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Astaroth Banking Trojan Now Spreads via WhatsApp Worm in Brazil

Acronis details a Brazil-focused campaign using a Python spreader to deliver the trojan’s credential‑stealing core.

Overview

  • Acronis identifies the active Boto Cor-de-Rosa operation, which harvests WhatsApp contacts and auto-sends malicious ZIP files to propagate like a worm.
  • The infection begins with a WhatsApp message carrying a ZIP archive that launches a disguised VBScript to fetch next‑stage components.
  • The malware splits into a propagation module that messages contacts and a banking module that activates on financial sites to steal credentials.
  • The toolkit mixes languages and installers, pairing a Delphi Astaroth payload with VBScript and MSI/AutoIt delivery and a Python spreader (zapbiu.py) that installs its own runtime.
  • The spreader uses localized Portuguese lures, abuses WhatsApp Web, and reports real‑time metrics on deliveries and failures to monitor its reach.