Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - March 11–15

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence - March 11–15 - Featured Image

Weekly Threat Briefing • March 15, 2019

The Good

We’re back with the most interesting threat intel of the week. Let’s first appreciate all the positive events that occurred in the cybersecurity landscape over the past week. Google is planning to block unwanted ‘Drive-by-Downloads’ that are initiated from ad frames without any user interaction. Apple is working on an anti-snooping technology that will secure iPhone users’ privacy. Meanwhile, RBS is planning to experiment biometric bank card which will allow customers to verify a purchase using their fingerprint.

  • Google is planning to block unwanted ‘Drive-by-Downloads’ that are initiated from within ad frames without any user gesture. This feature will be supported in all six blink platforms - Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and Android WebView, except iOS.
  • Apple is working on an anti-snooping technology that will prevent law enforcement authorities from tracking iPhone users’ location and read their private messages. This technology protects iPhone users’ privacy by encrypting information between an iPhone and a mobile network.
  • Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is planning to experiment biometric bank cards in order to enhance security and make payments faster and easier. Biometric bank cards will allow customers to verify a purchase using their fingerprint without the need for Pin codes.
  • Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin has introduced a bill to incorporate cybersecurity training into the career and technical education programs. The bill would authorize $10 million to create a competitive grant program within the Department of Education to include cybersecurity education into existing education programs.

The Bad

The past week witnessed several data breaches and massive cyber attacks. An unprotected database exposed private data of almost 1.8 million Chinese women. A misconfigured Box file-sharing platform exposed confidential business documents. In the meantime, almost seven manufacturers were hit by GPS spoofing attacks that took place in the annual Geneva Motor Show.

  • An unprotected database exposed private data of almost 1.8 million Chinese women. The exposed information included names, dates of birth, ages, addresses, ID numbers, educational details, marital status, and more. The database also included URLs to photos, BreedReady status, and a HasVideo field.
  • Almost seven car manufacturers such as Audi, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen, Daimler-Benz, and BMW were hit by GPS spoofing attacks that took place in the annual Geneva Motor show. Preparators had spoofed the GPS signals of LabSat device and created confusion among the drivers by showing them wrong dates and locations.
  • Kathmandu Holdings suffered a data breach impacting customers’ personal information. The compromised information includes customers’ billing and shipping names, shipping addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, payment card details, pickup/delivery details, gift card details, and Kathmandu Summit Club usernames and passwords.
  • Citrix learned from FBI that attackers gained unauthorized access to Citrix internal network and downloaded business documents. FBI advised Citrix that the attackers might have used a ‘tactic known as password spraying, a technique that exploits weak passwords’ to gain access to Citrix internal network.
  • Hackers breached the ‘college admission database’ of three U.S colleges including Oberlin College in Ohio, Grinnell College in Iowa, and Hamilton College in New York, and gained access to students’ personal information. The hackers demanded 1 bitcoin or approximately $3,800 as ransom from the students for the personal information they claimed to have stolen.
  • Charitable organization Delaware Guidance Services (DGS) notified almost 50,000 parents and guardians of a ransomware attack. As a part of the ransomware attack, patient records containing personal information were encrypted. The personal information includes names, addresses, date of birth, social security number and medical information.
  • Box, one of the popular file-sharing platforms exposed confidential business documents due to misconfiguration. The exposed documents include sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, passport photos, confidential files related to company’s prototypes/design, employee lists, financial data & invoices, customer lists & meetings’ archives, IT data, VPN configurations, and network diagrams.
  • An unprotected database exposed 33 million Chinese job seekers’ resume. The exposed information includes job seekers’ personal information such as names, genders, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, marital statuses, educational details such as school names, degree, and professional details such as job designation, employer names, salary.
  • Researchers detected a compromised Pakistani government website that delivers Scanbox Framework payload whenever anyone visits the site. Once the Scanbox framework is on the visitor’s system, it collects system information and keystroke logs. Researchers notified the Pakistani government website about the infection, however, the site still remains compromised.
  • 63Red Safe mobile app described as ‘Yelp for conservatives’ exposes user data due to unsecured API. The developer of the app hardcoded his credentials and left all the credentials and the list of API endpoints in the app’s source code. This allows anyone to view or access user data as well as block/unblock users. The exposed user data includes username, email address, profile id, avatar, follower count, following count, profile creation date, profile update dates, ban status, and hotscore.

New Threats

Several new malware, vulnerabilities, and ransomware were discovered over the past week. A new Android Adware ‘SimBad’ was detected in 206 Android apps with almost 150 million installs. A new Ransomware-as-a-Service named ‘Yatron’ is being promoted via Twitter. Last but not least, Researchers detected vulnerabilities in Swiss e-voting system that could allow attackers to gain access to the voting system and manipulate cast votes.

  • STOP Ransomware, which is known for encrypting victims’ files, has now started installing AZORult info-stealing trojan onto victims’ systems to steal account credentials, browser history, desktop files, cryptocurrency wallets, and more. The collected information is then sent to the server operated by the attackers.
  • Two cybersecurity firms Avast and Emsisoft have released free decryptors for BigBobRoss. BigBobRoss infects target devices, encrypts files and appends the encrypted files with .obfuscated extension. The decryptors help victims infected with the BigBobRoss ransomware to recover their files without paying the ransom demand.
  • A security researcher detected a security bug in Facebook Messenger. The bug resides in the application’s desktop website. The security flaw could allow attackers to insert malicious links which upon clicking, would allow them to see users’ conversations.
  • Chinese threat actor group Winnti has compromised the networks of three Asian gaming companies to deploy a backdoor trojan within their products. The three affected companies include two game maker companies and a gaming platform firm. The gaming platform firm that is under the scanner is a game named ‘Infestation’, produced by Thai developer Electronics Extreme.
  • A new Ransomware-as-a-Service named ‘Yatron’ is being promoted via Twitter. It offers Yatron ransomware with the abilities to encrypt discs and files, delete shadow copy, bypass UAC, and propagate via P2P, USB, and LAN. This ransomware could also delete the encrypted files if a payment has not been made within 72 hours.
  • Research teams from the University of Melbourne and the Bern University of Applied Sciences have detected vulnerabilities in the Swiss e-voting system. Among the detected vulnerabilities, one vulnerability could allow attackers to gain access to the voting system and manipulate cast votes. The vulnerability exists in the cryptographic system that verifies the cast votes.
  • Researchers observed a new phishing campaign that targets financial institutions in Russia and other neighboring countries. In this campaign, attackers leverage a malware named ‘Read the Manual’ (RTM) Bot to deliver a banking trojan. RTM Bot can steal data from accounting software and harvest smart card information.
  • Researchers uncovered a new Monero mining malware dubbed ‘PsMiner’ that is written in the Go language and includes worm-like capabilities. The malware spreads by exploiting known vulnerabilities in servers running ElasticSearch, Hadoop, Redis, Spring, Weblogic, ThinkPHP, and SQL server. It also spreads using weak system credentials.
  • Microsoft has released security fixes for a total of 64 vulnerabilities across its multiple products such as Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Exchange Server, ChakraCore, the .NET Framework, Team Foundation Server, Visual Studio, Windows Hyper-V and NuGet package manager. Out of the 64, 17 are rated critical, 45 are important, one moderate and one low on the severity scale.
  • Researchers detected Android adware dubbed ‘SimBad’ in almost 206 Android applications that are available for download in the Google Play Store. Its capabilities include removing the icon from the launcher, displaying background ads, opening URLs, opening Google Play and 9Apps, installing other malware, and more. Google has removed all the 206 apps from the Google Play Store.
  • A new Point-of-Sale malware dubbed ‘GlitchPOS’ has been spotted targeting firms in retails and hospitality sector. The malware is distributed via phishing emails that include a fake game featuring a cute cat. GlitchPOS is generally deployed on retailers' websites and retail point-of-sale locations in order to steal credit card information of customers.
  • Attackers are exploiting a vulnerability in a shopping cart plugin ‘Abondoned Cart Lite for WooCommerce’ to target the Wordpress-based shopping sites. Attackers then implant backdoors and take control of other vulnerable sites. The plugin has been installed for more than 20,000 times across several WordPress sites.
  • A new cyber-espionage campaign dubbed ‘Operation Comando’ that steals credit card information from customers has been observed recently. In this campaign, attackers used a new info-stealing malware named CapturaTela to steal credit card information from customers. The phishing campaign primarily targets Brazilian customers.
  • A new phishing campaign disguised as ‘Bitcoin Investment Update’ delivers clipboard hijacker malware in order to steal Bitcoins from victims.‘ Task.exe’ clipboard hijacker monitors the Windows Clipboard for bitcoin addresses and if any detected, it will swap it for the bitcoin address owned by the attacker.
  • A new variant of the Ursnif trojan is spotted targeting Japan. This latest variant packs a host of advanced features to evade detection by security tools. It uses steganography to hide malicious content which is decrypted by the PowerShell code.

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 13, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 09–13, 2025

A global sweep just knocked out thousands of malicious command centers. INTERPOL’s Operation Secure led to the dismantling of over 20,000 malicious IPs tied to 69 malware strains across 26 countries. NIST has published new guidance to help organizations put Zero Trust Architecture into action, offering 19 real-world implementations built with industry partners. CyberEye lowers the barrier for cybercrime with a plug-and-play toolkit. This .NET-based RAT uses Telegram for command and control while offering modules for keylogging, credential theft, and platform-specific data grabbing. The TokenBreak attack manipulates how text is tokenized in classification models to sneak past defenses. A Mirai variant is actively exploiting a command injection vulnerability in TBK DVR-4104 and DVR-4216 devices, to conscript them into a botnet for DDoS attacks. Unpatched IT tools are once again opening the door to ransomware attacks. CISA has warned about vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp RMM software being exploited by groups like Play and DragonForce in double-extortion campaigns. Fog ransomware operators are blurring the line between admin tools and attack chains. In a recent incident, they deployed a mix of open-source and legitimate software to gain persistence and exfiltrate data undetected. Over 20 phishing applications impersonating popular crypto wallets have been found stealing mnemonic phrases to drain users’ funds.

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 16, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 12–16, 2025

Not every AI tool on Facebook is what it claims to be. Threat actors are luring users with fake content-generation apps, pushing Noodlophile malware to tens of thousands of victims. Disguised as AI-powered services, these tools trick users into executing malicious files that steal browser credentials, crypto wallet data, and other sensitive information through a layered infection chain. OtterCookie is getting smarter with every version. The North Korea-linked group WaterPlum is actively using the malware to breach financial institutions and crypto platforms worldwide. Since late 2024, new iterations have added capabilities like credential theft from browsers and file uploads - each version revealing signs of modular development and distinct authorship. A flaw in Linux’s nftables is turning dirty sets into dangerous ones. A critical double-free vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting memory corruption. Kernel-level fixes are already rolling out to improve cleanup routines and patch the vulnerable destroy path.

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 18, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 14–18, 2025

The U.S. is drawing a hard line on data outflows. The DOJ’s new Data Security Program aims to block foreign adversaries, specifically nations like China and Russia, from acquiring sensitive American data through commercial channels. SSL certificates are about to expire a lot faster. In a move to tighten digital trust, the CA/Browser Forum has approved a gradual reduction in certificate lifespans - from the current 398 days to just 47 by 2029. One email, three stages, and no files to catch. Agent Tesla is being deployed through spam campaigns that use archive attachments with embedded JavaScript. They look like browser helpers, but they act like spyware. A set of 57 Chrome extensions have been found snooping on users. XorDDoS is now compromising Docker servers and deploying new features tied to a “VIP” variant. Most of the recent activity is hitting U.S. infrastructure. UNC5174 is keeping a low profile, but its targets aren’t. Active since late 2024, the Chinese state-linked group has been compromising Linux systems using a malicious bash script that drops SNOWLIGHT malware and a fileless VShell RAT. A wine-tasting invite with a side of malware. APT29, the Russian state-aligned group, is targeting European diplomatic networks with phishing lures disguised as event announcements.

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.