HotRat: New Variant of AsyncRAT Malware Spreading Through Pirated Software

A new variant of AsyncRAT malware dubbed HotRat is remaining dispersed through free, pirated variations of well-liked software package and utilities these types of as movie video games, picture and seem enhancing computer software, and Microsoft Business.

“HotRat malware equips attackers with a large array of abilities, such as stealing login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, screen capturing, keylogging, putting in more malware, and attaining accessibility to or altering clipboard details,” Avast security researcher Martin a Milánek reported.

The Czech cybersecurity business explained the trojan has been commonplace in the wild because at least in October 2022, with a the vast majority of the bacterial infections concentrated in Thailand, Guyana, Libya, Suriname, Mali, Pakistan, Cambodia, South Africa, and India.

The attacks entail bundling the cracked computer software readily available on the web through torrent sites with a destructive AutoHotkey (AHK) script that initiates an infection chain intended to deactivate antivirus remedies on the compromised host and ultimately start the HotRat payload utilizing a Visible Standard Script loader.

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HotRat, described as a extensive RAT malware, arrives with just about 20 commands, just about every of which executes a .NET module retrieved from a remote server, allowing for the threat actors powering the marketing campaign to increase its functions as and when required.

That said, it’s well worth noting that the attack requires administrative privileges to correctly understand its objectives.

“Despite the considerable risks included, the irresistible temptation to get substantial-top quality software program at no cost persists, primary a lot of men and women to down load illegal application,” Milánek said. “Consequently, distributing this sort of computer software continues to be an helpful system for widely spreading malware.”

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Some elements of this report are sourced from:
thehackernews.com