A resurgence of malware deploying XMRig cryptominer was discovered in mid-April 2025, coinciding with a rally in Monero cryptocurrency value. The malware uses a multi-staged approach and LOLBAS techniques, leveraging Windows tools like PowerShell for payload delivery, detection evasion, and persistence. The attack chain involves three stages: initial infection via a batch file, persistence establishment, and cryptomining execution. The malware targets diverse countries, including Russia, Belgium, Greece, and China. It disables Windows Update services, evades Windows Defender, and uses scheduled tasks for persistence. The XMRig miner creates registry entries and drops files for continued operation. Despite its simple, unobfuscated nature, the malware proved effective in avoiding detection.
The Batavia spyware campaign, active since July 2024, targets Russian industrial enterprises through phishing emails containing malicious links disguised as contract documents. The infection process involves three stages: a VBS script downloader, the WebView.exe spyware, and the javav.exe module. These components collect and exfiltrate various types of files, including system logs, office documents, and screenshots. The malware employs techniques to avoid duplicate file uploads and can download additional payloads. Over 100 users across dozens of organizations have been affected. The campaign highlights the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures and employee training to mitigate such threats.
A new Android SMS stealer family, named Qwizzserial, has been uncovered, primarily targeting users in Uzbekistan. The malware exploits the reliance on SMS for two-factor authentication in local payment systems, allowing fraudsters to intercept SMS messages and gain control over victims' finances. Distributed through Telegram, the Qwizzserial campaign mirrors the structure of Classiscam. The stealer has infected approximately 100,000 users, resulting in financial losses of at least US$62,000. The malware's effectiveness stems from the widespread use of SMS for various financial transactions in Uzbekistan, including P2P transfers, payments, and authorization confirmations, often serving as the sole security layer in the absence of 3D Secure or biometric authentication.
Rare Werewolf APT Uses Legitimate Software in Attacks on Hundreds of Russian Enterprises
Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/06/rare-werewolf-apt-uses-legitimate.html
Librarian Ghouls, an APT group targeting entities in Russia and the CIS, has been conducting a campaign involving targeted phishing emails with malicious archives. The attackers use legitimate third-party software and scripts to establish remote access, steal credentials, and deploy an XMRig crypto miner. Their tactics include disabling security measures, scheduling tasks to cover their tracks, and exfiltrating sensitive data. The campaign primarily affects industrial enterprises and engineering schools in Russia, with some victims in Belarus and Kazakhstan. The group continues to refine its methods, focusing on data exfiltration, remote access, and email account compromise through phishing sites.
Blitz is a new Windows-based malware discovered in 2024 consisting of a downloader and bot payload. The latest version was spread through backdoored game cheats for Standoff 2 distributed via Telegram. Blitz abuses Hugging Face Spaces to host components of its C2 infrastructure and payloads. The malware performs information stealing and DDoS attacks. An XMRig cryptocurrency miner was also deployed as follow-up malware. By May 2025, the developer claimed to have abandoned the project. Russia accounted for the highest number of infections among 289 victims across 26 countries. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected through various security products and services.
Chaos RAT is an open-source remote administration tool written in Golang that has evolved since 2022 to support both Linux and Windows platforms. A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-30850 exists in its web control panel, allowing remote code execution on the server. Although currently limited in usage, Chaos RAT's low detection profile enables threat actors to perform espionage, data exfiltration, and maintain persistent access. The malware employs multiple techniques including privilege escalation, persistence, and command and control communications. Organizations should prioritize patching the vulnerable control panel, restrict access to administrative interfaces, and monitor for indicators of compromise. The threat is assessed as high severity due to its potential impact and ease of exploitation without user interaction. Patch status is not confirmed; no official fix or patch links are provided. The affected platforms include Linux and Windows systems. No specific countries are identified as targeted, but those with significant Linux and Windows server use and strategic geopolitical interests may be at higher risk.
A malicious campaign targeting primarily Brazilian residents has been discovered, with attacks detected since early 2025. The attackers employed phishing emails, some sent from compromised company servers, to distribute malware. Two attack chains were identified: one using a malicious browser extension for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave, and another utilizing Mesh Agent or PDQ Connect Agent. The campaign aimed to steal authentication data from victims' bank accounts, particularly targeting Banco do Brasil customers. Over 700 downloads of the malicious extension were recorded, affecting users in Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, Mexico, Russia, Vietnam, and other countries. The attackers used sophisticated techniques, including virtualization checks, UAC bypass, and file deletion to evade detection.
Silent Werewolf has launched two new campaigns targeting Russian and Moldovan organizations, utilizing sophisticated loaders to deliver malicious payloads. The attacks employ phishing emails with ZIP attachments containing obfuscated C# loaders. These loaders use legitimate tools and code obfuscation to evade detection. The first campaign exclusively targeted Russian energy, aircraft, and engineering sectors, while the second focused on both Moldovan and Russian entities. The adversaries hinder payload retrieval, making analysis challenging. They also utilize the Llama 2 large language model in some instances to bypass defenses. The campaigns demonstrate the threat actor's evolving tactics and their continued focus on espionage in the region.
From January to February 2025, a phishing campaign targeting Tajikistan was detected and attributed to TAG-110, a Russia-aligned threat actor. The campaign used Tajikistan government-themed documents as lures, shifting from previous tactics to macro-enabled Word template files for initial payload delivery. This change in approach demonstrates TAG-110's evolving tactics. The group's persistent targeting of Tajik government, educational, and research institutions aligns with Russia's strategy to maintain influence in Central Asia. The campaign likely aims to gather intelligence for influencing regional politics or security, particularly during sensitive events like elections or geopolitical tensions.
Kaspersky researchers have discovered a new version of the Triada Trojan being distributed through infected Android device firmware. The malware is embedded into system files before devices are sold, making it nearly impossible to remove. It infects the Zygote process to compromise all apps on the device. The Trojan's modular architecture allows attackers to deliver targeted payloads for stealing cryptocurrency, credentials, and other sensitive data from popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and banking apps. It can also intercept SMS messages, make calls, and act as a reverse proxy. Over 4,500 infected devices have been detected worldwide, with the highest numbers in Russia, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Brazil. The attackers have stolen over $264,000 in cryptocurrency so far.
