Snake Keylogger Campaign Exploits Java Utilities for Stealthy Malware Delivery
July 7th, 2025
Severity Level: High
Technical Details
Malware Family: Snake Keylogger.
Delivery Vector: Phishing emails, malicious links, or attachments containing Java-based utility files.
Abused Tools: jsadebugd.exe, InstallUtil.exe.
Technique: DLL sideloading via legitimate Java tools.
Payload Functionality: Keylogging, clipboard capture, credential theft, exfiltration via SMTP/FTP.
Snake Keylogger is designed to gather various sensitive information using the following methods:
Recording keystrokes.
Extracting saved browser credentials.
Stealing clipboard data.
Transmitting collected data to remote C2 servers via encrypted channels.
In this campaign, attackers package a malicious DLL with a legitimate Java utility executable. When the utility is launched either manually by the user or through a script, the DLL is sideloaded into memory and executed. This approach exploits trusted system processes to execute code covertly, making detection particularly difficult.
Our Cyber Threat Intelligence Unit has been tracking a series of recent attacks linked to the Snake Keylogger malware, which spreads covertly by abusing legitimate Java utilities such as jsadebugd.exe and InstallUtil.exe. The use of DLL sideloading with signed or expected executables reduces alerts and makes detection through traditional antivirus or EDR solutions more difficult. The snake Keylogger has been used in targeted phishing campaigns since 2020; known for its modular design and capacity to steal sensitive information, including credentials, keystrokes, and browser data. The current campaign indicates a tactical shift in its delivery, focusing on living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) and signed utilities to evade traditional endpoint defenses.
Impact
The exploitation of legitimate Java utilities for sideloading Snake Keylogger poses a significant risk to organizations and could lead to:
Credential compromise: Through unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
Data theft: Including login credentials, internal documents, and browser history.
Persistence through stealth techniques: Attackers evade traditional antivirus and EDR solutions.
Potential lateral movement: Results in escalation within enterprise networks.
Threat to regulated industries: Particularly finance, healthcare, and energy, where Java tools are commonly used.
Detection Method
To detect and prevent malware that uses this technique:
Monitor the execution of Java tools, such as jsadebugd.exe and InstallUtil.exe, especially when paired with uncommon DLL activity.
Inspect DLL loading behavior for signed but unusual binaries launching non-standard modules.
Track outbound traffic to SMTP, FTP, or Telegram endpoints for data exfiltration patterns.
Use YARA rules to match known Snake Keylogger code patterns in DLLs.
Enable logging for LOLBin executions and correlate with email delivery timestamps.
Indicators of Compromise
There are no Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for this advisory.
Recommendations
Block execution of unsigned DLLs in system directories or alongside Java tools.
Restrict the use of administrative utilities, such as InstallUtil, to trusted administrators only.
Educate users to avoid opening unexpected attachments or installing unknown Java-based tools.
Apply application control policies to prevent unauthorized use of system binaries.
Update email security filters to scan for and block phishing emails delivering DLL or Java-based payloads.
Deploy behavioral monitoring to detect keylogger patterns, such as clipboard hooks and keystroke capture APIs.
Conclusion
The Snake Keylogger campaign’s shift to DLL sideloading through legitimate Java utilities represents a strategic improvement in stealth and evasion tactics. While the main malware function still focuses on credential theft and data exfiltration, the delivery method now targets environments where Java is trusted, and security logging may be limited. Organizations must take proactive measures to secure administrative tools, monitor the execution of Java binaries, and ensure trusted Java Utilities are used to avoid DLL sideloading. Early detection and control of DLL-based payload delivery can significantly reduce exposure to the Snake Keylogger malware.