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Malspam 2016-09-06 (.js in .zip) - campaign: "copies"

Low
Published: Tue Sep 06 2016 (09/06/2016, 00:00:00 UTC)
Source: CIRCL
Vendor/Project: tlp
Product: white

Description

Malspam 2016-09-06 (.js in .zip) - campaign: "copies"

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/02/2025, 19:40:37 UTC

Technical Analysis

The provided information describes a malspam campaign identified on September 6, 2016, referred to as the "copies" campaign. This campaign involves the distribution of malicious spam emails containing a JavaScript (.js) file compressed within a ZIP archive. Such malspam campaigns typically aim to trick recipients into opening the ZIP file and executing the embedded JavaScript, which can then download or execute malware on the victim's system. The campaign is categorized as malware-related but lacks detailed technical indicators such as specific payload behavior, infection vectors beyond the initial email attachment, or targeted vulnerabilities. The threat level is noted as 3 (on an unspecified scale), with a low severity rating and no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting. The absence of affected versions or patch links suggests this is not a vulnerability in a software product but rather a malware distribution method leveraging social engineering. The campaign's reliance on JavaScript in ZIP files is a common tactic to evade email filters and exploit user trust, potentially leading to system compromise if executed.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of this malspam campaign primarily revolves around potential malware infections resulting from user interaction. If a user opens the malicious ZIP attachment and executes the JavaScript, it could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or further malware deployment such as ransomware or remote access trojans. Although the severity is low, the risk lies in the possibility of lateral movement within corporate networks, data exfiltration, or disruption of business operations. Organizations with less mature email filtering and user awareness programs are more susceptible. The campaign's age (2016) suggests that modern defenses may detect or block similar threats more effectively today, but legacy systems or unpatched environments could still be vulnerable. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat of opportunistic infections.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate this threat, European organizations should implement multi-layered email security solutions that include advanced attachment scanning and sandboxing to detect malicious JavaScript files within compressed archives. User awareness training is critical to reduce the likelihood of users opening suspicious attachments, emphasizing the risks of executing scripts from unknown sources. Organizations should enforce strict email attachment policies, such as blocking or quarantining emails with executable scripts or compressed files containing scripts. Endpoint protection platforms should be configured to detect and block script-based malware execution. Network monitoring for unusual outbound connections can help identify compromised hosts. Regular updates and patching of email clients and security software will enhance detection capabilities. Finally, implementing application whitelisting can prevent unauthorized script execution, reducing the attack surface.

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Technical Details

Threat Level
3
Analysis
0
Original Timestamp
1473164373

Threat ID: 682acdbdbbaf20d303f0b7d9

Added to database: 5/19/2025, 6:20:45 AM

Last enriched: 7/2/2025, 7:40:37 PM

Last updated: 8/14/2025, 6:41:41 AM

Views: 10

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