Ailurophile is a recently discovered PHP-based information-stealing malware marketed through a subscription model, designed for attackers to customize malicious payloads via a dedicated web panel. Advertised online, it allows users to target specific data stored within web browsers, including passwords, credit card information, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallet data, and other personal details. This malware’s ability to extract data from compromised systems is facilitated through customizable search parameters, allowing attackers to target specific file types, keywords, and directories based on the victim’s system setup.
Developed in PHP, Ailurophile requires the victim’s machine to support PHP execution, a rarity for typical systems. To circumvent this, the malware is packaged into a standalone executable using ExeOutput and virtualized with BoxedApp. This packaging enables Ailurophile to run as an independent program with its own virtualized file system and registry, minimizing detection. Upon execution, Ailurophile’s malware stub decrypts a configuration file, setting the parameters for data theft and uploading the information to a designated server. Additionally, it collects system information like IP addresses and operating system details before initiating its main functions.
Ailurophile’s web panel offers advanced configuration options, including malware stub customization for features like icon selection, naming, and notification integration via Telegram, where attackers receive alerts when data theft is successful. The malware can also disable Windows Defender, further evading detection, and even deploy additional payloads from a pre-defined URL, increasing its adaptability and potential damage. Higher subscription levels unlock more complex configurations, providing attackers with tools for enhanced stealth and additional payload delivery.
Ailurophile primarily targets browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Brave, Yandex, and Opera, where it harvests browser-stored data, including auto-fill details, cookies, passwords, and wallet information. Beyond browsers, Ailurophile scans system directories for sensitive files, such as financial documents or account credentials, based on certain keywords or file types. The stolen data is compressed into zip files and uploaded to a specified server. Notably, Ailurophile’s capabilities and customizability indicate an active development process, as newer samples show added functionalities and differing configurations, suggesting ongoing evolution in response to user demands.
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