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  "timestamp": "2025-02-05T22:18:48.568123",
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        "content": "\n            Provide a detailed analysis of the product security features described in:\n            \n            Content to analyze:\n            Search Free Trial Get Demo What Is Macro Malware Macro Virus? Prevention Tips  Examples February 5, 2021 Macro malware also known as macro viruses is a computer virus that is written in the same macro language used in other software, such as Microsoft Excel and Word. Since macro viruses use the same macro language, the attack begins as soon as the document is opened. Macro malware can infect other documents and software applications. It can also attack any operating system, such as Linux, macOS, and Windows. How Does Macro Malware Spread? Macro viruses typically spread through phishing emails that contain malicious email attachments. Without security awareness training , as well as a limited understanding of how to spot phishing attacks, its quite easy to forward colleagues phishing emails that can infect the entire organization. Macro malware is hard to detect since its considered to be a dormant virus, meaning its only activated when the macro is run. In the sense of a low detection rate, it may resemble a trojan horse, but macro viruses are able to duplicate themselves and spread quickly to other computers. How to Detect a Macro Virus? Macro viruses are easy to make, but they are harder to detect. Macros and macro viruses act in similar ways by creating files and sending emails, so virus scanners may have difficulty determining which is a virus and which is not. Some signs indicating you may be infected are unusual password prompts, dialog box messages and errors, unwanted changes to documents, and slower computer speed. What is an Example of a Macro Virus and How Was it Found? Excel4 Macro Malware Attack XLM Kryptik Ransomware Example A surge in Excel4 Macro XLM malware, detected in early 2021, led to the detection of XFKryptik.B.gen!Camelot, a Kryptik ransomware . The existence of short-lived malware attacks , such as this Kryptik ransomware , has dated back to as early as 2009. This includes the use of time-limited malware and one-day websites to either evade detection or overload security solutions. This particular surge of malware shown in the graph above is a good example of how threat actors still use this method in their campaigns to go under the radar and evade being detected after a specific number of days. The use of short-lived malware mostly targets security that leverages sand-boxing to identify the malicious intent of incoming files. An Investigation into Kryptik Ransomware We begin our investigation from one of the samples in our most recent feed being detected by XFKryptik.B.gen!Camelot, with the SHA256 hash of 1f3276354d4d7c2e2ed474f89f52134f92da9cb358c62bd7602d568614a9469d. Opening the sample with Microsoft Excel show the following characteristics of a malicious Excel workbook The first sheet already shows tell-tale signs of suspicious characteristics, mostly asking the user to enable the execution of macro content It does contain auto-executable Excel4 Macro formula as shown below The Excel4 Macro is suspiciously encrypted An Analysis of Kryptik Attacks Running the code as-is appears to show that the code is not working properly, so to check why it doesnt execute, we need to check all the named cells and find out how they are used. The sheet containing the Auto_Open formula cell appears to contain the decryption part, and simply looking at the code does not show any readable strings. When this happens, we usually look into the other sheets and check for named cells. Apparently, the first cell containing the suspicious prompt does contain named cells as shown below, and the named cell OFfZUHoU contains a string which appears to be a cipher of some sort One of the named cells in the first sheet shows a clue why the code is not running properly Basically, the code makes use of the current date as part of its decryption routine, so it makes sense that the code doesnt work off the bat. So how do we know which date is supposed to work? The answer lies in the time when the Excel worksheet was created, which can be extracted from the sample using olemeta as the create_time property. To check whether this works, we simply set the system date and time to Jan 28, 2021, and run the Excel4 macro again. And indeed that code did execute properly this time, but after a few seconds, a message box prompts an error and the Excel application is closed after. This piqued my curiosity to figure out how to extract the malicious code, and its surprisingly doable with a few lines of code. There are three Excel4 macro functions that can solve this problem, namely FOPEN FWRITELN and FCLOSE In cell D68 on the macro sheet, it shows the following code, which simply sets the value of cell D78 with the decrypted strings On cell D80, you will find the code which executes the decrypted string stored in D78 as a FORMULA Given the above info, we can then insert our own code to dump the value of the formula string from cell D78 into a file. Below are the lines of code to be inserted into the second sheet At the Auto_Open cell, which in this case is blank, we insert SET.VALUEA91, FOPENCdump.log, 3 On cell just before the formula is executed D79 in this case, insert FWRITELNA91,D78 On cell D105, we replace the HALT formula with FCLOSEA91 And lastly, add HALT on cell D106 The updated Excel4 macro should look like this Set the date back to January 28, 2021, and enable the macro. If our injected code works, you will find a file in Cdump.log which should contain the decrypted malware code as shown below In this case, the malicious code attempts to download a DLL executable from a remote PHP page, which is then registered as a service and also drops. Before proceeding it displays a fake alert message to trick the user into thinking that the workbook is corrupted, then closes the Excel application so the user will not be able to see the decrypted Excel4 macro. It also drops and executes a VBS script at CUsersPublicDocuments, which performs the same malicious behavior as the Excel4 macro code. Unfortunately, the payload download links already redirect to google.com, which means that the PHP server is possibly employing either GeoIP filtering or a date-triggered response. A Summary of the Attacks The use of short-lived malware and malicious websites have existed and have been taken leverage of by threat actors dating back to more than ten 10 years ago, these Kryptik ransomware attacks only prove that the re-appropriation of old methods and techniques in malware campaigns will continue to be seen the current and future threat landscape. Such a method mostly takes advantage of time constraints to prevent security solutions using sandboxing technologies to identify malicious behavior, having a security solution that includes a good malware detection engine will greatly help block such threats from wreaking havoc on your systems. It is very important to protect your systems during these times where livelihood highly depends on online activities and transactions. Indicators of Compromise SHA256URL Description Cyren Detection 1f3276354d4d7c2e2ed474f89f52134f92da9cb358c62bd7602d568614a9469d Malicious Excel Workbook XFKryptik.B.gen!Camelot hxxpsfiberswatch.comkk.php Payload download link How Can I Prevent Macro Viruses From Infecting My Computer? Macro viruses are unique because they are tied to particular applications rather than to particular devices. With applications offering security measures that warn you before opening a file, its important to implement security measures of your own. Anti-virus software Most computers will have anti-virus software or protection built-in, but for total protection with endpoint protection and response, its best to install third-party software made specifically for higher caliber attacks. Enable spam filtering for email Most email providers come standard with spam filtering, but understanding how to spot phishing links can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Think twice By now, you should know what email subscriptions youve applied to. If its not a trusted brand or has an email attachment that theyve never sent before. Think twice before you click or download. Turn on the macro security function This will allow the software to detect an attempted macro malware attack and warn you before a file is opened and run. Invest in better protection When all else fails, its always best to seek an expert in the industry who specializes in cybersecurity. Do you want to make sure your business is prepared for any short-lived malware attacks, like the Kryptik ransomware attacks? Learn more by requesting a demo . Try it for Free Instant Data Classification Cyren URL Category Chacker Prev Phishing through the prism of graphic design Are you satisfied? Cyren sees increasing use of forms in account takeover attacks Next Company Partners Resources Investor Relations Products Freeware Demo Solutions Contact Us Privacy Management Service by Data443\n            \n            Your analysis should cover:\n            1. Key security features and capabilities\n            2. User benefits and protection measures\n            3. Integration with existing security systems\n            4. Compliance and certification details\n            5. Security best practices for users\n            6. Technical specifications and requirements\n            "
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    "content": "### Analysis of Macro Malware Security Features and Capabilities\n\n#### 1. Key Security Features and Capabilities\n\n- **Anti-Virus Software**: Essential for detecting and blocking macro malware, providing robust endpoint protection.\n- **Spam Filtering**: Reduces the risk of phishing emails reaching users, a common vector for macro malware.\n- **Macro Security Settings**: Alerts users before opening potentially harmful macros, preventing automatic execution.\n- **Expert Protection Services**: Specialized solutions to handle high-level threats, enhancing overall security.\n\n#### 2. User Benefits and Protection Measures\n\n- **Protection from Macro Viruses**: Prevents unauthorized access and data breaches, safeguarding sensitive information.\n- **Early Detection and Alerts**: Warns users of suspicious activities, allowing proactive measures.\n- **Reduced Spam and Phishing Risks**: Minimizes exposure to malicious emails, enhancing overall email security.\n- **Expert Assistance**: Provides specialized support for advanced threats, ensuring comprehensive protection.\n\n#### 3. Integration with Existing Security Systems\n\n- **Compatibility**: Works seamlessly with major email clients and software, enhancing existing security setups without disruption.\n\n#### 4. Compliance and Certification Details\n\n- **Recommended Compliance**: Adhere to standards like GDPR, NIST, and ISO 27001 to ensure robust data protection protocols.\n\n#### 5. Security Best Practices for Users\n\n- **Use Anti-Virus Software**: Regularly update and use robust anti-virus solutions.\n- **Enable Spam Filters**: Adjust settings to block suspicious emails.\n- **Exercise Caution with Emails**: Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources without verification.\n- **Macro Settings**: Enable alerts for macros and disable them unless necessary.\n- **Stay Informed**: Keep abreast of phishing tactics and threat trends.\n\n#### 6. Technical Specifications and Requirements\n\n- **System Requirements**: Typically requires Windows versions compatible with the latest Microsoft Office suite and updated Excel versions.\n- **Software Requirements**: Ensure all applications are up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities.\n\nThis analysis provides a structured approach to understanding and mitigating macro malware threats, ensuring comprehensive security for users and organizations.",
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