Silentnight
SILENTNIGHT is a C/C++ backdoor used for command-and-control over HTTP/HTTPS and may use a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for C2. It has a plug-in framework that supports system control, screenshot capture, keylogging, file management, cryptocurrency wallet access, and credential targeting through browser manipulation. The malware has been observed as an initial access mechanism in financially motivated intrusion activity. Mandiant reported that after the late-2023 disruption of QAKBOT infrastructure, UNC4393—the primary active user of BASTA ransomware—shifted to alternative access sources including DARKGATE and SILENTNIGHT, and later followed successful UNC5155 SILENTNIGHT intrusions. The content also states that a recent SILENTNIGHT surge was primarily delivered via malvertising, representing a shift from phishing-only initial access in those operations. SILENTNIGHT is additionally mentioned as malware deployed by UNC2686, and separate reporting notes that SilentNight has been involved in attacks aimed at distributing Ryuk ransomware. High-confidence behaviors directly mentioned in the content are its HTTP/HTTPS communications, possible DGA-based C2, and modular backdoor capabilities including screenshots, keylogging, file operations, browser-focused credential targeting, and cryptocurrency wallet access.
Hunt this family in your stack
Mallory pivots from this family to the IOCs, detections, and named campaigns that touch your stack, and pages you when something new lands.
Groups observed using it
3 distinct threat actors attributed by public researchers. Open in Mallory to see the full evidence chain and overlapping campaigns.
SILENTNIGHT is a C/C++ backdoor that communicates via HTTP/HTTPS and may utilize a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for C2. Its plug-in framework allows for versatile functionality, including system control, screenshot capture, keylogging, file management, and cryptocurrency wallet access.
SILENTNIGHT is a C/C++ backdoor that communicates via HTTP/HTTPS and may utilize a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for C2. Its plug-in framework allows for versatile functionality, including system control, screenshot capture, keylogging, file management, and cryptocurrency wallet access.
The threat cluster relies heavily on Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools, unlike UNC2686 which deployed BAZARLOADER variants as well as TRICKBOT, URSNIF, and SILENTNIGHT.
Techniques & procedures
7 distinct techniques documented for this family, organized by ATT&CK tactic.
Resource Development
1 technique
Resource Development
Initial Access
1 technique
Initial Access
Credential Access
2 techniques
Credential Access
Collection
2 techniques
Collection
Recent activity
4 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
Alternative malware referenced as being used for initial access after QakBot disruption.
Trojan sold on Russian-speaking underground forums (since late 2019) observed in phishing-driven campaigns associated with Ryuk distribution; described as a variant of Zloader.
The version that knows your environment.
Match every observed IP, domain, and hash against your live telemetry.
Named campaigns wielding this family, with evidence pinned to each claim.
CVEs this family uses for access and lateral movement.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Every documented technique, ranked by evidence weight.
Reddit, Mastodon, and CTI community discussion around this family.