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Remote administration software

A remote access tool (a RAT) is a piece of software that allows a remote "operator" to control a system as if he has physical access to that system. While desktop sharing and remote administration have many legal uses, "RAT" software is usually associated with criminal or malicious activity. Malicious RAT software is typically installed without the victim's knowledge, often as payload of a Trojan horse, and will try to hide its operation from the victim and from security software.

The operator controls the RAT through a network connection. Such tools provide an operator the following capabilities:[1]

  • Screen/camera capture or image control[2]
  • File management (download/upload/execute/etc.)[3]
  • Shell control (from command prompt)[4]
  • Computer control (power off/on/log off if remote feature is supported)
  • Registry management (query/add/delete/modify)[5]
  • Other software product-specific functions

Its primary function is for one computer operator to gain access to remote PCs. One computer will run the "client" software application, while the other computer(s) operate as the "host(s)".

Contents

Reverse connection

In this mode of operation remote computer(s) acts as the "Host" for the RAT software, for the "client" remote administrator to control. RATs that use this method of connectivity have the following operational advantages.

  • Outgoing connections are generally perceived as less threatening to the remote "host" user, as it is the remote user who activates the download of the remote administration tool software. This procedure usually allows the software tool to avoid being blocked by a firewall, such as used in a router device.
  • Since the remote "host" computer itself is connecting to the remote administrator, it will not be necessary for the remote administrator to know the remote "host" computers IP address to send the software tool.

A diagram is shown below which illustrates the remote administrator as the "server" connected to multiple "clients" compromised systems that are performing various functions:

Func   Func   \ / Func Func [CLIENT]   \ /   | [CLIENT]   |  /   | /   | /   Func Func   |   /  \ / [SERVER]------[CLIENT]   |   |   [ATTACKER]

Direct connection

It is possible to remotely install a piece of software on a computer with the intention of taking control of that computer without the legitimate operator becoming aware of it. This connection type can normally only be made if the remote computer operator has the I.P address of the computer required to be controlled. Most "firewall" software usually "blocks" this type of invasive software. However, experienced computer software programmers have developed sophisticated programs to "bypass" typical firewall software. There is a continual process to produce counter measures against such intrusive software programs.[6]

Security is an important factor when choosing a remote support solution for any enterprise. Gone are the days where security was just a matter of the highest degree of encryption. Today, a truly secure remote support solution will allow organizations to centrally control who can do what and where, safe in the knowledge that when each remote session has finished it should be able to document what actually took place.

For systems in environments that need to meet and maintain compliance requirements,[7] remote administration software must have strict security control. Software like Netop Remote Control 10 is able to exceed the toughest security standards including PCI DSS, ISO 27001, FIPS and HIPAA.

It is necessary to examine the remote control software functionality that best serves organizations that need a highly secure tool that crosses all platforms and devices and is completely scalable in any environment. It will help IT professionals select a remote control solution that increases productivity and customer satisfaction, as well as enhances the flexibility of the IT organization and improves the company’s risk profile.

RAT trojan horses

Many trojans and backdoors now have remote administration capabilities allowing an individual to control the victim's computer. Many times, a file called the server must be opened on the victim's computer before the trojan can have access to it. These are generally sent through email, P2P file sharing software, and in internet downloads. They are usually disguised as a legitimate program or file. Many server files will display a fake error message when opened, to make it seem like it didn't open. Some will also kill antivirus and firewall software. RAT trojans can generally do the following:

  • Block mouse and keyboard
  • Change your desktop wallpaper
  • Download, upload, delete, and rename files
  • Drop viruses and worms
  • Edit Registry
  • Use your internet to perform distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS)
  • Format drives
  • Grab passwords, credit card numbers
  • Hijack homepage
  • Hide desktop icons, taskbar and files
  • Log keystrokes, keystroke capture software
  • Open CD-ROM tray
  • Overload the RAM/ROM drive
  • Print text
  • Play sounds
  • Control mouse or keyboard
  • Record sound with a connected microphone
  • Record video with a connected webcam
  • Shutdown, restart, log-off, shutdown monitor
  • Steal passwords
  • View screen
  • View, kill, and start tasks in task manager

A well designed RAT will allow the operator the ability to do anything that they could do with physical access to the machine. Some RAT trojans are pranks that are most likely being controlled by a friend or enemy on April Fool's Day or a holiday. Prank RATS are generally not harmful, and won't log keystrokes or store information about the system on the computer. They usually do disruptive things like flip the screen upside-down, open the CD-ROM tray, and swap mouse buttons. However, they can be quite hard to remove. It is much safer (in terms of law) to use a VBS script instead, as you can get the same results without getting in trouble by the police for a minor "April fool's joke". See: Script kiddie

Typical RAT software and trojans

References

  1. ^ "Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7". Microsoft Technet June 4, 2009. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/li brary/ee449475%28WS.10%29.aspx. Retrieved 4 February 2011.,
  2. ^ "Danger: Remote Access Trojans". Microsoft technet September 2002. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/li brary/dd632947.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  3. ^ "Understanding the Windows NT Remote Access Service". Microsoft technet date undisclosed. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/li brary/cc751300.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  4. ^ "Netsh commands for remote access (ras)". Microsoft technet January 21, 2005. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/li brary/cc757467%28WS.10%29.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  5. ^ "RAS Registry Modification Allowed Without Administrative Rights". Microsoft technet date undisclosed. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/26786 1. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  6. ^ "Firewall Policy Design Example". Microsoft technet January 20, 2009. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/li brary/cc731164%28WS.10%29.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Compliance and Security Challenges with Remote Control" (PDF). SANS Analyst Program. http://www.sans.org/reading_room/anal ysts_program/netop-02-2011.pdf.
  8. ^ "Win32.Comet.A". Trendmicro date undisclosed. http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs- security-intelligence/darkcomet-surfa ced-in-the-targeted-attacks-in-syrian -conflict/.
  9. ^ "Code Access Security and bifrost". Coding hooro.com Mar 20, 2007. http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2007 /03/code-access-security-and-bitfrost .html. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  10. ^ "Backdoor.Lanfiltrator". Symantec date undisclosed. http://www.symantec.com/security_resp onse/writeup.jsp?docid=2002-121116-03 50-99. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  11. ^ "BD Y3K RAT 1.1". Symantec date undisclosed. http://www.symantec.com/business/secu rity_response/attacksignatures/detail .jsp?asid=20264. Retrieved 5 February 2011.

See also

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