Put on Your Cyber Gloves: BLISTER Loader Resurfaced 

In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, vigilance is paramount, as threats like the BLISTER malware loader continue to adapt and grow in sophistication. Initially identified by Elastic Security Labs in 2021 and associated with financially motivated intrusions, a recent article indicates BLISTER has resurfaced with new capabilities, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness and preparedness.

The BLISTER malware loader has quietly persisted over the past two years, continuously refining its tactics. Findings from Palo Alto’s Unit 42 highlight an updated infection chain, known as SOCGHOLISH, employed to distribute BLISTER and deploy a payload from MYTHIC, an open-source command and control (C2) framework.

One concerning aspect of BLISTER is its ability to embed malicious code within legitimate applications, effectively disguising its presence. This strategy, combined with encryption to safeguard malicious code and a blend of benign code, has proven effective in evading detection by numerous antivirus vendors.

Elastic Security Labs has recently observed a surge in BLISTER loader samples in the wild, suggesting a heightened level of activity. These loaders have displayed signs of updating and testing new capabilities, even including a “Test” message box in some samples. In July, campaigns utilizing the new BLISTER loader were detected, targeting victim organizations, and achieving remarkably low detection rates.

BLISTER continues to pose a threat by targeting specific environments and systems. Recent variants have leveraged legitimate applications, such as the VLC Media Player library, to infiltrate victim environments.

As BLISTER and similar threats adapt, updating cybersecurity protocols, fostering a culture of awareness among your team, and engaging in industry collaboration are your best safeguards. Remember, a proactive and informed approach is the key to protecting against the dynamic cyberthreat landscape. Stay vigilant and stay secure.

In Summary: The resurgence of the BLISTER malware loader, a financially motivated cyberthreat, has new capabilities that make it a formidable adversary in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. The malware’s ability to embed itself within legitimate applications and evade detection poses significant challenges for security professionals. Staying informed, proactive, and engaged in the cybersecurity community is essential to defend against threats like BLISTER.

Why It Matters: This information is of paramount significance to MSPs and their clients, especially considering the frequent targeting of MSP clients by SOCGHOLISH, which has been seen distributing BLISTER malware. The resurgence of the BLISTER malware loader emphasizes the persistent and evolving nature of cyberthreats, demanding that MSPs enhance their security measures to safeguard the IT infrastructure of the multitude of organizations they protect effectively. Understanding BLISTER’s tactics and intrusion methods leads to an understanding of the need for continuous monitoring, sharing threat intelligence, and fostering a proactive cybersecurity culture.

To stay up to date on all APG intel, follow them on Twitter and Reddit.