Cyber security

RunAs-Stealer : A Credential Stealing Tool

RunAs-Stealer is a sophisticated credential stealing tool that employs three distinct techniques to capture sensitive user information: Hooking CreateProcessWithLogonW, Smart Keylogging, and Remote Debugging.

This tool operates stealthily in the background, requiring manual termination via Task Manager.

Techniques Used

  1. Hooking CreateProcessWithLogonW:
    • This method involves intercepting the CreateProcessWithLogonW function, which is used to create a new process with specific credentials.
      • By hooking into this function, RunAs-Stealer can capture credentials as they are being used to log on to processes.
  2. Smart Keylogging:
    • Keylogging is a technique where every keystroke is recorded. The “smart” aspect likely refers to advanced filtering or encryption methods to capture only relevant data, such as passwords or sensitive information, while minimizing unnecessary data collection.
  3. Remote Debugging:
    • This technique leverages remote debugging tools, typically used for legitimate software development, to access and manipulate processes on a remote system.
      • In the context of RunAs-Stealer, it could be used to inject code into running applications to extract credentials.
  • Data Storage: The stolen credentials are stored in an Alternate Data Stream (ADS) of the desktop.ini file located on the user’s desktop. This method allows the data to remain hidden from casual observation.
  • Retrieving Credentials: Users can view the stolen credentials by running a specific command in the Command Prompt: more < "C:\Users\<Username>\Desktop\desktop.ini:log".
  • Removing Credentials: To delete the stored credentials, a PowerShell command can be used: Remove-Item -Path "C:\Users\<Username>\Desktop\desktop.ini" -Stream "log".

The tool comes with demo videos for each technique, providing visual guidance on how to use and test the features of RunAs-Stealer.

These demos are essential for understanding the full capabilities and potential risks associated with this tool.

RunAs-Stealer highlights the evolving nature of credential theft techniques, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to protect user credentials.

Traditional anti-malware solutions may not be sufficient to prevent such advanced threats, necessitating more specialized security tools and practices to safeguard sensitive information.

Varshini

Varshini is a Cyber Security expert in Threat Analysis, Vulnerability Assessment, and Research. Passionate about staying ahead of emerging Threats and Technologies.

Recent Posts

Understanding the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and How It Works

Introduction to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open…

1 day ago

The file Command – Quickly Identify File Contents in Linux

While file extensions in Linux are optional and often misleading, the file command helps decode what a…

2 days ago

How to Use the touch Command in Linux

The touch command is one of the quickest ways to create new empty files or update timestamps…

2 days ago

How to Search Files and Folders in Linux Using the find Command

Handling large numbers of files is routine for Linux users, and that’s where the find command shines.…

2 days ago

How to Move and Rename Files in Linux with the mv Command

Managing files and directories is foundational for Linux workflows, and the mv (“move”) command makes it easy…

2 days ago

How to Create Directories in Linux with the mkdir Command

Creating directories is one of the earliest skills you'll use on a Linux system. The mkdir (make…

2 days ago