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A newly discovered malware, Eclipse Stealer, has been making waves across GitHub and Telegram, targeting Windows systems to steal sensitive credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and session data from over 50 applications. Developed in Python, this sophisticated malware is actively updated and equipped with advanced anti-analysis techniques, making it a formidable threat.
With its modular design and undetectable marketing claims, Eclipse Stealer poses serious risks to individuals and organizations alike. In this article, we delve into its technical capabilities, evasion mechanisms, challenges faced by security researchers, and recommended defense strategies.
Eclipse Stealer’s Technical Capabilities
Core Data Theft Functions
Eclipse Stealer is designed to target multiple types of data, including:
- Browsers: Extracts cookies, autofill data, and passwords from Gecko-based browsers (Firefox, Mullvad) and Chromium derivatives (Chrome, Edge, Brave).
- Applications: Targets game clients like Steam, Epic Games, and Rockstar Games, messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, and VPN services including NordVPN and ProtonVPN.
- Cryptocurrency Wallets: Injects malicious scripts into wallets like Atomic and Exodus to steal private keys and transaction data.
- System Profiling: Gathers hardware specs, network details, antivirus lists, and file system metadata.
Evasion Mechanisms
Eclipse Stealer incorporates various anti-detection techniques, such as:
- Obfuscation: Uses UPX packer and PyArmor to hinder static analysis.
- Anti-Debugging Checks: Includes VM detection routines to avoid running in a sandboxed environment.
- Encrypted C2 Communication: Leverages Krakenfiles for stealthy data transmission.
Analysis Challenges & Recommended Tools
Key Challenges for Security Researchers
Due to its heavy obfuscation and encryption, analyzing Eclipse Stealer requires specialized tools and careful execution.
| Analysis Type | Tools | Key Focus Areas |
|–|-||
| Static Analysis | Cutter, PEiD, YARA | Identifying obfuscated strings and packers |
| Dynamic Analysis | Cuckoo Sandbox, Procmon | Detecting registry modifications and process injection |
| Network Analysis | Wireshark, INetSim | Monitoring simulated C2 traffic patterns |
Safe Analysis Practices
– Deploy in VirtualBox/VMware with host-only networking.
- Use the REMnux Linux distro for malware analysis tools.
– Monitor real-time behavior with Sysinternals Process Explorer.
Mitigation & Threat Response
Immediate Actions
- Block Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the GitHub repository and Telegram channel hosting Eclipse Stealer.
- Hunt for setup.bat scripts attempting to modify Python environments.
Long-Term Strategies
- Implement YARA rules to detect Eclipse Stealer components:
“`python
rule Eclipse_Stealer {
strings:
$s1 = JohnDoe287/Eclipse-Stealer
$s2 = UPX Packer nocase
$s3 = Krakenfiles wide
condition:
2 of them
}
“`
- Enable Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) solutions to scan for PyInstaller-packed binaries.
Eclipse Stealer has already seen 39 versions in just 8 months, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of underground malware forums. Given its rapid development, potential future upgrades may include UAC bypass techniques and cryptocurrency clipper modules, broadening its attack scope.
What Undercode Say:
Eclipse Stealer is a prime example of how modern malware is evolving to bypass traditional security measures. Unlike older stealers that focused primarily on browsers, Eclipse Stealer integrates a wide range of applications, making it more versatile and dangerous.
1. Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) Model
Many emerging threats, including Eclipse Stealer, follow a Malware-as-a-Service model, allowing cybercriminals to purchase and deploy it with minimal effort. This means even low-skilled attackers can launch effective campaigns.
2. The Cryptocurrency Connection
Given its focus on wallet theft, this malware is particularly concerning for crypto investors and traders. Atomic Wallet and Exodus Wallet have been frequently targeted, raising concerns about security vulnerabilities in non-custodial wallets.
3. Advanced Persistence Techniques
Eclipse Stealer
4. Challenges in Detection
Its use of Krakenfiles for encrypted C2 communication makes network-based detection challenging. Traditional signature-based antivirus solutions are largely ineffective against it. Instead, behavior-based monitoring is crucial for detection.
5. The Future of Eclipse Stealer
Given the rapid update cycle, it is likely that future versions will include:
– UAC bypass techniques to gain higher privileges.
– Keylogging features to capture real-time keystrokes.
– Clipboard hijacking to replace cryptocurrency wallet addresses.
The best defense against Eclipse Stealer is proactive threat intelligence, sandbox-based analysis, and community-driven malware sharing through platforms like MISP.
Fact Checker Results:
- Eclipse Stealer is actively maintained, with at least 39 updates in 8 months, indicating ongoing development.
- It is primarily distributed via GitHub and Telegram, which are commonly used for malware distribution.
- Its evasion techniques make it difficult to detect with traditional antivirus solutions, emphasizing the need for behavior-based analysis.
References:
Reported By: https://cyberpress.org/eclipse-stealer-found-on-github-telegram/
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