Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 07–11, 2025

shutterstock 2218902977 (1)

Weekly Threat Briefing April 11, 2025

The Good

The U.K. government rolled out a Cyber Governance Code of Practice aimed at directors and board members, not just CISOs. Backed by the NCSC and other national bodies, the code includes practical actions, modular training, and a board-level toolkit. Startups building the future of cyber defense are getting serious backing. The British Business Bank has committed most of a £50 million fund to Osney Capital, which will invest in early-stage cybersecurity companies across the U.K.

  • The U.K government launched a new Cyber Governance Code of Practice to enhance cyber-resilience in medium and large organizations. This initiative, developed by experts from the NCSC, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and other professional bodies, provides guidance for board members and directors to effectively manage cyber risk. The code includes a set of actions, a training package, and a toolkit for boards. The training package is divided into five modules based on the pillars of the code: risk management, strategy, people, incident planning, response and recovery, and assurance and oversight. 
  • The British Business Bank committed nearly £37.5 million of a £50 million ($64 million) fund to support early-stage cybersecurity startups in the U.K. Osney Capital's Fund 1 plans to invest between £250,000 and £2.5 million in 30 portfolio companies at pre-seed and seed stage, with plans for follow-on Series A rounds. The British Business Bank's contribution to the Osney Capital fund reflects the growing strategic importance of cybersecurity to the government. 
The Bad

A torrent download might be doing more than delivering cracked software. A campaign has been distributing ViperSoftX to Korean users, likely run by Arabic-speaking threat actors. Invasive spyware campaigns are zeroing in on high-risk communities. MOONSHINE and BADBAZAAR are being deployed through trojanized mobile apps to surveil Uyghur, Tibetan, and Taiwanese individuals, as well as civil society groups. Search for QuickBooks during tax season, and you might land on a trap. Threat actors are placing deceptive Google Ads that link to phishing pages almost identical to the real QuickBooks login portal.

  • ReversingLabs discovered a malicious npm package, pdf-to-office, that targets Atomic and Exodus crypto wallet users. This package, which appears to convert PDF files to Microsoft Office documents, actually deploys a malicious payload that modifies key files within the wallet software. This allows attackers to intercept cryptocurrency transfers by silently swapping recipient wallet addresses. The malware remains persistent even after the removal of the package, requiring a complete reinstallation of the affected wallet software.
  • Cofense analyzed a sophisticated phishing campaign titled "Pick Your Poison." The attack begins with an email that appears to be from a legitimate file-sharing service, files[.]fm, warning the recipient of an impending file deletion. Upon clicking the embedded link, users are redirected to a legitimate files[.]fm page, enhancing the illusion of safety. However, when users open the shared file, they are presented with two options, "Preview" or "Download," both leading to malicious outcomes. The malware often installs a RAT such as ConnectWise RAT, allowing threat actors unauthorized access to compromised systems. 
  • ASEC discovered a malware campaign targeting Korean victims since April 1, suspected to be orchestrated by Arabic-speaking attackers. The malware, known as ViperSoftX, is primarily spread through cracked software or torrents and operates as a PowerShell script. During the C&C communication process, the malware downloads additional malicious software, including a VBS downloader, malicious PowerShell script, PureCrypter, and Quasar RAT. The VBS downloader is responsible for downloading and executing PowerShell and VBS files from a remote server. The PowerShell script, in turn, downloads and executes PureCrypter and Quasar RAT, while also adding Windows Defender exception paths to evade detection. 
  • The CISA has warned about two actively exploited vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel, identified as CVE-2024-53197 and CVE-2024-53150, both located in the USB-audio driver. These flaws could allow attackers to manipulate system memory, escalate privileges, or access sensitive information. CVE-2024-53197 is an out-of-bounds access vulnerability that can be exploited by an attacker with physical access to a system using a malicious USB device. CVE-2024-53150 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that can be exploited by a local, privileged attacker to obtain sensitive information. Both vulnerabilities were added to the KEV catalog.
  • Cybercriminals are targeting Intuit QuickBooks users by purchasing prominent Google Ads that lead to fake login pages, aiming to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and one-time passcodes. The phishing pages closely resemble the genuine QuickBooks site, making it difficult for users to distinguish between the two. Users are advised to access their QuickBooks account directly through the official Intuit website or application, and to be vigilant about verifying the URL. 
  • Vidar Stealer has evolved since its first appearance in 2018, and now it's being disguised within a legitimate Microsoft Sysinternals tool, BGInfo.exe. The malware sample was observed in the wild, mimicking the legitimate binary's creation time to avoid suspicion. The malicious BGInfo has a larger file size and different cryptographic hashes compared to the official version. The malware author modifies the initialization routine of BGInfo.exe to run the malicious code instead of the expected function. The main behaviors of Vidar Stealer include credential theft, cryptocurrency wallet theft, session hijacking, and cloud and storage data theft. 
  • The NCSC and international cybersecurity agencies have discovered that hackers are using two types of spyware, MOONSHINE and BADBAZAAR, to spy on Uyghur, Tibetan, and Taiwanese individuals and civil society organizations. The spyware-infected apps target individuals and groups perceived as a threat to China's stability, including those associated with Taiwan's independence, Tibetan rights, Uyghur Muslims, ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, democracy advocates, and Falun Gong members. Some apps mimic popular platforms like WhatsApp and Skype, while others are standalone apps designed to attract potential victims. The Tibet One and Audio Quran apps, which have been used to spread the spyware, have been removed from app stores. 
  • GreyNoise Intelligence has detected a significant increase in exploitation attempts against TVT NVMS9000 DVRs, primarily used in security and surveillance systems. The activity, which peaked on April 3 with over 2,500 unique IPs, is associated with the Mirai botnet. The vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to gain administrative control over affected systems. Most malicious IP addresses are targeting systems in the U.S., the U.K, and Germany, with the majority originating from Asia-Pacific. GreyNoise recommends organizations using the NVMS9000 DVR to block known malicious IP addresses, apply available patches, restrict public internet access to DVR interfaces, and monitor network traffic for signs of unusual activity. 
New Threats

It starts with a PDF search and ends with malware on your machine. A new campaign is using fake CAPTCHAs and Cloudflare Turnstile to lure users into downloading LegionLoader. Seed phrases aren’t supposed to come from strangers. The PoisonSeed campaign is targeting crypto holders and enterprise users by compromising bulk email services. Victims are lured with fake wallet setup instructions that embed attacker-controlled recovery phrases - giving threat actors full access once the wallets are used. A Chinese-linked threat group, ToddyCat, has been exploiting a security vulnerability in ESET's software to deliver a new malware, TCESB, in Asia.

  • Cybersecurity researchers have discovered that threat actors are creating deceptive websites to spread the SpyNote Android malware. These websites pretend to be Google Play Store pages for popular apps, tricking users into downloading the malware. The malware, also known as SpyMax, steals sensitive data from infected devices and has been linked to a Chinese-speaking threat actor named GoldFactory. It has also been adopted by state-sponsored hacking groups. The malware has been found to be spread through carousel images that download a malicious APK file onto the user's device.
  • A massive new spam campaign by AkiraBot has been discovered. This campaign has targeted over 400,000 websites, with a focus on SME businesses hosted on platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace. The spam messages promote suspicious SEO services called Akira and ServiceWrap. The campaign uses content generated by an OpenAI LLM, which helps it evade spam filters as the content is unique each time. The framework also rotates the attacker-controlled domains mentioned in the messages, further complicating spam filtering. Since September 2024, AkiraBot has successfully spammed 80,000 websites. It has evolved to target live chat widgets and comments sections, and uses CAPTCHA bypass services and multiple proxy hosts to avoid detection. 
  • A Chinese-linked threat group, ToddyCat, has been exploiting a security vulnerability in ESET's software to deliver a new malware, TCESB, in Asia. The malware uses DLL Search Order Hijacking to gain control of the execution flow, exploiting a flaw in ESET Command Line Scanner, which insecurely loads a DLL named "version.dll." TCESB is a modified version of an open-source tool, EDRSandBlast, and uses the BYOVD technique to install a vulnerable Dell driver, DBUtilDrv2.sys, susceptible to a privilege escalation flaw tracked as CVE-2021-36276. 
  • A latest version of Neptune RAT has been discovered, which uses advanced anti-analysis techniques and persistence methods to maintain its presence on the victim’s system. It comes packed with malicious features, including a crypto clipper, password stealer that exfiltrate credentials from 270+ unique apps, ransomware capabilities, and live desktop monitoring. Neptune RAT uses a technique involving PowerShell commands, irm (Invoke-RestMethod) and iex (Invoke-Expression), to download and execute a batch script and malware payload, establishing a connection between the client and the attacker’s server. The malware has been proliferating across GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube and targeting Windows users.
  • Netskope discovered a new malicious campaign that distributes the LegionLoader malware using fake CAPTCHAs and CloudFlare Turnstile. This campaign, active since February, targets users searching for PDF documents online. The infection chain begins with a drive-by download from a malicious website, followed by a fake CAPTCHA that redirects victims to a notification page. If victims enable browser notifications, they are guided through a process that ultimately leads to the download of an MSI file containing the LegionLoader payload. The campaign has targeted over 140 Netskope customers, primarily in North America, Asia, and Southern Europe, with a focus on the technology and financial services sectors.
  • Silent Push spotted a sophisticated cyber threat dubbed PoisonSeed that targets enterprise organizations, VIP individuals, and cryptocurrency holders. The campaign involves compromising CRM and bulk email providers, and deploying a novel "crypto seed phrase" phishing attack. The threat actors have targeted significant platforms like Coinbase, Ledger, Mailchimp, SendGrid, Hubspot, Mailgun, and Zoho. The campaign involves presenting victims with security seed phrases to deceive them into copying and pasting these phrases into new cryptocurrency wallets, which the attackers can later compromise.

Related Threat Briefings

Aug 22, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, August 18–22, 2025

As cyber threats evolve, global takedown efforts are stepping up to safeguard digital ecosystems. INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti arrested 1,209 cybercriminals across 18 African nations, recovering $97.4 million and dismantling over 11,000 malicious infrastructures. In another coordinated operation, U.S. authorities seized the Rapper Bot DDoS botnet, which had been active since 2021 and targeted 18,000 victims across 80 countries. The Python Package Index (PyPI) introduced defenses against domain resurrection attacks to prevent account hijacking and supply chain attacks. Berserk Bear hackers are wielding a seven-year-old Cisco flaw to infiltrate global critical infrastructure. Exploiting CVE-2018-0171, these FSB-linked attackers trigger device reloads and use custom SNMP tools. MuddyWater APT is targeting CFOs with spear-phishing, using Firebase-hosted phishing pages and custom CAPTCHAs. With a diplomat’s charm, malicious emails are smuggling XenoRAT into South Korea’s embassies via GitHub traps. Since March, this spearphishing spree has targeted European missions. Masquerading as an Australian electronics store, Cookie Spider’s malvertising campaign unleashed the AMOS malware on over 300 targets. Fraudsters posing as celebrity podcast reps are reeling in business owners with a bait. This podcast imposter scam lures victims into tech-check calls that grant remote access. A zero-day flaw has Apple racing to patch millions of devices with emergency iOS and iPadOS updates.

Aug 8, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, August 04–08, 2025

In the wake of recent cyberattacks, the US federal judiciary is locking down sensitive court documents with a fortified approach to cybersecurity. Courts nationwide are enforcing stricter access controls, monitored handling procedures, and a mandatory IT security “scorecard” for annual self-assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities. DARPA is raising the stakes at DEF CON, pitting seven AI-powered cyber reasoning systems against each other to secure the open-source software underpinning critical infrastructure. These autonomous tools, designed to detect and patch vulnerabilities in code vital to water systems and financial institutions, analyzed 7.8 million lines in preliminary rounds, catching 59% of synthetic flaws and uncovering real ones. Akira ransomware is striking with surgical precision, exploiting a suspected zero-day flaw in SonicWall SSL VPN devices, even those fully patched. Since mid-July 2025, attackers have used Virtual Private Server logins to bypass MFA, hitting multiple targets in rapid succession. A stealthy Python-based PXA Stealer is sweeping across 62 countries, pilfering sensitive data from unsuspecting victims. This infostealer campaign has exfiltrated hundreds of thousands of passwords and more. Phishing emails disguised as court summons are delivering a malicious payload to Ukrainian government and defense sectors, courtesy of UAC-0099. A cunning Android RAT, PlayPraetor, is sweeping through six countries, already compromising over 11,000 devices with its deceptive tactics. It masquerades as legitimate apps via fake Google Play Store pages and Meta Ads. ClickTok is luring TikTok Shop users into a trap with a crafty blend of phishing and malware. This global campaign deploys over 10,000 fake TikTok websites and 5,000 malicious apps, impersonating TikTok’s e-commerce platforms to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials. Ghost Calls, a new evasion tactic, is turning Zoom and Microsoft Teams into covert channels for malicious activity, slipping past traditional defenses with ease.

Aug 1, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, July 28–August 01, 2025

Picture this: a tool so fast it dissects malware at lightning speed, giving your team the edge in a digital arms race. Meet Thorium, the CISA’s latest open-source gem. This platform automates cyberattack investigations, processing over 1,700 jobs per second and ingesting 10 million files per hour per permission group. Meanwhile, as AI reshapes the battlefield, OWASP is arming professionals with fresh guidance to secure agentic AI applications driven by LLMs. It’s a playbook for locking down user authentication with OAuth 2.0, encrypting sensitive data, and bolstering supply chain security. Cybercriminals are donning digital disguises, impersonating trusted enterprises with fake Microsoft OAuth applications to steal credentials and bypass multi-factor authentication. Hackers exploited a critical SAP NetWeaver flaw to deploy the Auto-Color Linux malware. This malware, equipped with a rootkit and adaptive evasion tactics, adjusts its behavior based on user privileges. Operation CargoTalon, tied to threat cluster UNG0901, targeted organizations with EAGLET malware hidden in fake invoice files, quietly siphoning off sensitive data to a C2 server. A newly discovered cyberattack technique, dubbed Man in the Prompt, is turning browser extensions into unwitting accomplices in data theft from generative AI tools. DoubleTrouble is targeting users through Discord-hosted APKs, disguising itself as a legitimate app to slip past defenses. A stealthy Android banking trojan, RedHook, is targeting Vietnamese users through phishing sites mimicking trusted agencies. Spread via a malicious APK on an exposed AWS S3 bucket, it exploits accessibility services to steal credentials and banking details, with over 500 infections tied to Chinese-speaking actors.

Jul 25, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, July 21–25, 2025

The BlackSuit ransomware crew just lost its home turf. As part of Operation Checkmate, international law enforcement has seized the group’s dark web extortion and negotiation sites. New York is taking aim at cyber threats to its water systems. A newly proposed set of regulations outlines mandatory IT and OT cybersecurity measures for water and wastewater infrastructure, aligning with federal guidelines and introducing funding to support modernization across the state. Not every scam needs sophistication, sometimes all it takes is a lonely heart and a convincing profile picture. SarangTrap, a massive mobile spyware campaign, is luring victims on Android and iOS through fake dating apps. Storm-2603 is slipping through SharePoint’s cracks and locking the doors behind it. The suspected China-based threat group is exploiting two SharePoint vulnerabilities to deploy Warlock ransomware. A trusted source turned treacherous. Hackers launched a supply chain attack on Arch Linux by slipping malware into three AUR packages. These packages silently deployed a RAT that gave attackers persistent control over infected machines. A browser tweak here, a fake mod there, and suddenly your crypto wallet spills its secrets. In a new campaign, the Scavenger trojan exploits DLL Search Order Hijacking to infiltrate password managers and wallets. A new RaaS group called Chaos is conducting high-impact ransomware campaigns through a number of tactics, using remote management tools for long-term access. Mimo is getting stealthier and greedier. The financially motivated group has moved from targeting Craft CMS to Magento, exploiting PHP-FPM vulnerabilities to deploy malware via fileless techniques.

Jul 18, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, July 14–18, 2025

A keyboard army just lost its command center. Europol’s Operation Eastwood has crippled the pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16). The international effort, involving law enforcement from 12 nations, led to two arrests and the takedown of over 100 servers linked to the group’s “DDoSia” project. Britain wants bug-hunters on its side. The NCSC has launched the Vulnerability Research Initiative, a new program inviting external researchers to help uncover security flaws in widely used hardware and software. Cisco Talos uncovered a MaaS campaign targeting Ukraine, where attackers used Amadey malware and GitHub repositories to stage payloads. The setup mimics tactics from a SmokeLoader phishing operation. Over 600 malicious domains are distributing fake Telegram APKs to unsuspecting users. Most are hosted in China and exploit the Janus vulnerability in Android. Users who trusted GravityForms’ official site got more than they expected. A supply chain attack injected backdoors into plugin files distributed via the official site and Composer. The H2Miner botnet has resurfaced with updated scripts that mine Monero, kill rival malware, and deploy multiple malware. Bundled with it is Lcrypt0rx, a likely AI-generated ransomware that exhibits sloppy logic, malformed syntax, and weak encryption using XOR. A new Konfety variant uses the same package name as a legitimate app but hides the real payload in a lookalike version distributed through third-party stores. One sandbox escape makes five. Google patched a high-severity Chrome flaw that lets attackers break out of the browser’s sandbox using crafted HTML and unvalidated GPU commands.

Jul 4, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 30–July 04, 2025

It looked like a crypto investment until €460 million vanished. Operation BORRELLI dismantled a global fraud ring that scammed over 5,000 victims, with arrests in Madrid and the Canary Islands. A fake workforce was quietly funding a real regime. The DoJ disrupted a North Korean scheme where remote IT workers used stolen identities to get jobs at over 100 U.S. companies. The operation funneled $5 million to the DPRK, exposed military tech, and led to raids across 16 states. Sometimes, the app that looks harmless is just the decoy. Recent investigations uncovered massive Android fraud schemes, including IconAds and Kaleidoscope, which used icon hiding, fake apps, and third-party distribution to flood ad networks with billions of fake requests. Two different names - same tactics, same tools, same playbook. Researchers have found striking overlaps between TA829 and the lesser-known UNK_GreenSec, both of which use phishing lures and REM Proxy services through compromised MikroTik routers. It starts with what looks like an official message from the Colombian government. Behind it is a phishing campaign delivering DCRAT, a modular remote access tool designed for theft and system control. Botnet operators are now turning broken routers into system wreckers. RondoDox is a new Linux-based botnet exploiting CVE-2024-3721 and CVE-2024-12856 to gain remote access to TBK DVRs and Four-Faith routers. That Zoom update request on Telegram? It could be a trap. North Korean actors are deploying NimDoor malware to infiltrate Web3 and crypto platforms using social engineering via Telegram. Google has patched CVE-2025-6554, a critical zero-day in Chrome’s V8 engine that was exploited in the wild to execute arbitrary code.

Jun 27, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 23–27, 2025

A Common Good Cyber Fund was launched to support non-profits delivering critical cybersecurity services for public benefit. The fund is backed by the U.K and Canada, with G7 leaders endorsing similar initiatives. A phishing email is all it takes to breach critical infrastructure. The OneClik APT campaign is targeting energy and oil sectors using Microsoft ClickOnce to deliver a .NET loader and Golang backdoor. A handful of outdated routers is all it takes to build a persistent espionage network. The LapDogs campaign is targeting SOHO devices with a custom backdoor called ShortLeash, giving attackers root access and control over compromised systems. A familiar package name could be hiding far more than useful code. North Korean actors behind the Contagious Interview campaign have published 35 malicious npm packages, including keyloggers and multi-stage malware. A fake Windows update might just be the start of something worse. The EvilConwi campaign is abusing ConnectWise ScreenConnect to deliver signed malware through tampered installers. Encrypted messaging apps aren’t immune to state-backed malware delivery. APT28 is targeting Ukrainian government entities via Signal, sharing macro-laced documents that deploy a backdoor named Covenant. Some WordPress plugins are doing a lot more than extending site functionality. Researchers uncovered a long-running malware campaign that uses rogue plugins to skim credit card data, steal credentials, and manage backend systems on infected sites.

Jun 20, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 16–20, 2025

As cybercriminals weave intricate webs in the digital underworld, global defenders are cutting through the chaos. Six nations toppled Archetyp Market, a darknet drug bazaar with €250 million ($288 million) in Monero deals, nabbing its admin and vendors while seizing €7.8 million ($9 million) in assets. The U.K unveiled a Cyber Growth Action Plan, injecting £16m ($21.2m) to fortify its £13.2bn ($17.5bn) cybersecurity industry after attacks bled retailers like M&S. Stateside, the U.S. reclaimed $225 million in crypto from investment scams, marking the Secret Service’s biggest digital heist bust yet. Cloud services are being quietly turned into covert attack channels. The Serpentine#Cloud campaign is abusing Cloudflare Tunnels and Python to deploy fileless malware via invoice-themed phishing lures. A popular WordPress plugin is exposing sites to full takeover. It affects the AI Engine plugin, impacting over 100,000 websites and opening the door to site-wide compromise. An official-looking email from the tax department may be anything but. Silver Fox APT is targeting Taiwanese users with phishing emails posing as the National Taxation Bureau, delivering malware like Winos 4.0, HoldingHands RAT, and Gh0stCringe. A new Android trojan is turning devices into data-harvesting tools under attackers’ full control. Attributed to the LARVA-398 group, AntiDot has infected thousands of devices through phishing and malicious ads. A fake job offer could now come bundled with custom-built spyware. PylangGhost is targeting crypto professionals in India. Delivered through spoofed job sites, the malware includes registry tampering, remote control, and data exfiltration modules aimed at compromising Windows systems. One compromised travel site is now a launchpad for infostealer infections. A new ClickFix variant, LightPerlGirl, is using fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA prompts and clipboard hijacking to deliver the Lumma infostealer.

Jun 6, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 02–06, 2025

Authorities have taken down a major hub for stolen financial data. The DOJ seized approximately 145 domains associated with the BidenCash marketplace, which had evolved from a small credit card shop in 2022 into a massive hub for stolen payment data. In a move to reinforce Europe’s cyber defenses, Microsoft is stepping in with strategic support. The newly launched European Security Program offers EU governments free access to AI-driven threat intelligence, vulnerability alerts, and guidance to counter attacks from state-sponsored actors. Not all GitHub projects are built with good intentions. Researchers uncovered a widespread campaign involving more than 130 repositories booby-trapped with malware disguised as game cheats, hacking tools, and utilities. A free software download could end up costing your entire crypto wallet. ViperSoftX is back in circulation, targeting crypto users with malicious PowerShell scripts bundled into cracked apps, keygens, and torrent packages. Some attackers mine crypto, JINX-0132 mines misconfigurations. This threat actor is running a stealthy cryptojacking campaign against DevOps platforms, exploiting exposed defaults and overlooked RCE flaws. Destruction masquerading as maintenance tools is hitting Ukraine’s infrastructure. Researchers attributed a new wiper malware called PathWiper to a Russia-linked APT group, targeting critical systems by leveraging legitimate administrative frameworks. A few swapped letters could be all it takes to get owned. A new supply chain attack targets Python and npm developers through typo-squatting and name confusion. A new Android banking trojan, named Crocodilus, has emerged in the threat landscape. It masquerades as legitimate apps like Google Chrome and uses overlay attacks to steal credentials from financial apps.