Batloader

Batloader is a malware downloader posing as installers or updates for legitimate applications such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and others. This malicious software can infiltrate systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, often unbeknownst to the user. Once inside, it can steal personal information, disrupt operations, or even hold data hostage for ransom. Notably, Batloader has been observed loading Cobalt Strike, which is often a precursor to ransomware distribution. From August to October 2022, Microsoft detected DEV-0569 activity where Batloader was delivered via phishing emails, masquerading as legitimate installers for various applications like TeamViewer, Adobe Flash Player, Zoom, and AnyDesk. In December 2023, an access broker group tracked by Microsoft as Storm-0569 began distributing Batloader through search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning. The group used this technique to spoof legitimate software download sites such as Zoom, Tableau, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk, redirecting users to the malicious Batloader download site under certain conditions. Storm-0569, known for downloading post-compromise payloads like Batloader through malvertising and phishing emails, played a crucial role in these activities. In one instance, Storm-0569's Batloader dropped a Cobalt Strike Beacon, followed by data exfiltration using the Rclone tools and Black Basta ransomware deployment. These activities suggest that Batloader is part of a broader threat landscape involving multiple groups and sophisticated techniques, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures.