{
  "family": "exxroute",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "trojan",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nExxroute is a malicious Trojan specifically engineered to tamper with endpoint network routing and DNS configurations. It is designed to covertly hijack web traffic, redirecting users from legitimate websites to attacker-controlled phishing domains or serving malicious advertisements. By operating at the network routing layer within the OS, Exxroute can bypass standard browser-level ad blockers and security extensions.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nExxroute typically infiltrates systems silently, bundled as a secondary payload alongside \"freeware\" software, fake browser updates, or delivered via exploit kits that capitalize on unpatched browser vulnerabilities.\n\nOnce active, it manipulates local network settings:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>DNS Hijacking/HOSTS File Modification:</strong> The primary capability of Exxroute is altering the system's DNS settings. It may forcefully modify the Windows `HOSTS` file (`C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\hosts`) to map high-traffic domains (like banking sites or search engines) to malicious IP addresses. Alternatively, it may change the network adapter's DNS server IPs to point to a rogue DNS server controlled by the attacker.</li>\n<li><strong>Traffic Interception:</strong> By controlling DNS resolution, the attackers can perform Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, capturing entered credentials or injecting malicious iframes into otherwise legitimate, unencrypted HTTP traffic.</li>\n<li><strong>Persistence:</strong> To prevent the user from simply reverting the DNS changes, Exxroute installs a persistent background service or scheduled task that constantly monitors and re-applies the malicious DNS settings if they are altered.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nAn Exxroute infection represents a severe compromise of network integrity and data confidentiality. It exposes the user to immediate credential theft via highly convincing phishing pages (since the URL in the browser may appear correct) and bypasses perimeter web filtering.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>DNS configuration Audit:</strong> Immediately inspect the network adapter settings (`ipconfig /all`) on the infected machine. Revert any rogue DNS servers back to the corporate standard or DHCP-assigned IPs.</li>\n<li><strong>HOSTS File Restoration:</strong> Inspect the Windows `HOSTS` file for unauthorized entries mapping legitimate domains to external IPs. Restore the file to its default state.</li>\n<li><strong>Antivirus and Service Sweep:</strong> Standard AV must be used to identify and remove the executable or service that is actively enforcing the malicious DNS changes. Simply changing the DNS back without removing the malware will result in immediate re-infection.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Trojan.Exxroute",
    "DNSChanger.Exxroute",
    "Win32/Exxroute"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1562.002",
    "T1564.001",
    "T1112"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-02T07:45:39Z",
  "type": "Trojan (DNS Changer)",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}