TrojanSpy.MSIL.REDLINESTEALER.YXBDM represents a sophisticated information-stealing malware targeting Windows systems, first identified by Trend Micro researchers in April 2021. This stealthy trojan specializes in harvesting sensitive data from infected machines while employing advanced evasion techniques. Security teams should pay particular attention to its cryptocurrency wallet targeting and VPN credential theft capabilities.
Technical Overview of REDLINESTEALER.YXBDM
This malware variant operates as a secondary payload, typically delivered through compromised websites or as part of multi-stage attacks. The infection process leverages legitimate Windows components for persistence, specifically abusing the .NET Framework directory structure. Upon execution, it conducts comprehensive system reconnaissance before establishing command and control communications.
The malware connects to its C2 server at ri.xyz:80 using standard HTTP traffic, blending with normal web activity. Security analysts have observed the trojan’s modular architecture allows for dynamic payload updates, making static detection challenging without behavioral analysis.
Data Collection and Exfiltration Techniques
REDLINESTEALER.YXBDM employs multiple data harvesting methods, targeting both system information and application-specific credentials. The malware collects hardware identifiers, screenshots, and detailed security configuration data. It specifically targets financial applications, with built-in modules for extracting data from cryptocurrency wallets like Electrum and Exodus.
Browser data theft includes credentials, cookies, and browsing history from Chrome, Firefox, and derivatives. The malware also scans for installed security software, VPN configurations, and messaging applications like Telegram. This comprehensive data collection makes it particularly dangerous for organizations handling financial transactions or sensitive communications.
Detection and Mitigation Strategies
Enterprise security teams should monitor for process injection targeting AddInProcess32.exe in .NET Framework directories. Network traffic analysis should focus on connections to the known C2 domain and unusual outbound data transfers. Trend Micro’s machine learning detection (Troj.Win32.TRX.XXPE50FFF043) and Microsoft Defender’s signature (Trojan:MSIL/Redlinestealer.RPY.mtb) provide reliable identification.
Recommended mitigation measures include application control policies restricting execution from %Windows%\Microsoft.NET\Framework directories and enhanced monitoring of process creation events. Regular reviews of system binaries and .NET framework components can help identify potential compromises. Security teams should prioritize updating endpoint detection rules to include the latest behavioral indicators.
Operational Security Implications
For red teams, this malware demonstrates effective techniques for maintaining persistence through process injection and using lightweight C2 channels. The comprehensive system profiling capabilities provide valuable intelligence for targeted attacks. Blue teams should note the malware’s use of legitimate system processes for malicious activities, highlighting the need for granular process monitoring.
System administrators in financial institutions should implement additional controls around cryptocurrency applications and VPN clients. Multi-factor authentication and credential vaulting can reduce the impact of potential credential theft. Regular security awareness training helps prevent initial infection through phishing or drive-by download vectors.
Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring
While REDLINESTEALER.YXBDM currently shows limited distribution, its sophisticated data collection capabilities warrant close monitoring. The malware’s continuous evolution and focus on financial data make it a persistent threat to organizations handling sensitive information. Security teams should maintain updated detection rules and review system hardening measures to prevent similar infections.
Ongoing threat intelligence gathering is essential, as new variants may emerge with enhanced evasion techniques. Organizations should participate in information sharing initiatives to stay informed about developing attack patterns and C2 infrastructure changes.
References
- Trend Micro Threat Encyclopedia – Initial malware analysis and detection details
- Microsoft Defender Threat Encyclopedia – Additional detection information and mitigation guidance
- AsiaInfo Threat Encyclopedia – Technical analysis of infection vectors and persistence mechanisms
