Unmasking ModeloRAT - Technical Analysis of a New Undocumented Remote Access Trojan
Zero-days, exploit breakdowns, IOCs, detection rules & mitigation playbooks.
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Executive Summary
ModeloRAT is a newly identified, previously undocumented Remote Access Trojan (RAT) observed in active campaigns targeting Windows environments. The malware demonstrates modular design, stealth-focused persistence, and dynamic command-and-control (C2) behavior, indicating a professionally developed threat likely intended for long-term espionage, credential theft, and post-exploitation operations.
Initial analysis suggests ModeloRAT is positioned between commodity RATs and advanced persistent tooling, blending common RAT capabilities with evasion-aware engineering choices.
Malware Classification
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Malware Type | Remote Access Trojan (RAT) |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows |
| Architecture | x86 / x64 |
| Execution Context | User-level (Privilege Escalation optional) |
| Persistence | Registry + Scheduled Tasks |
| C2 | HTTP(S) with dynamic endpoints |
| Obfuscation | String encryption, API hashing |
| Status | Undocumented / Emerging Threat |
Infection Vector & Initial Access
Observed infection chains indicate multiple delivery mechanisms, increasing campaign flexibility.
Common Vectors
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Malicious email attachments (ZIP / ISO / LNK)
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Trojanized cracked software installers
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Drive-by downloads via compromised websites
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Loader-based delivery (dropper → payload)
Execution Flow
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User executes initial loader
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Loader decrypts ModeloRAT payload in memory
-
Payload injected into a trusted Windows process
-
Persistence established
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C2 beacon initiated
Core Capabilities
Credential Harvesting
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Browser credential extraction
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Clipboard monitoring
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Keylogging via low-level keyboard hooks
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Potential LSASS interaction (post-priv escalation)
Remote Control
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Execute shell commands
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Upload / download arbitrary files
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Remote desktop screen capture
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Webcam & microphone surveillance (optional module)
Data Exfiltration
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Encrypted HTTP POST requests
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Chunked data transfer to evade size-based detection
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Adaptive beacon intervals
Modular Architecture
ModeloRAT follows a plugin-based architecture, allowing operators to deploy only required functionality.
Known / Suspected Modules
-
core.dll– main RAT logic -
grabber.dll– credentials & browser data -
spy.dll– keylogging, screen capture -
net.dll– C2 communication -
persist.dll– autorun & task scheduling
Modules are loaded on-demand, reducing behavioral footprint during idle phases.
Persistence Mechanisms
Techniques Observed
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Registry Run keys
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Scheduled Task masquerading as system updater
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Optional startup folder drop (fallback)
Persistence names mimic:
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Windows Update
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Device Manager
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Graphics Driver services
Command-and-Control (C2)
C2 Characteristics
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Hardcoded seed domains
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Runtime-resolved endpoints
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TLS-encrypted traffic
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Custom User-Agent strings
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Periodic heartbeat beacons
Anti-Takedown Strategy
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Domain rotation
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IP fallback lists
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Sleep-jitter to evade sandbox timing
Evasion & Anti-Analysis
ModeloRAT incorporates defensive awareness, although not at nation-state level.
Techniques
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API hashing (GetProcAddress avoidance)
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Encrypted strings (runtime decryption)
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Sandbox detection (sleep timing, CPU count)
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Debugger checks
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Process injection into trusted binaries
Indicators of Compromise (Generic)
File System
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%AppData%\Microsoft\<random>.exe -
%Temp%\mdl_<random>.bin
Registry
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Suspicious Run key entries
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Randomized task names with system-like descriptions
Network
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Repeated outbound HTTPS POSTs
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Small encrypted payloads at fixed intervals
Final IOCs should be environment-specific and campaign-correlated.
Threat Assessment
| Factor | Risk |
|---|---|
| Stealth | High |
| Impact | High |
| Detection Difficulty | Medium–High |
| Target Scope | Consumer + Enterprise |
| Campaign Maturity | Growing |
ModeloRAT is not noisy, making it suitable for long-term access rather than smash-and-grab attacks.
Defensive Recommendations
Immediate Actions
-
Enable EDR behavioral rules for:
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Process injection
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Suspicious scheduled tasks
-
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Monitor registry autorun locations
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Enforce least-privilege user policies
Strategic
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Network TLS inspection (where legal)
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Threat hunting for anomalous beacon patterns
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Email attachment sandboxing
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Disable macros and LNK execution where possible
Analyst Conclusion (CyberDudeBivash)
ModeloRAT represents a new generation of quietly capable RATs — not groundbreaking individually, but dangerous in aggregate. Its modular design, persistence reliability, and evasive execution suggest active development and potential future evolution into a broader malware framework.
Organizations should treat ModeloRAT as an early-warning signal, not a one-off curiosity.
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#WindowsMalware #CyberSecurityResearch #ReverseEngineering
#IncidentResponse #EDR #CyberDudeBivash
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