Pony Loader

Pony Loader is a type of malware, malicious software designed to exploit and damage computer systems. It infiltrates systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, often unbeknownst to the user. Once inside a system, it can steal personal information, disrupt operations, or hold data hostage for ransom. The payload downloaded by Pony Loader follows a specific URL format: http://(...)/wp.php. In this instance, Pony Loader primarily functions as a downloader. Several years ago, the source code of Pony Loader (bot) 1.9 and Pony Builder (bot configurator) leaked online. This incident potentially increased the threat posed by Pony Loader, as it allowed other malicious actors to modify and use the malware for their own purposes. The availability of the source code could have led to an increase in attacks using modified versions of Pony Loader, making it more difficult for cybersecurity professionals to detect and neutralize these threats. Lastly, Pony Loader has a self-deletion mechanism, creating a batch script in %TEMP% with unusually formatted content. This script is designed to delete the Pony Loader after execution, working in a loop to wait for the sample to terminate. This feature makes the malware even more elusive, as it removes traces of its presence once it has accomplished its task. The ability to self-delete not only complicates the process of detecting the malware but also hinders the forensic analysis necessary to understand its operation and devise effective countermeasures.