Suspicious IRC traffic indicating infection
Description
AlphaSOC detected Internet Relay Chat (IRC) traffic within the network. IRC is an outdated protocol that lacks built-in end-to-end encryption, transmitting messages in plain text. This makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Threat actors often use IRC as a communication channel for command and control (C2) servers. The presence of IRC traffic may indicate unauthorized communication or potential malware activity.
Impact
Adversaries may use IRC for C2 communication, allowing them to send commands to compromised systems, exfiltrate data, or coordinate further attacks. The lack of encryption in IRC makes it easy for attackers to intercept sensitive information. Additionally, IRC can be used to distribute malware or exploit kits, potentially leading to further system compromises within the network.
Severity
| Severity | Condition |
|---|---|
Medium | IRC traffic |
High | IRC traffic to a blocklisted domain or IP |
Investigation and Remediation
Investigate the source and destination of the IRC traffic to determine if it's legitimate. Identify the users or systems involved and review logs for suspicious activities. If the traffic is unauthorized, block the IRC ports and remove any associated malware. If legitimate use is confirmed, consider implementing encrypted alternatives or VPNs for secure communication.