The threat involves a malicious software masquerading as a PDF editor named 'ConvertMate,' first observed in November 2025. This file is distributed via specific suspicious domains and initially appears benign. However, upon execution, it initiates unauthorized external network connections and performs host queries, indicating reconnaissance or command-and-control communication. It also creates multiple artifacts on the host system, including the execution of a PowerShell script that adds a scheduled task to maintain persistence by repeating the suspicious activity every 24 hours. The behavior and digital signature link it to a previous campaign known as 'PDFEditor,' suggesting the same threat actor or group is behind both. The campaign leverages social engineering by presenting itself as a useful PDF converter, thus tricking users into installing it. The lack of a CVE or known public exploits indicates it is a relatively new or targeted threat. The scheduled task mechanism ensures ongoing access and potential data exfiltration or lateral movement within compromised networks. The threat intelligence source recommends immediate isolation and removal of the software and related artifacts, alongside user awareness training to prevent infection via malicious ads or downloads.

For European organizations, this threat poses a risk of persistent compromise through a seemingly legitimate application, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, espionage, or lateral movement within networks. The scheduled task ensures the malware maintains foothold, increasing the difficulty of eradication. Organizations relying on PDF editing tools or with users prone to downloading software from unverified sources are particularly vulnerable. The external connections could facilitate data exfiltration or command-and-control communications, risking confidentiality breaches. The stealthy nature and persistence mechanisms could disrupt business operations if critical systems are affected. Additionally, the threat could be leveraged to deploy further payloads or ransomware, amplifying impact. The medium severity suggests that while the threat is not currently widespread or highly destructive, it has significant potential to cause harm if not addressed promptly.

1. Immediately identify and isolate any systems with 'ConvertMate' installed using the provided file hashes and domain indicators. 2. Remove the software and all related artifacts, including scheduled tasks and PowerShell scripts, to prevent persistence. 3. Implement strict application whitelisting to block unauthorized PDF editors or unknown software installations. 4. Monitor network traffic for connections to the suspicious domains listed and block them at the firewall or proxy level. 5. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing malicious ads, suspicious downloads, and the risks of installing unverified software. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and remediate suspicious PowerShell activity and scheduled task creation. 7. Regularly audit scheduled tasks and startup items for unauthorized entries. 8. Maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect emerging variants or related campaigns. 9. Enforce least privilege principles to limit the ability of malware to create scheduled tasks or execute scripts. 10. Perform thorough incident response investigations on affected hosts to ensure complete eradication and identify potential lateral movement.