Trojans known as remote access (RATs) pose a severe risk since they can grant attackers complete control over compromised computers. This virus quietly infiltrates computers (usually by masquerading as trustworthy software or by taking advantage of a security hole in the system) and creates backdoors that allow attackers to carry out a variety of nefarious tasks on the victim's machine.

The purpose of this blog post is to inform readers about RATs: what they are, how they operate, and how to avoid them. With a special emphasis on the relationship between website security and the propagation of Remote Access Trojans, we'll go over the fundamentals of RATs, look at actual cases where websites propagate RAT infections, and offer helpful recommendations for protecting your devices and handling infections.

Whether you're a novice in security or a seasoned administrator, this piece provides key information to prevent malware from spreading on your website and defend against RATs.

What is a Trojan for Remote Access (RAT)?

One kind of malware called a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is made to provide an attacker control over a device that has been compromised. RATs are especially harmful since they provide remote access and control, which sets them apart from other malware. They may be distributed by shady methods including drive-by downloads, email attachments, or even packaged with software that seems authentic.

They provide a backdoor into the system for attackers once they are installed. Attackers can carry out a variety of nefarious operations with this backdoor capability, including stealing confidential information and spreading other software (like ransomware). To make eradication even more difficult, RATs frequently use sophisticated evasion strategies to evade detection by security software.

How Do Trojans for Remote Access Function?

RATs break into systems by impersonating trustworthy apps or by taking advantage of security holes. They link to a command-and-control server after they are executed, allowing attackers to transmit and receive orders and data.

Infiltration Techniques

RATs frequently infiltrate systems by pretending to be authentic files. There are various ways to accomplish this:

1. Email Attachments: RATs are often disseminated through email by attackers who pose as innocuous files. The RAT is installed on the unwary user's computer when they open the attachment.

1. Malicious Downloads: RATs can be downloaded from hacked or malicious websites in bundles with genuine software or as phony browser upgrades. Installing software could unintentionally download a program that contains a root access trojan (RAT).
2. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: RATs are also used by attackers to take advantage of holes in operating systems or software. Once a vulnerability has been found, it can be used to secretly introduce the RAT into the system.

Command-and-Control Communication

A RAT connects to a C&C server after it has gained access to a system. The attacker-controlled server acts as the focal point from which data is gathered and commands are conveyed to the compromised system:

1. Initial Check-In: Following installation, the RAT contacts the C&C server to indicate that it has successfully gained access and to obtain its first set of instructions.
2. Ongoing Communication: The attacker can transmit orders and receive data in real time through the C&C server's continuous communication channel with the RAT. This could involve directives to extract private information, record keystrokes, or download more malware. This can occasionally take the shape of just talking frequently to reduce the likelihood of being discovered.
3. Dynamic C&C Servers: Attackers frequently employ a network of hacked servers or dynamic DNS services to avoid detection, making it challenging for defenders to restrict communication-based only on IP addresses.

Stealth Mechanisms

To remain undetectable on compromised systems, Remote Access Trojans (RATs) utilize an array of advanced strategies. One popular tactic is to imitate functional system processes, which can make it very difficult for users and security tools to discern between malicious and benign activity. Furthermore, some RATs include rootkit capabilities, which allow them to modify system files and processes to effectively hide their presence. For the RAT to stay hidden in process listings, this may need changing system calls.

In addition, RATs have the ability to conceal their interactions with C&C servers. This obfuscation can impede network monitoring tools' detection by encrypting the data exchange or masking it to look like normal network traffic. Further developed RATs provide another level of intricacy. Because of these characteristics, RATs can modify their code with every infection, which reduces the efficacy of conventional signature-based detection techniques. These remote access trojans (RATs) can evade antivirus programs by constantly changing, allowing them to continue their covert operations on infiltrated systems.

Evasion of Security Measures

RATs are made to avoid common security precautions:

1. Disabling Security Software: Certain remote access Trojans (RATs) can recognize and turn off firewall and antivirus programs, as well as tamper with their update systems to evade detection.
2. Access Control Bypass: RATs can operate with greater privileges without the user being aware of the possible repercussions of taking advantage of security holes or using social engineering to get past access control prompts.

Types of Remote Access Trojans

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are a diverse group of malicious software programs with specific traits and abilities that enable them to be used for a wide range of destructive operations.

PC RATs

PC RATs give the attacker remote access to a personal computer so they can see, hear, and manipulate it. The most typical goal is financial success. One excellent example is ransomware, which typically comes with a remote access tool (RAT) as part of its "package" to give the attacker ongoing access to the compromised machine.

Server RATs

Server RATs are typically more subtle as the attackers want the RAT to stay on the server unnoticed for as long as possible to keep control of the machine, spread malware continuously without the owner's knowledge, or simply store it for a time when its use will be more advantageous.

Website RATs

These are comparable to PC and server rats, where the attacker can infect neighboring websites, carry out specified code, and interact directly with any file on the website.

Mobile Phone RATs

Targeting banking apps is the main aim of mobile phone remote access trojans (RATs), which enable an attacker to remotely monitor a target phone in an attempt to either exfiltrate financial data or take complete control of a banking app without the target's knowledge. The Anubis trojan, which began as malware to steal banking information but swiftly developed to enable direct remote access, is a prime example of this.

Prominent Examples of RATs

This is a quick rundown of several well-known RATs that have been brought up in various security incidents throughout the years.

Back Orifice

Back Orifice is one of the first instances of a remote access tool (RAT), created by the hacker collective Cult of the Dead Cow. It became well-known for its capacity to seize total control of Windows operating systems, allowing attackers to carry out a variety of tasks like file manipulation and system monitoring.

DarkComet

DarkComet is a remote desktop application that gained popularity due to its extensive feature set, which includes administrator capabilities, remote desktop control, and sound capture. DarkComet is still in use among cybercriminals even after its inventor stopped using it because of its involvement in the Syrian conflict.

SubSeven

Another well-known RAT that provides substantial control over infiltrated systems is SubSeven, sometimes referred to as Sub7. Its characteristics, which make it a powerful tool for espionage and personal data theft, include the capacity to record keystrokes, steal passwords, and even manipulate webcams.

BlackShades

BlackShades is well-known for its involvement in extensive cybercrime operations. Attackers can use this RAT to carry out extortion, data theft, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assaults. Due to its extensive use, there was a major worldwide law enforcement operation that resulted in a large number of arrests. Security defenses face different obstacles from each of these RATs. RATs are still evolving as hackers create new methods and adjust to shifting security environments.

Why are RAT Attacks Dangerous?

RATs are a preferred tool in many different types of cyberattacks because of their adaptability and the degree of control they give attackers:

1. Espionage: Cybercriminals utilize Remote Access Tools (RATs) to observe their targets by recording keystrokes, taking screenshots, and even turning on webcams and microphones.
2. Data Theft: The compromised system may include sensitive data that can be extracted, including login credentials, bank account information, and personal files.
3. Botnets: Compromised computers can be manipulated into a network of compromised computers known as a botnet, which is then used to perform coordinated attacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
4. Ransomware Deployment: Ransomware can be distributed by RATs, which encrypt user data and demand money to unlock them.

Threats posed by RATs include data theft, invasion of privacy, and possible involvement in botnets used for DDoS attacks. If a website turns into a conduit for the spread of RATs, the owners of that website also bear the risk for its users.

Trojans for Remote Access and Website Security

Remote Access Trojans are frequently distributed through compromised websites. Indeed, RATs are intimately associated with one of the most prevalent forms of website malware that we have been monitoring for several years: NDSW / NDSX (SocGholish) JavaScript malware. For those unfortunate enough to be afflicted, website owners find this ailment to be an especially bothersome annoyance. Even though payloads fluctuate, phony browser upgrades are the most frequent ones.

The bogus update poses as an official web browser update and demands that the user install it to keep using the internet. A RAT installs itself in the background after it has been opened and run on the system. This usually marks the beginning of a ransomware attack, which may be expensive, to say the least.

Furthermore, if a gullible employee installs a bogus browser update in a workplace, it may spread to all other PCs linked to the same network. Several ransomware attacks that have been publicized in the media, targeting corporate and medical settings, most likely started with an infected website similar to the one that is above.

In addition to using every means at their disposal, attackers target websites to propagate RAT malware because many users have evolved safe browsing practices over time and are aware that opening dubious email attachments is a bad idea. These common-sense precautions can be avoided by cybercriminals by infecting websites that users would otherwise trust, which allows them to deceive gullible people into downloading malicious software onto their devices.

Instances of Website Infections That Spread RATs

Although it's not the only kind, the most prevalent website malware linked to RAT propagation is the NDSW / NDSX false browser update virus. Furthermore, we have detected multiple iterations of malware on websites that were previously purported to be CloudFlare human verification requests.

Later on, this very campaign—with its lures of a fake browser update—shifted to normal SocGholish. "Human verification" prompts to access websites are becoming more and more common as more websites start using CDN services and WAFs.

Given that many bots are a general annoyance to website owners and have the potential to be a component of DDoS attacks, these prompts are used to determine whether or not the visitors to the website in issue are bots or people. Bot traffic can be significantly decreased by confirming that the visitors are human. As expected, the attackers use a spoof of this human verification screen to infect website users with RAT malware. Three campaigns that exhibited similar behavior were found last year:

The file download prompt linked to this fictitious prompt is this one:

To access the website and obtain a "verification code," users are advised to open the executable file:

Naturally, this is all a hoax because by now the victim's computer has the Remote Access Trojan installed on it. The initial examples of this "fake DDoS prevention" malware that we discovered was loaded via injecting JavaScript into essential WordPress files were as follows:

The latest iterations, however, load via malicious plugins that are put in the environment:

So, keep in mind, even when you visit a website you have previously visited and trust, you should still exercise caution while downloading or installing any dubious items that appear on your screen. Sadly, hackers have become so persistent that we can no longer even trust well-known websites—at least, not when they force us to update our browsers!

SiteCheck Indicators for SocGholish & NDSW in 2023

Based on the sheer volume of detections our SiteCheck remote website scanning tool finds each month—roughly 9,000 detections on average—we can conclude that the SocGholish, NDSW, and NDSX are in fact among the attackers' mainstays. The following are a few of the most often linked domains to these compromises:

1. ghost[.]blueecho88[.]com
2. people[.]fl2wealth[.]com
3. taxes[.]rpacx[.]com
4. xjquery[.]com
5. kinematics[.]starmidwest[.]com
6. perspective[.]abcbarbecue[.]xyz
7. accountability[.]thefenceanddeckguys[.]com

Even the SocGholish malware comes in several varieties, when combined they make up the second most often detected malware campaign by SiteCheck in 2023, with over 112,000 scans; the only campaign more frequently detected than this is Japanese SEO spam.

With 2,355 infected websites that we cleaned malware from across all variations, SocGholish was also one of the most prevalent infections that our team resolved among malware cleanup infection statistics. On the other hand, 4,331,402 infected files—or about 1,839 SocGholish file injections per site—were found at these infected sites. The reason for this is that, in a compromised environment, this malware tends to infect every JavaScript file, making the eradication process rather difficult for those without purpose-fitting specialized solutions.

How Can a Computer's Remote Access Trojan Be Removed?

RATs must be found and eliminated methodically, which includes using network monitoring tools and antivirus software. To successfully eliminate RATs and protect your system from attacks, adhere to the following detailed instructions:

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

As soon as possible, unplug your computer from the internet to stop the RAT from contacting the attacker's server. By taking this action, you may assist halt any current data theft and stopping new infections from being downloaded.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

To restrict the capabilities of the RAT, restart your computer in safe mode. Safe Mode simplifies the process of isolating and eliminating malware by loading only the necessary system files and services. In Windows, you can boot up your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key at the beginning.

Step 3: Set Up and Maintain Software for Antivirus Protection

Use a clean device to install reliable anti-malware software if you haven't already. A trustworthy and free anti-malware program that can identify these dangers on your computer is provided by MalwareBytes. To make sure your anti-malware program has the most recent malware definitions, make sure it is updated to the most recent version.

Step 4: Run a full system scan

To find the RAT and any other malicious software that might be on your machine, do a complete system scan with your anti-malware program. Observe the guidelines provided by the software to remove or quarantine any identified risks.

Step 5: Remove Unrecognized Programs & Files

Examine manually any files or applications that the anti-malware scan may have overlooked. To avoid detection, RATs can employ randomly generated filenames and directories, so exercise caution and delete anything that doesn't seem right.

Step 6: Change Your Passwords

It is reasonable to believe that every piece of personal data you accessed on the affected computer has been compromised. Change all of your usernames and passwords from a clean computer, paying specific attention to those for email and important online financial accounts. Make careful to utilize the "logout from all devices" option if the concerned provider offers one.

Step 7: Notify Any Relevant Parties

Notify your administrators of the possible compromise if your compromised computer was used for work or holds sensitive data. To safeguard other users and secure the network, they might need to take extra precautions.

Step 8: Monitor Your Financial Accounts

For the upcoming months, pay special attention to your bank statements and credit reports to assist in identifying any unusual activity or unlawful purchases that might point to identity theft.

Step 9: Practice Safe Browsing Habits

The installation of software from unsolicited emails or messages should be avoided, as should clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Update your operating system and security software frequently to fix security holes that RATs might exploit.

Protecting Your Computer (and Website) from RATs

RATs pose a serious risk to website owners as well as individual users. The first line of defense against them is to comprehend how they function and the possible harm they may inflict. Site owners may strengthen their defenses, safeguard both themselves and website visitors, and help create a safer online environment by putting website security best practices into effect.

Make sure that all of your website's software, including plugins and themes, is routinely updated with the latest patches to stop your website from unintentionally spreading Remote Access Trojans and other malware. Additionally, you should take precautions to harden and safeguard your WordPress dashboard and website.

ETSPL advises using a web application firewall to shield your website from harmful traffic and assist in patching identified software flaws. We can assist if you think your website has previously contributed to the spread of RATs or other malicious malware! Our skilled security specialists are on hand around the clock to remove malware infestations and assist in shielding your website from dangers.