Armorsteal is a Python-based malware kit that steals sensitive data and mines cryptocurrency. It persists on infected Windows systems by installing in a hidden directory and creating scheduled tasks. The malware uses obfuscation and sandbox evasion techniques and includes modules for backdoor access, cryptocurrency mining, keystroke logging, clipboard manipulation, and credential theft from browsers, Discord, wallets, and password managers. It uses multiple command-and-control domains and disables Windows Defender to avoid detection.
In September 2026, multiple advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns targeted South Korean organizations using spear phishing emails. The attacks employed various techniques such as LNK files with embedded PowerShell scripts, HTA files downloaded via curl.exe, and malicious DLLs. Five attack types were identified, deploying AutoIt scripts, infostealers, keyloggers, backdoors including XenoRAT, and persistence via Task Scheduler. Attackers used legitimate platforms like GitHub, Google Drive, and PubNub for command and control. Malicious files were disguised as legitimate documents to deceive victims and exfiltrate system information, credentials, and virtual asset data while maintaining persistent access.
A sophisticated SEO poisoning campaign targets users searching for DeepSeek AI tools by leveraging malicious lookalike domains in top search results. The attack involves a multi-stage infection chain beginning with weaponized MSI files disguised as legitimate software, followed by shellcode execution and DLL side-loading via legitimate Cyglaunch software, and ends with deployment of the Kong RAT malware. The final payload includes keylogger capabilities and persistence through registry modifications. The campaign is attributed to a Chinese threat actor with links to previous attacks on Chinese developer tools.
In July 2026, multiple APT campaigns targeted South Korean entities using spear phishing emails with malicious LNK files. Seven distinct attack types employed various techniques such as PowerShell scripts, AutoIt programs, DLL side-loading, and curl.exe downloads. Malware was distributed via platforms like GitHub, Google Drive, and Dropbox, disguised as legitimate documents or resumes. The campaigns deployed backdoors, infostealers, keyloggers, and XenoRAT malware to exfiltrate sensitive information and maintain persistence through Task Scheduler entries. Communication with command and control servers used PubNub channels with Base64-encoded data. The attacks focused on deceiving victims with work-related content to execute malicious payloads.
Kimsuky conducted spear phishing campaigns targeting South Korean and Japanese entities in early 2026. The attacks used LNK malware distributed via OneDrive share links to establish scheduled tasks that periodically retrieved PowerShell scripts from command-and-control servers. These scripts profiled infected systems, exfiltrated email data from Thunderbird and Outlook, and logged keystrokes. The threat actor leveraged legitimate remote control tools such as Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyDesk to evade antivirus detection and maintain persistent access. Additionally, a malicious Chrome extension with AI-generated code was used to steal Gmail data. The operation employed rotating infrastructure and compromised legitimate Korean servers as command-and-control nodes to hinder tracking efforts.
A fraudulent version of the widely-used PC cleaning utility CCleaner is being distributed through a convincing imitation website to deploy GhostDesk, a malicious Chrome extension functioning as spyware. The attack begins when users download the fake application from a lookalike site, which then launches a multi-stage infection using CScript to modify Chrome's Security Extension and install malicious components. Once active, GhostDesk performs extensive surveillance including credential theft, keylogging, screenshot capture, cookie harvesting, and cryptojacking. The extension establishes command-and-control communications via WebSocket connections and can execute arbitrary code within browser tabs. Similar fake versions of other popular software like 7-Zip and Adobe Acrobat have been identified using identical infection techniques.
The Larva-24009 threat actor, also known as HeptaX, has been conducting phishing email campaigns since 2023, targeting Korean and global users to install malware. Active through 2026, the actor uses LNK files disguised as documents with topics like hospital surveys, blockchain, project proposals, and resumes to target enterprises. Upon execution, obfuscated PowerShell commands deploy backdoors and download additional scripts from command-and-control servers. The attack chain includes persistence mechanisms via Task Scheduler, remote access through QuasarRAT and UltraVNC, and information theft using NirSoft tools, custom keyloggers, and screenshot capabilities. The actor also creates backdoor RDP accounts and exfiltrates credentials, browser data, and user files. Version 2.1 of their Notifier malware utilizes Telegram API for status reporting. The campaigns demonstrate consistent tactics and infrastructure across multiple years of operation.
A comprehensive analysis of 339 commands issued by a French-speaking threat actor nicknamed 'Poisson' over 33 days, targeting a French automotive small business and four French individuals. The attacker utilized a multi-stage fileless attack deploying a 70-line Python keylogger to harvest banking and email credentials. The operation leveraged free-tier infrastructure including Havoc C2 framework, Backblaze B2 storage, and DuckDNS. Most significantly, the attacker installed OpenSSH and Tailscale VPN on victim machines, creating persistent access that survived C2 server takedown. When the C2 went offline for 18 days, the attacker's access remained intact through the VPN mesh, demonstrating that VPN-mesh-based persistence is actively used in real-world intrusions and that traditional C2 takedown is insufficient for remediation.
A newly identified Android banking trojan named Rokarolla has been discovered, distributed through malicious websites masquerading as popular applications like TikTok or Google Chrome. The malware targets 217 distinct cryptocurrency and banking applications using 137 sophisticated commands for device control. Capabilities include harvesting lock screen credentials, exfiltrating contact lists and SMS data, deploying keyloggers, blocking calls, creating fraudulent screen overlays, and disabling Google Play Protect. The infection begins with a dropper impersonating Google Play Protect that installs a secondary payload. Rokarolla communicates with C2 infrastructure via HTTPS, uses overlays to steal banking credentials and device unlock patterns, silently monitors WhatsApp contacts, hijacks SMS and calls, manipulates clipboard content for cryptocurrency theft, and employs snapshot-based screen surveillance. It maintains persistence by hiding its icon, muting device audio, and keeping screens active indefinitely.
A South Asian financial institution was targeted with two custom malware components: BRUSHWORM, a modular backdoor, and BRUSHLOGGER, a keylogger. BRUSHWORM features anti-analysis checks, encrypted configuration, scheduled task persistence, modular payload downloading, USB worm propagation, and extensive file theft. BRUSHLOGGER uses DLL side-loading to capture system-wide keystrokes with window context tracking. The malware's low sophistication and implementation flaws suggest an inexperienced author, possibly using AI code-generation tools. Multiple testing versions were discovered on VirusTotal, indicating iterative development. The malware components combine to create a functional collection platform with modular loading, USB propagation, broad file theft, air-gap bridging, and persistent keystroke capture.
Famous Chollima, a North Korean threat group, has deployed a new malware campaign targeting job seekers by impersonating hiring organizations. The attack involves a trojanized Node.js application named 'Chessfi' and uses evolving malware tools BeaverTail and OtterCookie, which now include keylogging and screenshot capabilities. A malicious Visual Studio Code extension embedding these tools was also discovered, indicating new infection vectors. The malware steals cryptocurrency credentials by targeting multiple browsers and wallet extensions, and it can upload files from compromised systems. This campaign leverages social engineering and developer tools to infiltrate victims, focusing on cryptocurrency theft and credential harvesting. The threat is medium severity due to its broad capabilities and stealth but requires user interaction for infection. European organizations involved in software development, cryptocurrency, and job recruitment are at particular risk.
A Chinese APT group compromised a Philippine military company using a new, fileless malware framework called EggStreme. This sophisticated multi-stage toolset achieves persistent, low-profile espionage by injecting malicious code directly into memory and leveraging DLL sideloading. The core component, EggStremeAgent, is a full-featured backdoor enabling extensive system reconnaissance, lateral movement, and data theft via an injected keylogger. The attack begins with EggStremeFuel deploying EggStremeLoader to set up a persistent service, which then executes EggStremeReflectiveLoader to launch EggStremeAgent. The framework's fileless nature and use of legitimate Windows processes make it difficult to detect, posing a significant and persistent threat.
TinkyWinkey is a sophisticated Windows-based keylogger that combines persistent service execution, low-level keyboard hooks, and comprehensive system profiling. It captures all keystrokes, including special keys and multi-language input, alongside detailed system metrics such as CPU, memory, OS version, and network identifiers. The malware uses DLL injection into trusted processes and service-based persistence for stealth. It creates a log file in the user's temp directory, recording system reconnaissance details and user activity data. First observed in June 2025, TinkyWinkey exemplifies the evolving threat landscape, leveraging advanced programming techniques to maintain stealth and maximize data capture. Organizations should monitor for unusual service activity, unexpected DLL injections, and persistent logging patterns to mitigate this threat.
A sophisticated ransomware campaign has been uncovered, masquerading as a new SAP Ariba tool. The attack uses email lures, sender spoofing, and impersonation of legitimate software vendors to deliver LeeMe Ransomware. The malware employs SAP branding, a fake GUI, and a Portuguese ransom note. It targets various file types using AES-256 encryption and includes keylogging and data exfiltration capabilities. The ransomware creates autorun entries, bypasses Windows Defender, and sets up remote access. With a relatively low ransom demand, it appears to be a widespread campaign rather than targeting high-value individuals. The attack serves as a reminder of the importance of user vigilance and proper cybersecurity measures.
A sophisticated mobile banking trojan, DoubleTrouble, has evolved in distribution methods and capabilities. Initially spread through phishing websites impersonating European banks, it now utilizes Discord channels for distribution. The malware employs advanced obfuscation techniques, abuses Android's Accessibility Services, and features screen capture, keylogging, and application blocking capabilities. It uses fake overlays to steal credentials and leverages sophisticated screen recording techniques. The trojan can block specific applications, implement a highly advanced keylogger, and execute a wide range of commands received from its Command and Control server. The malware's extensive functionalities enable credential theft, device manipulation, and persistent control over infected devices.
This report details a multi-stage malware campaign delivering the REMCOS backdoor via a malicious Windows LNK shortcut file. The attack begins with social engineering, leveraging PowerShell for initial execution and deploys a persistent backdoor capable of full system compromise. The infection chain involves file download, Base64 decoding, and execution of a malicious PIF file masquerading as a Chrome-related program. The LNK file contains a PowerShell command that downloads and executes a payload, which is then decoded and run as CHROME.PIF. This file is identified as the REMCOS backdoor, capable of various malicious activities including keylogging, screen capture, and remote access. The attack utilizes multiple stages to evade detection and establish persistence on the victim's system.
The S2 Group’s intelligence team has identified through adversary tracking a new phishing campaign by Snake Keylogger, a Russian origin stealer programmed in .NET, targeting various types of victims, such as companies, governments or individuals. The campaign has been identified as using spearphishing emails offering oil products.
This analysis delves into the development and capabilities of Silver RAT, a Remote Access Trojan created by a Syrian developer known as 'noradlb1'. The malware, initially observed in November 2023, offers features such as keylogging, UAC bypass, and data encryption. The developer, active on various hacking forums, also operates Telegram channels offering cracked RATs and other malicious services. Silver RAT v1.0, written in C#, can generate Windows payloads up to 50kb and includes options to bypass antivirus software and hide processes. The developer's background suggests a transition from game hacking to malware creation, with plans to expand to Android platforms. The report also highlights the threat actor's online presence, financial transactions, and connection to hacktivist groups supporting the Syrian Revolution.
International law enforcement agencies have taken additional actions in Operation Endgame, targeting cybercriminal organizations, particularly those behind DanaBot. DanaBot is a powerful modular malware family written in Delphi, capable of keylogging, capturing screenshots, recording desktop videos, exfiltrating files, injecting content into web browsers, and deploying second-stage malware. It operates as a Malware-as-a-Service platform, enabling various attacks. DanaBot has been used in targeted attacks against government officials in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and for DDoS attacks against Ukrainian servers. The malware implements a custom binary protocol encrypted with RSA and AES, and uses hardcoded C2 servers with Tor as a backup communication channel. Over 50 nicknames have been associated with DanaBot affiliates.
