Infostealer Malware Threatens Information Security for Users
/ 3 min read
Quick take - Infostealer malware, a type of remote access Trojan, poses a significant threat to information security by silently infiltrating systems to exfiltrate sensitive data, which is then compiled into logs and distributed by cybercriminals through various platforms, highlighting the need for proactive cybersecurity measures.
Fast Facts
- Infostealer malware, a type of remote access Trojan (RAT), silently infiltrates systems to exfiltrate sensitive information like browser credentials and session cookies.
- Harvested data is compiled into “stealer logs,” which are distributed by threat actors through platforms like Telegram, often for free or in exchange for cryptocurrency.
- The malware operates within a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystem, utilizing various distribution methods, including cracked software downloads and phishing campaigns.
- Fresh stealer logs, containing active session cookies, are particularly valuable for fraud and account takeover, with threat actors using specialized tools to filter and validate high-value targets.
- The implications extend to corporate cybersecurity, as employees often store work-related credentials on personal devices, making organizations vulnerable to attacks facilitated by infostealer logs.
Infostealer Malware: A Growing Threat to Information Security
Infostealer malware poses a significant threat to information security, affecting both corporate and consumer users. This type of malware is classified as a remote access Trojan (RAT), capable of silently infiltrating computers. Once inside, it exfiltrates sensitive information to the threat actors’ command and control (C2) infrastructure.
Targets and Data Harvesting
The primary targets of infostealer malware include browser-saved credentials, session cookies, browser fingerprints, and other sensitive system data. After harvesting sensitive data, it is compiled into a “stealer log,” which serves as a snapshot of user information. These logs are then distributed by threat actors through various platforms, including Telegram and the Russian Market. Often, these logs are available for free or in exchange for cryptocurrency.
An infostealer log can contain a wealth of information, including:
- Autofills: Stolen data related to browser autofill features.
- Cookies: Session data and login credentials.
- Discord session tokens: Credentials that can be extracted.
- DomainDetects.txt: Logs domains visited by the victim.
- ImportantAutofills.txt: Critical autofill information, including payment details and personally identifiable information (PII).
- InstalledBrowsers.txt: Lists browsers on the victim’s system.
- InstalledSoftware.txt: Provides a list of software installed on the victim’s machine.
- Passwords.txt: Contains cleartext passwords harvested from the browser.
- ProcessList.txt: Shows running processes on the victim’s machine at the time of infection.
- UserInformation.txt: Details information about the victim’s account or system.
The Malware-as-a-Service Ecosystem
Infostealer malware operates within a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystem, characterized by distribution channels such as cybercrime forums and Telegram channels. The pricing structure varies for standard and specialized variants. Cybercriminals frequently distribute infostealer malware through “cracked” software downloads.
The typical attack flow includes:
- Purchasing an infostealer variant.
- Creating landing pages with malicious payloads.
- Generating traffic via compromised accounts.
- Executing data exfiltration once victims run the malicious files.
Other methods of distribution may include targeted phishing campaigns and watering hole attacks. As of November 2024, stealer logs are primarily distributed through public and private Telegram channels, with some channels charging subscription fees. Live Telegram channels provide real-time logs, and fresh stealer logs are particularly valuable as they are likely to contain active session cookies, which are often exploited for fraud and account takeover.
Implications for Corporate Cybersecurity
The implications of infostealer malware extend to corporate cybersecurity. Many employees store work-related credentials on personal devices, making them vulnerable. Initial access brokers (IABs) frequently leverage infostealer logs to infiltrate corporate networks. The cybercrime ecosystem is intricate, with various vendors specializing in different aspects of attacks.
Organizations can utilize monitoring tools such as Flare Threat Exposure Management (TEM) to detect and mitigate risks associated with infostealer malware. This underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in the current digital landscape.
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