Introduction
ACR Stealer is a rapidly growing infostealer malware family operating under a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model. First observed in early 2024, it has since rebranded as Amatera Stealer, with new evasion features and better infrastructure.
Its targets include:
- Windows users (Win7–Win11).
- Web browsers: saved credentials, cookies, tokens.
- Crypto wallets: private keys, clipboard hijacks.
- Cloud & app configs: FTP, VPN, Telegram, Discord.
CyberDudeBivash breaks down distribution tactics, technical behavior, IoCs, and enterprise defenses.
Infection & Delivery
- Phishing Campaigns
- Fake Google Authenticator pages delivering ACR payloads.
- Social engineering with “security update” lures.
- Cracked Software & Keygens
- Bundled installers with stealer EXEs.
- Popular lure: pirated Adobe, MS Office, VPN clients.
- Web Injects & SEO Poisoning
- Malicious sites injected with stealer JS.
- Fake download portals ranking on Google.
- Dead Drop Resolver (DDR)
- Uses Google Docs, Steam, Telegram to store dynamic C2 info.
- Helps avoid static IOC blacklists.
Capabilities
| Module | Function |
|---|---|
| Credential Theft | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera stored creds. |
| Cookie Hijacking | Session cookies → bypass MFA. |
| Crypto Wallet Theft | Exodus, MetaMask, Atomic, Trust Wallet. |
| System Recon | OS, hardware, installed apps. |
| Clipboard Hijack | Crypto wallet address replacement. |
| C2 Comms | HTTP/S + DDR. |
| Obfuscation | String encryption, anti-VM checks. |
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
- Files:
GoogleAuthSetup.exe,OfficePatch2025.exe. - Registry Keys:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Amatera - C2 Behavior:
- Access to Google Docs JSON blobs for config.
- Outbound traffic to
.top,.xyzdomains.
Risk Analysis
| Factor | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | High | Growing MaaS adoption. |
| Stealth | Medium-High | DDR, obfuscation. |
| Impact | Very High | Identity theft, crypto loss, corporate breaches. |
| Target Base | Wide | From individuals → enterprises. |
CyberDudeBivash Defense Playbook
- Restrict Downloads
- Block cracked/keygen software at gateways.
- Filter suspicious download domains.
- Endpoint Protection (EDR/XDR)
- Monitor for unauthorized access to browser credential stores.
- Flag new processes accessing wallet directories.
- Network & Proxy Filtering
- Detect outbound calls to Google Docs/Steam from unknown processes.
- Block suspicious
.top/.xyzC2.
- Identity Protection
- Enforce MFA on all accounts.
- Rotate credentials frequently.
- Threat Hunting Queries
- Search for suspicious PowerShell decoders.
- Detect processes writing into
%AppData%\Roaming.
Highlighted Keywords
This article integrates:
- Cyber insurance against credential theft
- Zero Trust endpoint protection
- Cloud identity and access management (IAM)
- Next-gen Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
- Advanced persistent threat (APT) emulation
- Ransomware & infostealer incident response
- Security awareness training
Conclusion
ACR Stealer (Amatera) is an infostealer as a service making powerful credential theft accessible to even low-skill attackers.
Its use of Dead Drop Resolvers, cracked software campaigns, and phishing means defenders need multi-layered controls:
- User education
- EDR detection & SIEM hunts
- Network blocking of DDR activity
CyberDudeBivash urges enterprises to treat stealers as initial access brokers (IABs) — one infection can lead to ransomware or espionage within hours.
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