Threats Tagged 'directx shader encryption'

A malvertising campaign targeted 29 organizations by exploiting the legitimate Claude.ai domain to distribute a fake ClaudeDesktop.exe containing the SectopRAT remote access trojan. The campaign used advanced anti-analysis techniques such as VMProtect packing, GPU-based VM detection, and DirectX shader-based payload decryption. The malware's command-and-control infrastructure leveraged Ethereum blockchain transactions (EtherHiding) to hide C2 addresses, enhancing resilience against takedowns. SectopRAT exfiltrated sensitive data including credit card information, credentials, browser data, and personal files. The campaign infrastructure is linked to previous operations dating back to December 2025 and associated with known threat groups.