Agent Tesla (also known as Agent Tesla) is a C#/.NET-based remote access trojan active since 2014. Premium .NET keylogger and stealer. Key capabilities include: keylogging, clipboard capture, screenshot, browser/email/FTP credential theft, SMTP/FTP/Telegram exfil.
Overview & Background
Premium .NET keylogger and stealer. First observed in 2014, Agent Tesla is attributed to eCrime (MaaS). The malware is written in C#/.NET and provides operators with comprehensive remote access capabilities.
Agent Tesla continues to be actively distributed and used in campaigns targeting organizations worldwide. Its capabilities include: keylogging, clipboard capture, screenshot, browser/email/FTP credential theft, SMTP/FTP/Telegram exfil.
- Language: C#/.NET
- Active since: 2014
- Attribution: eCrime (MaaS)
- Also known as: Agent Tesla
Technical Capabilities
- Keylogging: Core Agent Tesla capability T1059
- Clipboard Capture: Core Agent Tesla capability T1059
- Screenshot: Core Agent Tesla capability T1059
- Browser/Email/Ftp Credential Theft: Core Agent Tesla capability T1059
- Smtp/Ftp/Telegram Exfil: Core Agent Tesla capability T1059
Distribution Methods
Agent Tesla is typically distributed through phishing emails with malicious attachments, cracked software downloads, and malvertising campaigns. Common delivery mechanisms include Office macros, ISO/IMG containers, and script-based downloaders.
- Phishing emails: Malicious attachments and links T1566.001
- Malvertising: SEO poisoning and malicious ads T1189
- Cracked software: Bundled with pirated applications
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
| Tactic | Technique | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Access | T1566.001 Phishing Attachment | Malicious email attachments |
| Execution | T1204.002 Malicious File | User executes RAT payload |
| Persistence | T1547.001 Registry Run Keys | Autostart persistence |
| Defense Evasion | T1027 Obfuscated Files | Payload obfuscation |
| Credential Access | T1056.001 Keylogging | Keystroke capture |
| Collection | T1113 Screen Capture | Screenshot collection |
| Collection | T1125 Video Capture | Webcam access |
| C2 | T1071.001 Web Protocols | HTTP/HTTPS C2 communication |
Detection & Defense
- Endpoint detection: Monitor for C#/.NET processes with network connections from unusual locations
- Network monitoring: Detect C2 traffic patterns associated with Agent Tesla
- Email security: Block malicious attachments and links in phishing campaigns
- Application whitelisting: Restrict execution of unauthorized binaries
- YARA rules: Deploy detection signatures for known Agent Tesla variants
Protect Against Remote Access Trojans
Mjolnir Security provides comprehensive detection and response capabilities against Agent Tesla and similar RAT threats.
- RAT Detection & Removal Identify and remediate Agent Tesla infections including persistence mechanisms and lateral movement artifacts.
- Threat Intelligence Continuous monitoring for Agent Tesla campaigns and infrastructure targeting your organization.
- 24/7 Incident Response Rapid containment and forensic investigation. Call +1 833 403 5875.
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