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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.

Blitz is a Windows-based malware campaign identified in 2024, characterized by a modular architecture consisting primarily of a downloader and a bot payload. The malware's distribution vector is notably through backdoored game cheats for the popular mobile game Standoff 2, which were disseminated via Telegram channels. This method leverages the gaming community's trust and eagerness for cheats to propagate the malware. A distinctive feature of Blitz is its abuse of Hugging Face Spaces, a legitimate AI model hosting platform, to host components of its command and control (C2) infrastructure and payloads. This tactic complicates detection and takedown efforts because it blends malicious activity with legitimate cloud services.

Once deployed, Blitz performs multiple malicious activities: it steals sensitive information from infected systems and conducts distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, potentially disrupting network availability for targeted entities. Additionally, the malware deploys an XMRig cryptocurrency miner as a secondary payload, which hijacks system resources to mine Monero cryptocurrency, leading to degraded system performance and increased operational costs. By May 2025, the malware developer reportedly abandoned the project, but the infection footprint remains significant, with 289 victims identified across 26 countries. Russia has the highest infection count, indicating either targeting preferences or greater exposure.

The malware employs a wide range of tactics and techniques as mapped to MITRE ATT&CK, including credential dumping (T1003.001), input capture (T1056.001), command and control over web protocols (T1071), process injection (T1055), and persistence mechanisms (T1547.001), among others. These techniques enable stealthy operation, lateral movement, and sustained presence within compromised environments. Palo Alto Networks customers benefit from protection via their security products, but organizations outside this ecosystem may remain vulnerable.

Overall, Blitz represents a multifaceted threat combining social engineering (via game cheats), abuse of legitimate cloud infrastructure, and a blend of espionage and resource hijacking activities.

Detailed information about Blitz Malware: A Tale of Game Cheats and Code Repositories. Get real-time updates, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

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