Abusing Telegram API for C2 Communications
A New Method for Establishing Command and Control Communications
C2 communication, being established by the malware, can easily be mistaken for legitimate Telegram API deployments, making its detection difficult.
The Advantages of Using Cloud Apps as C2 Channels
Although the use of cloud apps as C2 channels is not a common practice, it is a very effective method employed by attackers. This is because there is no need to implement a whole infrastructure for it, making attackers’ lives easier. Furthermore, it is very difficult, from a defender’s perspective, to differentiate what is a normal user using an API and what is a C2 communication.
The Use of Telegram as a C2 Mechanism
The backdoor uses Telegram as its C2 mechanism by using an open-source Go package to interact with it. It initially creates a bot instance using Telegram’s BotFather feature, which enables creating, managing, and configuring Telegram Bots.
The BotFather Feature
The BotFather feature allows users to create, manage, and configure Telegram Bots. It is a convenient and effective way for attackers to establish C2 communications without having to implement a complex infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of Telegram API for C2 communications is a new and effective method employed by attackers. It is a difficult-to-detect method that allows attackers to establish C2 communications without having to implement a complex infrastructure. This method is particularly useful for attackers who want to maintain a low profile and avoid detection.
FAQs
Q: What is C2 communication?
A: C2 communication refers to the process of establishing communication between an attacker and their malware.
Q: What is Telegram API?
A: Telegram API is a set of APIs provided by Telegram that allows developers to create applications and services that interact with the Telegram platform.
Q: What is the BotFather feature?
A: The BotFather feature is a feature provided by Telegram that allows users to create, manage, and configure Telegram Bots.
Q: How does Telegram API make it difficult to detect C2 communications?
A: Telegram API makes it difficult to detect C2 communications because it is easy to mistake C2 communications for legitimate API deployments, making it challenging for defenders to differentiate between normal user activity and C2 activity.
Q: What are the advantages of using cloud apps as C2 channels?
A: The advantages of using cloud apps as C2 channels include the fact that it does not require the implementation of a complex infrastructure, making it easier for attackers, and it is difficult for defenders to differentiate between normal user activity and C2 activity.
