Cybersecurity experts have discovered that the widely used messaging application Signal is being exploited to deliver DarkCrystal RAT malware to high-profile targets, including government officials, military personnel, and representatives of defense enterprises in Ukraine.
The Infection Process
According to a report from Broadcom, the infection chain begins when the victim receives a message containing an archive file, a password, and instructions on how to open it.
Upon opening the archive, the user finds an executable file as a “.pif” or “.exe” file.
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These files are RARSFX archives that contain a VBE file, a BAT file, and an EXE file.
When the user runs these files, their computer becomes infected with the DarkCrystal RAT malware, granting attackers unauthorized access to the system.
VMware Carbon Black, another leading cybersecurity firm, has also reported that associated malicious indicators are blocked and detected by existing policies within their products.
They recommend a policy that, at minimum, blocks all types of malware (Known, Suspect, and PUP) from executing and delays execution for cloud scans to maximize the benefits of their reputation service.
As cybercriminals continue to exploit popular messaging applications like Signal to target high-profile individuals and organizations, users must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Experts advise against opening suspicious files or links, even if they appear to come from trusted sources.
Additionally, keeping software and security solutions up-to-date can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to such attacks.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, collaboration between cybersecurity firms, government agencies, and end-users is essential to maintaining a secure digital environment.
As investigations into the DarkCrystal RAT malware continue, the cybersecurity community’s combined efforts will hopefully help prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable targets.
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