SmokeLoader is a sophisticated and long-standing malware loader first observed in 2011, known for its modular design, advanced evasion techniques, and role in distributing secondary payloads like ransomware, info-stealers, and cryptominers.
Loader Capabilities:
• Acts as a gateway for deploying up to 10 additional malware strains, including banking trojans (e.g., TrickBot), ransomware, and credential stealers
• Uses PROPagate injection to insert malicious code into legitimate processes like explorer.exe and Internet Explorer, bypassing traditional security tools
Evasion Techniques:
• Scrambles portable executables and encrypts code using XOR obfuscation
• Implements anti-analysis checks for virtual environments and debugging tools
• Generates fake network traffic mimicking Microsoft/Adobe domains to mask C2 communications