In this new series of articles, we're looking at how malware authors deal with spreading their work, especially when they keep the source code secret. Malware configuration is key because it lets its malicious users to change settings to suit their needs. The first article will focus on a method called EOF, also known as PE Overlay, to show how it's used to store and read malware configuration.

A new Unprotect evasion technique has been added, showcasing a sophisticated evasion technique named FuncIn with a working open-source demo. In short, FuncIn employs a payload staging strategy, diverging from the conventional method where all malicious functionalities are embedded within the malware file or stored in a third-party file/network location, such as a web server. Rather, with FuncIn, these functionalities are transmitted over the network selectively, triggered by the Command and Control (C2) server as needed.

Here is a short example demonstrating the reflective loading of a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) into memory, whether sourced from disk or memory (supporting streams). This approach supports both 32-bit (PE) and 64-bit (PE+) DLLs. The technique enables the loading of exported functions either by their ordinal value or by the exported function name.

In this latest installment of our "Malware Retrospective" series, we shift our lens to PrjRAPTOR, a lesser-known Remote Access Trojan that made its mark around 2008-2009, closing out the golden era of Trojan development before the focus shifted to profit-driven cybercrime. Our exclusive interview with its creator, "Ryan," provides invaluable insights into the Trojan's unique interface, development, and impact on the scene. This exploration offers a rare chance to connect with key figures who laid the groundwork for modern malware, enriching our understanding of this intricate landscape.

Introducing "The Malware Gallery" - Your interactive, living museum showcasing the most notorious trojans and malware from past decades. Now in its beta phase, this ever-evolving collection is set to expand, so stay tuned for updates!

There are two primary motivations behind the project: First, it serves as a homage to the ingenious, albeit malicious, software creations that inspired many of us, myself included, to pursue a career in cybersecurity. These "pieces of art" so to speak, have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of my professional life.

Second, it's an educational resource for newcomers to the field. Understanding the history of malware is essential for comprehending the complexities of today's cybersecurity landscape. For those who didn't grow up exposed to these early examples, The Malware Gallery offers a rare glimpse into the origins of cyber threats, enriching your knowledge.

Additionally, this project complements my recent article series, "Malware Retrospective" adding a layer of depth and reciprocity to the topics covered.

We are pleased to announce that our latest tool, SharpShellPipe, has been featured in Bad Sector Labs Blog's Last Week in Security (LWiS).

New technique added: "Named Pipes / SMB," featuring two code snippets for demonstration purposes. The first snippet uses .NET (C#) to showcase Named Pipes usage, while the second employs WinAPI with Delphi. Both examples aim to illustrate the application of Named Pipes in different programming environments.

This lightweight C# application serves as a demonstration of how simple it is to interactively access a remote system's shell via named pipes using the SMB protocol. It includes an optional encryption layer leveraging AES GCM, utilizing a shared passphrase between both the server and the client.

New evasion technique and snippet added for file extension manipulation using the Right-to-Left Override (RLO) character (U+202E). Malicious actors exploit this Unicode control character in file names to alter the visual display of extensions, making dangerous executables appear harmless to users. For example, invoice.pdf becomes invoiceexe.pdf by strategically placing the RLO character. This deception aims to trick users into unwittingly executing potentially harmful files.

Continuing our enlightening "Malware Retrospective" series, we delve back into the depths of cybersecurity history. Following our thorough examination of Beast RAT, the early 2000s' formidable malware, we now turn our focus to another significant entity of that period, SubSeven. Conceived by the mysterious figure, Mobman, this Remote Access Trojan, also known as Sub7, remains an iconic marker in the evolution of digital threats. Join us as we explore its intriguing chronicles, offering both a retrospective glance and vital lessons for today's cybersecurity landscape.

Attached please find the slides from my presentation on the Unprotect Project, delivered yesterday at the inaugural HackTheBox Meetup France, hosted by the ESGI School in Paris.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on any aspect of the presentation, please feel free to reach out.

• A bug fix has been implemented for the execution of shell commands. All commands should now execute without causing the entire application to hang.
• Protocol version checking between the Command and Control (C2) and Agent(s) has been incorporated. If a protocol version mismatch is detected, the agent will be disregarded by the C2.

The release of version "3.0 Final" signifies the culmination of this project. I will not be adding any further features; the objective of this PoC was to demonstrate the creation of a reliable and secure C2 utilizing FTP(S). You're encouraged to develop your own version with tailored functionalities. As an exercise, you might consider implementing multi-threading tasking to prevent the application from hanging during long-duration tasks.

I will, however, continue to provide support for the project in terms of addressing potential bugs or opportunities for optimization.

• Enumerate COM Object (Method & Properties) - File only (not in-memory yet)
• Possibility to select which items user want to enumerate (exported function, com properties or methods)
• Few application icons updated for more confort.
• Virtual TreeView component updated to version 7.6.4.
• Compiled with Delphi 11.3.

• Code Optimization: The codebase has been optimized for better performance.
• Protocol Improvement: The communication protocol has been enhanced and is now more modular, allowing for greater flexibility.
• Support for Different RSA Key-Pairs: C2 and agents can now operate with different RSA key-pairs, enabling them to coexist without conflict on the same FTP server.
• Implementation of Dangerous Action Validation Delegate: A validation delegate has been implemented to prompt users for confirmation before executing potentially dangerous actions.

Support for encryption has been introduced, utilizing RSA and AES-GCM 256-bit algorithms, to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of communications between agents and the C2 server.

SharpFtpC2 is a small, experimental project aimed at exploring the possibility of using FTP(S) for relaying commands and responses between two remote computers. It employs the FTP protocol as a makeshift tunnel through which the computers, both acting as clients connected to an FTP server, can communicate. A simple session management scheme is used to keep track of the exchange of requests and responses.

An alternative version of the code snippet, crafted in Delphi, has been introduced for the "C2 via FTP(S)" technique. This variant expertly demonstrates the employment of the Windows API's from Windows Internet (WinInet) library.

A freshly added Unprotect C# code snippet elucidates the implementation of the "C2 via FTP(S)" technique. This example adeptly showcases the utilisation of the .NET Framework's WebRequest and FtpWebRequest classes, illustrating the steps to effectively execute tasks, handle requests, and manage responses through FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

In this inaugural instalment of the Malware Retrospective series, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit the Beast RAT, a notorious Windows RAT (Remote Access Trojan) developed by the elusive “Tataye.” This groundbreaking malware left an indelible mark on a whole generation of enthusiasts, including myself, who were captivated by its ingenuity and influence the whole scene back in it’s time.

A new version of the unprotect portal has been released with updates including:

• Migration from Bootstrap 4.x to the latest 5.x
• A complete rewrite of the style using SASS
• Multiple improvements, optimizations and refactoring
• Implementation of the first version of FeaturedAPI.

FeaturedAPI is a new feature that allows for the mapping of common Microsoft Windows API's used by specific evasion techniques, with the ability to consult the most commonly used API's for each technique and their associated caution level (Low, Medium, High) as well as access to official and unofficial documentation.

The team is also making progress on the sample scanner to match scanned samples to potential fitting techniques.