Kazuar, a formidable backdoor-type malware linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), employs sophisticated social engineering and targeted phishing for dissemination. Known since 2017, it conceals itself within various file formats and exhibits anti-analysis traits.
Kazuar’s extensive profiling capabilities include data theft, script execution, and automated tasks. Its propagation methods involve malicious -attachments in spam, deceptive downloads, malvertising, online scams, and self-spreading through local networks and removable storage devices. A potent tool in geopolitical cyber-espionage, Kazuar excels in stealth and strategic infiltration.
Kazuar Malware Overview
Kazuar stands as a backdoor-type malware operational since at least 2017, with numerous identified variants over the years. The most recent manifestation surfaced during an assault on the Ukrainian defense sector in July 2023. Pensive Ursa, alias Turla or Uroburos, orchestrates the deployment of Kazuar. This threat actor maintains ties to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB). Geopolitical objectives steer the application of Kazuar, evident in its targeting of entities associated with European governments and militaries.
Kazuar on Virus Total site
| Name | Kazuar |
| Threat Type | Trojan, backdoor, spyware. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software ‘cracks’. |
| Detection Names | Microsoft (Trojan:ASP/DeliveryCheck!dha), Gridinsoft (Trojan.Heur!.0311A2C2) |
| Similar Behavitor | Cur, NightClub |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim’s computer added to a botnet. |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Kazuar Virus |
Technical Analysis of Kazuar
Kazuar, deployed in the second stage of infections, often follows the initial Capibar backdoor and combines with an array of tools.
Designed for stealth, Kazuar employs advanced anti-analysis techniques, actively seeking specific debuggers and analysis tools like dnSpy, Process Monitor, Wireshark, and x32dbg. It evades detection by steering clear of honeypots and sandbox environments, employing obfuscation and encryption.
Miscellaneous applications targeted by Kazuar malware:
- OpenVPN
- Microsoft Outlook
- FileZilla
- Signal
- Git SCM
- WinSCP
Functioning as an extensive system profiling tool, Kazuar boasts diverse data-stealing capabilities. It executes scripts (JavaScript, PowerShell, VBScript) and various commands via Command Prompt. Automation is another feature, leveraging compromised legitimate websites for Command and Control (C&C), minimizing the risk of site takedown and detection from suspicious traffic. Kazuar meticulously collects a broad spectrum of information from the infected system. This includes hardware details, OS data, drivers, network specifics, user data, UAC settings, and more.
Spreading methods
Sophisticated threat actors, such as those associated with Kazuar, rely on targeted social engineering tactics and customized phishing campaigns for malware dissemination. The utilization of Kazuar by a threat actor supported by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) indicates a strategic, non-random approach to attacks. In the broader context of malware distribution, these malicious programs often masquerade as or embed themselves within regular files or programs. Formats vary, including executables, archives, documents, JavaScript, and so on.
Common methods for spreading malware encompass the use of malicious attachments or links in spam mail, stealthy drive-by downloads, malvertising, online scams, dubious download channels, pirated content, illegal software activation tools (“cracks”), and deceptive fake updates. Additionally, certain malicious programs possess self-spreading capabilities, propagating through local networks and removable storage devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives.
How to remove the Kazuar Malware from my PC?
When it comes to removing malware from your device, the most effective approach is to use anti-malware software. I highly recommend GridinSoft Anti-Malware because it is rapid, lightweight, and highly efficient in thwarting a wide range of threats, including Kazuar. You can explore its capabilities during a 6-day free trial period.
While manual removal of the threat is technically possible, I strongly discourage this method. The malware generates numerous instances of itself in its pursuit of establishing persistence, making it exceedingly difficult to trace all its components manually. Consequently, manual removal can be time-consuming and often yield minimal to no results. Below, I have assembled a guide outlining the most effective removal practices for Kazuar.
Remove Kazuar with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Malware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Kazuar as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “Kazuar” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Kazuar and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing Kazuar malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of Kazuar is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
How to Remove Kazuar Malware
Name: Kazuar
Description: Kazuar, a potent backdoor malware aligned with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), stands out for its targeted social engineering tactics and tailored phishing campaigns since 2017. Operating in a stealth mode, Kazuar hides within diverse file formats, demonstrating sophisticated anti-analysis measures. This malware excels in comprehensive system profiling, executing scripts, and automated tasks. Its propagation channels include malicious attachments in spam, deceptive downloads, malvertising, online scams, and self-spreading through local networks and removable storage devices. Kazuar's strategic deployment underscores its role as a formidable tool in geopolitical cyber-espionage, emphasizing both subtlety and calculated infiltration.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Malware
