Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - June 24–28

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - June 24–28 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing June 28, 2024

The Good

In a bold alliance, the NCA and the FBI embark on a relentless pursuit to dismantle the Qilin ransomware gang. This elusive group, seemingly shielded by Russian government approval, has wreaked havoc on global healthcare providers. Meanwhile, on the frontlines of data privacy, the CPPA and CNIL forge a strategic partnership. This transatlantic collaboration promises a robust framework for joint research and education on emerging technologies and data protection.

  • The U.K's National Crime Agency (NCA) and the FBI have joined forces to track down and disrupt the activities of the Qilin ransomware gang. The agencies are trying to identify and apprehend the criminals behind Qilin, which has been operating with the apparent approval of the Russian government. The Qilin ransomware gang has targeted global healthcare providers, causing widespread disruption and leaking sensitive patient data.

  • The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) signed a partnership agreement with France’s Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) to conduct joint research on data privacy issues and share investigative learnings. The declaration establishes a general framework of cooperation to facilitate joint internal research and education related to new technologies and data protection issues, share best practices, and convene periodic meetings.

The Bad

In a diabolical dance of cyber mayhem, the Unfurling Hemlock threat actor deployed malware cluster bombs. Over 50,000 such files, meticulously crafted, target systems primarily in the U.S., Germany, Russia, and others. Additionally, the UAC-0184 waged a digital war on Ukraine using the XWorm RAT. In a parallel nightmare, the polyfill[.]io domain, once benign, now serves malware to over 100,000 websites.

  • The Unfurling Hemlock threat actor is using a malware cluster bomb technique to deliver multiple types of malware to compromised systems, providing high levels of redundancy and persistence. Over 50,000 cluster bomb files linked to the threat group have been identified, with the attacks targeting systems primarily in the U.S., as well as in Germany, Russia, Turkey, India, and Canada. The attacks begin with the execution of a file named 'WEXTRACT.EXE', which contains nested compressed cabinet files, each containing a malware sample. The final stage executes the extracted files in reverse order.

  • Cyble identified the Russia-linked threat actor group UAC-0184 targeting Ukraine with the XWorm RAT. The campaign begins with a malicious LNK shortcut file disguised as an Excel document, which executes a PowerShell script to download and execute malicious files. The attackers use DLL sideloading and a tool called Shadowloader to inject the XWorm RAT into a running process. The XWorm RAT has various capabilities, including data theft, DDoS attacks, and cryptocurrency manipulation.

  • The polyfill[.]io domain, previously used for JavaScript polyfills, has been compromised and is now serving malicious code to over 100,000 websites. The domain was bought by a Chinese organization, leading to a supply chain attack that infected visitors' browsers with malware. The malicious code is dynamically generated based on the website's HTTP headers, making it difficult to detect and block. Google has started blocking Google Ads for affected websites to reduce traffic and potential victims.

  • SpyMax, an Android RAT, has been spotted targeting Telegram users. It does not require rooted devices, making it easier for threat actors to gather private information and control victims' devices. The malware pretends to be the Telegram app and requests Accessibility Service permission, acting as a trojan with keylogger capabilities. It collects location information and communicates with a C2 server to send compressed data and receive system commands and APK payload.

  • A supply chain attack on WordPress plugins led to the compromise of five plugins, allowing attackers to create unauthorized admin accounts and inject SEO spam on affected websites. The affected plugins include Social Warfare, Blaze Widget, Wrapper Link Element, Contact Form 7 Multi-Step Addon, and Simply Show Hooks. The injected malware attempts to create a new administrative user account and sends those details back to an attacker-controlled server. The malware also injects malicious JavaScript into the footer of websites, which appears to add SEO spam throughout the website

  • North Korean hackers are actively using the HappyDoor malware in spear-phishing email attacks to steal sensitive information and gain remote access. HappyDoor is a malware used by the Kimsuky group, a North Korean hacking group, since 2021 and is still active as of 2024. The evolving HappyDoor malware operates via regsvr32.exe in three stages and has functions such as screen capture, key logging, file leakage, and communication with C&C servers using HTTP.

New Threats

A new breed of malware masquerades as cracks and commercial tools, each download spawning a uniquely hashed menace, yet all bearing the same nefarious capabilities. This digital chameleon, named InnoLoader, utilizes InnoSetup to present a deceptive installer interface. Discovered vulnerabilities in Sensor Net Connect device and Thermoscan IP desktop application could elevate a regular user to administrator status, endangering sensitive medical data and inviting denial-of-service attacks on critical monitoring systems. In Southeast Asia, a stealthy adversary named Snowblind has been preying on banking customers, wreaking financial havoc.

  • A new type of malware disguised as cracks and commercial tools is being distributed, where a unique malware is created upon each download attempt with different hash values but the same malicious functions. The malware is created using InnoSetup and is dubbed InnoLoader. It displays an installer UI and executes malicious behaviors when the user clicks the "Next" button during installation. The malware can download and execute various payloads from the C2 server, including infostealers, proxy tools, and adware.
  • Vulnerabilities discovered in the Sensor Net Connect device and Thermoscan IP desktop application could allow a non-administrator user to gain administrator privileges, potentially compromising medical data systems. These vulnerabilities could lead to denial-of-service attacks on the medical monitoring infrastructure. The vendor, Plug&Track, has not responded to the researchers' attempts to disclose the vulnerabilities, so no official patch has been provided. Recommended mitigation steps include segregating access, monitoring logs and accounts, and implementing strict access controls until a permanent fix is available.
  • A new malware called Snowblind is targeting banking customers in Southeast Asia, resulting in financial losses and fraud. Snowblind uses a unique technique that disables Android banking apps' ability to detect malicious modifications, making it difficult to detect the malware. It exploits accessibility services on apps, which are designed to help users with disabilities use their devices effectively.
  • XLab researchers spotted k4spreader, a new tool developed by the "8220" cryptomining gang that first appeared in February 2024. It is an installer written in CGO mode that provides system persistence, downloads and updates itself, and releases other malware for execution. The tool is used to deploy payloads like the Tsunami botnet and PwnRig miner. It is capable of closing the firewall and cleaning up other malicious processes.
  • A critical security vulnerability, CVE-2024-5806, has been identified in MOVEit Transfer, which can allow attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability is caused by improper validation of user-supplied input during the authentication process. The affected versions include MOVEit Transfer 2023.0.0 to 2023.0.10, 2023.1.0 to 2023.1.5, and 2024.0.0 to 2024.0.1. Progress strongly urges all MOVEit Transfer customers to immediately upgrade to the latest patched versions: 2023.0.11, 2023.1.6, and 2024.0.2.

Related Threat Briefings

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.

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.