Tropidoor
Intelligence Profile
Tropidoor is an advanced HTTP/S Remote Access Trojan (RAT) written as a C project, which exhibits significant code overlap with the PostNapTea RAT. In November 2024, it was deployed in campaigns targeting developers via fake recruiters as part of a social engineering campaign distributing trojanized open-source projects on platforms like Bitbucket. It is a final-stage payload in a multi-stage execution chain, which also deployed an obfuscated BeaverTail malware.
The RAT uses RSA and AES for encryption and decryption of network traffic. Communication with the C2 uses specific HTTP POST parameters, including tropi2p, gumi, s_width, and letter, with the first parameter loosely inspiring its code name. It stores its configuration in a binary format and resolves required Windows APIs during runtime via the Fowler–Noll–Vo (FNV) hash function. Many of its characteristic strings are XOR encrypted.
A key technical feature is its custom implementation of various Windows administrative and reconnaissance commands. By implementing this functionality internally, the RAT avoids executing the legitimate Windows binaries, making its command execution activities harder to detect by behavioral monitoring tools. Custom implemented commands include functionality equivalent to standard utilities like:
arp
dir
ipconfig
kill
net
netsh
netstat
nslookup
ping
reg
rm
sc
schtasks
systeminfo
tracert
wmic logicaldisk
wmic process
Threat Analysis
Tropidoor is a advanced-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of espionage.
The group's espionage-oriented operations suggest a state-sponsored or state-aligned mandate, typically focused on stealing intellectual property, government secrets, or military intelligence. Targets are usually selected for strategic value rather than financial gain.
Classified as an advanced threat actor, Tropidoor likely develops or acquires zero-day exploits, employs custom malware toolchains, and demonstrates long-term persistence capabilities — hallmarks of a well-resourced operation consistent with nation-state backing.