Security experts recommend users maintain updated antivirus software, implement application whitelisting, disable PowerShell execution for standard users, and be vigilant about suspicious links or commands. As Neptune RAT continues to evolve with new techniques and capabilities, security teams worldwide are working to develop effective countermeasures against this significant threat to Windows users. The malware leverages a stealthy infection technique using PowerShell commands that can easily bypass traditional security measures. “The malware is heavily obfuscated with high entropy levels exceeding 7, and uses Arabic characters to replace original strings, making analysis particularly challenging,” notes the CYFIRMA report. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. This delivery method is particularly dangerous because it doesn’t require sending an actual executable file, making it harder for security solutions to detect. This sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT) was created with dangerous capabilities, including the capacity to steal passwords from over 270 applications, spread ransomware, and monitor victims’ PCs in real time. The RAT employs sophisticated anti-analysis techniques to evade detection, including virtual machine (VM) detection to prevent execution in analysis environments. Neptune RAT, an advanced malware strain, is actively targeting Windows users worldwide. Organizations should also deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting fileless malware and PowerShell-based attacks. Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. The downloaded script contains Base64-encoded payloads that, once decoded and executed, install the Neptune RAT malware in the victim’s AppData folder. In a recent discovery, over 50,000 WordPress sites using the popular "Uncanny Automator" plugin have been found vulnerable to privilege escalation attacks.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:00:08 +0000