Raspberry Robin malware downloader is targeting Windows systems by utilizing a new exploit related to a frequently used vulnerability in the Log File System Driver.
The cybersecurity landscape is under constant threat from Raspberry Robin, a sophisticated malware downloader also known as Roshtyak. This malware, first identified in 2021, continues its campaign against Windows systems with enhanced capabilities and evasion techniques. Primarily targeting enterprise environments, Raspberry Robin propagates through infected removable storage devices, maintaining its original infection vector by leveraging compromised USB devices to infiltrate networks. Once executed, the malware establishes persistence and communicates with command-and-control infrastructure via TOR networks. Recent research by Zscaler highlights significant evolutionary changes in Raspberry Robin’s architecture, including the integration of CVE-2024-38196, a local privilege escalation exploit that targets the Common Log File System driver vulnerability. This addition allows the malware to elevate its privileges on compromised systems, potentially granting administrator-level access for deeper infiltration.
Raspberry Robin’s operators have refined their approach by implementing advanced obfuscation techniques that challenge traditional detection mechanisms and complicate reverse engineering efforts. The malware has transitioned from AES-CTR encryption to the more robust ChaCha-20 algorithm for network data protection, significantly enhancing its ability to evade detection systems. Additionally, the latest variants incorporate multiple initialization loops within functions featuring flattened control flow, effectively neutralising previous brute-force decryption attempts. The use of obfuscated stack pointers and conditional statements disrupts standard decompilation processes, necessitating manual intervention from security analysts for proper analysis. As Raspberry Robin continues to evolve, it poses a persistent threat to cybersecurity, requiring ongoing vigilance and advanced detection strategies.
