For the Laplas Clipper malware, please write a short paragraph based on the given background and website info: - the date of the first incident’s report - How does it work, - How one should protect his/her system against this malware - If infected, how one can cope with that? Is there any solution? Laplas Clipper is a variant of information stealing malware which operates by diverting crypto-currency transactions from victims’ crypto wallets into the wallets of threat actors [1]. Laplas Clipper is a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering available for purchase and use by a variety of threat actors. It has been observed in the wild since October 2022, when 180 samples were identified and linked with another malware strain, namely SmokeLoader [2]. This loader has itself been observed since at least 2011 and acts as a delivery mechanism for popular malware strains [3]. SmokeLoader is typically distributed via malicious attachments sent in spam emails or targeted phishing campaigns but can also be downloaded directly by users from file hosting pages or spoofed websites. SmokeLoader is known to specifically deliver Laplas Clipper onto compromised devices via a BatLoader script downloaded as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file attached to a phishing email. These examples of social engineering are relatively low effort methods intended to convince users to download the malware, which subsequently injects malicious code into the explorer.exe process and downloads Laplas Clipper. Laplas Clipper activity observed across Darktrace’s customer base generally began with SmokeLoader making HTTP GET requests to Laplas Clipper command and control (C2) infrastructure. Once downloaded, the clipper loads a ‘build[.]exe’ module and begins monitoring the victim’s clipboard for crypto-currency wallet addresses. If a wallet address is identified, the infected device connects to a server associated with Laplas Clipper and downloads wallet addresses belonging to the threat actor. The actor’s addresses are typically spoofed to appear similar to those they replace in order to evade detection. The malware continues to update clipboard activity and replaces the user’s wallet addresses with a spoofed address each time one is copied for a for crypto-currency transactions. The rise of information stealing malware variants such as Laplas Clipper highlights the importance of crypto-currency and crypto-mining in the malware ecosystem and more broadly as a significant cyber security concern. Crypto-mining is often discounted as background noise for security teams or compliance issues that can be left untriaged; however, malware strains like Laplas Clipper demonstrate the real security risks posed to digital estates from threat actors focused on crypto-currency. Leveraging its Self-Learning AI, DETECT/Network and RESPOND/Network are able to work in tandem to quickly identify connections to suspicious endpoints and block them before any malicious software can be downloaded, safeguarding customers. https://darktrace.com/blog/laplas-clipper-defending-against-crypto-currency-thieves-with-detect-respond Technical details of the Laplas Clipper malicious software Unlike other stealers, such as FormBook and Arkei, Laplas Clipper has a limited functionality, which focuses exclusively on hijacking victims’ cryptocurrency wallets. The capabilities of the malware include: Generation of crypto addresses: Laplas Clipper can generate Bitcoin addresses for all three types: P2PKH (legacy), P2SH, and SegWit. It can also create addresses for ERC20, BEP20, and other tokens that use the 0x prefix, as well as Tron ones. Choice of prefix or postfix generation: The malware allows users to choose whether to produce addresses with the prefix or postfix. This gives criminals more control over the appearance of illegitimate addresses. Support for over 20 types of wallets: The software can replace addresses in most popular crypto wallets. Web panel: Laplas Clipper can be managed through a web-based interface, letting the operator easily configure and use the clipper. Autobuild functionality: Users of the malware can choose between three versions of the program: C++, Golang, and .NET 4. Automatic balance check: Laplas Clipper can automatically check the balance of victims’ addresses. Support for EXE, DLL extensions: Laplas Clipper can be built for both EXE and DLL extensions.
For the Laplas Clipper malware, please write a short paragraph based on the given background and website info:
- the date of the first incident’s report
- How does it work,
- How one should protect his/her system against this malware
- If infected, how one can cope with that? Is there any solution?
Laplas Clipper is a variant of information stealing malware which operates by diverting crypto-currency transactions from victims’ crypto wallets into the wallets of threat actors [1]. Laplas Clipper is a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering available for purchase and use by a variety of threat actors. It has been observed in the wild since October 2022, when 180 samples were identified and linked with another malware strain, namely SmokeLoader [2]. This loader has itself been observed since at least 2011 and acts as a delivery
SmokeLoader is typically distributed via malicious attachments sent in spam emails or targeted phishing campaigns but can also be downloaded directly by users from file hosting pages or spoofed websites. SmokeLoader is known to specifically deliver Laplas Clipper onto compromised devices via a BatLoader script downloaded as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file attached to a phishing email. These examples of social engineering are relatively low effort methods intended to convince users to download the malware, which subsequently injects malicious code into the explorer.exe process and downloads Laplas Clipper.
Laplas Clipper activity observed across Darktrace’s customer base generally began with SmokeLoader making HTTP GET requests to Laplas Clipper command and control (C2) infrastructure. Once downloaded, the clipper loads a ‘build[.]exe’ module and begins monitoring the victim’s clipboard for crypto-currency wallet addresses. If a wallet address is identified, the infected device connects to a server associated with Laplas Clipper and downloads wallet addresses belonging to the threat actor. The actor’s addresses are typically spoofed to appear similar to those they replace in order to evade detection. The malware continues to update clipboard activity and replaces the user’s wallet addresses with a spoofed address each time one is copied for a for crypto-currency transactions.
The rise of information stealing malware variants such as Laplas Clipper highlights the importance of crypto-currency and crypto-mining in the malware ecosystem and more broadly as a significant cyber security concern. Crypto-mining is often discounted as background noise for security teams or compliance issues that can be left untriaged; however, malware strains like Laplas Clipper demonstrate the real security risks posed to digital estates from threat actors focused on crypto-currency.
Leveraging its Self-Learning
https://darktrace.com/blog/laplas-clipper-defending-against-crypto-currency-thieves-with-detect-respond
Technical details of the Laplas Clipper malicious software
Unlike other stealers, such as FormBook and Arkei, Laplas Clipper has a limited functionality, which focuses exclusively on hijacking victims’ cryptocurrency wallets. The capabilities of the malware include:
- Generation of crypto addresses: Laplas Clipper can generate Bitcoin addresses for all three types: P2PKH (legacy), P2SH, and SegWit. It can also create addresses for ERC20, BEP20, and other tokens that use the 0x prefix, as well as Tron ones.
- Choice of prefix or postfix generation: The malware allows users to choose whether to produce addresses with the prefix or postfix. This gives criminals more control over the appearance of illegitimate addresses.
- Support for over 20 types of wallets: The software can replace addresses in most popular crypto wallets.
- Web panel: Laplas Clipper can be managed through a web-based interface, letting the operator easily configure and use the clipper.
- Autobuild functionality: Users of the malware can choose between three versions of the program: C++, Golang, and .NET 4.
- Automatic balance check: Laplas Clipper can automatically check the balance of victims’ addresses.
- Support for EXE, DLL extensions: Laplas Clipper can be built for both EXE and DLL extensions.
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