What is Dorkbot malware?
Dorkbot is a worm malware that is best known for its credential-stealing capabilities and ability to distribute additional malware. Its goals include data theft and botnet creation, making it a potent tool for cybercriminals. Aliases include W32.Dorkbot and NgrBot. Its adaptable and stealthy nature makes it a high-level threat to systems worldwide.
When was Dorkbot first discovered?
The Dorkbot malware family was first identified in 2011. It quickly gained notoriety due to its aggressive distribution methods and frequent updates that helped it evade detection.
Who created Dorkbot?
The actual developers of Dorkbot remain unknown. While the origins are still uncertain, the level of sophistication points to highly skilled cybercriminals.
What does Dorkbot target?
Dorkbot primarily targets Windows-based systems along with external USB drives. It can also spread via instant messaging platforms, email spam, and compromised websites. Organizations across various industries, as well as individual systems, can fall victim to this malware’s tactics.
Dorkbot distribution method
The Dorkbot worm spreads through phishing campaigns, malicious downloads, and malicious links shared via social media and messaging apps. It also commonly propagates through infected USB drives and removable media.
Technical Analysis of Dorkbot Malware
The Dorkbot malware begins its infection by executing malicious code once downloaded onto a system. It establishes persistence through registry modifications and uses obfuscation techniques to avoid detection. The malware steals credentials via form-grabbing and monitors traffic for financial sites and login submissions to exfiltrate sensitive data.
Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
Uses registry persistence (MITRE ATT&CK T1547)
Employs credential dumping and keylogging methods (MITRE ATT&CK T1003)
Communicates with command and control servers for botnet functionality (MITRE ATT&CK T1071)
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
Malicious URLs and domains associated with command and control
SHA-256 hashes of observed Dorkbot payloads
Sudden spikes in system and network activity
How to know if you’re infected with Dorkbot?
Symptoms of a Dorkbot infection may include system slowdowns, unresponsive programs, unexpected crashing, unusual outbound network traffic, or unauthorized social media messages being sent.
Dorkbot Removal Instructions
Manually detecting and removing Dorkbot is extremely risky and complex due to its persistence techniques. It is highly recommended to use advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools or Huntress remediation solutions. Ensure your system is disconnected from the internet during the cleaning process to prevent further spread.
Is Dorkbot still active?
Although Dorkbot’s activity has significantly decreased in recent years due to collaborative takedown efforts, variants continue to emerge occasionally, making vigilance critical.
Mitigation & prevention strategies
To prevent Dorkbot infections, organizations should enforce strong cybersecurity policies, such as regularly patching systems, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and educating employees about phishing threats. Managed detection and response services, like those offered by Huntress, provide 24/7 SOC that can detect and neutralize such threats early.
Related educational articles & videos
Dorkbot FAQs
Dorkbot is a worm malware that spreads via emails, USB drives, and messaging apps. It steals credentials through techniques like form-grabbing and uses infected devices to create botnets for coordinated attacks.
Dorkbot can spread through phishing links, malicious downloads, and removable drives. Once downloaded, it modifies host systems to gain persistence and may download additional malware.
While its prevalence has declined with global efforts to neutralize it, variants of Dorkbot can still pose a risk. Regular updates to cybersecurity defenses are crucial.
Organizations can protect themselves by employing strong security practices like network monitoring, regular patching, user education, and EDR solutions like those from Huntress.
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