This threat involves a phishing campaign themed around RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), where attackers distribute emails containing an .htm attachment with obfuscated JavaScript code. The obfuscation is intended to evade detection by security tools and trick recipients into executing malicious scripts. The phishing lure likely impersonates RBC to gain the trust of recipients, aiming to harvest sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details. The use of an .htm attachment with embedded JavaScript is a common tactic to bypass email filters that scan for executable files or known malware signatures. Once the victim opens the attachment, the obfuscated JavaScript may redirect them to a fraudulent website, prompt for credential input, or attempt to exploit browser vulnerabilities to install malware. Although no specific vulnerabilities or exploits are detailed, the social engineering aspect combined with obfuscated code increases the risk of successful compromise. The threat level and analysis scores of 2 indicate a moderate concern, consistent with typical phishing risks. No known exploits in the wild are reported, suggesting this may be a targeted or less widespread campaign.

For European organizations, this phishing threat poses risks primarily to employees and customers who may receive such emails, especially those with business or personal ties to RBC or similar financial institutions. Successful phishing can lead to credential theft, unauthorized access to corporate or personal accounts, financial fraud, and potential lateral movement within networks if corporate credentials are compromised. The obfuscated JavaScript increases the likelihood of bypassing email security controls, raising the chance of user interaction and compromise. Financial institutions and organizations with European branches or partnerships with RBC or Canadian entities may be targeted. Additionally, the campaign could be adapted to target European banks or institutions by changing the theme, making it a broader phishing risk. The impact includes potential data breaches, reputational damage, and financial losses. Given the medium severity and social engineering nature, the threat requires vigilance but is not indicative of a widespread or highly sophisticated attack.

European organizations should implement advanced email filtering solutions capable of detecting obfuscated scripts within attachments, including sandboxing and behavioral analysis of .htm files. User awareness training is critical to recognize phishing attempts, especially those impersonating trusted financial institutions. Organizations should enforce strict policies on opening email attachments, particularly from unknown or unexpected sources. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be mandated for access to sensitive systems and accounts to reduce the impact of credential compromise. Incident response teams should monitor for phishing indicators and suspicious login attempts. Regular updates to endpoint protection and browser security settings can help mitigate exploitation attempts via malicious scripts. Additionally, organizations should collaborate with financial institutions to share threat intelligence and verify suspicious communications. Blocking or quarantining emails with .htm attachments containing JavaScript can be considered where business needs allow.