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For example, exploitation of an SQL injection vulnerability may only permit them to steal data from the vulnerable database, while a successful phishing attack may result in compromised credentials or installation of malware on a compromised system.Ī RAT is dangerous because it provides an attacker with a very high level of access and control over a compromised system. The RAT may have this functionality built-in, may be designed to download and add a keylogger module as needed, or may download and launch an independent keylogger.ĭifferent attacks require different levels of access to a target system, and the amount of access that an attacker gains determines what they can accomplish during a cyberattack. For example, an attacker may gain a foothold using a RAT and, after exploring the infected system using the RAT, may decide that they want to install a keylogger on the infected machine. RATs may be bundled with additional functionality or designed in a modular fashion to provide additional capabilities as needed.
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RATs commonly have a set of built-in commands and have methods for hiding their C2 traffic from detection. The RAT will set up a command and control (C2) channel with the attacker’s server over which commands can be sent to the RAT, and data can be sent back. They might be attached to an email, be hosted on a malicious website, or exploit a vulnerability in an unpatched machine.Ī RAT is designed to allow an attacker to remotely control a computer similar to how the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and TeamViewer can be used for remote access or system administration. RATS can infect computers like any other type of malware.
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