The evolution of Dark Caracal tools: analysis of a campaign featuring Poco RAT


In early 2024, analysts at the Positive Technologies Expert Security Center (PT ESC) discovered a malicious sample. The cybersecurity community named it Poco RAT after the POCO libraries in its C++ codebase.

At the time of its discovery, the sample had not been linked to any known threat group. The malware came loaded with a full suite of espionage features. It could upload files, capture screenshots, execute commands, and manipulate system processes. Patterns in its tactics, techniques, and procedures linked it to a known player. Dark Caracal, the group behind Bandook, was a clear match. The dropper used in Poco RAT closely resembled Bandook’s, reinforcing the connection.

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Source: Positive Technologies


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