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I StealC You: Tracking the Rapid Changes To Steal

Medium
Published: Fri May 02 2025 (05/02/2025, 06:23:38 UTC)
Source: AlienVault OTX General

Description

StealC V2, introduced in March 2025, is an enhanced version of the popular information stealer and malware downloader. Key updates include a streamlined JSON-based C2 communication protocol with RC4 encryption, expanded payload delivery options (MSI packages and PowerShell scripts), and a redesigned control panel with an integrated builder. New features comprise multi-monitor screenshot capture, a unified file grabber, and server-side brute-forcing for credentials. The malware now supports customizable payload delivery rules based on geolocation, hardware IDs, and installed software. Technical analysis reveals improvements in obfuscation, API resolution, and configuration encryption. StealC V2 is actively developed and frequently used in conjunction with other malware families like Amadey.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/03/2025, 07:42:56 UTC

Technical Analysis

StealC V2 is an advanced iteration of the StealC malware family, first introduced in March 2025. It functions primarily as an information stealer and malware downloader, designed to exfiltrate sensitive data and facilitate further payload delivery. The malware employs a streamlined JSON-based command and control (C2) communication protocol secured with RC4 encryption, enhancing stealth and complicating detection efforts. Notably, StealC V2 expands its payload delivery mechanisms to include MSI installer packages and PowerShell scripts, increasing its flexibility and evasion capabilities. The control panel has been redesigned to integrate a builder, allowing attackers to customize malware builds easily. New technical features include multi-monitor screenshot capture, a unified file grabber capable of extracting diverse data types, and server-side brute forcing to harvest credentials more effectively. The malware supports granular payload delivery rules based on geolocation, hardware identifiers, and installed software, enabling targeted attacks and reducing exposure. Technical improvements also encompass enhanced obfuscation techniques, dynamic API resolution to evade static analysis, and encrypted configuration storage. StealC V2 is actively maintained and often deployed alongside other malware families such as Amadey, indicating its role within a broader threat ecosystem. Despite its sophistication, there are no known public exploits in the wild specifically targeting vulnerabilities, suggesting it relies on social engineering or other infection vectors. The malware’s capabilities align with multiple MITRE ATT&CK techniques, including credential dumping, process injection, and command and control communications, highlighting its multifaceted threat profile.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, StealC V2 poses a significant risk to confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Its ability to harvest credentials and capture screenshots across multiple monitors can lead to extensive data breaches, including intellectual property theft, financial data compromise, and exposure of personal data protected under GDPR. The malware’s customizable delivery rules increase the likelihood of targeted attacks against high-value entities, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. The integration with other malware families like Amadey suggests potential for complex multi-stage attacks that can evade traditional defenses. The use of encrypted C2 communications and obfuscation complicates detection and incident response efforts, potentially allowing prolonged undetected presence within networks. This can result in operational disruptions, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses. Given the malware’s capability to brute force credentials server-side, organizations with weak password policies or exposed services are particularly vulnerable. The threat is medium severity but could escalate if combined with other attack vectors or if deployed in sensitive sectors.

Mitigation Recommendations

European organizations should implement multi-layered defenses tailored to the specific capabilities of StealC V2. First, enforce strong password policies and deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) to mitigate credential brute forcing and harvesting. Network segmentation and strict access controls can limit lateral movement and reduce the impact of stolen credentials. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting obfuscated malware behaviors, such as unusual API calls, process injection, and encrypted C2 traffic patterns. Monitor for anomalous PowerShell and MSI execution, especially those initiated from non-standard locations or by non-administrative users. Implement geolocation and hardware ID-based monitoring to detect suspicious payload delivery attempts that do not match expected profiles. Regularly audit installed software and running processes to identify unauthorized changes. Employ threat intelligence feeds to update detection signatures and indicators related to StealC and associated malware families like Amadey. Conduct user awareness training focused on phishing and social engineering tactics, as initial infection vectors are likely to rely on these methods. Finally, maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize operational impact in case of compromise.

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Technical Details

Author
AlienVault
Tlp
white
References
["https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/i-stealc-you-tracking-rapid-changes-stealc"]
Adversary
StealC
Pulse Id
681464eab219b96e59436e0b
Threat Score
null

Indicators of Compromise

Hash

ValueDescriptionCopy
hash0d40b55e1f552db81c2b8400e1f25558
hash9ab4851cbc96952075b35c9393285959
hashbb7efd4c8ea07b91728e2a27cc8cf6f4
hashf7c4921322db3352a828493b924bd1fe
hash0bcd700c0e72488bace860b61e91e828df7e660f
hash86c4f35c83332d0832dcb63e331546d37865ff78
hash9b5470ff21be58857d85e87d4174647e0ceb10fd
hashe0939de90d50087eb68a2e34b4781ff023c05ef1
hash0b921636568ee3e1f8ce71ff9c931da5675089ba796b65a6b212440425d63c8c
hash27c77167584ce803317eab2eb5db5963e9dfa86450237195f5723185361510dc
hash87618787e1032bbf6a6ca8b3388ea3803be20a49e4afaba1df38a6116085062f
hasha1b2aecdd1b37e0c7836f5c254398250363ea74013700d9a812c98269752f385
hashdd36c7d50cb05761391a7f65932193ec847d34f8ba1bb2f2a43ecf4985d911f4
hashe205646761f59f23d5c8a8483f8a03a313d3b435b302d3a37061840b5cc084c3

Threat ID: 683bef79182aa0cae2052660

Added to database: 6/1/2025, 6:13:13 AM

Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 7:42:56 AM

Last updated: 8/17/2025, 6:34:08 AM

Views: 17

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