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Pierluigi Paganini@Security Affairs //

Kimsuky APT Exploits Patched BlueKeep RDP Vulnerability in South Korea and Japan - The Kimsuky APT group, linked to North Korea, exploited a patched Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vulnerability (BlueKeep) to gain access to systems in South Korea and Japan.
The North Korean hacking group Kimsuky has been identified as the perpetrator of a new cyber espionage campaign, dubbed "Larva-24005," that exploits a patched Microsoft Remote Desktop Services flaw, commonly known as BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708), to gain initial access to systems. According to a report from the AhnLab Security intelligence Center (ASEC), Kimsuky targeted organizations in South Korea and Japan, primarily in the software, energy, and financial sectors, beginning in October 2023. The campaign also extended to other countries, including the United States, China, Germany, and Singapore, indicating a broader global reach.

The attackers used a combination of techniques to infiltrate systems. While RDP vulnerability scanners were found on compromised systems, the report indicates that the actual breaches were not always initiated through the use of these scanners. Instead, Kimsuky leveraged phishing emails containing malicious attachments that exploited the Microsoft Office Equation Editor vulnerability (CVE-2017-11882) to distribute malware. Once inside, the attackers installed a dropper to deploy various malware suites, including MySpy, designed to collect system information, and RDPWrap, a tool that facilitates persistent remote access by modifying system settings.

To further their surveillance capabilities, Kimsuky deployed keyloggers such as KimaLogger and RandomQuery to capture user keystrokes. The group predominantly used ".kr" domains for their Command and Control (C2) operations, employing sophisticated setups to manage traffic routing and potentially evade detection. ASEC's analysis of the attackers' infrastructure revealed a global footprint, with victims identified in countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. The use of both RDP exploits and phishing suggests a versatile approach to compromising target systems, highlighting the importance of both patching vulnerabilities and educating users about phishing tactics.

Recommended read:
References :
  • securityaffairs.com: Kimsuky APT exploited BlueKeep RDP flaw in attacks against South Korea and Japan
  • The Hacker News: Kimsuky Exploits BlueKeep RDP Vulnerability to Breach Systems in South Korea and Japan
  • gbhackers.com: The AhnLab SEcurity intelligence Center (ASEC) has released a detailed analysis of a sophisticated cyber campaign dubbed “Larva-24005,†linked to the notorious North Korean hacking group Kimsuky.
  • securityonline.info: A new cybersecurity report from the AhnLab Security intelligence Center (ASEC) has shed light on a recently identified
  • Daily CyberSecurity: A new cybersecurity report from the AhnLab Security intelligence Center (ASEC) has shed light on a recently identified
  • ciso2ciso.com: Kimsuky APT exploited BlueKeep RDP flaw in attacks against South Korea and Japan – Source: securityaffairs.com
  • ciso2ciso.com: Kimsuky APT exploited BlueKeep RDP flaw in attacks against South Korea and Japan
  • : North Korea-backed Kimsuky targets unpatched BlueKeep systems in new campaign
  • www.scworld.com: Attacks with BlueKeep, Microsoft Office exploits launched by Kimsuky-linked group
  • : North Korea-backed Kimsuky targets unpatched BlueKeep systems in new campaign
@poliverso.org //

Chinese IronHusky APT Targets Russia With RAT - The IronHusky APT group, a Chinese-speaking threat actor, is targeting government organizations in Russia and Mongolia with an upgraded version of the MysterySnail RAT, abusing a legitimate piping server for command and control.
Chinese-speaking IronHusky hackers are actively targeting government organizations in Russia and Mongolia using an upgraded version of the MysterySnail remote access trojan (RAT) malware. Security researchers at Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) recently discovered this updated implant during investigations into attacks utilizing a malicious MMC script disguised as a Word document. This script downloads second-stage payloads and establishes persistence on compromised systems, indicating a continued focus on espionage and data theft by the APT group.

This new version of MysterySnail RAT includes an intermediary backdoor that facilitates file transfers between command and control servers and infected devices, allowing attackers to execute commands. The IronHusky group is abusing the legitimate piping server (ppng[.]io) to request commands and send back their execution results. This technique helps the attackers to evade detection by blending malicious traffic with normal network activity, highlighting the sophisticated methods employed by the threat actor.

The MysterySnail RAT, initially discovered in 2021, has undergone significant evolution, demonstrating its adaptability and the persistent threat it poses. Despite a period of relative obscurity after initial reports, the RAT has re-emerged with updated capabilities targeting specific geopolitical interests. The continuous refinement and deployment of this malware underscores the ongoing cyber espionage activities carried out by the IronHusky APT group, with a particular focus on Russian and Mongolian government entities.

Recommended read:
References :
  • Securelist: MysterySnail RAT attributed to IronHusky APT group hasn’t been reported since 2021. Recently, Kaspersky GReAT detected new versions of this implant in government organizations in Mongolia and Russia.
  • The DefendOps Diaries: The MysterySnail RAT: An Evolving Cyber Threat
  • BleepingComputer: Chinese-speaking IronHusky hackers are targeting Russian and Mongolian government organizations using upgraded MysterySnail remote access trojan (RAT) malware.
  • Know Your Adversary: 108. Hunting for Node.js Abuse
  • bsky.app: Chinese-speaking IronHusky hackers are targeting Russian and Mongolian government organizations using upgraded MysterySnail remote access trojan (RAT) malware.
  • www.kaspersky.com: Provides threat intelligence about the IronHusky APT group.
  • poliverso.org: IronHusky updates the forgotten MysterySnail RAT to target Russia and Mongolia
  • threatmon.io: Threatpost reports on Chinese APT IronHusky Deploys Updated MysterySnail RAT on Russia
  • hackread.com: Kaspersky researchers report the reappearance of MysterySnail RAT, a malware linked to Chinese IronHusky APT, targeting Mongolia and…
  • securityonline.info: IronHusky APT Resurfaces with Evolved MysterySnail RAT
  • securityonline.info: IronHusky APT Resurfaces with Evolved MysterySnail RAT
  • Talkback Resources: The MysterySnail RAT, linked to Chinese IronHusky APT, has resurfaced targeting government entities in Mongolia and Russia with a new version capable of executing 40 commands for malicious activities and deploying a modified variant named MysteryMonoSnail.
  • securityaffairs.com: Chinese APT IronHusky Deploys Updated MysterySnail RAT on Russia
  • securelist.com: Kaspersky report on IronHusky updates the forgotten MysterySnail RAT
  • www.scworld.com: Stealthy multi-stage malware attack, updated MysterySnail RAT uncovered
  • securityaffairs.com: Malicious payloads have been distributed as part of a new covert multi-stage intrusion while Chinese advanced persistent threat operation IronHusky has been targeting Russian and Mongolian government entities with an upgraded MysterySnail RAT variant, reports The Hacker News.
@unit42.paloaltonetworks.com //

Slow Pisces APT Targets Crypto Devs with Malware - North Korean group Slow Pisces targets cryptocurrency developers with social engineering on LinkedIn, delivering malware disguised as coding challenges, linked to the Bybit hack.
North Korean state-sponsored group Slow Pisces, also known as Jade Sleet, TraderTraitor, and PUKCHONG, is actively targeting cryptocurrency developers through social engineering campaigns on LinkedIn. Security researchers at Palo Alto Networks have uncovered a scheme where the group poses as potential employers, enticing developers with coding challenges that are actually malware delivery mechanisms. The malicious activity is suspected to be connected to the massive Bybit hack that occurred in February 2025.

The attackers send what appear to be legitimate coding assignments to the developers, but these challenges contain malware disguised within compromised projects. When the developers run these projects, their systems become infected with new customized Python malware dubbed RN Loader and RN Stealer. RN Loader collects basic information about the victim's machine and operating system, sending it to a remote server, while RN Stealer is designed to harvest sensitive data from infected Apple macOS systems, including system metadata and installed applications.

GitHub and LinkedIn have taken action to remove the malicious accounts used by Slow Pisces. Both companies affirm that they use automated technology, expert teams, and user reporting to combat malicious actors. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected through their Next-Generation Firewall with Advanced URL Filtering and Advanced DNS Security subscriptions. They urge those who suspect they might be compromised to contact the Unit 42 Incident Response team.

Recommended read:
References :
  • Virus Bulletin: VirusBulletin reports on Slow Pisces (aka Jade Sleet, TraderTraitor, PUKCHONG) campaign targeting cryptocurrency developers on LinkedIn, posing as potential employers and sending malware disguised as coding challenges.
  • unit42.paloaltonetworks.com: Unit 42 reports that North Korean state-sponsored group Slow Pisces (Jade Sleet) targeted crypto developers with a social engineering campaign that included malicious coding challenges.
  • securityonline.info: Slow Pisces Targets Crypto Developers with Deceptive Coding Challenges
  • The Hacker News: Crypto Developers Targeted by Python Malware Disguised as Coding Challenges
  • Unit 42: Slow Pisces Targets Developers With Coding Challenges and Introduces New Customized Python Malware
  • Security Risk Advisors: Slow Pisces Targets Crypto Developers With “Coding Challenges†That Deliver New RN Loader and RN Stealer Malware
  • www.itpro.com: Hackers are duping developers with malware-laden coding challenges
  • cyberpress.org: Slow Pisces Hackers Target Developers with Malicious Python Coding Tests
  • gbhackers.com: Slow Pisces Group Targets Developers Using Coding Challenges Laced with Python Malware
  • gbhackers.com: Slow Pisces Group Targets Developers Using Coding Challenges Laced with Python Malware
  • sra.io: #NorthKorea - based #SlowPisces group hits #Crypto devs with #LinkedIn “coding challengesâ€! Repos mask #Python & #JS malware using YAML/EJS tricks.
  • Security Risk Advisors: #NorthKorea - based #SlowPisces group hits #Crypto devs with #LinkedIn “coding challengesâ€! Repos mask #Python & #JS malware using YAML/EJS tricks.
@www.bleepingcomputer.com //

Fortinet Devices Compromised Via Symlink Backdoor Exploit - Attackers are exploiting Fortinet devices through a novel symlink backdoor technique, bypassing patches for vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-42475, CVE-2023-27997, and CVE-2024-21762, enabling unauthorized access and sensitive data exfiltration.
Over 16,000 Fortinet devices have been compromised due to a novel symlink backdoor, allowing attackers to maintain read-only access to sensitive files. This was reported by The Shadowserver Foundation. The attackers are exploiting known vulnerabilities in FortiGate devices, specifically targeting the SSL-VPN language file directory. By creating a symbolic link between the user filesystem and the root filesystem, attackers can bypass security measures and access critical files even after patches are applied.

Researchers observed that threat actors are leveraging a new method to exploit previously patched vulnerabilities in Fortinet's FortiOS, specifically targeting FortiGate VPN appliances. The original flaw, CVE-2023-27997, had a fix issued, but threat actors can still gain access by manipulating symbolic links during the device's boot process. This enables threat actors with prior access to maintain control over the device, even after firmware updates. The issue stems from how FortiOS handles file permissions and symlinks when restarting, allowing malicious files to persist and re-enable vulnerabilities that were supposedly fixed.

Fortinet has responded by releasing several updates and new security measures to block further attacks. These measures include launching an internal investigation, coordinating with third-party experts, and developing an AV/IPS signature to detect and remove the symbolic link automatically. Multiple updates have been issued across different FortiOS versions, including 7.6.2, 7.4.7, 7.2.11, 7.0.17, and 6.4.16. These updates not only remove the backdoor but also modify the SSL-VPN interface to prevent future occurrences. Organizations are urged to upgrade to the latest secure versions to mitigate the risk.

Recommended read:
References :
  • www.cybersecuritydive.com: Fortinet warns of threat activity against older vulnerabilities
  • thehackernews.com: The Hacker News article on Fortinet Warns Attackers Retain FortiGate Access Post-Patching via SSL-VPN Symlink Exploit
  • community.fortinet.com: Technical Tip : Recommended steps to execute in case of a compromise
  • BleepingComputer: Fortinet warns that threat actors use a post-exploitation technique
  • BleepingComputer: Fortinet: Hackers retain access to patched FortiGate VPNs using symlinks
  • Help Net Security: HelpNetSecurity: FortiOS, FortiGate vulnerabilities
  • bsky.app: Fortinet warns that threat actors use a post-exploitation technique that helps them maintain read-only access to previously compromised FortiGate VPN devices even after the original attack vector was patched.
  • www.helpnetsecurity.com: Hackers exploit old FortiGate vulnerabilities, use symlink trick to retain limited access to patched devices
  • www.bleepingcomputer.com: Fortinet warns that threat actors use a post-exploitation technique that helps them maintain read-only access to previously compromised FortiGate VPN devices even after the original attack vector was patched.
  • securityaffairs.com: Fortinet warns attackers can keep read-only access to FortiGate devices even after the original vulnerability is patched.
  • bsky.app: Fortinet has urged customers to install a recent FortiGate firmware update that mitigates a new technique abused in the wild. The technique allows attackers to maintain read-only access to FortiGate devices they previously infected.
  • www.scworld.com: Fortinet warns that threat actors use a post-exploitation technique that helps them maintain read-only access to previously compromised FortiGate VPN devices even after the original attack vector was patched.
  • securityaffairs.com: Fortinet warns attackers can keep read-only access to FortiGate devices even after the original vulnerability is patched.
  • hackread.com: Fortinet Issues Fixes After Attackers Bypass Patches to Maintain Access
  • www.scworld.com: SCWorld brief on Fortinet FortiGate fixes circumvented by symlink exploit
  • The Register - Security: Old Fortinet flaws under attack with new method its patch didn't prevent
  • MSSP feed for Latest: Fortinet Finds Attackers Maintain Access Post-Patch via SSL-VPN Symlink Exploit Fortinet Finds Attackers Maintain Access Post-Patch via SSL-VPN Symlink Exploit
  • hackread.com: Fortinet Issues Fixes After Attackers Bypass Patches to Maintain Access
  • securityonline.info: Fortinet Uncovers Threat Actor Persistence via Symbolic Link Exploit in FortiGate Devices
  • ciso2ciso.com: Fortinet Issues Fixes After Attackers Bypass Patches to Maintain Access
  • securityonline.info: Fortinet Uncovers Threat Actor Persistence via Symbolic Link Exploit in FortiGate Devices
  • ciso2ciso.com: Fortinet Issues Fixes After Attackers Bypass Patches to Maintain Access – Source:hackread.com
  • Blog: Threat actors have been observed leveraging a new method to exploit a previously patched vulnerability in Fortinet’s FortiOS operating system—specifically targeting FortiGate VPN appliances. Although Fortinet issued a fix for the original flaw (CVE-2023-27997), researchers found that threat actors can still gain access by manipulating symbolic links (symlinks) during the device’s boot process.
  • BleepingComputer: Over 16,000 internet-exposed Fortinet devices have been detected as compromised with a new symlink backdoor that allows read-only access to sensitive files on previously compromised devices.
  • bsky.app: Over 16,000 internet-exposed Fortinet devices have been detected as compromised with a new symlink backdoor that allows read-only access to sensitive files on previously compromised devices.
  • www.bleepingcomputer.com: Over 16,000 Fortinet devices compromised with symlink backdoor
  • The DefendOps Diaries: Fortinet Devices Under Siege: Understanding the Symlink Backdoor Threat
  • www.cybersecuritydive.com: Over 14K Fortinet devices compromised via new attack method
Pierluigi Paganini@Security Affairs //

Shuckworm APT Targets Ukraine with GammaSteel Malware - The Russia-linked Gamaredon APT group is targeting a Western military mission in Ukraine, deploying an updated PowerShell version of its GammaSteel malware via infected removable drives.
The Russia-linked cyber espionage group Shuckworm, also known as Gamaredon or Armageddon, is actively targeting a Western country's military mission based in Ukraine. The campaign, which began in February 2025 and continued through March, involves the deployment of an updated, PowerShell-based version of its GammaSteel infostealer malware. This latest wave of activity underscores Shuckworm's persistent focus on Ukrainian targets, with the group believed to be operating on behalf of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). They have historically concentrated their efforts on government, military, and law enforcement targets in Ukraine.

The initial infection vector in this campaign appears to be infected removable drives. Evidence from the Windows Registry's UserAssist key suggests that the infection was triggered from such an external drive. The attack chain is multi-staged and designed to minimize detection. It involves the execution of obfuscated VBScript and PowerShell scripts stored in the registry. This shift towards PowerShell-based tools allows Shuckworm to improve obfuscation and store scripts directly within the Windows Registry, making file-based detection more challenging.

GammaSteel, the malware deployed in this campaign, now has enhanced reconnaissance features. It is capable of capturing screenshots, gathering system information, and enumerating desktop contents and user documents. The malware targets specific file types such as documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs. Shuckworm's exfiltration methods have also become more sophisticated, utilizing PowerShell web requests or cURL with Tor proxies to extract sensitive data stealthily. This campaign demonstrates an increase in sophistication for Shuckworm, with the group leveraging legitimate web services to lower the risk of detection.

Recommended read:
References :
  • bsky.app: The Russian state-backed hacking group Gamaredon (aka "Shuckworm") has been targeting a military mission of a Western country in Ukraine in attacks likely deployed from removable drives.
  • cyberpress.org: Shuckworm Deploys PowerShell-Based GammaSteel Malware in Precision Attacks
  • gbhackers.com: Shuckworm Group Leverages GammaSteel Malware in Targeted PowerShell Attacks
  • The Hacker News: Shuckworm targets Western military mission
  • Broadcom Software Blogs: Shuckworm Targets Foreign Military Mission Based in Ukraine
  • gbhackers.com: The Russia-linked cyber-espionage group known as Shuckworm (also identified as Gamaredon or Armageddon) has been observed targeting a Western country’s military mission located within Ukraine, employing an updated, PowerShell-based version of its GammaSteel infostealer malware.
  • securityonline.info: Russia-linked espionage group Shuckworm (also known as Gamaredon or Armageddon) has launched a renewed and more sophisticated cyber campaign targeting a foreign military mission based in Ukraine, according to a detailed report by the Symantec Threat Hunter Team. This latest wave of activity, which began in February 2025 and continued through March, underscores Shuckworm’s relentless […]
  • BleepingComputer: The Russian state-backed hacking group Gamaredon (aka "Shuckworm") has been targeting a military mission of a Western country in Ukraine in attacks likely deployed from removable drives. [...]
  • securityonline.info: Shuckworm’s Sophisticated Cyber Campaign Targets Ukraine Military Mission
  • Cyber Security News: Shuckworm Deploys PowerShell-Based GammaSteel Malware in Precision Attacks
  • The Hacker News: Gamaredon Uses Infected Removable Drives to Breach Western Military Mission in Ukraine
  • www.bleepingcomputer.com: Russian hackers attack Western military mission using malicious drive
  • : Russian Shuckworm APT is back with updated GammaSteel malware
  • securityaffairs.com: Gamaredon targeted the military mission of a Western country based in Ukraine
  • The DefendOps Diaries: Explore Gamaredon's evolving cyber tactics targeting Western military missions with advanced evasion techniques and PowerShell tools.
  • www.sentinelone.com: Police arrest SmokeLoader malware customers, AkiraBot abuses AI to bypass CAPTCHAs, and Gamaredon delivers GammaSteel via infected drives.
  • PCMag UK security: A suspected state-sponsored Russian group may have developed the 'GammaSteel' attack to help them spy on and steal data from a military mission in Ukraine. A malware-laden storage drive may have helped Russia spy on military activities in Ukraine.
  • www.scworld.com: Infected removable drives were used to spread the malware.
  • Metacurity: Cybersecurity industry is mum on SentinelOne EO, Comptroller of the Currency lacked MFA on hacked email account, Morocco confirms massive cyber attack, Gamaredon is targeting Western military mission in Ukraine, Ethical hacker stole $2.6m from Morpho Labs, Sex chatbots leak information, much more
  • www.metacurity.com: Cybersecurity industry is mum on SentinelOne EO, Comptroller of the Currency lacked MFA on hacked email account, Morocco confirms massive cyber attack, Gamaredon is targeting Western military mission in Ukraine, Ethical hacker stole $2.6m from Morpho Labs, Sex chatbots leak information, much more
  • ciso2ciso.com: Gamaredon Uses Infected Removable Drives to Breach Western Military Mission in Ukraine – Source:thehackernews.com
  • ciso2ciso.com: The group targeted the military mission of a Western country, per the report. Infected removable drives have been used by the group.
  • Metacurity: Before you head out for a much-deserved weekend break after this insane week, check out today's Metacurity for the most critical infosec developments you should know, including --China acknowledged US cyberattacks at a secret meeting, report --Cybersecurity industry is mum on SentinelOne EO, --Comptroller of the Currency lacked MFA on hacked email account, --Morocco confirms massive cyber attack, --Gamaredon is targeting Western military mission in Ukraine, --Ethical hacker stole $2.6m from Morpho Labs, --Sex chatbots leak information, --much more
  • Security Risk Advisors: 🚩Shuckworm Compromises Western Military Mission in Ukraine Using Updated PowerShell GammaSteel Malware
  • Security Latest: For the past decade, this group of FSB hackers—including “traitorâ€Â Ukrainian intelligence officers—has used a grinding barrage of intrusion campaigns to make life hell for their former countrymen and cybersecurity defenders.

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