CyberSecurity news
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@research.checkpoint.com
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A sophisticated cyberattack campaign is exploiting the popularity of the generative AI service Kling AI to distribute malware through fake Facebook ads. Check Point Research uncovered the campaign, which began in early 2025. The attackers created convincing spoof websites mimicking Kling AI's interface, luring users with the promise of AI-generated content. These deceptive sites, promoted via at least 70 sponsored posts on fake Facebook pages, ultimately trick users into downloading malicious files.
Instead of delivering the promised AI-generated images or videos, the spoofed websites serve a Trojan horse. This comes in the form of a ZIP archive containing a deceptively named .exe file, designed to appear as a .jpg or .mp4 file through filename masquerading using Hangul Filler characters. When executed, this file installs a loader with anti-analysis features that disables security tools and establishes persistence on the victim's system. This initial loader is followed by a second-stage payload, which is the PureHVNC remote access trojan (RAT). The PureHVNC RAT grants attackers remote control over the compromised system and steals sensitive data. It specifically targets browser-stored credentials and session tokens, with a focus on Chromium-based browsers and cryptocurrency wallet extensions like MetaMask and TronLink. Additionally, the RAT uses a plugin to capture screenshots when banking apps or crypto wallets are detected in the foreground. Check Point Research believes that Vietnamese threat actors are likely behind the campaign, as they have historically employed similar Facebook malvertising techniques to distribute stealer malware, capitalizing on the popularity of generative AI tools. Recommended read:
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@gbhackers.com
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References:
cyberpress.org
, isc.sans.edu
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Cybersecurity researchers have recently uncovered a sophisticated malware campaign targeting Windows systems through the exploitation of AutoIT scripts. AutoIT, a scripting language initially designed for Windows automation, has become a popular tool in the malware ecosystem due to its simplicity and ability to interact with various Windows components. This particular campaign stands out for its use of a double layer of AutoIT code and intricate obfuscation techniques, allowing it to evade detection and maintain persistence on infected machines.
The attack begins with a compiled AutoIT executable file named "1. Project & Profit.exe" (SHA256: b5fbae9376db12a3fcbc99e83ccad97c87fb9e23370152d1452768a3676f5aeb). Upon execution, this file downloads an AutoIT interpreter, saving it as "C:\Users\Public\Guard.exe," along with another AutoIT script, stored as "Secure.au3," and a PowerShell script named "PublicProfile.ps1." The "PublicProfile.ps1" script is immediately generated and executed, facilitating further stages of the infection. Persistence is achieved by creating a .url shortcut in the Windows Startup directory, ensuring that a JavaScript file is triggered upon each user login. This JavaScript file then re-executes the AutoIT interpreter with a second-stage script, keeping the malicious processes active. The second layer of AutoIT code, referred to as script "G," employs heavy obfuscation to hinder analysis. All strings within this script are encoded using a custom function called "Wales," which transforms ASCII values into a readable format only after decoding. An example of this obfuscation is the encoded sequence "80]114]111]99]101]115]115]69]120]105]115]116]115]40]39]97]118]97]115]116]117]105]46]101]120]101]39]41," which, when decoded, reveals "ProcessExists('avastui.exe')." This suggests the malware checks for antivirus processes to potentially avoid detection or alter its behavior. The attack culminates in the execution of a malicious DLL named "Urshqbgpm.dll" by injecting it into a "jsc.exe" process. Recommended read:
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@securebulletin.com
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References:
securebulletin.com
, securityonline.info
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A new multi-platform malware campaign is targeting organizations in Southern Europe, specifically Spain, Italy, and Portugal, through sophisticated phishing emails. This campaign leverages weaponized PDF invoices to deliver a Java-based Remote Access Trojan (RAT) known as RATty. The attack begins with emails that bypass SPF/DKIM checks by abusing Spain's serviciodecorreo.es email service, allowing forged sender addresses to appear legitimate. The emails contain a PDF attachment mimicking an invoice from Medinova Health Group, enticing recipients to click a Dropbox link.
This link redirects victims to an HTML file (Fattura.html) that initiates a multi-stage verification process, including a fake CAPTCHA, to further deceive the user. The HTML file then utilizes Ngrok tunneling to dynamically switch content based on the victim's geolocation. If the request originates from Italy, the user is redirected to MediaFire to download a malicious Java Archive (JAR) file named FA-43-03-2025.jar. Users outside of Italy are redirected to benign Google Drive documents, effectively bypassing automated sandboxes typically hosted in cloud regions outside Italy. The final JAR file contains the RATty malware, a cross-platform Remote Access Trojan that exploits Java's capabilities to grant attackers extensive control over the compromised system. This includes remote command execution, keystroke logging, screenshot capture, and data exfiltration. The attackers may also repackage RATty in MSI installers, further disguising the threat as a software update to increase the odds of user execution. Organizations are advised to update endpoint protection tools to defend against this evolving phishing tactic. Recommended read:
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@poliverso.org
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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:
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@www.infosecurity-magazine.com
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Attackers are exploiting user familiarity with CAPTCHAs to distribute the Lumma Stealer RAT (Remote Access Trojan) via malicious PowerShell commands, according to recent findings. These campaigns involve tricking users into running PowerShell commands that ultimately install the Lumma Stealer. Attackers direct potential victims to attacker-controlled sites and prompt them to complete fake authentication challenges. These challenges often involve directing potential victims to malicious websites where they are prompted to complete verification steps, but instead of a CAPTCHA, it instructs them to press Windows + R and run a PowerShell command—under the false pretense of running “Windows Defender.”
These attacks leverage weaponized CAPTCHAs, with users being directed to malicious websites where they are prompted to complete verification steps. Upon completing these steps, users inadvertently copy and run PowerShell scripts that download and install malware, such as the Lumma Stealer. This allows the attackers to steal sensitive data like cryptocurrency wallets. The exploitation involves fake Cloudflare verification prompts, which lead users to execute malicious PowerShell commands to install the LummaStealer Trojan through infected WordPress sites, posing a significant threat. Recommended read:
References :
do son@securityonline.info
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Cybercriminals are actively exploiting the Signal messaging application to distribute an information-stealing Remote Access Trojan (RAT), raising serious privacy concerns. According to a recently published report, a cybercriminal group identified as UNC-200 is behind the campaign, which involves targeting high-value individuals within Ukraine's defense sector. The Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA) has issued warnings about this campaign, which utilizes the Dark Crystal RAT (aka DCRat) to compromise systems.
This malicious activity involves distributing messages via Signal that contain what appears to be meeting minutes. These messages are sent from compromised accounts to enhance credibility, enticing unsuspecting users to download malicious archive files. The archives contain a decoy PDF and an executable that deploys the DCRat malware, giving attackers remote access and control, stealing valuable information and executing arbitrary commands. CERT-UA attributes this activity to UAC-0200, active since summer 2024, who noted that the use of popular messengers increases the attack surface, including due to the creation of uncontrolled information exchange channels. Recommended read:
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Microsoft Incident@Microsoft Security Blog
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Microsoft's Incident Response team has uncovered a novel remote access trojan (RAT) named StilachiRAT, which employs sophisticated techniques to evade detection and steal sensitive data. Discovered in November 2024, StilachiRAT demonstrates advanced methods to remain undetected, persist in the targeted environment, and exfiltrate valuable information. The malware is capable of gathering system information, stealing credentials stored in browsers, targeting cryptocurrency wallets, and using command-and-control connectivity for remote execution.
The RAT scans for configuration data of 20 different cryptocurrency wallet extensions for the Google Chrome browser and extracts credentials from the browser, indicating its focus on cryptocurrency theft and credential compromise. It establishes communication with remote command-and-control (C2) servers to execute commands, manipulate registry settings, and clear logs, making it challenging to detect and remove. Microsoft advises users to download software from official sources, use web browsers with SmartScreen support, and enable Safe Links and Safe Attachments for Office 365 to prevent StilachiRAT infections. Recommended read:
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