The provided information describes a malspam campaign from July 5, 2016, characterized by emails with the subject line 'Scanned image' that deliver malicious .docm files. These files are Microsoft Word macro-enabled documents, which are commonly used as vectors for malware distribution. When a user opens such a document and enables macros, malicious code embedded within the macro can execute, potentially leading to system compromise. The campaign is classified as malware but lacks detailed technical indicators such as specific payload behavior, command and control infrastructure, or exploitation techniques. No known exploits in the wild are reported, and no affected software versions or patches are identified. The threat level is noted as low, indicating limited sophistication or impact. However, macro-based malspam remains a prevalent attack vector due to user interaction requirements and the ability to bypass some traditional security controls if macros are enabled. The absence of detailed technical data limits deeper analysis, but the general risk associated with malicious macro documents remains relevant.

For European organizations, this type of malspam poses a risk primarily through social engineering and user interaction. If an employee opens the malicious .docm attachment and enables macros, it could lead to malware infection, resulting in potential data theft, credential compromise, or lateral movement within the network. The impact is generally localized to the infected endpoint but can escalate depending on the malware payload. Given the low severity rating and lack of known exploits, the immediate threat level is low; however, organizations with less mature security awareness programs or insufficient email filtering could be more vulnerable. Additionally, sectors with high volumes of scanned document exchanges, such as legal, finance, and healthcare, might see higher exposure. The campaign's age (2016) suggests that modern defenses and user awareness may have reduced its effectiveness, but legacy systems or unpatched environments could still be at risk.

To mitigate this threat effectively, European organizations should implement layered defenses beyond generic advice: 1) Enforce strict macro policies by disabling macros by default and only allowing digitally signed macros from trusted sources. 2) Deploy advanced email filtering solutions capable of detecting and quarantining malspam with suspicious attachments or subjects. 3) Conduct targeted user awareness training focusing on the risks of enabling macros in unsolicited documents, emphasizing the specific threat of 'Scanned image' or similar subjects. 4) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual macro execution or process behaviors indicative of malware. 5) Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement if an infection occurs. 6) Regularly update and patch all systems, including Office applications, to reduce vulnerabilities that could be exploited by macro malware. 7) Maintain incident response plans that include procedures for malspam and macro-based malware infections.