Researchers Expose NonEuclid RAT Using UAC Bypass and AMSI Evasion Techniques

Source: The Hacker News
Author: [email protected] (The Hacker News)
URL: https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/researchers-expose-noneuclid-rat-using.html

# ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:
NonEuclid is a sophisticated remote access trojan enabling stealthy control of Windows systems, featuring evasion tactics and ransomware functions.

# MAIN POINTS:
1. NonEuclid is a remote access trojan developed in C#.
2. It utilizes advanced evasion techniques including antivirus bypass and privilege escalation.
3. Malicious actors advertise the RAT on underground forums since November 2024.
4. The malware starts with a client initialization phase, establishing TCP communication.
5. It configures Microsoft Defender exclusions to avoid detection by security tools.
6. NonEuclid checks for common analysis processes and can terminate them.
7. It incorporates anti-analysis techniques to evade detection in virtual environments.
8. The malware achieves persistence through scheduled tasks and Windows Registry modifications.
9. Unique ransomware capability encrypts specific file types with a new extension.
10. Its widespread promotion indicates a growing challenge for cybersecurity measures.

# TAKEAWAYS:
1. NonEuclid exemplifies the growing sophistication of malware in modern cybersecurity threats.
2. Awareness of underground platforms is crucial in tracking malware distribution efforts.
3. Ransomware functionality increases the severity of cyber threats posed by RATs.
4. Advanced evasion techniques highlight the need for robust security measures.
5. Understanding malware tactics can help improve responses to cybersecurity incidents.