Valak

S0476

Malware.View on attack.mitre.org

About this malware

Valak is a multi-stage modular malware that can function as a standalone information stealer or downloader, first observed in 2019 targeting enterprises in the US and Germany.

Techniques used34

Procedure examples34

TechniqueProcedure example
T1008
Fallback Channels

Valak can communicate over multiple C2 hosts.

T1012
Query Registry

Valak can use the Registry for code updates and to collect credentials.

T1016
System Network Configuration Discovery

Valak has the ability to identify the domain and the MAC and IP addresses of an infected machine.

T1027
Obfuscated Files or Information

Valak has the ability to base64 encode and XOR encrypt strings.

T1027.002
Software Packing

Valak has used packed DLL payloads.

T1027.011
Fileless Storage

Valak has the ability to store information regarding the C2 server and downloads in the Registry key HKCU\Software\ApplicationContainer\Appsw64.

T1033
System Owner/User Discovery

Valak can gather information regarding the user.

T1041
Exfiltration Over C2 Channel

Valak has the ability to exfiltrate data over the C2 channel.

T1047
Windows Management Instrumentation

Valak can use wmic process call create in a scheduled task to launch plugins and for execution.

T1053.005
Scheduled Task

Valak has used scheduled tasks to execute additional payloads and to gain persistence on a compromised host.

T1057
Process Discovery

Valak has the ability to enumerate running processes on a compromised host.

T1059.001
PowerShell

Valak has used PowerShell to download additional modules.

T1059.007
JavaScript

Valak can execute JavaScript containing configuration data for establishing persistence.

T1071.001
Web Protocols

Valak has used HTTP in communications with C2.

T1082
System Information Discovery

Valak can determine the Windows version and computer name on a compromised host.

View all 34 procedure examples

Groups that use it1

Campaigns0

None recorded.

References2

  1. Cybereason Valak May 2020 Open source
    Salem, E. et al. (2020, May 28). VALAK: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE . Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  2. Unit 42 Valak July 2020 Open source
    Duncan, B. (2020, July 24). Evolution of Valak, from Its Beginnings to Mass Distribution. Retrieved August 31, 2020.

Data from MITRE ATT&CK® (Enterprise). ATT&CK® is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation.