The PolySwarm Blog

Verticals Targeted: Not specified
Regions Targeted: Not specified
Related Families: None identified

Executive Summary

New variants of Chaos RAT, an open-source remote administration tool (RAT) first observed in 2022, have been identified. The new variants target both Windows and Linux systems through sophisticated phishing campaigns. This evolving malware deploys cryptominers, steals sensitive data, and establishes persistent control over infected devices.

Verticals Targeted: Critical infrastructure
Regions Targeted: Ukraine
Related Families: HermeticWiper (aka FoxBlade, NEARMISS)

Executive Summary

PathWiper is a new wiper malware deployed by a Russia-linked APT, targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure with destructive intent. The attack leveraged a legitimate endpoint administration framework, highlighting the persistent cyber threat to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

Verticals Targeted: Not specified
Regions Targeted: Not specified
Related Families: None

Executive Summary

EDDIESTEALER is a Rust-based infostealer distributed through deceptive CAPTCHA campaigns, leveraging social engineering to steal sensitive data like credentials and cryptocurrency wallet details. Its advanced obfuscation and ChromeKatz integration highlight the growing sophistication of commodity malware.

Verticals Targeted: Government
Regions Targeted: Not specified
Related Families: VOLDEMORT, DUSTTRAP

Executive Summary

Wicked Panda, a Chinese state-sponsored threat actor, deployed TOUGHPROGRESS malware, exploiting Google Calendar for stealthy command-and-control operations targeting government entities. This campaign underscores the group’s innovative abuse of cloud services to evade detection and maintain persistent access.  

Verticals Targeted: Government, Utilities
Regions Targeted: US
Related Families: TetraLoader, Cobalt Strike, VShell, AntSword, chinatso/Chopper, Behinder

Verticals Targeted: Finance, Construction, Manufacturing, Technology
Regions Targeted: US, UK, Canada
Related Families: Cobalt Strike, Meterpreter

Verticals Targeted: Government, Defense
Regions Targeted: Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Africa, EU, South America
Related Families: None specified

Executive Summary

Operation RoundPress, a Russia-aligned cyberespionage campaign attributed to Fancy Bear, deploys SpyPress malware via cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities to steal sensitive email data from high-value webmail servers. Active since 2023 and expanding in 2024, the campaign primarily targets Ukrainian government entities and Eastern European defense contractors, exploiting zero-day and known vulnerabilities across platforms like Roundcube, Horde, MDaemon, and Zimbra.

Verticals Targeted: NGOs, Diplomats, Government  
Regions Targeted: Western countries, Eastern Europe, Ukraine  
Related Families: Spica

Executive Summary

Star Blizzard, a Russian state-sponsored threat actor, has deployed a malware family named LOSTKEYS to steal sensitive documents and system information from NGOs, diplomats, and government officials in Western countries and Eastern Europe.