This threat involves the abuse of Hangul Word Processor (HWP) documents and PostScript files as vectors for malicious attachments. Hangul Word Processor is a widely used word processing application, particularly in South Korea, but also used in some European organizations with ties to Korean businesses or government. The threat leverages the ability of these file formats to embed or execute malicious code or scripts when opened by the user. Specifically, attackers craft malicious HWP or PostScript files that, when opened, can exploit vulnerabilities or leverage scripting capabilities to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized system access or data compromise. Although the exact technical details and vulnerabilities exploited are not specified, the abuse of these file types as attack vectors is a recognized tactic in targeted phishing or spear-phishing campaigns. The lack of known exploits in the wild and the low severity rating suggest that this threat is either theoretical or has limited impact currently. However, the presence of malicious attachments exploiting these formats remains a risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange documents in these formats. The threat level and analysis scores indicate moderate concern but no immediate widespread exploitation. Since no patches or CVEs are referenced, this appears to be an OSINT observation rather than a documented vulnerability with a fix.

For European organizations, the impact of this threat depends largely on the prevalence of Hangul Word Processor usage and the handling of PostScript files within their operations. Organizations with business relations or communications involving Korean entities may be more exposed. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or system compromise, impacting confidentiality and integrity. The threat could facilitate initial access in targeted attacks or phishing campaigns, potentially leading to broader network infiltration. However, the low severity and absence of known exploits suggest limited immediate risk. Still, organizations processing untrusted HWP or PostScript files may face risks of malware infection or exploitation of unknown vulnerabilities. The impact on availability is likely low unless the malicious payload includes destructive components.

European organizations should implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning policies to detect and block suspicious HWP and PostScript files, especially from untrusted sources. User awareness training should emphasize caution when opening attachments in uncommon formats like HWP or PostScript. Deploy advanced endpoint protection capable of detecting malicious scripts or code execution attempts originating from document files. Network segmentation and least privilege principles can limit the impact if exploitation occurs. Since no patches are available, organizations should monitor threat intelligence feeds for updates on vulnerabilities related to these file types. Additionally, consider converting received HWP files to safer formats (e.g., PDF) in a sandboxed environment before opening. Disable or restrict scripting capabilities in PostScript interpreters where feasible. Regular backups and incident response plans should be maintained to recover from potential compromises.