Gootloader Aims Malicious, Custom Bot Army at Enterprise Networks

Gootloader Aims Malicious, Custom Bot Army at Enterprise Networks

November 6, 2023 at 04:50PM

The Gootloader Group, previously known for being an initial access broker and malware operator, has developed a new tool called GootBot. GootBot spreads bots in enterprise environments after compromising them. This new tool is more destructive and difficult to detect. Each bot is controlled by its own command-and-control server, and GootBot currently has no detections listed on VirusTotal. This poses an increased risk of ransomware attacks.

Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:

1. The Gootloader Group, previously an initial access broker (IAB) and malware operator, has released a new post-compromise tool called GootBot.
2. Gootloader has been active since 2014 and uses SEO poisoning to deceive victims into downloading infected business document templates.
3. Gootloader typically sells access to other threat groups, who then use tools like CobaltStrike or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to spread across networks.
4. GootBot, the new post-compromise malware, is highly destructive and difficult to detect. It deploys a large bot army, with each bot controlled by its own command-and-control server (C2) on a breached WordPress site.
5. GootBot has no detections listed on VirusTotal as of November 6.
6. This shift in tactics and tooling increases the risk of successful post-exploitation stages, including ransomware attacks linked to Gootloader.

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