NeedleDropper

NeedleDropper is a type of threatening software that is used to inject other malware into a system. It is sold on various hacker forums and is monetized using the malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model. NeedleDropper comes in the form of a self-extracting archive, which contains files that are used to execute the malware. Cybercriminals have been known to distribute this particular malware primarily via email. Once installed, it can be used to drop unsafe payloads onto a targeted system.

NeedleDropper Overview

Instead of a single executable, the NeedleDropper malware uses multiple files to carry out its attack. It attempts to disguise itself by dropping many unused and invalid files. At the same time, it stores any important data among multiple MBs of useless data. The threat takes advantage of legitimate applications to execute its code.

The infection vectors used for the delivery of NeedleDropper vary. It appears that the preferred tactic is to spread the malware via weaponized email attachments. However, cybercriminals have also utilized corrupted Excel documents, being shared on platforms such as Discord or through OneDrive links.

NeedleDropper may Deliver Various Threats

Cybercriminals may use NeedleDropper to deploy threatening software, such as ransomware, crypto-mining malware, clippers, information stealers, etc. Ransomware is malware that encrypts files and demands payment from victims to decrypt them. Crypto-mining malware uses the victim's computer hardware to mine cryptocurrency for the criminals' benefit, leading to higher electricity bills and other issues like system instability or slow performance. Information collectors are designed to extract sensitive information, such as credit card details, login credentials or cryptocurrency wallet addresses. Clippers are harmful programs that replace copied wallet addresses with ones owned by criminals, resulting in the transferred funds being deposited to them instead of the intended recipients.