POSHSPY

Poshspy is a sophisticated malware used by APT29, an advanced persistent threat group known for deploying stealthy backdoors. It leverages built-in Windows features such as PowerShell and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to infiltrate systems. The malware was designed to store and persist the backdoor code using WMI, rendering it invisible to those unfamiliar with this technology. Poshspy's design allows it to download and execute additional PowerShell code and Windows binaries, making it a potent tool in the hands of its operators. The cybersecurity firm Mandiant first identified an early variant of the Poshspy backdoor during an incident response engagement in 2015. The backdoor was deployed as PowerShell scripts, showcasing its ability to blend into the system environment seamlessly. Over the subsequent years, Mandiant discovered Poshspy in several other environments compromised by APT29, confirming the malware's widespread use and effectiveness. In the operations conducted by APT29, Poshspy was often deployed as a secondary or failover backdoor. If the primary backdoors were detected and neutralized, Poshspy would maintain the attackers' access to the compromised systems. Its efficient and covert nature, coupled with its resilience and persistence mechanisms, make Poshspy an exemplary representation of the skill and craftiness of APT29.