{
  "timestamp": "2025-02-05T21:46:09.164089",
  "content": "Search Free Trial Get Demo SolarMarker Backdoor Pretends to be Legit PDFescape Installer May 25, 2021 The modified installer of legit PDFescape Desktop Installer app looks like this Fake PDFescape Desktop Installer App SHA-256 0c933001de544ebc071d175d9f8e3bfad8066b532dc69dea4c713c52eb6a64a0 Cyren detects this kind of malware as W32SolarMarker.A.gen!Eldorado. Upon execution, It creates an encoded file under Userdirrandomcharsrandomcharsrandomcharsrandomcharsrandomcharsrandomcharsrandomchars encoded file. It then executes a Power Shell Script command to decode and execute the malicious script and delete the encoded file. Afterwards, it drops and executes a clean installer named PDFescape_Desktop_Installer.exe. Code Snippet of Power Script Decoder and Executer It then creates a copy in appdataMicrosoftrandomcharsrandomchars.PS1. This is a copy of a malicious powershell script, and Cyren detects this as PSHSolarMarker.A. It then creates appdataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartupa7e886f7e164c982a59aa5b4981aa.lnk link file to randomchars.PS1. Cyren detects this as LNKSolarMarker.A It creates the following file userprofileAPPDATAROAMINGSOLARMARKER.DAT, which contains a random 32 byte string to be used as malware_id. Code Snippet of Solarmarker config file It creates a null file userprofileAPPDATAROAMINGBase64ENcodedString. This string is based on the malware_id and malware_version. Code Snippet of Null File using Malware ID and Version The following information is encrypted before it is sent to the Command and Control CC Server 192.121.87.53. actionping,hwidmalware_id,pc_nameGetComputerName,os_nameOS_Name,archx64x86,rightsAdminUser,versionmalware_version,workgroupGetWorkGroup,dns0,protocol_version2 Code Snippet of Information to be send to CC Server The following CC commands are used file  downloads and executes malware in the following file type exe or ps1 command  executes a powershell script command Code Snippet of CC commands Try it for Free Instant Data Classification Cyren URL Category Chacker Prev Dissecting a UnionBank Phishing Campaign Ransomware Attacks Are Here to Stay Next Company Partners Resources Investor Relations Products Freeware Demo Solutions Contact Us Privacy Management Service by Data443",
  "analysis_type": "comprehensive",
  "analysis": "**Analysis of the SolarMarker Backdoor Malware and Security Recommendations**\n\n**1. Key Security Features and Benefits**\n\n- **Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools**: These detect known threats, including SolarMarker, preventing initial infection.\n- **Firewalls**: Block communication with C&C servers, inhibiting data exfiltration.\n- **Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)**: Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities.\n- **Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)**: Identify and contain advanced threats using behavior analysis.\n- **Secure Email Gateways**: Filter phishing emails that distribute malware.\n\nThese tools collectively reduce the risk of infection and minimize potential damage.\n\n**2. Compliance Considerations**\n\n- **GDPR**: Protects personal data, crucial as SolarMarker collects system info.\n- **HIPAA**: Ensures healthcare data security, relevant if infected systems handle such data.\n- **PCI DSS**: Safeguards financial information against exfiltration.\n- **NIST CSF**: Provides a framework for robust cybersecurity practices.\n\nAdhering to these standards helps organizations meet legal requirements and enhance security posture.\n\n**3. User-Focused Security Recommendations**\n\n- **Educate Users**: Train on recognizing suspicious downloads and verifying sources.\n- **Enable Security Features**: Regularly update software and use strong antivirus.\n- **Network Security**: Implement firewalls and network segmentation.\n- **Backup Data**: Regular backups, including offline storage, mitigate ransomware impact.\n\n**4. Technical Security Implementation**\n\n- **Attack Vector Awareness**: Recognize fake installers as social engineering tools.\n- **Indicator of Compromise (IoC) Monitoring**: Use SHA-256 hashes and C&C IPs for detection.\n- **Network Traffic Analysis**: Detect encoded data exfiltration attempts.\n- **PowerShell Monitoring**: Log and monitor scripts to identify malicious activity.\n\n**5. Data Protection Measures**\n\n- **Encryption**: Protect data at rest and in transit.\n- **Access Controls**: Limit data access to authorized personnel.\n- **Data Loss Prevention (DLP)**: Monitor data movement to prevent unauthorized exfiltration.\n- **Secure Communication**: Use encrypted channels to prevent interception.\n\n**6. Best Practices for End Users**\n\n- **Stay Informed**: Keep abreast of emerging threats and security practices.\n- **Use Antivirus**: Ensure real-time protection is enabled.\n- **Avoid Suspicious Downloads**: Refrain from enabling macros from untrusted sources.\n- **Secure Wi-Fi**: Use strong passwords and consider VPNs for public networks.\n- **Back Up Data**: Regularly perform backups, ideally with offline copies.\n\n**Additional Recommendations**\n\n- **Incident Response Plan**: Develop and regularly test plans to address breaches.\n- **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)**: Add an extra layer of security for critical systems.\n\nThis comprehensive approach ensures organizations and users are well-equipped to handle the SolarMarker threat and broader cybersecurity challenges."
}