A McAfeee researcher has discovered a Java-based, cross-platform botnet that can infect both Mac and Windows macines. According to McAfee’s Carlos Castillo, the malware, which is being called IncognitoRAT, is one example of a Java-based Trojan discovered in the wild that is being downloaded and installed by another component. This malware behaves like other Windows botnets but uses source code and libraries that can operate on other platforms, he said in a blog post. The malicious code is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and iPhone/iPad (the last only to control infected computers), he said. McAfee has only seen the PC version in a downloader/dropper in the wild. Castillo said the original propagation vector of IncognitoRAT is a Windows executable, but it was created using the tool JarToExe, which includes, among other features, the ability to convert .jar files into .exe files, to add program icons and version information, and protect and encrypt Java programs. The victim’s machine has to have the Java Runtime Environment installed and must be online, he said. [ See also: Smartphone botnets? New report predicts mobile devices will be part of DDoS attacks ] A nasty piece of malware, as soon as the file is executed, it starts downloading a ZIP file with a pack of Java-based libraries to perform several remote activities. They include: Java Registry Wrapper, which is used to access the Windows Registry and create an entry in SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun to execute the malware every time the computer starts Java Remote Control: To view and take remote control (keyboard and mouse) of an infected machine JLayer -- MP3 Library: To remotely play an MP3 file on the infected machine RNP-VideoPlayer: To play videos remotely JavaMail: Optional Java package to send stolen information to an email account Freedom for Media Java: Open-source alternative to the official Java Media Framework; used by the malware to watch and record images from a remote webcam Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe