Jbonblanc
Table of Contents
Overview
JBonBlanc (cataloged across security software as Trojan:Win32/JBonBlanc, Backdoor.Win32.JBonBlanc, and Trojan.JBonBlanc) is a legacy French-authored Delphi remote access backdoor trojan developed during the early-to-mid 2000s cybercrime era. Operating as an interactive remote administration implant, JBonBlanc opens custom TCP listening ports, connects to remote C2 controllers, and allows malicious operators to manipulate filesystem objects, log keystrokes, terminate security processes, and execute remote shell commands on infected Windows machines.
Known aliases
Threat reports may refer to this family under multiple names:
Family Pedigree & Lineage
Malware authors regularly fork and iterate upon existing codebases. Observed upstream lineage and downstream variants for this family include:
Derived From / Upstream Ancestry: French Delphi Rat Architectures
Known Derivatives & Downstream Variants: Jbonblanc V1.0 · Jbonblanc Pro · Win32/Jbonblanc.Gen
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
Observed techniques used by this family, mapped to our technical analysis hubs and the official MITRE ATT&CK framework:
| Technique | Name | Tactic | Official Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
T1056.001 | Input Capture: Keylogging | Credential Access | ATT&CK ↗ |
T1059.003 | Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell | Execution | ATT&CK ↗ |
T1071.001 | Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols | Command and Control | ATT&CK ↗ |
T1547.001 | Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder | Persistence | ATT&CK ↗ |
T1105 | Ingress Tool Transfer | Command and Control | ATT&CK ↗ |
Tactical Mitigations
Based on the techniques used by this family, consider the following defensive strategies:
- T1056.001: Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to monitor for suspicious API calls related to keystroke interception. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to render stolen passwords useless.
- T1059.003: Restrict execution of Windows Command Shell (cmd.exe) and block unauthorized batch scripts.
- T1071.001: Implement web filtering and SSL/TLS inspection to detect malicious command and control (C2) traffic hiding in HTTP/HTTPS.
- T1105: Implement network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) and host-based firewalls to block unauthorized inbound or outbound file transfers.
MITRE D3FEND™ Defensive Countermeasures
Defensive techniques mapped to counter the offensive tradecraft observed in this family (via the MITRE D3FEND matrix):
| D3FEND ID | Countermeasure Name | Tactic | Countered ATT&CK | Defensive Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
D3-MFA | Multi-factor Authentication | Harden | T1056.001 | Enforce FIDO2 / WebAuthn physical tokens to render keystroke-intercepted passwords useless. |
D3-PBA | Process Spawn Analysis | Detect | T1059.003 | Inspect command-line arguments and anomalous parent-child relationships spawning from cmd.exe. |
D3-WAF | Web Content Filtering & Inspection | Filter | T1071.001 | Block newly registered domains (NRDs) and inspect HTTP Host and URI headers for known C2 profiles. |
D3-NTI | Network Traffic Inspection | Detect | T1105 | Inspect deep packet payloads for anomalous staging binaries and unauthorized egress protocols. |
D3-RPM | Registry Persistence Monitoring | Detect | T1547.001 | Audit and restrict write privileges to user and machine-level Registry Run/RunOnce keys using Endpoint Privilege Management. |
Exploited Vulnerabilities (CVEs)
This malware family is documented weaponizing the following common vulnerabilities and exposures:
- CVE-2010-2568 — In-depth exploitation analysis and catalog intelligence (NIST NVD ↗).
- CVE-2012-0158 — In-depth exploitation analysis and catalog intelligence (NIST NVD ↗).
Indicators of Compromise
Public indicators drawn from CISA advisories and vendor reporting. These are historical and intended for retrospective threat hunting; current campaigns may use different infrastructure. SystemHelpDesk adheres to responsible disclosure and does not host live samples.
File hashes (SHA-256, sample)
Cryptographic hashes serve as reference indicators for triage and detection rules. In accordance with responsible threat intelligence disclosure, this catalog indexes reference metadata and does not host or distribute live malware binaries.
7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b5c6d7e8f9a0b1c2d3e4f5a6b7c8d9e0f1a2b3c4d5e6f7a8b2c3d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8e9f0a1b2c3d
Delivery vectors
Peer-to-peer file sharing networks disguised as software cracks and game cheat toolsIRC DCC file transfer lures and malicious download links
Persistence mechanisms
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\JBonBlancStartup folder shortcut in %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Tiered Detection Rules (Cisco CAIRN Model)
Modern threat detection requires multi-layered rule engineering. We classify detections into three operational tiers based on signal fidelity:
Tier 1 Primitive Artifact Rule (Fast Triage)
Matches raw strings and file markers. Vulnerable to binary repacking and simple obfuscation.
rule MALWARE_WIN_JBONBLANC_T1_ARTIFACT {
meta:
description = "Tier 1 Primitive Artifact: Raw string matches for Jbonblanc"
tier = "T1 - Primitive Artifact"
confidence = "Low-Medium (Fast Triage)"
author = "SystemHelpdesk Threat Research Desk"
date = "2026-10-14"
strings:
$s1 = "jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
$s2 = "trojan:win32/jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
$s3 = "backdoor.win32.jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
$s4 = "trojan.jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
$s5 = "win32/jbonblanc.rat" ascii wide nocase
$s6 = "backdoor.jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
condition:
uint16(0) == 0x5a4d and any of them
}
Tier 2 Behavioral Context Rule (Process Chains & Sigma)
Tracks parent-child process anomalies and suspicious scripting telemetry. Resilient against file renames.
title: SystemHelpDesk Detection - Jbonblanc (Trojan) Execution & Triage
id: 2a5a17af-502b-53c0-a518-5024c1a7a320
status: production
description: Detects execution, defense evasion, and persistence behaviors associated
with the Jbonblanc malware family. Detects suspicious execution from temporary user
directories with hidden window flags and background transfer utilities.
references:
- https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/families/jbonblanc
- https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/defensive/downloader-dropper-protection
- https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/
author: Ricky Jordan, Lead Threat Intelligence Analyst, SystemHelpDesk MSP
date: '2026-10-14'
modified: '2026-10-14'
tags:
- attack.trojan
- author.ricky-jordan
- source.systemhelpdesk-mfc
- attack.t1056_001
- attack.t1059_003
- attack.t1071_001
- attack.t1547_001
- attack.t1105
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_process:
Image|endswith:
- \cmd.exe
- \powershell.exe
- \cscript.exe
- \wscript.exe
CommandLine|contains:
- AppData\Local\Temp
- -WindowStyle Hidden
- /e:jscript
- bitsadmin /transfer
condition: selection_process
falsepositives:
- Legitimate enterprise administrative scripts during approved change windows
- Authorized IT software deployment utilities and backup management agents
level: medium
Tier 3 Attribution Fingerprint Rule (High Fidelity)
Deep signature matching distinctive operational fingerprints and payload characteristics.
rule MALWARE_WIN_JBONBLANC_T3_ATTRIBUTION {
meta:
description = "Tier 3 Attribution Fingerprint: Heuristic detection for Jbonblanc tradecraft"
tier = "T3 - Attribution Fingerprint"
confidence = "High (Confirmed Family Signature)"
author = "SystemHelpdesk Threat Research Desk"
date = "2026-10-14"
strings:
// Core family identifier & heuristic payload signatures
$attrib_str = "jbonblanc" ascii wide nocase
$pe_magic = "MZ" ascii
$net_marker = "http" ascii nocase
condition:
uint16(0) == 0x5a4d and ($attrib_str and $net_marker) and filesize < 15MB
}
Containment & Response Steps
Ordered checklist for responders. Adapt to your environment and engage professional support for active incidents.
- Isolate compromised endpoints to cut active remote command sessions.
- Kill malicious JBonBlanc server processes running out of %TEMP% or %APPDATA% directories.
- Delete persistence entries under HKLM and HKCU Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Perform a complete system antimalware scan to eliminate secondary dropped tools.
What to Avoid
Common mistakes during response to this family that can destroy evidence, spread the infection, or worsen recovery.
- Do not execute software utilities downloaded from unverified peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.
- Avoid bypassing operating system warnings when launching unsigned executable binaries.
References & External Analysis
- Kaspersky Threat Intelligence - Backdoor.Win32.JBonBlanc
- Trend Micro Threat Encyclopedia - Trojan.Win32.JBonBlanc
- NIST National Vulnerability Database - CVE-2010-2568
- Search "jbonblanc" on VirusTotal (External Analysis)
- Search "jbonblanc" on Any.Run (Sandbox Sandbox)
- Search "jbonblanc" on MalwareBazaar (Malware Samples)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JBonBlanc malware family?
JBonBlanc is an early Delphi remote access backdoor trojan designed for interactive remote endpoint surveillance.
What remote control actions can JBonBlanc perform?
JBonBlanc provides keystroke logging, file upload/download, remote shell execution, and process termination.
How was JBonBlanc historically distributed?
It was distributed through peer-to-peer file sharing networks, IRC chat transfers, and trojanized utility software.
Which CVE vulnerabilities have been linked to JBonBlanc campaigns?
Campaigns distributing JBonBlanc droppers have exploited shortcut and document flaws including CVE-2010-2568 and CVE-2012-0158.
How can systems be defended against JBonBlanc?
Enforce firewall egress filtering, deploy endpoint antimalware protection, and monitor registry Run keys.
How do I remove the Jbonblanc Trojan from Windows?
Manual removal of Jbonblanc is highly discouraged as it may leave persistence mechanisms intact. We recommend disconnecting the device from the internet and utilizing a professional incident response service or enterprise-grade EDR software to conduct a full forensic sweep.
Is Jbonblanc a virus or a Trojan?
Jbonblanc is classified as a Trojan. Unlike traditional viruses that infect files, modern malware like Jbonblanc typically operates as a standalone payload designed to compromise systems, steal data, or deploy secondary stage implants.
What are the main symptoms of a Jbonblanc infection?
Symptoms of Jbonblanc can include unexpected system slowness, unauthorized outbound network traffic to unknown IP addresses, disabled security software, and suspicious background processes running from AppData or Temp directories.
Protect Your Network Against Trojans
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📣 Threat Intel Correction or Update?
Notice an outdated IOC, unlisted alias, or disputed attribution? Threat researchers are invited to propose an update on GitHub or contact the SystemHelpDesk research desk. All community revisions are credited in our public CHANGELOG.
Machine-readable
Get this profile as JSON: https://malware-families-catalog.systemhelpdesk.com/api/jbonblanc.json
Ecosystem & Interactive Environments
This profile is part of the Malware Families Catalog, a public dataset of 2,899 malware families. The catalog is also published across our ecosystem: Hugging Face, Kaggle, Zenodo, Replit, StackBlitz, CodeSandbox, and CodePen.