Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 21–25, 2025

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Weekly Threat Briefing April 25, 2025

The Good

AI security finally has a global playbook. ETSI has released TS 104 223, a first-of-its-kind technical specification outlining how to secure AI systems across their entire lifecycle - from design to decommissioning. MITRE’s latest update is catching up with the cloud. ATT&CK v17 expands the framework to include ESXi and adds more than 140 defensive analytics. Platform-specific data collection advice, improved mitigation mapping, and deeper coverage of mobile threats like SIM swaps round out the upgrade.

  • ETSI has released new technical specifications, ETSI TS 104 223, to establish a global benchmark for securing AI models and systems. The specifications include 13 core principles and 72 trackable principles across five lifecycle phases: secure design, development, deployment, maintenance, and end of life. These standards address unique AI challenges such as data poisoning and model obfuscation. ETSI's initiative is seen as a global first in setting a baseline for AI security, developed with input from international bodies, including significant contributions from the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the National Cyber Security Centre.
  • MITRE introduced ATT&CK v17, enhancing its cybersecurity framework to address evolving threats. Key updates include the addition of the ESXi platform to the Enterprise matrix, reflecting increased attacks on virtualization infrastructure. Defensive improvements feature over 140 new analytics, optimized data collection with platform-specific guidance, and enriched mitigation strategies. Mobile updates encompass new techniques and tools, such as SIM Card Swap and virtualization-based malware. The CTI section now tracks additional groups and campaigns, highlighting state-sponsored and criminal operations. 

The Bad

An APT group with deep roots in Southeast Asia is quietly siphoning data through everyday cloud platforms. Earth Kurma has been active since late 2020, targeting government and telecom entities across the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Signal and WhatsApp are the new frontline for cloud compromise. Russian actors are running OAuth phishing campaigns against Microsoft 365 users tied to Ukraine and human rights work. A forged email that passes every security check - that’s the new phishing trick. Attackers are using DKIM replay tactics to forward legitimate Google security alerts to unsuspecting victims.

  • Trend Research has uncovered the Earth Kurma APT campaign, targeting government and telecommunications sectors in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Active since November 2020, this group uses advanced malware and rootkits for data exfiltration via Dropbox and OneDrive, posing significant risks like espionage and credential theft. Tools such as TESDAT, SIMPOBOXSPY, KRNRAT, and MORIYA facilitate their operations. While some tools overlap with groups like ToddyCat and Operation TunnelSnake, differences prevent clear attribution. 
  • Iran-linked hackers, UNC2428, targeted Israel with MURKYTOUR malware through a fake job campaign in October 2024. The campaign involved impersonating Israeli defense contractor Rafael and tricking individuals into downloading malware disguised as a job application tool. The operation was linked to broader Iranian cyber espionage activities, including other groups like Black Shadow, Cyber Toufan, and UNC3313, which employed various tactics to infiltrate and gather information from Israeli entities. 
  • Since March, Volexity has observed Russian threat actors targeting individuals and organizations linked to Ukraine and human rights through Microsoft 365 OAuth phishing campaigns. These attacks involve impersonating European officials, using legitimate Microsoft authentication workflows, and leveraging compromised accounts to gain unauthorized access to victims' data. The campaigns are primarily conducted via Signal and WhatsApp, requiring victims to share Microsoft-generated authorization codes.
  • The Kimsuky group is distributing PebbleDash malware, previously associated with the Lazarus group, using spear-phishing tactics. The initial access involves executing JavaScript via LNK files, which then runs PowerShell for persistence and malware installation. The attackers use tools like AsyncRAT alongside PebbleDash for remote control. The modification of termsrv.dll disables RDP authentication, allowing unauthorized access. Users are advised to verify file extensions, check for modified DLLs using hash comparisons, and monitor for suspicious accounts like ‘Root’. 
  • Cybercriminals are spreading FOG ransomware by impersonating ties to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and using phishing attacks. Trend Micro discovered nine ransomware samples with .flocked extension and readme.txt notes uploaded on VirusTotal, targeting individuals and organizations. The ransomware operators have claimed 100 victims since January, with various sectors affected. The ransomware payload includes scripts for data collection, privilege escalation, and a Monero wallet address.
  • Hackers exploited a weakness called DKIM replay phishing to send fake emails appearing to originate from Google (no-reply@google[.]com). By creating a specially named Google OAuth app and granting it access, they triggered Google to send a legitimate, DKIM-signed security alert to their own inbox. They then forwarded this verified email to victims. The forwarded email passed DKIM checks because the signature was valid, tricking recipients. The phishing message led to a fake support portal on sites.google.com designed to steal Google credentials. A similar tactic targeted PayPal users. 

New Threats

It starts with a fake sales order and ends with FormBook silently stealing your data. A recent phishing campaign has been abusing a long-patched Microsoft flaw to deliver a fileless variant of the malware. Docker containers aren’t always what they seem. A new threat named TenoBot is targeting systems running outdated Teneo Web3 node software, deploying malicious containers to hijack environments. A stealthy new RAT is slipping through Ivanti Connect Secure devices in Japan. Dubbed DslogdRAT, the malware exploits a zero-day flaw to execute commands via web shell and quietly exfiltrate data using encoded C2 traffic.

  • The ELENOR-corp ransomware, a variant of Mimic version 7.5, is targeting the healthcare sector with advanced features like data exfiltration and persistent access. It uses techniques such as command-line access via sticky keys, aggressive evidence tampering, and backup deletion to hinder recovery efforts. The malware spreads via RDP, harvesting credentials, and encrypting network shares. 
  • A critical zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-31324, in SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer MetadataUploader has been actively exploited to deploy webshells and C2 frameworks, compromising enterprise and government systems. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to gain full control over affected systems by uploading and executing malicious binaries. Despite having the latest service packs, many systems were breached, with attackers bypassing protections to exploit the /developmentserver/metadatauploader endpoint. This has led to unauthorized file uploads and remote code execution. Techniques like Brute Ratel and Heaven’s Gate were used to maintain persistence and evade detection. 
  • A new sophisticated phishing campaign has been identified by Fortinet, which distributes the FormBook info-stealer. This campaign targets Windows users through emails disguised as sales orders and utilizes a legacy Microsoft vulnerability (CVE-2017-11882) to deliver a fileless variant of the malware. The attack begins with a malicious Word document that exploits the altChunk feature to load an embedded RTF file, triggering a sequence that results in the execution of a DLL file disguised as "AdobeID.pdf" and executes it via process hollowing. The malware then downloads an encrypted payload disguised as a PNG file, decrypts it, and runs the FormBook malware in memory to evade detection.
  • A new Android spyware, Android.Spy.1292.origin, has been discovered in a fake Alpine Quest app, targeting Russian military personnel. The spyware, hidden in a trojanized version of the app, steals contacts, geolocation, and file information and can download additional modules to exfiltrate stored data. Distributed via Russian Android catalogs and a fake Telegram channel, the spyware sends data to a command-and-control server and shares geolocation updates with attackers' Telegram bots. The modular design allows it to perform a broader range of malicious activities. 
  • DslogdRAT is a newly observed malware exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Ivanti Connect Secure, targeting organizations in Japan. It operates by executing commands through a web shell and communicates with a C2 server using encoded data. The malware's configuration is hardcoded and designed to avoid detection by operating during business hours. Another malware, SPAWNSNARE, was found on the same compromised systems. 
  • A new Docker malware, dubbed TenoBot, exploits vulnerabilities in Teneo Web3 node software. It deploys malicious containers that compromise system security, allowing attackers to manipulate blockchain transactions and steal sensitive information. TenoBot can execute unauthorized commands, effectively gaining control over affected systems. The malware utilizes known vulnerabilities within the Teneo software, making it particularly dangerous for users running outdated versions. The attack is characterized by its stealthy nature, as it blends in with legitimate Docker operations, complicating detection efforts. 
  • A new Android malware named SuperCard X has emerged, targeting devices through NFC relay attacks to steal credit card data for point-of-sale and ATM transactions. The malware is linked to Chinese-speaking threat actors and is promoted through Telegram channels. Victims are tricked into installing a malicious app that reads card chip data and allows attackers to make contactless payments and ATM withdrawals using emulated cards. SuperCard X remains undetected by antivirus engines and employs advanced security measures like mTLS for secure communications.

Related Threat Briefings

Apr 11, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 07–11, 2025

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Mar 28, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 24–28, 2025

The U.K’s NCSC is putting domain abuse in its crosshairs. New guidance targets registrars with a push to curb malicious domain registrations and hijacks. The recommendations focus on tightening security at registration, offering enhanced protections to customers, and more. Europe is getting serious about the quantum future. ETSI has rolled out a new quantum-safe encryption standard featuring Covercrypt, a novel key encapsulation scheme with built-in access controls. By tying decryption permissions to user attributes, Covercrypt delivers speed and post-quantum security. Medusa isn’t just encrypting files, it’s dismantling defenses first. The RaaS has been leveraging a malicious driver called ABYSSWORKER in BYOVD attacks to disable endpoint protections. FamousSparrow has returned with new tools and a familiar agenda. The Chinese APT group was behind a July 2024 attack targeting a U.S. trade group and a Mexican research institute, deploying a web shell on an IIS server to drop SparrowDoor and ShadowPad. A supply chain attack snuck through npm by modifying what developers thought they could trust. Threat actors used two packages to inject malware into the widely used ethers library. Lucid isn’t just phishing - it’s engineering trust through your inbox. This advanced PhaaS platform weaponizes the built-in features of iMessage and RCS to create hyper-realistic scams. Known for years of corporate espionage, RedCurl has shifted gears with a new ransomware called QWCrypt. The malware was found in a North American network, targeting hypervisors for maximum disruption. PlayBoy Locker is offering ransomware with a user manual and tech support. The newly investigated RaaS platform operates on an affiliate model and comes packed with features. Targeting Windows, NAS, and ESXi systems, it moves laterally using LDAP scans and abuses Restart Manager DLLs to shut down active processes before encryption.

Mar 21, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 17–21, 2025

The race to outpace quantum threats is officially on. The NCSC has issued guidance to help organizations transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2035, with a focus on NIST-approved algorithms and planned support for critical sectors. A nationwide fraud crackdown ends with hundreds behind bars. Operation Henhouse led to 422 arrests and the seizure of millions in assets, as U.K. police target the country’s most widespread and costly crime - fraud. A threat actor briefly exposed their entire playbook. Researchers found a public server hosting tools tied to a campaign targeting South Korea, including a Rust-compiled payload delivering Cobalt Strike Cat and a list of over 1,000 potential targets. Phishing messages on Signal are leading to full system compromise. CERT-UA warns of DarkCrystal RAT attacks targeting Ukraine’s defense sector, using fake contacts and malicious files to trick victims into executing spyware. Ransomware slipped into VSCode under the radar. Two malicious extensions were discovered on the VSCode Marketplace, bypassing checks to deliver test-stage ransomware demanding ShibaCoin for decryption. Fake ads are being weaponized to steal Google credentials. A campaign targeting Semrush users is redirecting victims to spoofed login pages, where attackers harvest Google account logins through a fake “Log in with Google” prompt. A fake browser update could cost you more than a few clicks. A new ClearFake campaign is using fake reCAPTCHA and Turnstile pages to deliver malware like Lumma and Vidar Stealer, with payloads fetched through Binance’s Smart Chain. Hackers are quietly poisoning AI-generated code. A new supply chain attack targets AI editors like Copilot and Cursor, exploiting rules files to inject malicious prompts that trick the tools into writing compromised code.

Mar 14, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 10–14, 2025

A Russian hosting provider is feeling the heat from global sanctions. Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. have sanctioned Zservers, a bulletproof hosting provider linked to ransomware and fraud, freezing its assets and restricting operations. Switzerland is tightening its grip on cyber incident reporting. Starting April 1, critical infrastructure operatorsmust report cyberattacks to the NCSC within 24 hours, reinforcing national cybersecurity defenses. Cybercriminals are upgrading their toolkit for long-term access. Ragnar Loader is being leveraged by ransomware groups like FIN7, FIN8, and Ragnar Locker, evolving into a stealthier and more modular malware for persistent system compromise. Chinese hackers are slipping past defenses in Juniper routers. The UNC3886 threat group is backdooring older Juniper MX routers, bypassing security protections and embedding custom TinyShell malware to maintain access. North Korean hackers are adding ransomware to their arsenal. Moonstone Sleet (Storm-1789) is deploying Qilin ransomware, using fake companies and trojanized tools to infiltrate targets through LinkedIn and freelance platforms. A botnet is turning home routers into attack platforms. The Ballista botnet is exploiting an unpatched TP-Link Archer router flaw (CVE-2023-1389) to spread stealthily, using Tor domains and remote command execution to launch DDoS attacks worldwide. Copy, paste, and lose your crypto. MassJacker hijacks clipboard transactions, swapping wallet addresses with attacker-controlled ones, stealing funds from victims who unknowingly send money to the wrong destination. A fake CAPTCHA is all it takes to get root access. The OBSCURE#BAT campaign is using social engineering tactics to install the r77 rootkit, bypassing defenses and targeting English-speaking users with stealthy, persistent malware.

Mar 7, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, March 03–07, 2025

The code caves of GitHub just got a cleanup crew courtesy of Microsoft. A sprawling malvertising campaign that snagged nearly a million devices worldwide has been knocked down a peg. Cheap Android gadgets are getting a breather from a relentless digital pest. The BadBox 2.0 botnet, a souped-up sequel backed by multiple threat crews, saw 24 shady apps booted from Google Play and half a million infected devices cut off from their puppet masters, thanks to some crafty sinkholing and Google’s cleanup sweep. A sneaky gatecrasher has turned WordPress into a redirect rollercoaster. A malicious JavaScript injection lurking in a theme file has snagged at least 31 sites, pulling visitors through a two-step detour to shady third-party domains. Japan’s digital defenses are under siege from a shadowy crew with a taste for chaos. Since January, unknown threat actors have been prying open organizations in tech, telecom, entertainment, and more, exploiting CVE-2024-4577 in PHP-CGI on Windows. Crooks posing as the Electronic Frontier Foundation are targeting Albion Online players with phishing emails and fake PDFs, claiming account trouble. It’s a ruse to drop Stealc malware and Pyramid C2. A fresh face in the cybercrime underworld is juggling a bag of nasty surprises. EncryptHub is hitting users of QQ Talk, WeChat, Google Meet, and more with trojanized apps and slick multi-stage attacks. The Eleven11bot botnet, loosely tied to Iran, has taken over 86,000 IoT devices to slam telecoms and gaming servers with relentless DDoS barrages. Social media’s sunny side has a dark shadow creeping across the Middle East and North Africa. Since September 2024, Desert Dexter has been slinging a tweaked AsyncRAT via legit file-sharing sites and Telegram. For detailed Cyber Threat Intel, click ‘Read More’.

Feb 21, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 17–21, 2025

Google is stepping up its defenses against the quantum threat. The company is rolling out quantum-resistant digital signatures in Cloud KMS, following NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards. Supply chain attacks just got harder to pull off. Apiiro has released two open-source tools to detect malicious code in software projects. With high detection rates across PyPI and npm packages, these tools add a crucial layer of security for developers. China’s Salt Typhoon is making itself at home in global telecom networks. The group has been caught using JumbledPath, a custom-built spying tool, to infiltrate ISPs in the U.S., Italy, South Africa, and Thailand. ShadowPad malware is once again causing havoc in Europe. Trend Micro flagged 21 targeted companies across 15 countries, with manufacturing firms bearing the brunt. A RAT is hiding in plain sight. SectopRAT has been spotted disguised as a fake Google Docs Chrome extension. It steals browser data, targets VPNs and cryptocurrency wallets, and injects malicious scripts into web pages. Darcula Suite is taking PhaaS to the next level. The upcoming update, currently in beta, will let users generate their own phishing kits by cloning real websites and customizing attack elements. A new payment card skimming campaign is turning Stripe’s old API into a weapon. Hackers are injecting malicious scripts into checkout pages, validating stolen card details through Stripe before exfiltration. LummaC2 is spreading through cracked software downloads again. ASEC found it disguised as a pirated Total Commander installer, hiding behind Google Collab Drive and Reddit links.

Feb 14, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 10–14, 2025

Cyber defenders are sharpening their tools, and EARLYCROW is the latest weapon against stealthy APT operations. This method detects C2 activity over HTTP(S) using a novel traffic analysis format called PAIRFLOW. India is taking digital banking security up a notch. The RBI is launching a dedicated domain to curb financial fraud and enhance trust in online banking. Starting April 2025, financial institutions will register under this domain. China’s RedMike hackers are dialing into telecom networks - literally. Between December 2024 and January 2025, they targeted over 1,000 unpatched Cisco devices. Their primary focus? Global telecoms and university networks in Argentina, Bangladesh, and the U.S. Russia’s Sandworm hackers are using pirated software as bait. Their latest attack on Ukrainian Windows users disguises malware inside trojanized KMS activators and fake Windows updates. Love is in the air, but so are phishing scams. In late January, cybercriminals launched a Valentine’s-themed phishing campaign, offering fake gift baskets in exchange for stolen credentials. Cybercriminals are upping their game with Astaroth, a phishing kit that doesn’t just steal credentials but also hijacks entire sessions. By using a reverse proxy, Astaroth intercepts logins and 2FA tokens in real time, allowing attackers to bypass security measures undetected. South America’s foreign ministry was caught in the crosshairs of an advanced cyber-espionage campaign. In November 2024, attackers linked to REF7707 deployed the PATHLOADER and FINALDRAFT malware to infiltrate diplomatic networks. A new malware named Ratatouille is stirring up trouble by bypassing UAC and using I2P for anonymous communications. Spreading through phishing emails and fake CAPTCHA pages, it tricks victims into running an embedded PowerShell script.

Feb 7, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 03–07, 2025

PyPI is taking a "dead but not gone" approach to abandoned software with Project Archival, a new system that flags inactive projects while keeping them accessible. Developers will see warnings about outdated dependencies, helping them make smarter security choices and avoid relying on unmaintained code. The U.K is bringing earthquake-style metrics to cybersecurity with its new Cyber Monitoring Centre, designed to track digital disasters as precisely as natural ones. Inspired by the Richter scale, the CMC will quantify cyber incidents based on financial impact and affected users, offering clearer insights for national security planning. Kimsuky is back with another phishing trick, this time using fake Office and PDF files to sneak forceCopy malware onto victims' systems. Its latest campaign delivers PEBBLEDASH and RDP Wrapper by disguising malware as harmless shortcuts, ultimately hijacking browser credentials and sensitive data. Hackers have found a new way to skim credit card data - by hiding malware inside Google Tag Manager scripts. CISA is flagging major security holes in Microsoft Outlook and Sophos XG Firewall, urging agencies to patch them before February 27. One flaw allows remote code execution in Outlook, while another exposes firewall users to serious risks. Bitcoin scammers are switching tactics, swapping static images for video attachments in MMS to make their schemes more convincing. A recent case involved a tiny .3gp video luring victims into WhatsApp groups where scammers apply pressure to extract money or personal data. XE Group has shifted from credit card skimming to zero-day exploitation, now targeting manufacturing and distribution companies. A new version of ValleyRAT is making the rounds, using stealthy techniques to infiltrate systems. Morphisec found the malware being spread through fake Chrome downloads from a fraudulent Chinese telecom site.

Jan 10, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, January 06–10, 2025

The U.K is fortifying its digital defenses with the launch of Cyber Local, a £1.9 million initiative to bridge cyber skills gaps and secure the digital economy. Spanning 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland, the scheme emphasizes local business resilience, neurodiverse talent, and cybersecurity careers for youth. Across the Atlantic, the White House introduced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a consumer-friendly cybersecurity labeling program for smart devices. Overseen by the FCC, the initiative tests products like baby monitors and security systems for compliance with rigorous cybersecurity standards, ensuring Americans can make safer choices for their connected homes. China-linked threat actor RedDelta has ramped up its cyber-espionage activities across Asia, targeting nations such as Mongolia, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Vietnam with a modified PlugX backdoor. Cybercriminals have weaponized trust by deploying a fake PoC exploit tied to a patched Microsoft Windows LDAP vulnerability. CrowdStrike reported a phishing operation impersonating the company, using fake job offers to lure victims into downloading a fraudulent CRM application. Once installed, the malware deploys a Monero cryptocurrency miner. A new Mirai-based botnet, dubbed Gayfemboy, has emerged as a formidable threat, leveraging zero-day exploits in industrial routers and smart home devices. With 15,000 active bot nodes daily across China, the U.S., and Russia, the botnet executes high-intensity DDoS attacks exceeding 100 Gbps. In the Middle East, fraudsters are posing as government officials in a social engineering scheme targeting disgruntled customers. Cybercriminals have weaponized WordPress with a malicious plugin named PhishWP to create realistic fake payment pages mimicking services like Stripe. The plugin not only captures payment details in real time but also sends fake confirmation emails to delay detection.