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JinxLoader Malware: Next-Stage Payload Threats Revealed
Wajahat Raja
January 18, 2024 - TuxCare expert team
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a recent discovery by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 and Symantec sheds light on a new Go-based malware loader named JinxLoader malware. This sophisticated tool is employed by threat actors to facilitate malicious payload delivery, including notorious malware like Formbook and its successor, XLoader.
JinxLoader Malware’s Modus Operandi
JinxLoader, paying homage to the League of Legends character Jinx, makes its presence known through an ad poster and a command-and-control login panel featuring the character. Its primary role is straightforward yet ominous – it serves as a loader for other malware.
Unveiling the Timeline
According to the cybersecurity threat analyst reports from both cybersecurity firms, Unit 42 and Symantec, JinxLoader first surfaced on the hacking forum Hackforums on April 30, 2023. Advertised at $60 per month, $120 per year, or a lifetime fee of $200, this malware quickly gained notoriety in the cybercriminal underground.
Threat Actors And JinxLoader
The initial steps of the attack involve intricate phishing campaigns, with threat actors impersonating the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Recipients receive phishing emails urging them to open password-protected RAR archive attachments. Once opened, this sets off a chain reaction, leading to the deployment of the JinxLoader payload.
Escalation of Threat Landscape
Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 observed the first instances of the JinxLoader in November 2023. The phishing attack utilized the guise of ADNOC, illustrating the adaptability of cybercriminals in crafting convincing schemes. The deceptive emails aim to trick recipients into opening password-protected archives, initiating the malicious infection chain.
Parallel Threats
The emergence of JinxLoader infection methods is not an isolated incident. Cybersecurity researchers have noted an uptick in infections associated with a new loader malware family, Rugmi, designed to propagate various information stealers.
Simultaneously, campaigns distributing DarkGate, PikaBot, and a threat actor identified as TA544 (Narwal Spider) leveraging IDAT Loader for deploying Remcos RAT or SystemBC malware contribute to the escalating threat landscape.
Updates on Meduza Stealer
Adding to the complexity, the threat actors behind Meduza Stealer have released an updated version (2.2) on the dark web. This version demonstrates enhanced capabilities, including expanded support for browser-based cryptocurrency wallets and an improved credit card grabber.
Vortex Stealer: A New Entrant
Highlighting the profitability of the stealer malware market, researchers have uncovered a new family named Vortex Stealer. This malware, with capabilities to exfiltrate browser data, Discord tokens, Telegram sessions, system information, and files under 2 MB in size, represents a concerning addition to the Advanced persistent threats (APTs) landscape.
Malware Distribution Techniques
Symantec reports that Vortex Stealer employs various methods for stolen information, including archiving and uploading to Gofile or Anonfiles. Additionally, the malware can post the pilfered data to the author’s Discord using webhooks and even broadcast it to Telegram via a dedicated Telegram bot. The cyber threat landscape involves sophisticated techniques, with next-stage payload delivery being a critical aspect that security professionals must address.
Conclusion
As the digital threat landscape continues to evolve, the discovery of JinxLoader attack vectors underscores the importance of constant vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures. The interconnected nature of these threats, as seen with Rugmi, DarkGate, PikaBot, IDAT Loader, and Vortex Stealer, necessitates a comprehensive and proactive cyber threat intelligence approach to safeguarding digital assets.
Organizations must stay informed, update their security protocols, and implement cybersecurity best practices against JinxLoader malware to mitigate the risks posed by these emerging threats.
The sources for this piece include articles in The Hacker News and Security Affairs.
