Pony 2.2 HTTP Botnet English
Pony 2.2 HTTP Botnet (English Version) marks the return of one of history’s most notorious credential-stealing botnets, now upgraded with modern evasion tactics and expanded functionality. This reborn threat combines the original Pony Loader’s efficient data harvesting capabilities with HTTPS-based C2 communication, sandbox detection, and automated wallet theft, making it particularly dangerous for both individual users and enterprise networks. The English-language version has significantly increased its global reach since appearing on underground forums in early 2024.
What is Pony 2.2 HTTP Botnet?
Pony 2.2 HTTP Botnet is a modular credential-stealing malware distributed through exploit kits, phishing campaigns, and cracked software. The English version specifically targets international victims with optimized:
- Password recovery algorithms for 120+ applications
- Cryptocurrency wallet detection
- Web injects for banking portals
- FTP/email client credential harvesting
Unlike its predecessors, this version uses domain generation algorithms (DGAs) and fast-flux DNS to maintain resilient command-and-control infrastructure.
Technical Feature Breakdown
| Feature Category | Technical Specifications |
|---|---|
| Credential Harvesting | Extracts passwords from: • Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) • FTP clients (FileZilla, WinSCP) • Email clients (Outlook, Thunderbird) |
| Cryptocurrency Theft | Targets: • Bitcoin Core • Electrum • Exodus • MetaMask |
| C2 Communication | HTTPS with RC4 encryption Fallback to Telegram API |
| Evasion Techniques | Code obfuscation Virtual machine detection Sandbox timeout delays |
| Persistence | Registry autorun keys Windows scheduled tasks Hidden service installation |
| Spreading Mechanism | USB autoinfection Network shares exploitation Malicious document macros |
| Web Injections | 35+ international banking portals |
| DGA System | Generates 250+ daily domains |
| Self-Defense | Kills security processes Blocks AV update domains |
Why This Botnet Remains Popular?
- Proven Effectiveness – Evolved from the most successful credential stealer of the 2010s
- Low Resource Usage – Consumes <3% CPU during operation
- Multi-Lingual Support – Now optimized for English-speaking targets
- Profit Versatility – Harvested data works for:
Financial fraud
Corporate espionage
Dark web resale
Maintainer Community – Regular updates from underground developers
