Analysis Summary

DarkGate loader malware has been around since 2018, typically spreading through phishing emails with malicious attachments or links. The malware itself is quite versatile, capable of stealing credentials, granting remote access to attackers, and even mining cryptocurrency on infected machines.

Recent activity in late August 2023 saw a shift in tactics. Researchers observed attackers using compromised Microsoft Teams accounts to deliver DarkGate. The attackers sent chat messages disguised as HR communications, tricking victims into downloading the malware. This method highlights the evolving techniques cybercriminals use to exploit trust and bypass traditional email security measures.

This DarkGate campaign using Microsoft Teams was relatively short-lived, lasting from late August to mid-September 2023. However, it demonstrates the constant threat posed by malware and the need for vigilance. Security researchers believe DarkGate will continue to be a threat, potentially with new delivery methods used in future attacks.

Infection flow:

xlsx -> link to vbs file -> powershell scripts -> ahk -> dll -> C2

Impact

• Sensitive Data Theft
• Unauthorized Access
• Cryptocurrency Theft

Indicators of Compromise

SHA1

• a61f6a5be32d484a166e12c4bc79b101bde6e317
• 8fbd4979d302f20cb6133140391d3fc32644c61e
• d2518370574b20bcc2dd457e71d129889f7fc98f

Remediation

• Block all threat indicators at your respective controls.
• Search for indicators of compromise (IOCs) in your environment utilizing your respective security controls.
• Never trust or open links and attachments received from unknown sources/senders.
• Implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to login processes.
• Regularly monitor network activity for any unusual behavior, as this may indicate that a cyberattack is underway.
• Organizations need to stay vigilant and follow best practices for cybersecurity to protect their systems and data from potential threats. This includes regularly updating software and implementing strong access controls and monitoring tools.
• Develop a comprehensive incident response plan to respond effectively in case of a security breach or data leakage.
• Maintain regular backups of critical data and systems to ensure data recovery in case of a security incident.
• Adhere to security best practices, including the principle of least privilege, and ensure that users and applications have only the necessary permissions.
• Establish a robust patch management process to ensure that security patches are evaluated, tested, and applied promptly.
• Conduct security audits and assessments to evaluate the overall security posture of your systems and networks.
• Implement network segmentation to contain and isolate potential threats to limit their impact on critical systems.