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Malspam 2016-09-30 (.wsf in .zip) - campaign: "Parcel details"

Low
Published: Fri Sep 30 2016 (09/30/2016, 00:00:00 UTC)
Source: CIRCL
Vendor/Project: tlp
Product: white

Description

Malspam 2016-09-30 (.wsf in .zip) - campaign: "Parcel details"

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/02/2025, 19:10:41 UTC

Technical Analysis

The provided information describes a malspam campaign dated September 30, 2016, identified as "Parcel details," which distributes malware via email attachments. The malicious payload is delivered as a Windows Script File (.wsf) compressed inside a .zip archive. This technique is commonly used to evade basic email security filters by hiding the script within an archive and leveraging social engineering tactics related to parcel or shipment notifications to entice recipients to open the attachment. Upon execution, the .wsf file can run arbitrary scripts on the victim's machine, potentially leading to the installation of malware, data theft, or further compromise. However, the data lacks detailed technical specifics such as the exact malware family, infection vectors beyond the initial email, or post-exploitation behavior. The campaign is classified with a low severity and a threat level of 3 (on an unspecified scale), with no known exploits in the wild or associated CVEs. The absence of indicators of compromise (IOCs) and patch information suggests this is a generic malspam campaign rather than a targeted or zero-day threat.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, this malspam campaign poses a moderate risk primarily through the potential for initial compromise via social engineering. If successful, attackers could gain a foothold within corporate networks, leading to data breaches, lateral movement, or deployment of additional malware. The impact is generally limited by the low sophistication indicated and the requirement for user interaction to open the attachment and execute the script. However, organizations with less mature email filtering, user awareness, or endpoint protection could be more vulnerable. The campaign's use of parcel-related themes is particularly relevant given the high volume of parcel deliveries and related communications in Europe, increasing the likelihood of user engagement. While the campaign is dated and no active exploits are reported, similar tactics remain prevalent, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate this threat effectively, European organizations should implement multi-layered email security solutions capable of detecting and quarantining archive-based malicious attachments, including .zip files containing script files like .wsf. User awareness training should emphasize caution around unsolicited parcel or shipment notifications, especially those prompting the download or execution of attachments. Endpoint protection platforms should be configured to block or alert on execution of script files from email attachments or temporary directories. Network monitoring for unusual outbound connections following email attachment execution can help detect compromise early. Additionally, organizations should enforce application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized scripts and maintain up-to-date security patches on email gateways and endpoint systems. Regular phishing simulation exercises can improve user resilience against such social engineering campaigns.

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Technical Details

Threat Level
3
Analysis
0
Original Timestamp
1475243441

Threat ID: 682acdbdbbaf20d303f0b84b

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

Last enriched: 7/2/2025, 7:10:41 PM

Last updated: 8/9/2025, 10:48:21 AM

Views: 13

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