An Overview of the RedLine Stealer
RedLine Stealer, a potent malware surfacing as early as 2020, has steadily infiltrated the cyber arena through its malware-as-a-service model, positioning itself as a go-to tool for cybercriminals worldwide. Designed to invade endpoints and pilfer valuable data—ranging from credentials and cookies to credit card details—RedLine primarily targets Chromium-based or Gecko-based web browsers, alongside applications like Steam, FTP clients, and instant messaging platforms.
A Summary of the RedLine Stealer Threat
The RedLine Stealer has gained notoriety for its adaptive distribution methods and the sheer ease with which it’s acquired. Emulating the tactics of renowned malware families like Emotet, RedLine utilizes spear-phishing campaigns, application vulnerability exploitation, counterfeit upgrades/installers, and pirated software as primary distribution channels. Additionally, loaders such as PureCrypter are often deployed for initial access. The malware’s multifaceted distribution strategies pose considerable challenges for analysts seeking to thwart RedLine infection.
A Technical Breakdown of the Attacks
Once unleashed on a victim’s machine, the RedLine Stealer leverages scheduled tasks, registry modifications, and new service implementation for persistence. To bypass security controls, the malware injects itself into legitimate system binaries as a child process, additionally crippling Windows Defender and establishing exclusions to evade detection further. Upon establishing connection with a C2 server, RedLine initiates host discovery and enumeration, eventually collecting a wealth of system information—including details about the operating system, installed applications, and security software. In its most destructive phase, RedLine commences data exfiltration, pilfering auto-fill passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, private keys, and browser tokens. Subsequently, stolen data is channeled through the C2 pipeline for exfiltration prior to termination.
Unchecked, RedLine enables attackers to exploit harvested data for secondary malicious activities, including the deployment of ransomware.
Given the rising prominence of RedLine Stealer and its evolving arsenal of techniques since discovery, Cyborg Security remains committed to providing updated content as more insights emerge.
To get an in-depth understanding of RedLine and how you can hunt for it in your digital landscape, sign up for a free HUNTER Community account and get access to dozens of free threat hunt packages. Our continuously updated resources offer an invaluable starting point for your hunt strategy against RedLine Stealer.
