Threats Feed

Kaspersky has uncovered BellaCPP, a new C++ variant of the BellaCiao malware family, linked to the Charming Kitten threat actor. BellaCPP, found on an infected machine in Asia, features domain generation, XOR-encrypted string decryption, and SSH tunneling, with payloads stored in critical directories like C:\Windows\System32. It lacks a webshell, showing refined design. PDB paths reveal targeting details, highlighting evolving capabilities. These findings underscore the need for robust cybersecurity and thorough network scanning to combat such threats.

OilRig (APT34) has targeted the government, technology and energy sectors across the Middle East. Its operations include spearphishing campaigns, PowerShell-based backdoors (Helminth, QUADAGENT), and exploitation of vulnerabilities such as CVE-2024-30088. The group relies on obfuscation techniques to evade detection and uses tools such as STEALHOOK for privilege escalation, lateral movement and data exfiltration. Key targets include Saudi Arabian organisations and Middle Eastern government agencies, highlighting OilRig's focus on geopolitical intelligence gathering. The campaigns demonstrate advanced persistence, stealth and adaptability in line with state-sponsored objectives.

Team82's research details the IOCONTROL malware, a custom-built cyberweapon used by Iran-linked attackers, specifically the CyberAv3ngers group. The malware targets a range of industrial control systems (ICS) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, notably impacting fuel management systems in Israel and the US. IOCONTROL's functionality includes communication via the MQTT protocol and features such as arbitrary code execution and self-deletion. The analysis reveals the malware's infrastructure, including its command-and-control server and the methods used to evade detection. The report concludes that IOCONTROL represents a significant threat to critical infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical conflict.

APT35 targeted the aerospace and semiconductor industries in the US, Thailand, UAE, and Israel using fake recruitment and corporate websites. These sites delivered malware via forged legitimate programs and malicious DLLs to compromise victims. The group leveraged platforms like GitHub, OneDrive, and Google Cloud for C&C communications and payload delivery. In a related attack, a semiconductor company was targeted using a VPN program laced with malicious components. Persistence mechanisms included registry modifications, while obfuscation techniques were used to evade detection. APT35’s activities are linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran.