/TrickBot-Analysis

In-depth malware research report analyzing TrickBot's evolution from a banking trojan to a modular threat tool used in ransomware campaigns. Covers threat actor attribution, MITRE ATT&CK mapping, propagation techniques, and defensive strategies.

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TrickBot Malware Analysis

This research paper investigates TrickBot malware—originally a banking trojan and now a sophisticated, modular cyber threat often used by groups like Wizard Spider and UNC1878. TrickBot has evolved to support ransomware delivery (e.g., Ryuk, Conti), data theft, and network propagation via SMB.

FULL PAPER: TrickBot_MichaelTwining.pdf

📌 Key Topics Covered

  • 👥 Threat Actor Attribution: Wizard Spider, UNC1878, Gold Blackburn
  • 💣 Capabilities: Banking trojan, credential theft, ransomware delivery, C2 infrastructure
  • 🔁 Propagation: Exploits SMB protocol (worm-like behavior)
  • 🧰 MITRE ATT&CK Mapping: Initial access, execution, persistence, evasion
  • 🧬 Modular Architecture: Adaptable for use by other ransomware gangs
  • 🔐 Detection & Defense: Network indicators, phishing training, SMB hardening

🔧 Techniques & Tools Discussed

Tactic Technique
Initial Access Spear phishing with attachments/links
Execution Macros, JS files, Windows API abuse
Persistence Autostart services, scheduled tasks
Defense Evasion Process hollowing, registry modification
Credential Access Enumeration of stored passwords
Command & Control Encrypted HTTP traffic, C2 rotation

🧠 Key Insight

TrickBot’s strength lies in its modularity and evasion—allowing attackers to revisit and reinfect targets even after incident response efforts. The paper emphasizes hardening endpoints, proactive detection, and layered defenses.

📎 References

📘 Written by Michael Twining | LinkedIn
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