The latest campaign spotted by Check Point is no different. Spread via phishing emails embedded with a malicious Windows executable file, ToxicEye uses Telegram to communicate with the command-and-control (C2) server and upload data to it. The malware also sports a range of exploits that allows it to steal data, transfer and delete files, terminate processes, deploy a keylogger, hijack the computer's microphone and camera to record audio and video, and even encrypt files for a ransom.
Specifically, the attack chain commences with the creation of a Telegram bot by the attacker, which is then embedded into the RAT's configuration file, before compiling it into an executable (e.g. "paypal checker by saint.exe"). This .EXE file is then injected into a decoy Word document ("solution.doc") that, when opened, downloads and runs the Telegram RAT ("C:\Users\ToxicEye\rat.exe").
"We have discovered a growing trend where malware authors are using the Telegram platform as an out-of-the-box command-and-control system for malware distribution into organizations," Check Point R&D Group Manager Idan Sharabi said. "We believe attackers are leveraging the fact that Telegram is used and allowed in almost all organizations, utilizing this system to perform cyber attacks, which can bypass security restrictions."
thehackernews.com
