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In fact, before deobfuscating the script, all strings were encrypted with this same XOR-based algorithm. | [
"T1027"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The decryption routine used is shown in Figure 22. Figure 22. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Routine to decrypt strings Once the payload is decrypted, a shellcode with RunPE code is used to perform the injection. | [
"T1055"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The shellcode is concatenated in the same manner as the payload and executed like the previous shellcode. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
To achieve persistence, a VBS script is created to execute a copy of the dropper (which is renamed to aadauthhelper.exe). | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Then an Internet Shortcut (.url) file is created in the Startup folder to execute the script. | [
"T1547.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The code that generates these files is shown in Figure 23. Figure 23. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Code for persistence in AutoIt | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
droppers The dropper contains code that is not executed. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
It can: Check for VMware and VirtualBox Delete the dropper executable Run the dropper continuously Download and execute files Terminate if a “Program Manager” window is found Read a binary from its resource section, write it to disk and execute it Modify the security descriptor (ACL) for the injected process For more i... | [
"T1027",
"T1070.004",
"T1105"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Payloads The payloads used in Operation Spalax are remote access trojans. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
These provide several capabilities not only for remote control, but also for spying on targets: keylogging, screen capture, clipboard hijacking, exfiltration of files, and the ability to download and execute other malware, to name a few. | [
"T1041",
"T1056.001",
"T1105",
"T1113"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
These RATs were not developed by the attackers. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
They are: Remcos, sold online njRAT, leaked in underground forums AsyncRAT, open source There is not a one-to-one relationship between droppers and payloads, as we have seen different types of droppers running the same payload and also a single type of dropper connected to different payloads. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
However, we can state that NSIS droppers mostly drop Remcos, while Agent Tesla and AutoIt packers typically drop njRAT. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Remcos is a tool for remote control and surveillance. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
It can be purchased with a six-month license that includes updates and support. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
There is also a free version with limited functionalities. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
While the tool can be used for legitimate purposes, it is also used by criminals to spy on their victims. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Most of the Remcos samples used by this group are v2.5.0 Pro, but we have also seen all versions that were released since September 2019, which may indicate that the attackers bought a license after that month and have been actively using the different updates that they received during their six month license period. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Regarding njRAT, this group mostly uses v0.7.3 (also known as the Lime version). | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
That version includes functionalities such as DDoS or ransomware encryption, but only spy features such as keylogging are used by the attackers. | [
"T1056.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
For a more complete description of this version, refer to this 2018 article by Zscaler. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Another njRAT version used by the attackers is v0.7d (the “green edition”) which is a simpler version focused on spying capabilities: keylogging, taking screenshots, access to webcam and microphone, uploading and downloading files, and executing other binaries. | [
"T1056.001",
"T1105",
"T1113"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The final type of payload that we will mention is AsyncRAT. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
In all cases we have observed v0.5.7B, which can be found on GitHub, has been used. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The functionalities in this RAT are similar to those in the previously mentioned RATs, which allow attackers to spy on their victims. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Network infrastructure During our research we saw approximately 70 different domain names used for C&C in the second half of 2020. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
This amounts to at least 24 IP addresses. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
By pivoting on passive DNS data for IP addresses and known domain names, we found that the attackers have used at least 160 additional domain names since 2019. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
This corresponds to at least 40 further IP addresses. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
They’ve managed to operate at such scale by using Dynamic DNS services. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
This means that they have a pool of domain names (and also register new ones on a regular basis) that are dynamically assigned to IP addresses. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
This way a domain name can be related to several IP addresses over a period of time and IP addresses can be related to many domain names. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Most of the domain names we have seen were registered with Duck DNS, but they have also used DNS Exit for publicvm.com and linkpc.net subdomains. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Regarding IP addresses, almost all of them are in Colombia. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Most are IP addresses related to Colombian ISPs: 60% of them are Telmex and 30% EPM Telecomunicaciones (Tigo). | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
As it is highly unlikely that the criminals own so many residential IP addresses, it is possible that they use some victims as proxies, or some vulnerable devices to forward communication to their real C&C servers. | [
"T1090"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Finally, a subset of the IP addresses belongs to Powerhouse Management, a VPN service provider. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
They are used in conjunction with DNS Exit subdomains. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Similar findings can be found in this analysis by Lab52. Conclusion Targeted malware attacks against Colombian entities have been scaled up since the campaigns that were described last year. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
The landscape has changed from a campaign that had a handful of C&C servers and domain names to a campaign with very large and fast-changing infrastructure with hundreds of domain names used since 2019. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Even though TTPs have seen changes, not only in how malware is delivered in phishing emails but also in the RATs used, one aspect that remains the same is that the attacks are still targeted and focused on Colombian entities, both in the public and private sectors. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
It should be expected that these attacks will continue in the region for a long time, so we will keep monitoring these activities. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
A comprehensive list of Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and samples can be found in our GitHub repository. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
For any inquiries, or to make sample submissions related to the subject, contact us at threatintel@eset.com. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
MITRE ATT&CK techniques Note: This table was built using version 7 of the MITRE ATT&CK framework. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
TacticIDNameDescription Initial AccessT1566.001Phishing: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Spearphishing AttachmentThe attackers have used emails with PDF or RTF files attached that contain a link to download malware. | [
"T1566.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1566.002Phishing: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Spearphishing LinkThe attackers have used emails with a link to download malware. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
ExecutionT1059.005Command and Scripting Interpreter: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Visual BasicThe attackers have used droppers that dump VBS files with commands to achieve persistence. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1059.003Command and Scripting Interpreter: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Windows Command ShellThe attackers have used RATs that can launch a command shell for executing commands. T1106Native | [
"T1059.003"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
APIThe attackers have used API calls in their droppers, such as CreateProcessA, WriteProcessMemory and ResumeThread, to load and execute shellcode in memory. | [
"T1106"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1204.001User Execution: Malicious LinkThe attackers have attempted to get users to open a malicious link that leads to the download of malware. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1204.002User Execution: Malicious FileThe attackers have attempted to get users to execute malicious files masquerading as documents. PersistenceT1547.001Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts: Registry Run Keys / Startup | [
"T1204.002"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
FolderThe attackers have used RATs that persist by creating a Run registry key or by creating a copy of the malware in the Startup folder. | [
"T1547.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1053.005Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled TaskThe attackers have used scheduled tasks in their droppers and payloads to achieve persistence. | [
"T1053.005"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Privilege EscalationT1548.002Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Bypass User Access ControlThe attackers have used RATs that implement UAC bypassing. | [
"T1548.002"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Defense EvasionT1140Deobfuscate/Decode Files or InformationThe attackers have used various encryption algorithms in their droppers to hide strings and payloads. | [
"T1140"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1562.001Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify ToolsThe attackers have used CyaX packer, which can disable Windows Defender. | [
"T1562.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1070.004Indicator Removal on Host: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
File DeletionThe attackers have used malware that deletes itself from the system. | [
"T1070.004"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1112Modify RegistryThe attackers have used RATs that allow full access to the Registry, for example to clear traces of their activities. | [
"T1112"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1027.002Obfuscated Files or Information: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Software PackingThe attackers have used various layers of packers for obfuscating their droppers. | [
"T1027"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1027.003Obfuscated Files or Information: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
SteganographyThe attackers have used packers that read pixel data from images contained in PE files’ resource sections and build the next layer of execution from the data. | [
"T1027"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1055.002Process Injection: Portable Executable InjectionThe attackers have used droppers that inject the payload into legitimate processes such as RegAsm.exe, MSBuild.exe and more. | [
"T1055"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1497.001Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion: | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
System ChecksThe attackers have used droppers and payloads that perform anti-analysis checks to detect virtual environments and analysis tools. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Credential AccessT1555.003Credentials from Password Stores: Credentials from Web BrowsersThe attackers have used various RATs with modules that steal passwords saved in victim web browsers. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryT1010Application | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Window | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used droppers and RATs that gather information about opened windows. T1083File and Directory | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that can browse file systems. | [
"T1083"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1120Peripheral Device | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used njRAT, which attempts to detect if the victim system has a camera during the initial infection. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1057Process | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs with modules that show running processes. | [
"T1057"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1012Query RegistryThe attackers have used various RATs that can read the Registry. | [
"T1012"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1018Remote System DiscoveryThe attackers have used njRAT, which can identify remote hosts on connected networks. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1518.001Software Discovery: Security Software | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used droppers that check for security software present in a victim’s computer. | [
"T1518.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1082System Information | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that gather system information such as computer name and operating system during the initial infection. T1016System Network Configuration DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that can collect the IP address of the victim machine. | [
"T1016",
"T1082"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1049System Network Connections DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that can list network connections on a victim’s computer. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1033System Owner/ | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
User DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that retrieve the current username during initial infection. | [
"T1033"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1007System | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Service DiscoveryThe attackers have used various RATs that have modules to manage services on the system. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1021.001Remote Services: Remote Desktop ProtocolThe attackers have used various RATs that can perform remote desktop access. | [
"T1021.001"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1091Replication | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
Through Removable MediaThe attackers have used njRAT, which can be configured to spread via removable drives. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
CollectionT1123Audio | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
CaptureThe attackers have used various RATs that can capture audio from the system’s microphone. | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
T1115Clipboard | [] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
DataThe attackers have used various RATs that can access and modify data from the clipboard. T1005Data from Local SystemThe attackers have used various RATs that can access the local file system and upload, download or delete files. | [
"T1005"
] | Operation Spalax Targeted malware attacks in Colombia |
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