Gunra Ransomware is a double extortion group targeting global victims, excluding the US. They primarily attack Windows systems, recently expanding to Linux. The group uses phishing as their main vector and negotiates through a WhatsApp-themed chat panel. They can encrypt large files quickly using advanced stream ciphers. The Data Leak Site has undergone several changes, including a brief clearweb presence. Victims span multiple countries and industries, with South Korea, Brazil, and Japan topping the list. The ransomware shares code similarities with Conti and Akira, but newer versions appear unique. Negotiations reveal ambitious ransom demands, sometimes unrealistic. The group employs various evasion techniques and uses multiple MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
A new malware loader named CountLoader has been identified, strongly associated with Russian ransomware gangs. It comes in three versions: .NET, PowerShell, and JScript. The threat is believed to be part of an Initial Access Broker's toolset or used by a ransomware affiliate linked to LockBit, BlackBasta, and Qilin groups. CountLoader was recently employed in a phishing campaign targeting Ukrainian citizens, impersonating the Ukrainian police. The loader attempts to connect to multiple C2 servers, downloads and executes various malware payloads, and uses advanced techniques to evade detection. It has been observed dropping CobaltStrike and AdaptixC2, among other malicious tools. The malware's functionality includes system information gathering, persistence mechanisms, and multiple download methods.
A new botnet called NightshadeC2 has been identified, employing sophisticated techniques to bypass malware analysis sandboxes and exclude itself from Windows Defender. It uses a 'UAC Prompt Bombing' technique and has both C and Python variants. The botnet's capabilities include reverse shell, file execution, self-deletion, remote control, screen capture, hidden web browsers, and keylogging. It's being distributed through ClickFix attacks and trojanized legitimate software. The botnet uses encryption for C2 communication and gathers victim information. It also employs various persistence mechanisms and can bypass certain sandbox environments. The discovery highlights the evolving sophistication of malware and the need for advanced detection and response capabilities.
The ClickFix social engineering technique has gained popularity among threat actors, targeting thousands of devices globally. It tricks users into executing malicious commands on their devices by exploiting their tendency to solve minor technical issues. The technique often impersonates legitimate brands and combines with delivery vectors like phishing and malvertising. ClickFix campaigns typically lead users to a visual lure, such as a landing page, instructing them to run commands in the Windows Run dialog. This user interaction element helps bypass conventional security solutions. Various malware, including infostealers and remote access tools, are delivered through ClickFix attacks. The technique has evolved to target macOS users and is being sold as part of malware kits on hacker forums.
A massive distribution of SmartLoader malware has been discovered through GitHub repositories masquerading as legitimate projects. These repositories focus on topics like game cheats, software cracks, and automation tools to attract users. The malware is distributed via compressed files containing a legitimate Lua loader executable, a malicious batch file, and an obfuscated Lua script. Once executed, SmartLoader establishes persistence, sends system information to a C2 server, and downloads additional payloads. The malware has been observed downloading InfoStealer malware such as Rhadamanthys, Redline, and Lumma Stealer. Users are advised to download software only from official sources and to carefully verify the credibility of GitHub repositories before use.
A malicious campaign using the domain 'telegrampremium[.]app' is distributing a new variant of Lumma Stealer malware. The fake site mimics the official Telegram Premium platform and automatically downloads an executable file 'start.exe' upon access. This sophisticated information-stealing trojan can exfiltrate browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallet details, and system information. The malware employs various techniques for persistence, defense evasion, and data theft, including file system manipulation, registry modification, and clipboard operations. The campaign highlights the ongoing use of brand impersonation and social engineering for large-scale malware distribution, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and user awareness.
Lumma Stealer, an information-stealing malware, has resurfaced shortly after its takedown in May 2025. The cybercriminals behind it are now employing more covert tactics and expanding their reach. The malware is being distributed through discreet channels and uses stealthier evasion techniques. Lumma Stealer can steal sensitive data such as credentials and private files, and is marketed as a malware-as-a-service. Users are lured to download it through fake cracked software, deceptive websites, and social media posts. The malware's infrastructure has been diversified, with a shift towards using Russian-based cloud services. Recent campaigns include fake crack downloads, ClickFix campaigns using fake CAPTCHA pages, GitHub repository abuse, and social media promotions.
This article discusses the rising threat of ClickFix, a social engineering technique used by threat actors to trick victims into executing malicious commands under the guise of quick fixes for computer issues. The technique has been observed in campaigns distributing various malware, including NetSupport RAT, Latrodectus, and Lumma Stealer. ClickFix lures often use clipboard hijacking and can bypass standard detection controls. The article provides case studies of recent campaigns, hunting tips for detecting ClickFix infections, and recommendations for proactive defense measures. It emphasizes the importance of user education and implementing robust security controls to mitigate this evolving threat.
Proofpoint has identified Amatera Stealer, a rebranded version of ACR Stealer with enhanced capabilities and evasion techniques. Distributed via ClearFake website injects, it utilizes sophisticated attack chains and web injects. Amatera Stealer employs NTSockets for stealthy C2 communication, WoW64 Syscalls to bypass user-mode hooking, and supports HTTPS requests. It focuses on stealing information from browsers, crypto wallets, and various software. The malware can also execute secondary payloads. Amatera Stealer is actively developed and sold as a malware-as-a-service, with subscription plans ranging from $199 to $1,499.
Cybercriminals are exploiting GitHub's reputation to distribute malware, particularly targeting gamers and children. They create repositories offering game hacks, cracked software, and crypto tools, which actually contain Lumma Stealer variants. The attack chain begins with users searching for these products online, leading them to malicious GitHub repositories or YouTube videos. These repositories use social engineering tactics, including detailed descriptions, fake licenses, and instructions to disable antivirus software. The malware collects sensitive information from infected systems and transfers it to command-and-control servers. McAfee provides detection and mitigation strategies, emphasizing the importance of user education, regular software updates, and avoiding unofficial downloads.
This investigation uncovered a large-scale campaign involving backdoored GitHub repositories targeting game cheaters and inexperienced cybercriminals. The threat actor, possibly linked to a Distribution-as-a-Service operation, uses multiple types of backdoors and a convoluted infection chain leading to RATs and infostealers. The campaign involves automated commits, obfuscation techniques, and complex payloads. Researchers found over 100 malicious repositories with distinct contributor roles, suggesting an automated framework. The eventual payload includes AsyncRAT, Remcos, and Lumma Stealer. The threat actor uses Telegram for notifications and various paste sites for hosting malicious code. This case highlights the complexity of modern cyber threats and the importance of cautious approaches to open-source repositories.
ESET collaborated with Microsoft and other partners in a global operation to disrupt Lumma Stealer, a prominent malware-as-a-service infostealer. ESET's contribution involved analyzing tens of thousands of malware samples to extract key data like C&C servers and affiliate identifiers. The operation targeted Lumma Stealer's infrastructure, aiming to render its exfiltration network nonoperational. Lumma Stealer had been actively developed and maintained by its operators, with regular updates to its code and network infrastructure. It employed various anti-analysis techniques and targeted a wide range of data, including credentials from browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and other applications.
A coordinated action led by Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, with participation from Bitsight and other partners, has successfully dismantled the operational capabilities of Lumma Stealer (LummaC2), a prominent information stealer operating since late 2022. The operation involved seizing over 1,000 domains and shutting down more than 90 Telegram channels and Steam profiles associated with the malware's infrastructure. LummaC2, which gained popularity after the takedown of Redline and Meta stealers, targeted Windows systems to extract sensitive data from various applications. The malware employed a complex, multi-tiered command and control infrastructure, using multiple domains, Steam profiles, and Telegram channels for resilience. This disruptive action is expected to significantly impact the threat landscape and hinder criminal activities in the malware scene.
