CyberEye is a modular Remote Access Trojan (RAT) developed using the .NET framework, notable for its use of Telegram as a Command and Control (C2) channel. This design choice allows attackers to leverage a public messaging platform, eliminating the need to maintain dedicated C2 infrastructure, thereby increasing operational stealth and reducing costs. The RAT provides extensive surveillance and data theft capabilities, including keylogging to capture keystrokes, file grabbing to exfiltrate files, and clipboard hijacking to intercept copied data. It also harvests sensitive credentials such as browser-stored passwords, Wi-Fi keys, gaming profiles, and session information from various applications, enabling broad access to victim data. CyberEye employs advanced defense evasion techniques, notably disabling Windows Defender via PowerShell scripts and registry modifications, which complicates detection and removal. Its persistence mechanisms ensure the malware remains active across system reboots, while anti-analysis features hinder reverse engineering and forensic investigations. The RAT builder framework allows adversaries to customize payloads, lowering the technical barrier for less skilled threat actors to deploy sophisticated malware. The use of Telegram for C2 communications (leveraging techniques mapped to MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1102.002) also helps evade traditional network-based detection methods. Overall, CyberEye represents a versatile and stealthy threat capable of extensive data exfiltration and system control, targeting both consumer and enterprise Windows environments.

For European organizations, CyberEye poses significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data. The credential theft capabilities threaten user and administrative account security, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation within corporate networks. The malware’s ability to disable Windows Defender reduces endpoint security effectiveness, increasing the likelihood of prolonged undetected presence. Data exfiltration of sensitive corporate information, including credentials and files, can lead to intellectual property theft, financial fraud, and regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR mandates. The modular and customizable nature of the RAT means attackers can tailor payloads to specific targets, increasing attack success rates. Additionally, the use of Telegram for C2 complicates network monitoring and incident response efforts. Given the prevalence of Windows systems in European enterprises and the increasing reliance on remote work, CyberEye could facilitate espionage, sabotage, or ransomware precursor activities. Consumer devices are also at risk, potentially leading to identity theft and privacy violations.

1. Implement strict application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of .NET binaries and unknown executables. 2. Monitor and restrict PowerShell usage, especially scripts that modify Windows Defender settings or registry keys related to security products. 3. Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting behavioral indicators such as keylogging, clipboard monitoring, and unusual network traffic to Telegram domains. 4. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all user accounts to mitigate the impact of credential theft. 5. Conduct regular credential audits and enforce password hygiene policies, including frequent changes and use of password managers. 6. Network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if a device is compromised. 7. Monitor network traffic for anomalous connections to Telegram API endpoints or unusual encrypted traffic patterns. 8. Educate users on phishing and social engineering tactics, as initial infection vectors may involve user interaction (e.g., malicious payload execution). 9. Regularly update and patch Windows OS and security products to reduce exploitation of known vulnerabilities. 10. Implement threat hunting exercises focusing on persistence mechanisms (e.g., scheduled tasks, registry run keys) and anti-analysis behaviors.