A backdoor is a type of cybersecurity threat that allows attackers to secretly compromise a system and conduct malicious activities, such as stealing data and modifying files. Backdoors can be difficult to detect, as they often use legitimate system applications to evade defense mechanisms. Threat actors often utilize special malware, such as PlugX, to establish backdoors on target devices.

A loader is malicious software that infiltrates devices to deliver malicious payloads. This malware is capable of infecting victims’ computers, analyzing their system information, and installing other types of threats, such as trojans or stealers. Criminals usually deliver loaders through phishing emails and links by relying on social engineering to trick users into downloading and running their executables. Loaders employ advanced evasion and persistence tactics to avoid detection.

Loda is a remote access trojan (RAT) that has been in active use among multiple threat actors since 2016. The malware’s functionality includes stealing passwords and other sensitive information, keylogging, capturing screenshots, and delivering other malicious payloads. Loda is typically distributed as part of phishing email campaigns.

XRed operates as a stealthy backdoor, enabling cybercriminals to gain unauthorized remote access to infected systems. XRed has gained particular notoriety for its distribution through trojanized legitimate software and hardware drivers, making it exceptionally dangerous due to its ability to masquerade as trusted applications.