Decoding DarkComet’s (RAT) Shadow

Introduction

DarkComet is a notorious Remote Access Trojan (RAT) malware employed in targeted attacks. It enables attackers to gain remote control over a victim’s computer, extract sensitive data, and conduct various malicious activities, including installing additional harmful software and creating botnets for spam distribution. The malware spreads through various deceptive methods such as disguising itself as harmless programs, distributing through software vulnerabilities, or bundling with free online software. DarkComet’s dangerous capabilities encompass disabling critical system functions, logging keystrokes, accessing webcams and microphones, and executing other harmful actions. It gained notoriety for its use in targeted attacks during the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Delivery Methods

DarkComet malware is distributed through various deceptive methods, such as spreading it to multiple computers, disguising it as harmless programs in emails, and packaging it with free online software. Additionally, it exploits software vulnerabilities to infect systems without user knowledge silently. Once installed, DarkComet operates covertly, gathering information about the system, connected users, and network activities. It aims to steal stored credentials and personal data, which it can transmit to the attacker’s specified destination.

Impact

DarkComet malware can have severe implications for organizations, including data theft through a silent collection of sensitive information, potential disruptions to critical processes due to disabling system functions and logging keystrokes, as well as the installation of additional harmful software. Moreover, it is commonly involved in targeted attacks, making it one of the most infamous Remote Access Trojans (RATs) used in cyber warfare. These factors combined can lead to data breaches, financial losses, downtime, productivity setbacks, reputational damage, and a higher risk of falling victim to sophisticated attacks.

TTPs

A Sample of 100 IOCs