NanoCore

Posted: December 24, 2023

from Cybersecurity Glossary

Aliases:

NanoCore RAT, Nancrat, NanoCore Client

Category:

Trojan

Platform:

Windows

Variants:

Like many popular malware tools, NanoCore was developed and adjusted by cybercriminals to fit their needs, so there are multiple versions and variants of it.

Damage:

Stealing Usernames And Passwords, Surveillance, Screen Locking, Installation Of Additional Malware, System Manipulation And Control.

Risk Level:

High

First identified around 2013, NanoCore is a commercial remote access trojan (RAT) that was available for purchase on hacking forums. Initially designed as a legitimate remote administration tool, NanoCore's comprehensive features, including password theft and the ability to capture videos and audio from the device's camera and microphone, have made it an ideal choice for cybercriminals seeking remote access and control over their victims' computers.

Possible symptoms

Unusual network activity, such as increased data transfer or connections to suspicious IP addresses.
Unexpected system slowdowns or resource usage due to covert background processes.
Anomalous behavior, such as unauthorized access to files, applications, or system settings.
Presence of unknown or unauthorized software installed on the system.
Reports of system crashes or instability without apparent cause.

Sources of the infection

Malicious email attachments or links, often delivered through phishing campaigns targeting unsuspecting users.
Compromised or malicious websites that host exploit kits capable of delivering NanoCore payloads.
Infected removable storage devices, such as USB drives, used for the unintentional transfer of NanoCore binaries.
Exploitation of software vulnerabilities, particularly in outdated or unpatched applications and operating systems.
Infiltration through other malware infections that act as droppers for NanoCore, leveraging existing system vulnerabilities.

Overview

NanoCore, also known as NanoCore RAT, Nancrat, and NanoCore Client, is a formidable remote administration tool employed by cybercriminals for a range of malicious activities. These include the theft of usernames and passwords, surveillance, screen locking, installation of additional malware, and overall manipulation and control of targeted systems.

First identified around 2013, NanoCore started as a legitimate remote administration tool available for purchase on hacking forums. Its evolution into a commercial remote access trojan (RAT) was driven by its comprehensive features, enabling cybercriminals to execute various attacks, such as password theft and capturing videos and audio from the device's camera and microphone. This versatility has made NanoCore a preferred choice for criminals seeking remote access and control over their victims' computers.

Like many popular malware tools, NanoCore has undergone development and adjustments by cybercriminals, leading to the existence of multiple versions and variants.

The symptoms of a NanoCore infection include unusual network activity, unexpected system slowdowns, anomalous behavior, presence of unknown software, and reports of system crashes without apparent cause.

Sources of NanoCore infections include malicious email attachments or links, compromised websites with exploit kits, infected removable storage devices, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and infiltration through other malware acting as droppers for NanoCore.

NanoCore primarily targets Windows platforms, posing a danger level of 4 out of 5. If an infection is suspected, immediate disconnection from the network is crucial to prevent further data exfiltration. A comprehensive scan using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is recommended for detection and removal. Seeking professional assistance is advised to ensure complete removal and conducting a thorough system audit for potential backdoors or persistence mechanisms.

Prevention strategies for NanoCore infections involve practicing secure computing habits, keeping operating systems and software up to date with security patches, exercising caution when interacting with links or attachments, utilizing Gridinsoft Anti-Malware for regular scans, implementing network segmentation, and enforcing strong password policies with multi-factor authentication.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect a NanoCore infection, immediately disconnect the infected device from the network to prevent further data exfiltration. Perform a comprehensive scan using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to detect and remove the malware. Additionally, seek professional assistance to ensure complete removal and conduct a thorough system audit for potential backdoors or persistence mechanisms.

🛡️ Prevention

To prevent NanoCore infections, practice secure computing habits such as keeping your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches. Exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Utilize Gridinsoft Anti-Malware and conduct regular scans. Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach. Enforce strong password policies and employ multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.

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