ScrubCrypt

ScrubCrypt is a malware obfuscation and encryption framework, derived from the earlier JLaive Batchfuscator crypter. It is designed to aid cybercriminals in evading detection and analysis by using a variety of techniques to conceal and protect the malicious software.

ScrubCrypt is advertised on cybercrime forums to employ encryption, code morphing, and (allegedly) polymorphism to create obfuscated malware payloads that are challenging to reverse-engineer and detection.

The Batch files generated by ScrubCrypt contain a Base64 encoded, AES-128-CBC encrypted and gzip compressed payload, which is executed / reflectively loaded.

Technique Identifier

U1430

Technique Tags

packers ScrubCrypt obfuscation

Evasion Categories

Packers

Detection Rules

import "math"

rule SI_CRYPT_ScrubCrypt_BAT_Jan24 : Crypter {

    meta:
        version = "1.2"
        date = "2024-01-02"
        modified = "2024-01-03"
        status = "RELEASED"
        sharing = "TLP:CLEAR"
        source = "SECUINFRA Falcon Team"
        author = "Marius Genheimer @ Falcon Team"
        description = "Detects obfuscated Batch files generated by the ScrubCrypt Crypter"
        category = "TOOL"
        mitre_att = "T1027.002"
        actor_type = "CRIMEWARE"
        reference = "https://perception-point.io/blog/the-rebranded-crypter-scrubcrypt/"
        hash = "b6f71c1b85564ed3f60f5c07c04dd6926a99bafae0661509e4cc996a7e565b36"
        minimum_yara = "4.2"
        best_before = "2025-01-03"

    strings:
        //the Batch files contain patterns like %#% to disrupt easy string detection
        $obfp1 = {25 23 25}
        $obfp2 = {25 3D 25}
        $obfp3 = {25 40 25}
      
        $s_echo = "@echo off"
        $s_exe = ".exe"
        $s_set = "set"
        $s_copy = "copy"

    condition:
        (uint16(0) == 0x3a3a or uint16(0) == 0x6540) //at the beginning of the file there is either a comment (::) followed by b64 or "@echo off"
        and 3 of ($s_*)
        and filesize > 32KB
        and filesize < 10MB
        and #obfp1 > 16
        and #obfp2 > 16
        and #obfp3 > 16
        and math.entropy(0, filesize) >= 6 //due to the stray character obfuscation and base64 contents Shannon entropy is ~6
}

Contributor

SI_FalconTeam

Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.

Created

March 19, 2023

Last Revised

March 24, 2026