UNVEILING A PYTHON STEALER – INF0S3C STEALER

SUMMARY :

Inf0s3c Stealer is a sophisticated Python-based malware designed to collect system information and user data. It systematically gathers host identifiers, CPU information, network configuration, and captures screenshots. The malware enumerates running processes, generates directory views, and compiles stolen data into a password-protected archive for exfiltration. It employs various techniques for persistence, including injection into Discord and Windows Startup manipulation. The stealer targets sensitive information such as passwords, cookies, browsing history, and cryptocurrency wallets. It also implements anti-VM checks and can self-delete after execution. The analysis reveals similarities with other malware projects, suggesting potential for rapid iteration and wider distribution.

OPENCTI LABELS :

stealer,data exfiltration,python,discord,pyinstaller,system reconnaissance,upx packing,blank grabber,inf0s3c stealer,umbral-stealer,windows api


AI COMMENTARY :

1. Introduction

UNVEILING A PYTHON STEALER – INF0S3C STEALER delves into the inner workings of a Python-based malware that has garnered attention for its sophisticated system reconnaissance and data exfiltration capabilities. This threat intel report explores how Inf0s3c Stealer operates, the techniques it employs to maintain persistence, and the nature of the sensitive data it targets. By understanding these aspects, organizations can better prepare defenses and mitigate potential risks posed by such advanced stealer malware.

2. Technical Overview

Inf0s3c Stealer is built on a Python framework bundled using PyInstaller and sometimes packed with UPX to evade signature-based detection. Upon execution, the malware harvests a wealth of system information including host identifiers, CPU details, network configuration, and running process lists. It goes further to capture screenshots and generate a comprehensive directory view of the victim’s file system. The stolen data is then compiled into a password-protected archive for secure exfiltration. Inf0s3c Stealer leverages Windows API calls to extract cookies, browsing history and saves credentials stored in various applications.

3. Persistence Mechanisms

To maintain a foothold on compromised systems, Inf0s3c Stealer employs multiple persistence strategies. It manipulates Windows Startup entries to ensure execution upon reboot and injects code into Discord processes to hide its presence under a popular communication platform. These tactics enable the malware to relaunch stealthily without raising immediate suspicion, facilitating long-term data collection and repeated exfiltration cycles.

4. Data Exfiltration and Targets

The primary objective of Inf0s3c Stealer is to capture sensitive information that provides the attacker with financial gain or further intrusion opportunities. The malware zeroes in on user credentials, browser cookies, stored passwords, and cryptocurrency wallet files. By packaging stolen assets into an encrypted archive, the stealer prepares them for efficient transfer to a remote command-and-control server. This method reduces the risk of interception during transit and helps attackers maintain operational security.

5. Anti-Analysis Features

Inf0s3c Stealer integrates anti-VM and anti-sandbox checks to determine whether it is running in an analysis environment. If it detects virtualization or debugging tools commonly used by security researchers, it may alter its behavior or self-delete to avoid detection and analysis. Such self-protection mechanisms have parallels in other stealer projects like Umbral Stealer and Blank Grabber, suggesting a shared development lineage or toolkit reuse among threat actors.

6. Conclusion and Mitigation

Analysis of Inf0s3c Stealer highlights the rapid evolution of Python-based stealers and their ability to incorporate advanced packing, persistence, and evasion techniques. Organizations should implement robust endpoint protection with behavior-based detection, monitor abnormal creation of startup entries, and enforce strict application whitelisting policies. Regular user education on phishing risks and multi-factor authentication for critical services further reduces the likelihood of successful compromise by such malware.


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UNVEILING A PYTHON STEALER – INF0S3C STEALER