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Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Riley Porter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/riley-porter/) * [Mark Lim](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/mark-lim/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:July 3, 2024 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Anti-analysis](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/anti-analysis/) * [Evasion](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/evasion/) * [GootLoader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gootloader/) * [Memory detection](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/memory-detection/) * [Sandbox evasion](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sandbox-evasion/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/javascript-malware-gootloader/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to download") * [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/javascript-malware-gootloader/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg) * [![Link 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while using Node.js debugging in Visual Studio Code. This evasion technique used by GootLoader JavaScript files can present a formidable challenge for sandboxes attempting to analyze the malware. Sandboxes with limited computing resources can struggle to analyze a large volume of binaries. Malware often takes advantage of this to evade analysis by delaying its malicious actions, which is commonly described as "sleeping." GootLoader is a backdoor and loader malware that its operators have actively distributed through [fake forum posts](https://github.com/PaloAltoNetworks/Unit42-timely-threat-intel/blob/main/2024-01-19-IOCs-for-GootLoader-infection.txt). The [infection process](https://x.com/Unit42_Intel/status/1744406454210036096?s=20) of GootLoader starts with a JavaScript file. Palo Alto Networks customers are better protected from these threats through our [Next-Generation Firewall](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/ngfw) with [Cloud-Delivered Security Services](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cdss) including [Advanced WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-wildfire), as well as through [Cortex XDR](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/r/Cortex-XDR/Cortex-XDR-Prevent-Administrator-Guide/Endpoint-Protection). If you think you might have been compromised or have an urgent matter, get in touch with the [Unit 42 Incident Response team](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html). | **Related Unit 42 Topics** | [**GootLoader**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gootloader/), **[Evasion](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/evasion/)** , **[Memory Detection](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/memory-detection/)** | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| ## **Background** [Gootkit](https://news.drweb.com/show/?i=4338&lng=en) was first reported in 2014, and it underwent many changes over time. In 2020, [at least one source](https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/20/l/investigating-the-gootkit-loader.html) identified a JavaScript-based type of malware named Gootkit Loader, which its operators distributed through fake forum posts. The group behind this campaign has kept the same distribution tactic and as of 2024 they continue using fake forum posts that are nearly identical in appearance. Many security vendors shorten Gootkit Loader to GootLoader when referring to these JavaScript files. While the original Gootkit malware was a Windows executable, GootLoader is JavaScript-based malware, and it can [deliver other types of malware](https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2021/03/01/gootloader-expands-its-payload-delivery-options/?cmp=30728), including ransomware. Since January 2024, we have investigated several GootLoader samples. The infection chain is shown below in Figure 1. ![INFECTION CHAIN: fake forum page\>link for ZIP download\>downloaded ZIP archive\>victim double-clicks JS file from ZIP\>GootLoader installs and is made persistent through scheduled task\>GootLoader web-based C2 traffic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/infection-chain-fake-forum-pagegreaterlink-for-zip-down.jpeg) Figure 1. Flowchart for a GootLoader infection we saw [in March 2024](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/unit42_gootloader-timelythreatintel-unit42threatintel-activity-7174049166199779328-iB3F). Sandboxing is a widely adopted method of identifying malicious binaries that involves analyzing the behavior of binaries within a controlled environment. Sandboxes encounter hurdles when analyzing a large volume of binaries with limited computing resources. Malware often exploits these challenges by intentionally delaying malicious actions within the sandbox to conceal its true intent. These delaying actions are commonly described as the malware sleeping. ## **Common Ways for JavaScript Malware to Sleep** The most common way for malware to sleep is to simply call the methods Wscript.sleep() or setTimeout(). However, many sandboxes easily detect these methods. In the following paragraphs we dissect one of the least-mentioned methods GootLoader uses to evade detection. ## **Stepping Into the Code** In this section we leverage [Node.js debugging in Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/nodejs/nodejs-debugging) to analyze the following GootLoader file on a Windows host: * SHA256 hash: c853d91501111a873a027bd3b9b4dab9dd940e89fcfec51efbb6f0db0ba6687b * File size: 860,920 bytes * File name: what cards are legal in goat format 35435.js * First submitted to VirusTotal: Jan. 9, 2024 In our debugging endeavor for GootLoader files, we use a Windows host with [Node.js JavaScript runtime](https://nodejs.org/en) and [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) installed. In this environment, we can step through the code using [Node.js debugging](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/nodejs/nodejs-debugging) in the Visual Studio Code editor. This environment offers an effective approach to comprehend the malware's flow control and execution logic. Typically, Windows Script Host (wscript.exe) runs standalone JavaScript files in a Windows environment. However, by employing Node.js and Visual Studio Code, we can step through the JavaScript file's execution, set breakpoints in the code and use the immediate window to evaluate expressions. While this approach offers significant advantages, certain JavaScript functions might not be supported by Node.js. As an obfuscation technique, the authors of GootLoader have interwoven lines of GootLoader code among legitimate JavaScript library code. Throughout our debugging process, we observed the code execution that appeared to be seemingly stuck within the confines of a particular loop. Below, Figure 2 shows a snippet of code from one of these loops. ![The process of a Gootloader infection occurring on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, starting from a fake forum page, leading to a ZIP download link, which progresses to the downloading of a ZIP archive containing a JavaScript file, its installation, the creation of a persistent scheduled task, and finally resulting in web-based command and control (C2) traffic.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-861373-135400-2.png) Figure 2. Code execution from a GootLoader sample that appeared to be stuck in a loop when analyzing the file using Node.js debugging in Visual Studio Code. To gain a better understanding of these loops, let's delve into the surrounding code from the loop in Figure 2. Below, Figure 3 shows an isolated rendition of the original code that we will focus on. ![A screenshot of a computer screen displaying a code snippet in a dark theme IDE. The code contains functions and variables in various colors such as purple, blue, and orange.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-865150-135400-3.png) Figure 3. Code loop from Figure 2. In Figure 3, the while function within the code causes an infinite loop, because the variable jobcv is consistently assigned the value 1. Additionally, the variable oftenfs acts as a counter, which has been initialized with the value 8242. The pivotal line within this loop is rangez=(horseq7\[oftenfs\](oftenfs));. The successful execution of this line relies on the function array horsqe7 pointing to an actual function. The loop persists until the counter oftenfs reaches the value 2597242, at which the function array horsqe7 references the sleepy function. This made the code appear to be stuck in a loop, because within our analysis environment, it took over 10 minutes for the counter oftenfs to attain the value 2597242. Next, we stepped into the sleepy function. Inside the sleepy function, we observed a familiar function array name from Figure 3. This function array, horseq7, is assigned with a function named indicated6 as shown below in Figure 4. ![A screenshot of code in an IDE, showing a function named "sleepy" with unusual variable names. Line 3802 highlights a line of code marked with a lightbulb emoji: horseq(5210044); = indicate6;'.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-868110-135400-4.png) Figure 4. Finding the horseq7 function array name inside the sleepy function. After more delays, code execution will land inside the indicate6 function. This time the lclft4 function is assigned into the function array horseq7 as shown below in Figure 5. ![Screenshot of computer code in a text editor with syntax highlighting, displaying a function named 'indicate6' with three parameters and several lines of code assigning values to variables.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-870868-135400-5.png) Figure 5. Inside the indicate6 function. Again with more delays, code execution will reach the course83 function shown below in Figure 6. The function course83 is where the actual malicious code begins execution. ![Close-up of a computer screen displaying lines of code in a programming environment. Specific code functions are visible, such as "courses3" and assignments like "horseq7 = camel;". The syntax includes both text and parentheses, highlighting variables and functions.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-873020-135400-6.png) Figure 6. Inside the course83 function. Finally, debugging the course83 function unveils and deobfuscates JavaScript code that initiates GootLoader's malicious functions. Below, Figure 7 shows a section of the deobfuscated malicious GootLoader code. ![A code editor with many lines of script written in a programming language. The code snippets include functions, condition checks, and variables relating to managing tasks within a computer system. The background of the screen is dark with text highlighted in blue, yellow, and white for clarity.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/word-image-875771-135400-7.png) Figure 7. Snippet of deobfuscated malicious GootLoader code. The creators of GootLoader employed time-consuming while loops with arrays of functions to deliberately delay the execution of malicious code. This method effectively implements an evasion technique, inducing sleep periods to obfuscate the malicious nature of GootLoader. Table 1 lists the counter values and their assigned functions in the order they were called from the GootLoader JavaScript code. |-------------------|-------------------| | **Counter Value** | **Function Name** | | 2597242 | sleepy | | 5210044 | indicate6 | | 6001779 | lclft4 | | 6690534 | course83 | Table 1. Counter values and their assigned functions from the GootLoader sample. ## **Conclusion** Leveraging our insights gained from analyzing the evasion technique used by GootLoader, we can enhance our ability to detect, analyze and develop effective countermeasures against malicious software. Through continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can collectively stay ahead of cybercriminals to help safeguard our digital systems and networks. Palo Alto Networks customers are better protected from GootLoader and similar threats through the following products: * [Next-Generation Firewall](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/ngfw) with [Cloud-Delivered Security Services](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cdss) including [Advanced WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-wildfire) detect the files mentioned within this report as malicious. * The script described is prevented by Behavioral Threat Protection as part of [Cortex XDR](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/r/Cortex-XDR/Cortex-XDR-Prevent-Administrator-Guide/Endpoint-Protection). If you think you might have been compromised or have an urgent matter, get in touch with the [Unit 42 Incident Response team](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) or call: * North America Toll-Free: 866.486.4842 (866.4.UNIT42) * EMEA: +31.20.299.3130 * APAC: +65.6983.8730 * Japan: +81.50.1790.0200 Palo Alto Networks has shared these findings with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA) members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. Learn more about the [Cyber Threat Alliance](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/). ## **Indicators of Compromise** ### SHA256 Hashes of GootLoader JavaScript Files * b939ec9447140804710f0ce2a7d33ec89f758ff8e7caab6ee38fe2446e3ac988 * c853d91501111a873a027bd3b9b4dab9dd940e89fcfec51efbb6f0db0ba6687b Back to top ### Tags * [Anti-analysis](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/anti-analysis/ "anti-analysis") * [Evasion](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/evasion/ "Evasion") * [GootLoader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gootloader/ "GootLoader") * [Memory detection](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/memory-detection/ "memory detection") * [Sandbox evasion](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sandbox-evasion/ "Sandbox evasion") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Threat Brief: CVE-2024-6387 OpenSSH RegreSSHion Vulnerability](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-cve-2024-6387-openssh/ "Threat Brief: CVE-2024-6387 OpenSSH RegreSSHion Vulnerability") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [Open, Closed and Broken: Prompt Fuzzing Finds LLMs Still Fragile Across Open and Closed Models](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/genai-llm-prompt-fuzzing/ "article - table of contents") * [New Infection Chain and ConfuserEx-Based Obfuscation for DarkCloud Stealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-darkcloud-stealer-infection-chain/ "article - table of contents") * [Evolving Tactics of SLOW#TEMPEST: A Deep Dive Into Advanced Malware Techniques](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/slow-tempest-malware-obfuscation/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Malware Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") ![Pictorial representation of Token-jacking. A person types on a laptop with multiple digital interface elements projected, including an "AI" icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-786x369.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 6, 2026 [#### Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/) * [AI API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-api/ "AI API") * [AI gateway](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-gateway/ "AI gateway") * [API keys](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-keys/ "API keys") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/ "Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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