Panda’s target list includes two productivity web applications that use Ajax. This is notable because unlike web applications that execute completely on a server, Ajax applications utilize functions across both the client and the server. This extends the possible attack surface, and allows for more opportunities to potentially inject malicious code, steal sessions/authentication tokens, or start a browser-based attack. Although security around Ajax has been tightened since the mid-2000s, the possibility for an attack vector remains.

In order to propagate more quickly the latest Panda attacks are utilizing BlackHat SEO injection techniques. Link spam (posting out of context links on forums) is used to increase the number of external links to a specific website. Increasing this number can improve a website’s position in search engines result, resulting in a higher number of clicks. Link spam is highly discouraged, however, Google applies penalties on websites which utilize low-quality link building. Sites that partake in this are subject to punitive action and often see their ranking go down overnight. Panda’s authors are getting more thoughtful with their techniques to spread the malware and are attempting to bypass Google’s punishments.

Conclusion

Panda is an example of a classic banking Trojan that has evolved in technique, sophistication, and industry scope. Panda has expanded well beyond its original purpose of sealing sensitive information and manipulating online transactions. Today’s most sophisticated malware authors are demonstrating their knowledge and experience by using techniques that circumvent a target’s defense mechanisms to evade detection. We’re seeing this trend in almost every piece of code that descends from banking malware.

All industries impacted by Panda malware (such as ecommerce, social media, video/media hosting providers, online advertisers, and others) need to be aware of the increasingly clever techniques being used so they can take precautions. It’s critical for all organizations to provide security awareness training to employees and clients to help them avoid falling victim to phishing attacks or drive by downloads as this is how Trojan attack malware is typically installed.

Panda is just one of many types of malware we follow at F5. Check back with us for updates to this article as future campaigns materialize, and targeted industries expand.

The target list for this version of Panda includes: