AhnLab Security Intelligence Center analyzed attacks on Windows web servers during Q2 2025 using their Smart Defense infrastructure. The study focused on poorly managed servers, categorizing attack types and malware strains. It revealed that multiple threat actors often target vulnerable servers simultaneously, exploiting unpatched systems or misconfigurations. Attackers typically use file upload vulnerabilities to deploy web shells and execute commands, but may also exploit framework or Web Application Server weaknesses. The analysis provides detailed statistics on the number of affected systems and the frequency of attacks, offering insights into the current threat landscape for Windows-based web servers.
Homograph attacks involve using non-Latin characters that visually resemble Latin characters to create words that appear legitimate but are actually different. This technique allows attackers to evade detection and analysis, crafting malicious emails that can lead to credential theft or malware infection. The article examines three real-world cases of homograph attacks used in phishing attempts, including impersonation of well-known brands and document-sharing platforms. These attacks exploit visual similarities to deceive users, bypass security filters, and impersonate trusted entities. The rise of AI-driven phishing makes this vector even more dangerous. To protect against homograph attacks, it's crucial to carefully examine sender addresses, be wary of unknown senders, and avoid engaging with suspicious attachments or URLs.
A new DarkCloud campaign was observed in July 2025, targeting Windows users with a sophisticated infection chain. The attack begins with a phishing email containing a RAR archive, which leads to the execution of obfuscated JavaScript and PowerShell code. This code downloads and deploys a fileless .NET DLL, which in turn downloads and injects the DarkCloud payload into a legitimate Windows process. The DarkCloud variant, written in Visual Basic 6, employs anti-analysis techniques and collects sensitive information from various sources, including web browsers, email clients, and FTP clients. The stolen data is exfiltrated via SMTP. The campaign demonstrates advanced evasion techniques and targets a wide range of user credentials and personal information.
Flipper Zero 'DarkWeb' Firmware Bypasses Rolling Code Security on Major Vehicle Brands
Source: https://cybersecuritynews.com/flipper-zero-darkweb-firmware/
Royal and BlackSuit ransomware gangs hit over 450 US companies
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/royal-and-blacksuit-ransomware-gangs-hit-over-450-us-companies/
Columbia University data breach impacts nearly 870,000 individuals
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/columbia-university-data-breach-impacts-nearly-870-000-students-applicants-employees/
Microsoft 365 apps to soon block file access via FPRPC by default
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-365-apps-to-soon-block-file-access-via-insecure-fprpc-legacy-auth-protocol-by-default/
Akira affiliates have been observed exploiting two common drivers as part of a suspected AV/EDR evasion effort following initial access involving SonicWall abuse. The drivers, rwdrv.sys and hlpdrv.sys, are being used to facilitate AV/EDR evasion or disablement through a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) exploitation chain. This behavior has been prevalent in recent Akira ransomware incident response cases. The campaign may be driven by an unreported zero-day vulnerability in SonicWall VPNs. Defenders are advised to harden SonicWall VPNs, implement recommended mitigations, and use provided YARA rules for detection and response to pre-ransomware activity.
New EDR killer tool used by eight different ransomware groups
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-edr-killer-tool-used-by-eight-different-ransomware-groups/
Unit 42 researchers have identified a shift in the delivery method and obfuscation techniques used for distributing DarkCloud Stealer. The new infection chain, observed since April 2025, involves ConfuserEx obfuscation and a final payload written in Visual Basic 6. The attack begins with phishing emails containing compressed archives (TAR, RAR, or 7Z) that include JavaScript or Windows Script files. These files download and execute a PowerShell script, which then drops an executable protected by ConfuserEx. The final payload is a VB6 executable injected into a legitimate process using RunPE techniques. The malware employs various obfuscation methods, including anti-tampering, symbol renaming, and proxy call methods, to complicate analysis and evade detection.
This intelligence report analyzes a sophisticated tool designed to disable endpoint security solutions, particularly EDR systems, on infected systems. The tool, known as AVKiller, has been observed in multiple ransomware attacks since 2022. It is heavily protected, targets various security vendors, and uses a driver with a compromised certificate to terminate processes and services. The report details the tool's characteristics, its connection to ransomware attacks, and provides examples of its use in specific ransomware families. Notably, the report highlights evidence of tool sharing and technical knowledge transfer among competing ransomware groups, suggesting a more complex ecosystem than previously thought.
A targeted campaign has been observed since November 2024, primarily affecting organizations in France and Luxembourg. The attackers use socially engineered emails to deliver PDF documents containing embedded links to Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool installers. This method bypasses many email and malware defenses. The PDFs are tailored to the victim's industry and often disguised as invoices, contracts, or property listings. The activity focuses on high-value sectors such as energy, government, banking, and construction. Various RMM tools are used, including FleetDeck, Atera, and Bluetrait. The attackers leverage direct download links and tools that require minimal setup, streamlining the infection process. This approach allows threat actors to gain initial access, disable security features, and potentially deploy subsequent malware using trusted tools.
Air France and KLM disclose data breaches impacting customers
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/air-france-and-klm-disclose-data-breaches-impacting-customers/
A sophisticated cyber attack campaign leveraged SEO poisoning to compromise organizations through trojanized IT management tool installers. The attack began when users searching for ManageEngine OpManager were directed to a malicious website, downloading a compromised MSI file that installed Bumblebee malware. The threat actors then deployed AdaptixC2 beacons, performed internal reconnaissance, created privileged accounts, and installed RustDesk for persistence. They exfiltrated data via SFTP and ultimately deployed Akira ransomware across the network. The campaign affected multiple organizations, with time to ransomware ranging from 9 to 44 hours after initial access. The attackers used various tools and techniques for lateral movement, credential theft, and defense evasion.
New Promptware Attack Hijacks User's Gemini AI Via Google Calendar Invite
Source: https://hackread.com/promptware-attack-hijack-gemini-ai-google-calendar-invite/
These indicators of compromise (IOCs) were identified through LevelBlue Labs' proprietary collection and threat hunting processes, leveraging AI-driven heuristics to detect anomalous patterns, behavioral analysis of malicious activity, and cross-referenced intelligence from endpoint telemetry and external sources. The IOCs included in this pulse are associated with command and control (C2) infrastructure, facilitating malware communication, data exfiltration, and persistent threat actor operations. Use this data to enhance detection rules, block malicious infrastructure, or correlate with existing incident investigations.
These indicators of compromise (IOCs) were identified through LevelBlue Labs' proprietary collection and threat hunting processes, leveraging AI-driven heuristics to detect anomalous patterns, behavioral analysis of malicious activity, and cross-referenced intelligence from endpoint telemetry and external sources. The IOCs included in this pulse are associated with phishing campaigns, targeting credential theft and fraudulent resource access. Use this data to enhance detection rules, block malicious infrastructure, or correlate with existing incident investigations.
