakBot employs various distribution methods, often involving malspam with attachments such as OneNote files, zip files containing WSF, or JSE files. These attachments, when opened, trigger a series of actions, including the execution of batch scripts and PowerShell scripts, to download and execute QakBot's payload.

Target Platform: Windows systems

Signature Features:

• Spearphishing Attachments: Initial access is typically gained through spearphishing emails with malicious attachments.
• Script-Based Execution: Utilizes batch, PowerShell, and other scripting methods for execution.
• Modular Design: Customizable for various tasks like keylogging, credential theft, network reconnaissance, and ransomware deployment.
• Code Evolution: Continuously updated to evade detection and enhance effectiveness.

MITRE ATT&CK® Techniques:

• Initial Access: Spearphishing Attachment (T1566)
• Execution: User Execution (T1204), Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059), Rundll32 (T1218), PowerShell (T1059)
• Defense Evasion: Deobfuscate/Decode Files or Information (T1140), Hidden Window (T1564), Process Injection (T1055)
• Credential Access: Credentials from Password Stores (T1555), Keylogging (T1056)
• Discovery: Account Discovery (T1087), Software Discovery (T1518), Process Discovery (T1057), System Service Discovery (T1007)
• Collection: Screen Capture (T1113), Clipboard Data (T1115)
• Command and Control: Application Layer Protocol (T1071), Ingress Tool Transfer (T1105)

Potential Impact: QakBot's diverse functionalities make it a significant threat, capable of leading to major data breaches and operational disruptions. Its ability to propagate across networks and deploy additional malicious software amplifies its impact.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Vigilance against spearphishing attacks and suspicious email attachments.
• Implement strong antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
• Regular software and system updates to patch vulnerabilities.
• User education on cybersecurity best practices.
• Regular monitoring of network and system activities for anomalies.

This profile provides a comprehensive overview of QakBot, underlining its complex nature and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to combat it.