The Darkcrystal Rat: A Popular Commercial Backdoor On Russian Hacking Forums

The DarkCrystal RAT (DCRat) is a remote access Trojan that has gained significant popularity on Russian hacking forums. Initially released in 2018 and relaunched in 2019, DCRat is a full-featured backdoor written in .NET. It is designed to enable cybercriminals to conduct various illicit activities, including surveillance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution. DCRat consists of three components: a stealer/client executable, a PHP page for command-and-control, and an administrator tool. The pricing options for DCRat range from short-term subscriptions to lifetime subscriptions, indicating its accessibility to a wide range of potential users. It is distributed through Cobalt Strike Beacons and Prometheus TDS and has the capability to steal content from the clipboard and data from Telegram and web browsers. DCRat is actively maintained and updated by its developer and is hosted on the domain crystalfiles[.]ru. Its marketing and sales activities take place on the Russian hacking forum lolz[.]guru, which serves as a hub for cybercriminal activities.

Key Takeaways

• DarkCrystal RAT (DCRat) is a widely accessible remote access Trojan that can be used by both professional criminal groups and beginners.
• DCRat consists of three components: a stealer/client executable, a PHP page for command-and-control, and an administrator tool.
• DCRat is a full-featured backdoor written in .NET and can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution.
• DCRat is hosted on the domain crystalfiles[.]ru and spreads through Cobalt Strike Beacons and Prometheus TDS, contributing to its effectiveness as a backdoor.

Overview

DarkCrystal RAT (DCRat) is a widely accessible remote access Trojan that consists of three components and offers a range of features for cybercriminal activities, including surveillance, reconnaissance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution. DCRat has had a significant impact on cybersecurity due to its widespread availability and affordability. It has been used by both professional criminal groups and beginners, making it accessible to a wide range of users. DCRat was initially released in 2018 and relaunched in 2019, indicating its evolution over time. Its versatility is evident through its ability to steal content from the clipboard and data from platforms such as Telegram and web browsers. The flexibility of DCRat’s architecture allows for customization, and it is actively maintained and updated by its developer.

Components and Features

The remote access Trojan, known for its widespread accessibility and versatility, consists of three distinct components and offers a range of features that enable surveillance, data theft, and dynamic code execution.

1. Stealer/Client Executable: This component of DarkCrystal RAT is responsible for infiltrating target systems and establishing a connection with the command-and-control (C2) server. It can capture screenshots, record keystrokes, and steal data from various sources, including the clipboard, Telegram, and web browsers.

2. PHP Page for Command-and-Control (C2): DarkCrystal RAT utilizes a PHP page as its C2 infrastructure. This allows cybercriminals to remotely control infected systems, execute commands, and retrieve stolen data.

3. Administrator Tool: The administrator tool provides a user-friendly interface for managing and customizing the DarkCrystal RAT. It allows third parties to develop plugins to extend the functionality of the backdoor, providing customization options to suit specific cybercriminal activities.

DarkCrystal RAT’s architecture and flexibility make it a powerful tool for cybercriminals, enabling them to carry out a wide range of malicious activities with ease.

Pricing and Accessibility

Pricing options for the versatile remote access Trojan reflect its affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of cybercriminals, including both professional groups and novices in the field. DarkCrystal RAT (DCRat) offers various subscription plans to cater to different needs and budgets. The two-month subscription starts at 500 RUB ($5), providing a cost-effective option for those seeking short-term access. For more long-term usage, a one-year subscription is available for 2,200 RUB ($21), while a lifetime subscription can be obtained for 4,200 RUB ($40). Special promotions may further lower the prices, increasing the accessibility of DCRat. This affordability contributes to its popularity among cybercriminals, enabling them to utilize its full range of features for malicious activities. The targeted industries for DCRat’s exploitation include surveillance, reconnaissance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution.

Distribution and Spread

The distribution and propagation of the remote access Trojan known as DarkCrystal RAT involve strategically designed spread vectors to ensure stealth and persistence in infecting targeted systems. DarkCrystal RAT spreads through Cobalt Strike Beacons and Prometheus TDS, allowing it to effectively propagate and infect systems. These vectors contribute to the backdoor’s effectiveness as it remains hidden and difficult to detect. DarkCrystal RAT’s presence on Russian hacking forums, such as lolz[.]guru, indicates its popularity and the extent of its distribution. Given its capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution, DarkCrystal RAT poses a significant threat to the cybersecurity landscape. To mitigate its spread, organizations should implement robust security measures, including regularly updating software, using reputable antivirus programs, and educating users about the risks and prevention strategies associated with such malware.

Forum Presence

The presence of DarkCrystal RAT on hacking forums serves as a testament to its widespread adoption within the cybercriminal community. This commercial backdoor has gained popularity due to its versatile capabilities and affordable pricing options. Its availability on Russian hacking forums, such as lolz[.]guru, highlights the extensive collaboration between cybercriminals in sharing and promoting malicious tools.

The impact of DarkCrystal RAT on the cybersecurity landscape is significant. Its ability to spread through Cobalt Strike Beacons and Prometheus TDS showcases its advanced propagation techniques, making it stealthy and persistent. This backdoor enables cybercriminals to conduct various malicious activities, including surveillance, reconnaissance, information theft, DDoS attacks, and dynamic code execution. The forum presence also indicates that DarkCrystal RAT receives continuous updates and maintenance, ensuring its effectiveness in compromising systems and stealing sensitive data. Overall, the popularity of DarkCrystal RAT on hacking forums underscores the constant threat posed by cybercriminals and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DCRat be used on both Windows and Mac operating systems?

DCRat is primarily designed for Windows operating systems and does not support Mac operating systems. Its compatibility is limited to Windows, making it unsuitable for use on Mac systems.

Is the use of DCRat illegal?

The use of DarkCrystal RAT (DCRat) or any remote access tool in cyberattacks can have significant legal implications. It is generally considered illegal to use such tools for unauthorized access or malicious activities. Additionally, there are ethical concerns regarding the use of commercial backdoors like DCRat in hacking activities.

Can DCRat be detected by antivirus software?

Detection methods for DCRat involve the use of antivirus software. However, the effectiveness of antivirus against DCRat can vary. While some antivirus programs may identify and remove DCRat, its adaptable nature and regular updates make detection challenging.

Are there any limitations on the number of devices that can be infected with DCRat?

There are no specific limitations on the number of devices that can be infected with DCRat. The impact of DCRat on infected devices includes surveillance, information theft, and potential for DDoS attacks or dynamic code execution.

How often does the developer of DCRat release updates and patches?

The release frequency of updates and patches for DCRat, as well as any limitations on the number of infected devices, are not explicitly mentioned in the available information regarding the backdoor.