X-ZIGZAG RAT: Unraveling the Tactics of a Sophisticated RAM-Based Threat
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and one of the most recent and sophisticated examples is the X-ZIGZAG RAT.
Detected by ThreatMon in 2024, this malware targets Windows systems using advanced techniques to evade detection, such as operating entirely in RAM and employing complex sandbox and virtual machine detection methods. This post delves into the attack chain of the X-ZIGZAG RAT to shed light on how this powerful malware infiltrates systems, executes its malicious activities, and avoids being detected.
How X-ZIGZAG RAT Stands Out From Other Malware
X-ZIGZAG RAT distinguishes itself from other malware through its advanced and stealthy features. Operating entirely in RAM with fileless execution, it effectively bypasses traditional disk-based security measures, making it harder to detect.
One of its standout abilities is a self-destruct function that allows it to erase itself without leaving any trace, complicating efforts to track or analyze it. Additionally, being open-source and easily accessible on platforms like GitHub, it’s available to a broad range of users, even those with minimal technical skills.
What further sets X-ZIGZAG RAT apart is its ability to detect virtual machines and sandbox environments, stopping its activities during analysis. Its low detection rate allows it to slip past most antivirus programs, making it a highly evasive and potent threat.
In short, X-ZIGZAG RAT’s combination of stealth, accessibility, and sophisticated evasion techniques poses a significant challenge for cybersecurity experts
X-ZIGZAG RAT sets itself apart by operating entirely in RAM with fileless execution, avoiding traditional security tools. Its self-destruct feature ensures it can delete itself without leaving any trace, making it extremely hard to detect.
Available as open-source software on GitHub, it’s accessible even to less tech-savvy users. Additionally, it can recognize virtual machines and sandbox environments, pausing its activities when under scrutiny. This, combined with its low detection rate, allows it to bypass most antivirus solutions.
In summary, X-ZIGZAG RAT’s stealth and advanced evasion tactics make it a formidable threat in the cybersecurity landscape.
For a comprehensive analysis and in-depth review of X-ZIGZAG RAT, click here to download the full report
Attack Chain Overview
The attack chain represents the step-by-step process through which the X-ZIGZAG RAT infiltrates systems and compromises its targets. Understanding this process is key to building effective defenses.
1. Initial Access
The attack chain begins when the attacker gains initial access to the target machine. This is usually done through phishing emails or malicious attachments that deliver the X-ZIGZAG RAT payload. The malware can disguise itself as legitimate software by tricking users into downloading and running it. Once executed, the malware stores nothing on disk and runs entirely in memory, which is its key stealth feature.
2. Execution
Once inside the system, the X-ZIGZAG RAT immediately starts executing its code in memory using VB.NET without writing any files to disk. This fileless operation bypasses traditional disk-based antivirus detection. The malware also runs Base64-encoded commands directly in RAM, a technique used to hide its activities and evade signature-based detection methods.
Key Techniques:
Fileless execution: The code runs directly in memory and leaves no trace on disk. Base64 Encoding: Used to hide malicious commands executed in RAM.
3. Persistence
To remain active on the infected system, X-ZIGZAG RAT attaches itself to the Windows Task Scheduler. This ensures long-term persistence by automatically reactivating itself after each reboot. By doing this, it can continue to operate undetected, collect sensitive information, and exfiltrate data without interruption.
Persistence Mechanism:
It maintains persistence across reboots using the Task Scheduler with the following command:
schtasks.exe /Create /SC ONLOGON /RL HIGHEST /TN “XZIGZAG” /TR “%LOCALAPPDATA%\xzigzag\X-ZIGZAG.exe”
4. Privilege Escalation
If the malware requires elevated privileges, it can exploit system vulnerabilities to gain administrative access. This upgrade allows the RAT to execute highly privileged commands, embed itself further into the system, and access more sensitive files and resources.
5. Evasion Defense
The X-ZIGZAG RAT excels at evading detection. It performs extensive checks to determine whether it is running in a virtual machine (VM), sandbox, or malware analysis environment. If such an environment is detected, the malware terminates itself, preventing analysts from capturing its activities. Additionally, the X-ZIGZAG RAT uses Base64 encoding and runs entirely in memory, making it virtually invisible to most antivirus programs.
6. Credential Theft and Data Exfiltration
After securing its position in the system, the X-ZIGZAG RAT starts collecting sensitive information such as:
System details (Operating System, IP address, ISP, etc.)
Browser passwords and cookies
Wi-Fi credentials
Credit card details saved in browsers
The stolen data is then exfiltrated to the attacker’s Command and Control (C2) server in JSON format using HTTP communication. The RAT can also capture screenshots and exfiltrate them to the C2 server.
7. Command and Control (C2)
The final stage in the attack chain is the continuous communication between the X-ZIGZAG RAT and the attacker’s C2 server. Through this C2 channel, the attacker can remotely control the infected machine, execute commands, and receive exfiltrated data. The communication is encoded in Base64 and uses HTTP to evade detection.
X-ZIGZAG RAT is an evasive malware that runs entirely in memory and evades detection by traditional antivirus software. Its open-source availability makes it easy for attackers to deploy, while its self-destruct feature erases all traces, making it difficult to detect.
The X-ZIGZAG RAT exemplifies the sophistication of modern cyber threats. Its ability to remain undetected, thanks to fileless execution and advanced evasion techniques, makes it a formidable challenge for security teams. Understanding the full attack chain and implementing defensive measures such as memory scanning and behavior-based detection systems is critical in countering threats like X-ZIGZAG RAT.
By analyzing the steps in the attack chain, organizations can better defend against such malware and reduce the risk of a successful attack.
To Download the IOC List, check our Github: https://github.com/ThreatMon/ThreatMon-Reports-IOC
Note: The web site ip-api.com mentioned in the IOC section is not a malicious site.It has been included as an IOC because it is part of the operational structure of theX-ZIGZAG RAT malware during the analysis process. Before considering blocking it,make sure that this service is not being used by legitimate applications on your system.
The X-ZIGZAG RAT exemplifies the growing complexity of modern cyber threats. Its use of fileless execution, advanced evasion techniques, and self-destruct capabilities make it a particularly elusive and dangerous malware. By understanding its attack chain—from initial access to data exfiltration—security teams can better prepare for and defend against such sophisticated threats.
Effective countermeasures should include enhanced memory scanning, behavior-based detection, and sandbox testing to identify abnormal patterns typical of RAM-based malware. As cybercriminals continue to leverage open-source tools like X- ZIGZAG RAT, staying ahead requires constant vigilance and the use of advanced defensive strategies.
Organizations must remain proactive, leveraging threat intelligence and analysis to strengthen their security posture and reduce the risks posed by advanced malware like X-ZIGZAG RAT.
