{
  "family": "bototer",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "trojan",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nBototer is a malicious Trojan designed to subvert infected Windows endpoints, forcing them into a distributed botnet controlled by remote threat actors. Once enslaved, the compromised machine is utilized in coordinated malicious campaigns, ranging from massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to the mass distribution of spam and phishing emails.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nBototer is typically distributed via drive-by downloads originating from compromised websites, or bundled within pirated software and key generators found on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.\n\nUpon execution, Bototer immediately attempts to establish stealth and connectivity:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>C2 Beaconing:</strong> The malware reaches out to a hardcoded list of command-and-control (C2) servers, or utilizes a Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA) to find active controllers, registering the newly infected host with the botnet herder.</li>\n<li><strong>Persistence and Stealth:</strong> Bototer modifies the Windows Registry to ensure execution upon boot and frequently injects its core communication threads into legitimate processes (like `explorer.exe`) to evade local firewalls.</li>\n<li><strong>Task Execution:</strong> The infected host enters a listening state, awaiting commands. Typical commands include participating in UDP/TCP flood DDoS attacks against specific targets, downloading additional malware, or acting as an open proxy for the attacker.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Impact</h3>\nA Bototer infection introduces significant legal and operational risks. Not only is the endpoint's bandwidth and CPU consumed by the botnet, but the organization's IP address may be blacklisted by ISPs and security vendors for participating in DDoS attacks or distributing spam.\n\n<h3>Detection and Incident Response</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Network Traffic Analysis:</strong> Monitor edge firewalls for persistent, high-volume outbound traffic to unknown IP addresses, particularly traffic that resembles DDoS flooding or unauthorized SMTP (Port 25) connections.</li>\n<li><strong>Endpoint Isolation:</strong> Instantly quarantine any endpoint demonstrating botnet beaconing behavior to prevent it from participating in coordinated attacks.</li>\n<li><strong>System Re-image:</strong> Because botnet malware often downloads secondary payloads (like rootkits) to ensure persistence, the most secure remediation strategy is a complete wipe and re-image of the compromised endpoint.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Trojan.Bototer",
    "Botnet.Bototer",
    "Win32/Bototer"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1059",
    "T1105",
    "T1498",
    "T1090"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-01T16:25:49Z",
  "type": "Botnet",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}