Cybersecurity: Backdoors and Threats

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following accurately describes Kernel-Level RootKits?

They can completely hide specific processes and redirect execution. (correct)

They operate solely by modifying application-level processes.

They create user accounts to access the system remotely.

They are limited to altering user-level applications.

What is a common characteristic of application-level Trojans?

They modify critical OS components to gain access.

They run as separate programs on the target system. (correct)

They require kernel-level access to operate effectively.

They function independently without a user interface.

In the context of network security threats, what is one main function of keyloggers?

They encrypt network traffic to ensure privacy.

They block unauthorized access to network resources.

They monitor bandwidth usage for analysis.

They capture keystrokes to gather sensitive information. (correct)

How can attackers implement a Kernel-Level RootKit?

By patching the kernel image on the hard drive. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe traditional backdoor Trojans?

Swapping good noodles with poisoned ones. Signup and view all the answers

What does the application-level Trojan horse provide to an attacker?

Complete control over the victim’s machine Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used to trick a user into installing a Trojan?

Embedding backdoor applications in innocent-looking programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a kernel-level RootKit?

To enable hidden access by modifying the operating system kernel Signup and view all the answers

Which tool can help detect the presence of an application-level Trojan horse?

Antivirus tools that check for specific fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of EXE wrappers used by Trojans?

They may cause false positives in anti-virus applications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended defense against application-level Trojans?

Use single-purpose checkers for specific threats. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the XAMPP Control Panel play in the Weevely backdoor process?

It serves as the server environment for the backdoor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of traditional RootKits?

They conceal the presence of malware within critical OS components. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes application-specific key loggers from system key loggers?

They only record keystrokes for a specific application. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of trojan is categorized as a rootkit?

A malware that provides remote access to a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant vulnerability of hardware keyboard loggers?

They need physical access to the target machine. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of key logger software?

To monitor and record clipboard activities. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of security threats, what is a key characteristic of kernel-level rootkits?

They modify core operating system components. Signup and view all the answers

How can collected information from a key logger be transmitted to an attacker?

Via email, LAN, or FTP. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect differentiates 'non-promiscuous' from 'promiscuous' backdoors?

Promiscuous backdoors allow unrestricted access from any remote host. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Key Logger Pro have that is limited in the free version?

Monitoring clipboard activities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Backdoors

Backdoors are access points created to bypass security.
They can arise from system vulnerabilities.
Attackers sometimes install them on compromised systems for later use.
Common in advanced persistent threats.
Effective backdoors are hidden or disguised.

Real World Examples

Debugging backdoor left in sendmail wizard.
Trojan planted by Code Red worm.
Etumbot APT backdoor (affected numerous media outlets, companies, and governments).
Hikit backdoor (used in cyber espionage, targeting U.S. defense contractors).
Dridex Trojan backdoor (targeting online banking users in Romania, August 2015).

Non-promiscuous and Promiscuous Backdoors

Non-promiscuous sniffers target a specific target.
Promiscuous sniffers monitor all network traffic.

Netcat Demo

Netcat is a versatile tool.
It allows reading and writing to TCP/UDP ports.
Installation is on the victim machine.
An attacker can connect to and interact with it.
A shell can be executed to access victim internals.
Remote access is possible to run a shell on the victim's machine.
File transfers are performed using Netcat.

Trojans

Trojans are malicious programs disguised as legitimate software.
They are used to gain unauthorized access.
Trojans typically aim to take victim computer control, steal data and other malicious activities.
Trojans use stealthy installation and background execution.
They access sensitive information without user consent

ProRat Trojan

Downloadable software tool for remote access and control.
ProRat is available for download.
Create a server to enable remote control.
A password is necessary for remote access.

Weevely Web Backdoor Demo

Weevely is a web backdoor.
The code for Weevely can be found on GitHub.
The code for operating the backdoor is found on GitHub.

Rootkits Overview

Traditional Rootkits
Critical operating system executables are replaced.
Backdoors are created to facilitate hiding the system.
Kernel-Level Rootkits
Operating system kernel is modified allowing backdoors.
Backdoors and stealth capabilities are more in Kernel-Level Rootkits compared to App-Level Rootkits.

Contemporary Rootkit Developments

Tools allow attackers to maintain root-level access.
They hide evidence of system compromise.
Replacing key operating system components allows for backdoor access.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers record user keystrokes.
Application-specific keyloggers only record keystrokes for a given application.
System keyloggers record all keystrokes for a target system (or one user).
Hardware keyloggers physically intercept keystrokes.

Key Logger Pro

Software tool to record keystrokes and other system activities.
It requires enabling a particular key combination.
Software can provide a list of keystrokes in a report.

Actual Key Logger

A software program used to capture keystrokes.
It can send data via networks including email and FTP.
The software captures keyboard and internet information.
It can automatically capture screenshots at regular intervals.

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Description

This quiz covers the concept of backdoors in cybersecurity, including how they are created, their real-world examples, and types of sniffers. Explore various scenarios involving advanced persistent threats and tools like Netcat that are used to exploit vulnerabilities.