Snake Keylogger Malware

Snake Keylogger is a relatively new credential stealer and keylogger that was first discovered in the wild in November 2020. The malware is written in .NET and is a modular malware. Some of its key capabilities include keylogging, stealing saved credentials, taking screenshots, and collecting data from clipboards to be sent to the attacker.

Snake Keylogger is a malware that is commonly spread via phishing and spear phishing campaigns. A malicious Office document or PDF is attached to the email. If the recipient opens the document and enables macros or uses a vulnerable version of Office or a PDF reader, then the malware is executed.

The malware embedded in the document is typically a downloader. It uses PowerShell scripts to download a copy of Snake Keylogger to the infected system and execute it.

Snake Keylogger poses a significant threat to corporate and personal cybersecurity. In October 2022, the malware was the second most common malware variant in operation behind AgentTesla.

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The Threat

Snake Keylogger’s purpose is to collect account credentials for use in account takeover attacks. Some of the ways in which it accomplishes this include:

  • Stealing Saved Credentials: Computers save user credentials in various locations, including within the OS and in browsers. Snake Keylogger can collect saved credentials and exfiltrate them to the malware’s operator.
  • Keystroke Logging: When authenticating to a system, a user often needs to type their password into the system. A keylogger records all of the keystrokes entered into the system, allowing the malware to collect passwords that are not stored on the system.
  • Screenshots: Computers often display sensitive information on-screen, like passwords or sensitive personal data. By taking screenshots, Snake Keylogger is able to collect this information for exfiltration.
  • Accessing Clipboard Data: Often, users will copy-paste passwords and other authentication information to avoid types. Snake Keylogger can monitor the contents of the clipboard for passwords and other sensitive information.

After collecting credentials from the system, the Snake Keylogger malware sends the information to the malware operator. One means for data exfiltration includes using the SMTP protocol, sending emails containing information about the infected system and any extracted credentials.

How to Protect Against Snake Keylogger Malware

Snake Keylogger poses a significant threat to account security and corporate cybersecurity. The malware collects user credentials from various sources, which can be used to take over user accounts.

However, organizations can protect themselves and their employees against credential stealing malware in various ways. Some malware security best practices include the following:

  • Employee Training: Snake Keylogger is commonly spread via phishing messages, which are designed to trick the recipient. Cybersecurity awareness training can help employees to properly identify and respond to attempted phishing attacks.
  • Email Security Solutions: Snake Keylogger spreads via malicious email attachments, including documents that download and run the malware. Email security solutions can identify and block emails containing malicious attachments.
  • Endpoint Security: Snake Keylogger gains access to an infected system and uses various means to collect credentials, including keylogging, screenshots, and other means. Endpoint security solutions can identify and remediate malware infections on compromised devices.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The goal of Snake Keylogger and similar credential stealers is to collect user login credentials to allow the malware operator to take over a user’s account. Strong MFA makes it more difficult for attackers to use the stolen passwords to access user accounts because it also requires access to the other authentication factor.
  • Zero Trust Security: If attackers can gain access to and control over user accounts, they can abuse those accounts’ access and permissions on corporate systems. Implementing zero trust, with its least privilege access controls, limits the potential impacts of a compromised user account.

Snake Keylogger Protection with Check Point

Snake Keylogger is currently one of the leading malware variants, the second most common in October 2022. However, it is only one of the cyber threats that organizations face. Learn more about the current state of the cyber threat landscape and how to protect yourself in Check Point’s 2023 Cyber Security Report.

Check Point Harmony Endpoint provides comprehensive protection against Snake Keylogger and other malware threats that companies face. Harmony Endpoint has access to real-time threat intelligence via an integration with Check Point ThreatCloud AI. This enables it to identify and respond to the latest malware campaigns and evolving threats.

Snake Keylogger is a dangerous malware variant that can result in a data breach or other significant cybersecurity incident. Learn more about how Check Point Harmony Endpoint can help to improve your organization’s defenses against credential stealers and other malware by signing up for a free demo today.

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Related Topics

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Credential Stuffing

What is Spear Phishing

Account Takeover

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