Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - July 01–05

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - September 16–20 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing July 5, 2024

The Good

In a labyrinthine orchestration of international cyber-justice, Europol spearheaded an intricate, multifaceted probe dubbed Operation Morpheus, meticulously dismantling the subterranean networks of nearly 600 IP addresses that clandestinely harbored illicit Cobalt Strike variants. This sweeping crackdown enveloped 690 IP addresses sprawling across 27 nations. Simultaneously, the U.S. federal government unveiled an avant-garde framework designed to streamline the validation and assimilation of nascent technological innovations within the aegis of FedRAMP. This pioneering framework aspires to catalyze the adoption of cutting-edge, secure technological solutions by federal entities, with a pronounced emphasis on cloud-centric emergent technologies.

  • Europol led a coordinated cross-border investigation codenamed Operation Morpheus to shut down nearly 600 IP addresses supporting illegal Cobalt Strike copies. The takedown targeted 690 IP addresses in 27 countries hosting illegal instances of Cobalt Strike, which has been used by cybercriminals and nation state actors for deploying ransomware and conducting cyber espionage campaigns. The enforcement actions involved server takedowns and warnings to internet service providers hosting malware. The NCA emphasized that while the software itself is legitimate, criminals have exploited it for illicit purposes, making it easier for them to conduct damaging cyber attacks.
  • The U.S. federal government has introduced a framework to prioritize emerging technologies for approval by the Federal Risk Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This framework aims to enable federal agencies to adopt new and secure tech solutions, with a focus on cloud-relevant emerging technologies. The initial priorities include generative AI capabilities such as chat interfaces, code generation and debugging tools, and prompt-based image generators. The framework will allow cloud service providers to expedite the authorization review process for their offerings with AI-based capabilities.
  • Law enforcement from 61 countries conducted an operation called First Light, dismantling online scam networks and arresting over 3,900 suspects. They seized $257 million in assets obtained illegally and identified over 14,600 potential cybercriminals. The operation targeted phishing, investment fraud, fake online shopping sites, romance scams, and impersonation scams.

The Bad

The Mekotio banking trojan, a cunningly intricate malware, cast its nefarious net primarily over Latin American territories. Disguised in the guise of seemingly innocuous phishing emails masquerading as communications from tax agencies, Mekotio ensnares its victims with malicious links or attachments. In a parallel vein, a seemingly benign QR code reader app on Google Play has been unmasked as a vessel for the notorious Anatsa banking malware. Simultaneously, cyber malefactors have turned their predatory gaze towards antiquated versions of Rejetto's HFS software, exploiting the critical-severity vulnerability CVE-2024-23692.

  • The Mekotio banking trojan is a sophisticated malware targeting Latin American countries, particularly Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, and Peru. Mekotio is often delivered through phishing emails that appear to be from tax agencies, containing malicious links or attachments. Upon execution, Mekotio gathers system information and establishes a connection with a C2 server. It displays fake pop-ups that mimic legitimate banking sites, tricking users into entering their login details. Mekotio can also capture screenshots, log keystrokes, and steal clipboard data.
  • A malicious QR code reader app on Google Play has been discovered to be delivering the notorious Anatsa banking malware. The app has already been downloaded thousands of times, potentially compromising a significant number of users' financial data. Anatsa is a sophisticated piece of malware designed to steal sensitive banking information. It has advanced capabilities, including keylogging, overlay attacks, and remote access, making it a formidable threat to users' banking security.
  • Hackers are targeting older versions of the HTTP File Server (HFS) software from Rejetto to drop malware and cryptocurrency mining software.They are exploiting CVE-2024-23692, a critical-severity vulnerability in HFS versions up to and including 2.3m, which allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The attackers use the vulnerability to gather information about the compromised system, install backdoors, and deploy various types of malware, including XMRig for Monero mining, XenoRAT, Gh0stRAT, and PlugX for remote access and control, and GoThief information stealer.
  • ASEC uncovered a case where an unidentified threat actor exploited a Korean ERP solution to attack the defense and manufacturing industries. The attack involved inserting a malicious routine into the ERP update program to distribute the Xctdoor backdoor, which is designed to steal system information and execute commands. The attack also targeted web servers, installing the XcLoader malware to inject Xctdoor into processes. The malware communicates with a C&C server using HTTP and employs encryption.

New Threats

The notorious Turla malware group has been found deftly utilizing insidious LNK files to unleash a fileless backdoor. The LNK file masquerades as an innocuous PDF document and triggers a PowerShell script. Microsoft unveiled two critical vulnerabilities within Rockwell Automation's PanelView Plus devices, presenting gateways for remote code execution and denial-of-service attacks. A new ransomware menace, Volcano Demon, has been using a ransomware variant dubbed LukaLocker.

  • A new campaign by the Turla malware group has been spotted using malicious LNK files to deploy a fileless backdoor. The malware campaign starts with a malicious package downloaded from a compromised website, potentially distributed through phishing emails. The malicious LNK file masquerades as a normal PDF document and executes a PowerShell script that deploys a fileless backdoor using Microsoft's msbuild.exe. The backdoor disables Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), performs memory patching on system modules, and bypasses the Windows Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) to evade detection.
  • Microsoft discovered and disclosed two vulnerabilities in Rockwell Automation's PanelView Plus devices, which could allow RCE and DoS attacks by unauthenticated attackers. The RCE vulnerability (CVE-2023-2071) involves two custom classes that can be abused to upload and load a malicious DLL into the device. The DoS bug (CVE-2023-29464) takes advantage of the same custom class to send a crafted buffer that the device is unable to handle properly, leading to a DoS.
  • Halcyon identified a new ransomware operator called Volcano Demon that is using a ransomware variant called LukaLocker. The ransomware encrypts victim files with the .nba file extension and uses common administrative credentials to lock Windows workstations and servers. The attackers cleared logs and exfiltrated data for double extortion before demanding payment through threatening phone calls. The ransomware also employs evasion tactics to stop various services and processes and uses the Chacha8 cipher for file encryption.
  • Over 40 vulnerabilities have been discovered in Toshiba's e-STUDIO Multi-Function Printers (MFPs), affecting 103 different models used by businesses and organizations worldwide. The vulnerabilities include RCE, XML external entity injection, privilege escalation, authentication credential leak, DOM-based XSS, insecure permissions, TOCTOU (Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) conditions, and others. Affected MFPs run on Linux and can be leveraged by attackers to move laterally within infrastructures.
  • Transparent Tribe has developed a new variant of its Android spyware called CapraRAT that targets gamers, weapons enthusiasts, and TikTok fans by embedding it into curated video browsing applications. SentinelLabs has identified four new CapraRAT APKs, including Crazy Game signed.apk, Sexy Videos signed.apk, TikTok signed.apk, and Weapons signed.apk.
  • A trio of security flaws were uncovered in the CocoaPods dependency manager that could be exploited to stage software supply chain attacks. One of the vulnerabilities is CVE-2024-38368 (CVSS score: 9.3) and allows an attacker to exploit the ‘Claim Your Pods’ process. The other two are tracked as CVE-2024-38366 (CVSS score: 10) and CVE-2024-38367 (CVSS score: 8.2).
  • The North Korea-linked threat actor Kimsuky has been using a new malicious Google Chrome extension called TRANSLATEXT to steal sensitive information from South Korean academia focused on North Korean political affairs. This extension gathers email addresses, usernames, passwords, cookies, and browser screenshots. The attack starts with a ZIP archive that claims to be about Korean military history, containing a Hangul Word Processor document and an executable.

Related Threat Briefings

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.

May 30, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 26–30, 2025

Under the hood of vulnerability management, NIST just added a sharper diagnostic tool. The new Likely Exploited Vulnerabilities metric offers deeper insight into which CVEs are likely being used in the wild, complementing EPSS with more contextual signals. Digital warfare is no longer a future threat, it's a current investment. The U.K. Ministry of Defence has unveiled a £1 billion Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to protect military networks and support offensive cyber missions. With AI-driven systems like the Digital Targeting Web in development, the goal is seamless coordination across weapons platforms. A quiet but relentless campaign has been unfolding across multiple industries. The Chinese group Earth Lamia is targeting finance, government, logistics, and more by exploiting known web app vulnerabilities. APT41 hides malware commands where no one’s looking: your calendar. In a creative twist on C2 infrastructure, China-backed APT41 embedded encrypted instructions inside Google Calendar events. AyySSHush doesn’t make noise, it builds armies. More than 9,000 ASUS routers have been compromised by this botnet, which quietly slips in through a CVE-2023-39780 exploit. Fake CAPTCHA prompts are now doing more than testing if you're human—they're installing malware. EDDIESTEALER, a new Rust-based infostealer, spreads through deceptive CAPTCHA pages that trigger malicious PowerShell scripts. Threat actors are wrapping their tools in layers of obfuscation, and DOUBLELOADER is no exception. This new backdoor uses the ALCATRAZ obfuscator—once seen in the game-hacking scene—to disguise its presence. A new Go-based botnet called PumaBot is clawing its way through Linux IoT devices. It brute-forces SSH credentials, impersonates Redis files for stealth, and deploys rootkits to mine crypto and steal credentials.

May 23, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 19–23, 2025

Operation Endgame just dealt a major blow to the ransomware supply chain. Europol led the charge in dismantling malware infrastructure tied to multiple malware families, seizing 300 servers and more. Japan has officially gone on the cyber offense. The new Active Cyberdefense Law allows preemptive strikes against foreign cyber threats. It enables traffic analysis and takedowns of hostile servers. Think twice before clicking on that Ledger update. A new macOS malware campaign is deploying fake versions of the Ledger Live app to steal cryptocurrency seed phrases. A Turkish phishing lure leads straight to SnakeKeylogger. Fake AI tools are the new phishing lures and they’re convincing. Cybercriminals cloned Kling AI’s brand through Facebook ads and spoofed websites to trick users into downloading malware. The DBatLoader (aka ModiLoader) malware is making the rounds again - this time disguised as a Turkish bank email. The copyright threat in your inbox might be bait. A phishing campaign sweeping across central and eastern Europe is using fake legal complaints to deliver the Rhadamanthys Stealer. Two years of silence, 6,200 downloads later - the malware is finally found. A malicious campaign targeting JavaScript developers slipped past detection by disguising harmful npm packages as plugins for frameworks like React, Vue.js, Vite, and Quill Editor. Researchers uncovered a stealthy new backdoor paired with a Monero coinminer, using the PyBitmessage library for encrypted peer-to-peer communications.

May 9, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 05–09, 2025

Another blow to DDoS-for-hire networks. Europol has shut down six services used to launch global cyberattacks, arresting suspects in Poland and seizing domains in the U.S. The UN has launched a new framework to help policymakers make sense of cyber intrusions. Called UNIDIR Intrusion Path, it complements models like MITRE ATT&CK but simplifies the technical details. It breaks down attacker activity into three layers, making it easier to evaluate threats in a policy context. Old routers are becoming cybercrime goldmines. The FBI has warned that end-of-life routers are being hijacked with malware like TheMoon and sold on proxy networks such as 5Socks and Anyproxy. These compromised devices are used for crypto theft, cybercrime-as-a-service, and even espionage. Crypto users on Discord are the latest targets of a phishing campaign tied to Inferno Drainer. Attackers were found impersonating the Collab.Land bot to trick users into signing malicious transactions. The Play ransomware group has joined the list of actors exploiting CVE-2025-29824. This Windows zero-day in the CLFS driver enables privilege escalation via a race condition during file operations. Linked to the Balloonfly group, the attacks targeted a U.S. organization and included deployment of the Grixba infostealer. COLDRIVER’s latest malware, LOSTKEYS, is now in play. The Russian state-backed group is deploying this tool to steal files and system data from advisors, journalists, NGOs, and individuals linked to Ukraine. Agenda’s playbook just got upgraded. The ransomware group has added two new tools: SmokeLoader and a stealthy .NET-based loader called NETXLOADER. The latter leverages techniques like JIT hooking and AES decryption to deploy ransomware. Corporate HR teams are the latest target in a spear-phishing spree by Venom Spider. Disguised as job applications, these emails deliver More_eggs backdoor, now upgraded with advanced features.

May 2, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 28–May 02, 2025

The FBI just dropped a massive breadcrumb trail. Details of 42,000 phishing domains tied to the LabHost platform have been released to help defenders investigate potential breaches. The service enabled the theft of 500,000 credit cards and over a million credentials. The takedown of JokerOTP has exposed just how far phishing has evolved. The tool was used in more than 28,000 attacks across 13 countries, tricking victims into handing over 2FA codes by mimicking trusted brands. The operation cost victims £7.5 million and has now led to serious criminal charges, thanks to a joint effort involving Europol and Dutch authorities. Malware’s now hitching a ride on Go modules. Socket has uncovered three malicious packages hiding disk-wiping payloads, designed to cause irreversible data loss, especially on Linux systems. These modules take advantage of Go’s decentralized ecosystem. In the shadows of the cybersecurity landscape, MintsLoader emerges as a formidable adversary, orchestrating a multi-faceted infection strategy that deploys the notorious GhostWeaver RAT. Some PyPI packages are doing more than importing functions. Researchers uncovered seven malicious Python packages under the “Coffin” naming scheme, using Gmail’s SMTP service as a stealthy C2 channel. Ransomware groups aren’t always the ones breaking the door open. Researchers have uncovered ToyMaker, an initial access broker selling network entry to ransomware groups. Using a custom malware strain called LAGTOY, ToyMaker establishes reverse shells and executes commands on compromised systems. New vulnerabilities in Apple’s AirPlay protocol, collectively dubbed AirBorne, expose billions of devices to remote code execution without user interaction. Sharp and TX stealers are back, donning a new cloak - named Hannibal Stealer. It is going after credentials from browsers, crypto wallets, FTP clients, and VPN apps. It even captures Discord tokens and Steam sessions.

Apr 25, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 21–25, 2025

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. 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. 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.

Apr 11, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 07–11, 2025

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. 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. 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.