“Sin”-ful SPIDERS: WIZARD SPIDER and LUNAR SPIDER Sharing the Same Web

CrowdStrike® Intelligence observed a new campaign from a LUNAR SPIDER affiliate to distribute WIZARD SPIDER’s TrickBot malware on Feb. 7, 2019. However, this latest campaign is somewhat unique due to a custom variant of a TrickBot module that (to date) is only associated with this campaign.

The WIZARD SPIDER threat group is the Russia-based operator of the TrickBot banking malware. This group represents a growing criminal enterprise of which GRIM SPIDER appears to be a subset. The LUNAR SPIDER threat group is the Eastern European-based operator and developer of the commodity banking malware called BokBot (aka IcedID), which was first observed in April 2017. The BokBot malware provides LUNAR SPIDER affiliates with a variety of capabilities to enable credential theft and wire fraud, through the use of webinjects and a malware distribution function.

Campaigns involving both BokBot and TrickBot were first identified by CrowdStrike Intelligence in July 2017. In these campaigns, victim machines infected with BokBot issued a command to download and execute a TrickBot payload. A somewhat sporadic relationship between the two adversaries has continued since then, although this most recent campaign likely signals a more intimate phase of that relationship.

TrickBot Distribution

On Feb. 7, 2019, LUNAR SPIDER’s BokBot project ID C610DF9A was seen downloading and executing a loader from http://tfulf[.]host/Sw9HJmXzq.exe. The custom loader subsequently downloaded a TrickBot loader from http://185.68.93[.]30/sin.png. The configuration file of this sample indicates it is TrickBot version 1000351 and belongs to the group tag (gtag) sin2. The gtags with a prefix of sin have been related to LUNAR SPIDER activity as the successor to the previously associated mom gtag prefix.

The full TrickBot configuration file, including command-and-control (C2) servers, can be seen below.

<mcconf>
     <ver>1000351</ver>
     <gtag>sin2</gtag>
     <servs>
          <srv>185.246.64[.]237:443</srv>
          <srv>68.119.85[.]138:449</srv>
          <srv>65.184.200[.]184:449</srv>
          <srv>185.62.188[.]30:443</srv>
          <srv>96.36.253[.]146:449</srv>
          <srv>92.38.135[.]33:443</srv>
          <srv>24.247.181[.]155:449</srv>
          <srv>31.131.22[.]212:443</srv>
          <srv>208.79.106[.]155:449</srv>
          <srv>192.227.204[.]224:443</srv>
          <srv>124.29.213[.]74:449</srv>
          <srv>46.100.14[.]215:449</srv>
          <srv>190.109.178[.]222:449</srv>
          <srv>103.47.168[.]172:449</srv>
          <srv>208.79.110[.]201:449</srv>
          <srv>204.14.154[.]126:449</srv>
          <srv>103.47.168[.]72:449</srv>
          <srv>103.47.168[.]91:449</srv>
          <srv>46.21.249[.]220:443</srv>
          <srv>107.146.147[.]235:449</srv>
          <srv>185.62.188[.]30:443</srv>
          <srv>68.111.123[.]100:449</srv>
          <srv>103.47.169[.]27:449</srv>
          <srv>24.247.182[.]240:449</srv>
          <srv>36.91.74[.]138:449</srv>
          <srv>125.209.82[.]158:449</srv>
          <srv>76.107.90[.]235:449</srv>
          <srv>47.224.98[.]123:449</srv>
          <srv>185.222.202[.]79:443</srv>
          <srv>24.247.182[.]253:449</srv>
          <srv>216.17.92[.]138:449</srv>
          <srv>199.21.106[.]189:449</srv>
          <srv>208.79.106[.]213:449</srv>
          <srv>24.247.182[.]253:449</srv>
          <srv>136.25.2[.]43:449</srv>
          <srv>181.129.93[.]226:449</srv>
          <srv>170.79.176[.]242:449</srv>
     </servs>
     <autorun>
          <module name="systeminfo" ctl="GetSystemInfo"/>
          <module name="injectDll"/>
          <module name="pwgrab"/>
     </autorun>
</mcconf>

Modified TrickBot Module

This activity follows the previous pattern of BokBot assisting in the delivery of TrickBot. However, the most interesting thing about the custom loader is the embedded, Base64-encoded Portable Executable (PE) file shown in Figure 1.

 

Figure 1. Base64-Encoded PE File

The embedded PE file is extracted by the custom loader, then decoded and executed. Analysis revealed that this decoded PE file is, in fact, a modified version of the TrickBot lateral movement module shareDll. Typically, TrickBot modules are downloaded as a dynamic link library (DLL) with a standard set of exports, named Start, Control and Release. This DLL would then be injected into a child svchost.exe process within the TrickBot modular framework. However, in the absence of this framework, the shareDll module distributed by BokBot is a PE file.

In addition, the strings within a standard TrickBot module are not obfuscated or protected in any way. However, the module distributed by BokBot contains strings that are both encrypted with 256-bit AES, with a derived key and initialization vector (IV), and Base64-encoded with the custom alphabet of terKSDozBw1l24IyCL6AHh/+5WRiGnj3xJQ8YkEbcgOZVNPamMsuUTpd0q9vFfX7. The strings are stored in an encrypted string table (shown in Figure 2) in the exact same way as the main TrickBot loader, and decrypted when they are needed.

Figure 2. Custom Base64 Alphabet and Encrypted Strings

Table 1 below outlines the key identified differences between the two variants of the shareDll module.

 

BokBot Distributed shareDll TrickBot Distributed shareDll
PE file DLL file
Obfuscated Little or no obfuscation
No exports Start, Control, and Release exports

Table 1. Compares Key Differences Between Two Variants of ShareDLL

The primary function of the shareDll module in both cases is to attempt lateral movement within the victim’s network, to reach machines accessible by the currently logged-on user. In the BokBot distributed instance, once an accessible machine has been located, the modified spreader module will attempt to download the TrickBot loader located at http://185.68.93[.]30/sin.png or http://185.68.93[.]30/win.png and install TrickBot on the accessible network machine.

The whole process of BokBot installing TrickBot on the local machine and moving laterally around the network is illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 3. BokBot Installation of TrickBot and Lateral Movement Using ShareDll

Renamed Modules

Beginning on Feb. 8, 2019, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed further development in this intriguing relationship when renamed TrickBot modules were delivered to victims of the gtags sin2 and sin4. These gtags have been closely associated with LUNAR SPIDER activity. The renamed modules and their respective SHA256 hashes are shown in Table 2 and contain the strings sin, tin, and win.

 

Module Name Module SHA256 Hash
sharesinDll32 eefd209ba6afff5830d5510e68b2af90df200550d8ca4c40029baa93a0f01999
sharesinDll32 1b84f604847be0dbdf19ca169deb22b0245ca6f4bc2877b7a0ceeffa0436d7b3
sharesinDll32 ea3c70d82f3b4fe8d0914cc58669da0f3f116aa20f0661d68f826fd55763ef50
sharesinDll64 93da209d2fdb49df19b53089bb1820aa0183e9f207ea87b51b49faa74f8e76ba
sharesinDll64 915e416576be4b459c19941cc86a84fb0d66f54964552be0f69045b89323d2f7
sharesinDll64 6d8551194b12655b4605f046a754257f69b1ee250f21e32466db54797a45c7c0
tabtinDll32 aa074b7a1ce29abd9141dc18ca603f2ed2764ae1afabb92eb2f9e4dc008d99d6
tabtinDll32 ba5bd732466a41636217b639a7a2aff1038a80bc29bd80c0532609d53297051f
tabtinDll64 7023bbd875635b35fdc0eba303143be76afb50c0f34e8d79e8d0daba1d984b60
tabtinDll64 13b8ab8ce0aa9db161c065c6bf2fdbb50c6fd82fe48e4576abc4b8c3136f925e
wormwinDll32 cac2f117d8b4f1fc40dd0921ea91312ad8129df3556444e41fda8d27c81e02cd
wormwinDll32 d51644cefd34dd7e1ec32a3e0336f9c479c196527e8baea6e85937254cecfe99
wormwinDll64 8c20b33374c280e9fd98113304843a339f738647cc13daf8f60312b9fef6b702
wormwinDll64 e8ecceb0cbc0e6aefab5ac47a9e69f7926317d9e4f9a782b8df418c67a8d0661

Table 2. Renamed Modules and Associated SHA256 Hashes

Unlike the changes identified in the TrickBot module shareDll being distributed by BokBot, the modules sharesinDll, tabtinDll, and wormwinDll remain functionally equivalent to the TrickBot deployed modules shareDll, tabDll, and wormDll, respectively, and retain the typical characteristics of a TrickBot module. More explicitly, the modules are DLLs, contain no encrypted strings, and have the standard TrickBot exports of Start, Control, and Release.

CrowdStrike Falcon®®endpoint provides protection coverage against these threats through behavioral IOA and machine learning.

Conclusion

It is unclear at this stage what purpose the module renaming serves, but it may be a method of tracking activity from those modules specifically associated with the aforementioned gtags. Additionally, CrowdStrike Intelligence is exploring a possible connection between the TrickBot affiliate operating sin-prefixed TrickBot gtags and the BokBot affiliate operating the project ID C610DF9A, due to the recent introduction of the previously mentioned custom TrickBot module. Of note, BokBot has aided the distribution of TrickBot, with the standard module set, through other BokBot project IDs for some time.

Another key point to note about this recent development is the historical relationship that previously existed between the developers and operators of the banking malware families Dyre (aka Dyreza) and Neverquest (aka Vawtrak). This relationship is key because:

  • WIZARD SPIDER includes members that were a part of the same group that had developed and operated Dyre.
  • LUNAR SPIDER includes members that were a part of the same group that had developed and operated Neverquest.

Despite being successful malware operations, both Dyre and Neverquest suddenly ceased operating in November 2015 and May 2017, respectively (Figure 4). LUNAR SPIDER had already introduced BokBot to the criminal market at the time Neverquest operations ceased, suggesting that the malware change may have been planned.

Conversely, the Dyre operation ceased following Russian law enforcement action in which the offices of a Moscow-based film and production company, named 25th Floor, were raided in November 2015. Although no details were released by Russian law enforcement, it was speculated that the office played a part in the operation of Dyre. There was a one-year delay before the release of the TrickBot malware, which contains key similarities to the Dyre malware, but the operation was immediately successful and grew swiftly.

 

Figure 4. Timeline of Malware Operating Dates

Although BokBot has aided the distribution of TrickBot since 2017, the development of custom TrickBot modules for the specific campaign has not been observed before. This significant development demonstrates a close relationship between the members of LUNAR SPIDER and WIZARD SPIDER. CrowdStrike Intelligence assesses that the historical relationship established during the operations of Dyre and Neverquest has been reinvigorated and solidified now that both WIZARD SPIDER and LUNAR SPIDER have established successful malware operations.

Appendix/Indicators

Indicator Description
http://tfulf[.]host/Sw9HJmXzq.exe Custom loader URL
4ba234160cfbd1ef8ca2a259e51abdd4f6109ce74954fb7541d6226ec510b755 Custom loader SHA256
http://185.68.93[.]30/sin.png TrickBot loader URL
http://185.68.93[.]30/win.png TrickBot loader URL
d06432486e7e9c2b8aaef4f42c11cf8efe19689638a3512ce931a23bdb5f2b4c TrickBot loader SHA256
185.246.64[.]237:443
68.119.85[.]138:449
65.184.200[.]184:449
185.62.188[.]30:443
96.36.253[.]146:449
92.38.135[.]33:443
24.247.181[.]155:449
31.131.22[.]212:443
208.79.106[.]155:449
192.227.204[.]224:443
124.29.213[.]74:449
46.100.14[.]215:449
190.109.178[.]222:449
103.47.168[.]172:449
208.79.110[.]201:449
204.14.154[.]126:449
103.47.168[.]72:449
103.47.168[.]91:449
46.21.249[.]220:443
107.146.147[.]235:449
185.62.188[.]30:443
68.111.123[.]100:449
103.47.169[.]27:449
24.247.182[.]240:449
36.91.74[.]138:449
125.209.82[.]158:449
76.107.90[.]235:449
47.224.98[.]123:449
185.222.202[.]79:443
24.247.182[.]253:449
216.17.92[.]138:449
199.21.106[.]189:449
208.79.106[.]213:449
24.247.182[.]253:449
136.25.2[.]43:449
181.129.93[.]226:449
170.79.176[.]242:449
TrickBot C2 Servers
f8967874aeeddfa65f492489dfb91de138e34313bf804d3200423c790eb19dce Customized shareDll module
eefd209ba6afff5830d5510e68b2af90df200550d8ca4c40029baa93a0f01999 sharesinDll32
1b84f604847be0dbdf19ca169deb22b0245ca6f4bc2877b7a0ceeffa0436d7b3 sharesinDll32
ea3c70d82f3b4fe8d0914cc58669da0f3f116aa20f0661d68f826fd55763ef50 sharesinDll32
93da209d2fdb49df19b53089bb1820aa0183e9f207ea87b51b49faa74f8e76ba sharesinDll64
915e416576be4b459c19941cc86a84fb0d66f54964552be0f69045b89323d2f7 sharesinDll64
6d8551194b12655b4605f046a754257f69b1ee250f21e32466db54797a45c7c0 sharesinDll64
aa074b7a1ce29abd9141dc18ca603f2ed2764ae1afabb92eb2f9e4dc008d99d6 tabtinDll32
ba5bd732466a41636217b639a7a2aff1038a80bc29bd80c0532609d53297051f tabtinDll32
7023bbd875635b35fdc0eba303143be76afb50c0f34e8d79e8d0daba1d984b60 tabtinDll64
13b8ab8ce0aa9db161c065c6bf2fdbb50c6fd82fe48e4576abc4b8c3136f925e tabtinDll64
cac2f117d8b4f1fc40dd0921ea91312ad8129df3556444e41fda8d27c81e02cd wormwinDll32
d51644cefd34dd7e1ec32a3e0336f9c479c196527e8baea6e85937254cecfe99 wormwinDll32
8c20b33374c280e9fd98113304843a339f738647cc13daf8f60312b9fef6b702 wormwinDll64
e8ecceb0cbc0e6aefab5ac47a9e69f7926317d9e4f9a782b8df418c67a8d0661 wormwinDll64

Additional Resources

 

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