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From infostealer to full RAT: dissecting the PureRAT attack chain
Tech Optimizer
October 10, 2025

From infostealer to full RAT: dissecting the PureRAT attack chain

An investigation revealed that a Python-based infostealer campaign led to the deployment of PureRAT, a sophisticated remote access trojan (RAT). The campaign began with a phishing email containing a ZIP archive that included a legitimate PDF reader executable and a malicious DLL. The DLL executed a series of payloads, including a Python info-stealer that harvested sensitive data and exfiltrated it via the Telegram API. The attack progressed to a .NET executable, which employed techniques like process hollowing and evasion tactics to load additional payloads. The final payload, Mhgljosy.dll, was identified as PureRAT, which established an encrypted command-and-control (C2) channel and allowed for extensive control over the compromised host. The C2 server was traced to Vietnam, suggesting a connection to the PXA group. The malware's functionality included host fingerprinting, command execution, and potential access to sensitive information and resources. Indicators of compromise included specific file hashes, registry keys, and IP addresses associated with the C2 server.
The weakest link - Why human error still beats the strongest antivirus
Tech Optimizer
September 28, 2025

The weakest link – Why human error still beats the strongest antivirus

Businesses are investing heavily in advanced cybersecurity technologies such as antivirus solutions, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. However, the greatest risk often comes from within the organization due to human error. Employees may inadvertently download malicious attachments, fall for phishing scams, or connect infected USB drives, which can compromise security. Hackers exploit this vulnerability by targeting individuals rather than systems, using tactics that create urgency to manipulate employees into clicking malicious links. The financial impact of such errors can be severe, leading to significant losses and regulatory penalties under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023). Small businesses are particularly at risk, as a single breach can damage reputations and customer trust. Organizations need to prioritize employee training and awareness alongside technology investments, as compliance with the NDPA 2023 includes employee behavior. Effective measures include training employees to recognize threats, confirming sensitive requests, and encouraging the reporting of phishing attempts. Investing in a "human firewall" by equipping employees with knowledge and skills is essential for enhancing cybersecurity.
APT Hackers Exploited WebDAV 0-Day RCE Vulnerability in the Wild to Deploy Malware
Winsage
June 10, 2025

APT Hackers Exploited WebDAV 0-Day RCE Vulnerability in the Wild to Deploy Malware

A cyberattack campaign by the advanced persistent threat group Stealth Falcon targeted a prominent Turkish defense company using a zero-day vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-33053. This vulnerability allowed attackers to manipulate the working directory of legitimate Windows tools to execute malware from their WebDAV servers. The attack was initiated through a spear-phishing email containing a malicious .url file that directed the system to a legitimate Internet Explorer utility, which was then exploited to execute malicious files. The attackers employed process hollowing to bypass traditional defenses. Stealth Falcon, also known as FruityArmor, has been conducting cyber espionage since at least 2012, targeting government and defense sectors in Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Yemen. The attack involved a multi-stage infection chain leading to the deployment of "Horus Agent," a custom implant designed for advanced reconnaissance and equipped with anti-analysis techniques. Researchers identified additional custom tools used by Stealth Falcon, including a DC Credential Dumper and a custom keylogger. The group utilizes repurposed legitimate domains to blend their infrastructure with legitimate traffic, complicating detection efforts.
Xanthorox, the AI that promotes itself as an easy resource for committing cybercrimes
Tech Optimizer
May 29, 2025

Xanthorox, the AI that promotes itself as an easy resource for committing cybercrimes

Xanthorox is an AI developed in 2023 by an anonymous creator, claiming to surpass WormGPT and EvilGPT. It promotes itself as a tool for illicit online activities, offering features like ransomware creation, deepfake generation, phishing email production, and malware development. The AI operates on open-source models without typical security measures, allowing for unregulated content generation. Its pricing includes a free tier for limited features and negotiable rates for full access. Security experts note that while Xanthorox is effective, its actual impact on large-scale cybercrime is uncertain. The legality of Xanthorox stems from its open-source nature, which allows for its use as long as it does not violate laws, although using it for illegal activities remains unlawful.
Do Not Open This PDF On A Microsoft Windows PC
Winsage
May 4, 2025

Do Not Open This PDF On A Microsoft Windows PC

Microsoft has warned about the increasing use of PDF attachments in cyberattacks, particularly during the U.S. tax season. Attackers have been using PDFs with embedded links that redirect users to counterfeit pages, such as a fake DocuSign site. TrustWave SpiderLabs has identified a new campaign involving a fake payment SWIFT copy that leads to a malicious PDF containing obfuscated JavaScript, which downloads a script that conceals the RemcosRAT payload using steganography. This technique involves hiding links within images, making them difficult to detect. The latest attacks begin with phishing emails containing malicious PDFs that direct victims to harmful webpages, facilitating the delivery of RemcosRAT, a trojan that allows remote control of compromised systems. Users are advised to be cautious of emails labeled “SWIFT Copy” and to delete suspicious emails immediately.
Windows vulnerability with NTLM hash abuse exploited for phishing
Winsage
April 19, 2025

Windows vulnerability with NTLM hash abuse exploited for phishing

A vulnerability in Windows, identified as CVE-2025-24054, is being exploited in phishing campaigns targeting government and private organizations. Initially considered low-risk, it was addressed in Microsoft's March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. Following the release of these patches, Check Point observed a rise in exploitation attempts, particularly linked to the Russian group APT28. Attackers sent phishing emails with Dropbox links containing .library-ms files, which, when accessed, connected to an external SMB server controlled by the attackers, allowing interception of NTLM hashes. A subsequent wave of attacks involved .library-ms files sent as direct attachments, requiring minimal user interaction to exploit the vulnerability. The malicious ZIP archive also contained files exploiting older NTLM vulnerabilities. Check Point identified the attackers' SMB servers with specific IP addresses. Despite being classified as medium-severity, the vulnerability's potential impact is significant, prompting organizations to apply the March 2025 updates and consider disabling NTLM authentication if not essential.
Windows NTLM hash leak flaw exploited in phishing attacks on governments
Winsage
April 17, 2025

Windows NTLM hash leak flaw exploited in phishing attacks on governments

A vulnerability in Windows, identified as CVE-2025-24054, is being actively exploited in phishing campaigns targeting government and private sectors. Initially addressed in Microsoft's March 2025 Patch Tuesday, it was not considered actively exploited at that time. Researchers from Check Point reported increased exploitation activities shortly after the patches were released, particularly between March 20 and 25, 2025. Some attacks were linked to the Russian state-sponsored group APT28, but definitive attribution is lacking. The vulnerability allows attackers to capture NTLM hashes through phishing emails containing manipulated .library-ms files that trigger the flaw when interacted with. Check Point noted that subsequent attacks involved .library-ms files sent directly, requiring minimal user interaction to exploit. The malicious files also included additional components that exploit older vulnerabilities related to NTLM hash leaks. The attacker-controlled SMB servers were traced to specific IP addresses. Although rated as medium severity, the potential for authentication bypass and privilege escalation makes it a significant concern, prompting recommendations for organizations to install updates and disable NTLM authentication if not necessary.
Hackers Exploit Microsoft Management Console to Drop Backdoor Payloads on Windows
Winsage
December 17, 2024

Hackers Exploit Microsoft Management Console to Drop Backdoor Payloads on Windows

The Securonix Threat Research team has identified a phishing campaign called the “FLUX#CONSOLE campaign,” which targets tax-related themes using Microsoft Common Console Document (MSC) files to deliver a backdoor payload. The attack begins with a phishing email containing a decoy PDF titled “Income-Tax-Deduction-and-Rebates202441712.pdf,” which conceals an MSC file that executes malicious payloads. The campaign employs various tactics, including tax-themed lures, exploitation of MSC files, DLL sideloading using DISM.exe, persistence through scheduled tasks, and advanced obfuscation techniques. The attack chain involves tricking users into opening a malicious MSC file disguised as a PDF, which contains XML commands to download or extract a malicious DLL named DismCore.dll. The DLL is sideloaded using Dism.exe, and the malware communicates with a Command-and-Control server at “hxxps://siasat[.]top,” exfiltrating data via encrypted HTTPS traffic. The attackers maintained access for about 24 hours, targeting victims in Pakistan. The tactics used do not align with known advanced persistent threat groups, highlighting the growing threat of MSC files as a delivery method for malware. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include the C2 address siasat[.]top and analyzed file hashes for the malicious files involved in the campaign.
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