North Korean hackers return with updated version of this dangerous malware

An abstract image of padlocks overlaying a digital background.
(Image credit: Shutterstock) (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Infamous North Korean hacking collective Lazarus Group is using an updated version of its DTrack backdoor to target firms in Europe, and Latin America. The group is out for money, Kaspersky researchers are saying, as the campaign is purely driven by profit. 

BleepingComputer has reported that the threat actors are using the updated DTrack to target companies in Germany, Brazil, India, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States. 

The firms under fire include government research centers, policy institutes, chemical manufacturers, IT service providers, telecommunication providers, utility service providers, and education firms.

Modular backdoor

DTrack is described as a modular backdoor. It can log keystrokes, take screenshots, exfiltrate browser history, view running processes, and obtain network connection information. 

It can also run different commands on the target endpoint, download additional malware, and exfiltrate data. 

Post-update, DTrack now uses API hashing to load libraries and functions, instead of obfuscated strings and that it now uses just three command and control (C2) servers, compared to the previous six.

Some of the C2 servers Kaspersky uncovered as being used by the backdoor are “pinkgoat[.]com”, “purewatertokyo[.]com”, “purplebear[.]com”, and “salmonrabbit[.]com.”

It also found that DTrack distributes malware labelled with file names usually associated with legitimate executables.

In one case, it was said, the backdoor was hiding behind “NvContainer.exe”, an executable file usually distributed by NVIDIA. The group would use stolen credentials to log into target networks, or would exploit internet-exposed servers to install the malware.

Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.

Read more
A concept image of someone typing on a computer. A red flashing danger sign is above the keyboard and nymbers and symbols also in glowing red surround it.
North Korean Lazarus hackers launch large-scale cyberattack by cloning open source software
Image depicting a hand on a scanner
New Lazarus Group campaign sees North Korean hackers spreading undetectable malware through GitHub and open source packages
North Korean flag with a hooded hacker
North Korean hackers are posing as software development recruiters to target freelancers
A digital representation of a lock
Looking for a new job? Watch out you don't fall for this new malware scam
Close up of the Linux penguin.
A new Linux backdoor is hitting US universities and governments
A concept image of someone typing on a computer. A red flashing danger sign is above the keyboard and nymbers and symbols also in glowing red surround it.
Microsoft Teams and other Windows tools hijacked to hack corporate networks
Latest in Security
Lock on Laptop Screen
Medusa ransomware is able to disable anti-malware tools, so be on your guard
Insecure network with several red platforms connected through glowing data lines and a black hat hacker symbol
Coinbase targeted after recent Github attacks
hacker.jpeg
Key trusted Microsoft platform exploited to enable malware, experts warn
IBM office logo
IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls
Oracle
Oracle denies data breach after hacker claims to hold six million records
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
Latest in News
Cassian Andor looking nervously over his shoulder in Andor season 2
New Andor season 2 trailer has got Star Wars fans asking the same question – and it includes an ominous call back to Rogue One's official teaser
23andMe
23andMe is bankrupt and about to sell your DNA, here's how to stop that from happening
A phone showing a ChatGPT app error message
ChatGPT was down for many – here's what happened
AirPods Max with USB-C in every color
Apple's AirPods Max with USB-C will get lossless audio in April, but you'll need to go wired
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
It looks like Microsoft might have thought better about banishing Copilot AI shortcut from Windows 11
Lock on Laptop Screen
Medusa ransomware is able to disable anti-malware tools, so be on your guard