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Introduction to DEAD#VAX Malware Campaign

A recently discovered malware campaign, dubbed DEAD#VAX, has been making rounds in the cyber security landscape. This campaign is notable for its sophisticated approach, combining disciplined tradecraft with the clever abuse of legitimate system features to evade traditional detection methods. At the heart of this campaign is the deployment of a remote access trojan (RAT) known as AsyncRAT, facilitated through IPFS-hosted VHD phishing files.

The DEAD#VAX campaign's methodology involves leveraging IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) to host VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) files. These files are then used as part of a phishing strategy to trick victims into downloading and executing malicious content. The use of IPFS provides a level of decentralization, making it challenging for authorities to take down the hosted content, as it is not reliant on a single server or hosting service.

Technical Sophistication

The campaign is characterized by extreme script obfuscation and runtime decryption. This means that the malware is heavily encoded, making it difficult for security software to detect its malicious intent until it has been executed and starts to operate. Furthermore, the malware operates primarily in memory, leaving minimal traces on the disk. This in-memory operation adds to the stealthiness of the malware, as many traditional security tools focus on scanning files on the disk for malicious signatures.

• IPFS-Hosted VHD Files: The use of IPFS for hosting malicious VHD files allows for a decentralized distribution method that is hard to disrupt.
• Extreme Script Obfuscation: The heavy encoding of the scripts makes them difficult to analyze, delaying detection by security tools.
• Runtime Decryption: The decryption of the malware at runtime further complicates detection, as the malicious code is only fully revealed when it is executed.
• In-Memory Operation:
• By operating primarily in memory, the malware minimizes its footprint on the victim's system, evading detection by traditional signature-based security tools.

The deployment of AsyncRAT via such sophisticated means enables attackers to gain remote access to compromised systems, allowing for a wide range of malicious activities, from data theft to further malware distribution.

Given the complexity and stealth of the DEAD#VAX campaign, it is essential for organizations and individuals to remain vigilant. Enhancing security measures, such as implementing advanced threat detection systems capable of monitoring in-memory activities and educating users about the risks of phishing, are crucial steps in mitigating the risk of falling victim to such campaigns.

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