RedLine Stealer Malware: Analyzing the Persistent Data-Theft Threat Targeting Credentials

TrojanSpy.MSIL.REDLINESTEALER.YXBDN represents a sophisticated Windows-based information stealer with demonstrated capabilities in credential harvesting across multiple applications. First identified by Trend Micro in April 2021, this malware variant continues to evolve, posing significant risks to organizations handling sensitive authentication data.

Technical Analysis of Infection Vectors

The malware typically infiltrates systems through two primary infection chains. Initial compromise often occurs via secondary payload delivery from established malware infections or through user-initiated downloads from compromised websites. Upon execution, the malware performs privilege escalation checks before injecting itself into legitimate processes.

Analysis of command and control infrastructure reveals consistent patterns in communication methods. The malware establishes connections to hardcoded domains over HTTP port 80, with observed C2 servers including ri.xyz and related infrastructure. This communication channel enables remote command execution and data exfiltration.

Data Collection and Targeting Scope

REDLINESTEALER.YXBDN exhibits comprehensive information harvesting capabilities, focusing on both system metadata and application-specific credentials. The malware collects hardware fingerprints, security configurations, and geolocation data to profile infected systems.

Targeted applications include mainstream browsers (Chrome, Firefox), cryptocurrency wallets (Electrum, MetaMask), and security tools like VPN clients. This broad targeting makes the malware particularly dangerous for organizations with developer workstations or financial systems.

Detection and Mitigation Strategies

Security teams should implement layered detection mechanisms focusing on behavioral indicators rather than signature-based approaches. Key detection points include monitoring for process injection patterns, unexpected system information collection, and connections to known malicious domains.

Microsoft Defender provides detection coverage as Trojan:MSIL/Redlinestealer.RPY.mtb, while Trend Micro identifies the threat as Troj.Win32.TRX.XXPE50FFF043. Organizations should combine endpoint detection with network monitoring for optimal coverage.

Enterprise Security Implications

This threat demonstrates the increasing sophistication of commodity malware in credential harvesting operations. The malware’s modular C2 structure and broad application targeting present significant challenges for traditional security controls.

Organizations should prioritize application whitelisting for sensitive systems and implement credential rotation policies following potential exposure. The malware’s use of legitimate-looking error messages (such as fake MSVCP140.dll prompts) underscores the importance of user awareness training.

Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring

While currently classified as low prevalence by security vendors, REDLINESTEALER.YXBDN’s continued evolution warrants attention from security teams. The malware’s information exposure potential remains high, particularly for organizations handling cryptocurrency or sensitive authentication data.

Security leaders should monitor for updates to the malware’s C2 infrastructure and adapt detection rules accordingly. The threat landscape suggests this malware family will continue to evolve its evasion techniques and targeting scope in future campaigns.