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Warzone RAT

Also known as: WarzoneRAT, AVE_MARIA, AveMariaRAT, avemaria.

Category: Malware

Type: Remote access trojan (RAT)

Platform: Windows 

Variants: PEAPOD

Damage potential: Account takeover, identity theft, data theft (including passwords and banking information), keylogging, screen recording, adding the device to a botnet, taking over device control, privilege escalation, ransomware deployment, disrupting operations.

Overview

Warzone RAT, also known as Ave Maria, is a highly sophisticated remote access trojan (RAT) that targets Windows systems. First discovered in 2018, it has since become a prominent tool used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access and control infected devices​. Warzone RAT is notorious for its stealth and anti-analysis techniques which make it difficult to detect. 

The malware uses dynamic DNS (DDNS) to obscure the location of its command-and-control servers, making it harder to track and block its network communications​. In addition, Warzone RAT can disable security tools and employ methods to avoid sandboxing and other analysis environments​.

Possible symptoms

Like any malware designed for stealing data and spying, Warzone RAT uses stealth to avoid notice for as long as possible. Because of that, the victim is unlikely to notice any obvious alterations to their files or signs of infection.     

Potential indicators of a Warzone RAT infection include:

  • Frequent device crashes.
  • Unauthorized access to your webcam, microphone, or mouse cursor. 
  • Other malware appears on your device.
  • Higher-than-usual network traffic. 
  • Unfamiliar processes running in the Task Manager. 
  • Unexplained changes to system settings (e.g., desktop background). 
  • Unusually high CPU usage. 
  • Suspicious pop-ups, warnings, or notifications. 
  • Disabled security software. 

Sources of the infection

Warzone RAT is typically hidden in legitimate software to evade detection. This malware is hosted on fake websites — convincing copies of real websites from companies like SolarWinds, KeePass, PDF Technologies, and Veeam. Warzone RAT operators use spear phishing emails (crafted to mimic the style of official communications as closely as possible) to deliver the download link to the victim. 

Your device may also get infected with Warzone RAT malware from:

  • ZIP archives that are disguised as PDF documents (for example, invoices) attached to phishing emails.
  • Infected software “cracks” (programs designed to bypass legitimate copy protection measures).
  • Drive-by downloads (malicious scripts on compromised websites that force your device to automatically download malware when the page loads).
  • Downloading infected files from torrent sites.
  • Infected external devices, such as hard drives or USB sticks.
  • Fake software updates.

Protection

To protect yourself against Warzone RAT, you need to form good cybersecurity habits. Because Warzone RAT typically targets institutions working with the military, critical infrastructure, or the government, their employees must be exceptionally vigilant about spear phishing attempts. Never download software through email links without first confirming it in person with your IT department, and always scan items you download for potential malware.

You can also take other protective measures: 

  • Use email scanning tools to identify and automatically block messages with suspicious attachments.
  • Use content disarm and reconstruction (CDR) tools. CDR tools can disassemble infected documents, remove the malicious code, glue the file back together, and send the clean version to the intended recipient.
  • Avoid potentially dangerous websites, like pages on the dark web or torrent repositories. These websites may attempt to install malware (including Warzone RAT) on your device as soon as you open them.
  • Always check the legitimacy of the site before downloading anything. Warzone RAT operators often spoof legitimate websites to host infected files, so look for any sign of fraud (including the lack of HTTPS or web certificates).
  • Use NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ to scan programs and files for malware while they’re being downloaded. Threat Protection Pro™ will also stop you if you’re about to enter a phishing website or a malware-ridden page.

Removal

After discovering a Warzone RAT infection, you should remove the malware using antivirus software. Manual removal is not recommended because the trojan may regenerate after you reboot your device.