Target Industry
Indiscriminate, opportunistic targeting.
Overview
CoffeeLoader primarily targets systems running Windows operating systems. It can be used to steal sensitive information, such as personal data, financial details, and login credentials, leading to identity theft and financial loss. The malware can degrade system performance by consuming resources, especially when executing code on the GPU. If CoffeeLoader deploys ransomware, users may lose access to their files and be forced to pay a ransom to regain access.
Spyware deployed by CoffeeLoader can monitor user activities, leading to a significant invasion of privacy. The malware’s ability to maintain a stealthy presence means that users’ systems can be compromised for extended periods, allowing threat actors to continuously exploit the system.
Impact
CoffeeLoader primarily targets systems running Windows operating systems. It can be used to steal sensitive information, such as personal data, financial details, and login credentials, leading to identity theft and financial loss. The malware can degrade system performance by consuming resources, especially when executing code on the GPU. If CoffeeLoader deploys ransomware, users may lose access to their files and be forced to pay a ransom to regain access.
Spyware deployed by CoffeeLoader can monitor user activities, leading to a significant invasion of privacy. The malware’s ability to maintain a stealthy presence means that users’ systems can be compromised for extended periods, allowing threat actors to continuously exploit the system.
Exploitation
The malware is often delivered through phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised websites. Users may inadvertently download and execute the malware by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. Once on the system, CoffeeLoader employs advanced evasion methods such as call stack spoofing, sleep obfuscation, and the use of Windows fibres to avoid detection by EDR solutions.
The malware can execute code on the system’s GPU, making it difficult for traditional security tools to analyse and detect it in virtual environments. CoffeeLoader downloads and executes additional malicious payloads, such as ransomware or spyware, which can further compromise the system.
By using these techniques, CoffeeLoader can effectively bypass security measures, deploy harmful payloads, and remain undetected for long periods, posing a significant threat to users’ security and privacy.
Containment, Mitigations & Remediations
Mitigating CoffeeLoader malware involves several key steps:
- Utilise Robust Security Software: Ensure systems are protected with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware solutions
- Implement Regular Updates: Maintain the latest versions of the operating system and software to safeguard against emerging threats
- Exercise Caution with Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unverified sources
- Download from Trusted Sources: Acquire software exclusively from reputable and official websites
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen account security by implementing MFA
- Conduct Regular Data Backups: Secure data by performing regular backups to external drives or cloud services.
Indicators of Compromise (IoC)
These are some indicators of compromise of the CoffeeLoader malware:
File Names:
- ArmouryAIOSDK.dll
- ArmouryA.dll
CoffeeLoader C2:
- https://freeimagecdn[.]com/
- https://mvnrepo[.]n
SHA 256 File Hashes
- c930eca887fdf45aef9553c258a403374c51b9c92c481c452ecf1a4e586d79d9
- 8941b1f6d8b6ed0dbc5e61421abad3f1634d01db72df4b38393877bd111f3552
- 5538b88eb2effa211a9c324b001e02802b7ccd0008b3af9284e32ab105dc9e6f
- 5538b88eb2effa211a9c324b001e02802b7ccd0008b3af9284e32ab105dc9e6f
- 70fafd3fefca2fd4a061d34e781136f93a47d856987832041d3c703658d60fc1bc1
- bc1b750338bc3013517e5792da59fba0d9aa3965a9f65c2be7a584e9a70c5d91
- 5fcd2e12723081f512fa438301690fb310610f4de3c191c7c732d56ece7f0499
Threat Landscape
More than 3.7 million companies worldwide rely on Microsoft 365 products. Microsoft has detected an increase in cyber-attack campaigns that exploit legitimate file hosting services. Due to the complexity of CoffeeLoader, this threat is concerning because of its advanced capabilities and widespread use.
Threat Groups
The exact individuals or groups behind CoffeeLoader have not been definitively identified. However, it has been observed that CoffeeLoader is distributed via SmokeLoader, a well-known backdoor malware. Both malware families share some behavioural similarities, suggesting that they may be developed or operated by the same threat actors. However, the specific threat group behind this vulnerability has not been publicly identified.
Further Information
