This new malware hijacks Windows WordPad to avoid detection

Date:
Mon, 29 May 2023 10:22:20 +0000

Description:
Qbot operators are at it again, using legitimate software to distribute malware via Windows WordPad.

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Hackers have begun abusing a flaw in the WordPad text editor that comes preloaded with the Windows 10 operating system to distribute the Qbot malware , researchers have claimed.

A cybersecurity researcher and a member of Cryptolaemus, going by the alias ProxyLife discovered a new email campaign in which hackers are distributing the WordPad program together with a malicious .DLL.

When WordPad is launched, it will look for certain .DLL files it needs in order to properly run. First, it will look for the files in the same folder
it resides, and if it finds them - it will automatically run them, even if those .DLL files are malicious. DLL hijacking

The practice is usually called DLL sideloading or DLL hijacking and its a known method. Previously, hackers were seen using the Calculator app to do
the same thing.

In this particular instance, when WordPad runs the DLL, the malicious file will use an executable called Curl.exe (found in the System32 folder) to download a DLL pretending to be a PNG. That DLL is actually Qbot, an ancient banking trojan that can steal emails to use in more phishing attacks, and initiate the download of additional malware, such as Cobalt Strike, for example. Read more

Qbot malware found smuggled inside Windows Installer packages

This powerful email malware attack uses PDF and WSF files to break your

defenses

These are the best firewalls around

By using legitimate programs, such as WordPad, or Calculator, to run the malicious DLL files, threat actors are hoping to bypass any antivirus
programs and remain stealthy during the attack.

However, as this method requires Curl.exe to be used, it only works on
Windows 10 and newer versions, as previous versions did not have this program preinstalled. That doesnt do much good as older versions are mostly reaching end of support anyway, and users are moving towards Windows 10 and Windows
11.

Right now, BleepingComputer reports, the QBot operation has moved on to other infection methods in recent weeks. Here's our list of the best endpoint protection software around

Via: BleepingComputer



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/this-new-malware-hijacks-windows-wordpad-to-avo id-detection


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