The source code for a command and control tool called MuddyC3 was leaked online. Although the leakers removed a critical component to prevent the tool from working out-of-the-box, a security researcher analyzed the remaining code and successfully rebuilt the missing pieces to make the tool fully operational again.

Who was behind the attack?

The MuddyC3 framework is historically associated with MuddyWater, an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group linked to Iran. The leak of the tool itself was carried out by a Telegram group calling themselves "Green Leakers."

The nature and goals of the attack?

The framework is designed to give attackers remote control over compromised systems. Its primary goal is to gather detailed system information, execute hidden commands, and load additional malicious tools to maintain access and escalate privileges on the network.

The scope or scale of the targeting?

The tool is built to handle multiple victims simultaneously. It uses threading so that numerous compromised machines can connect to the server and be controlled by the attacker at the exact same time.

Were specific industries or people targeted?

The provided report focuses entirely on the technical capabilities of the leaked tool and how it was rebuilt. It does not mention specific industries, organizations, or individuals that were targeted in this specific campaign.

How the attack was carried out from a high-level perspective?

The attacker's server waits for a victim's machine to request a malicious script. Once the script runs on the victim's computer, it gathers system details, registers itself with the attacker's server, and waits to receive and execute further commands or download additional files.

Why the targeted entities may be attractive to attackers?

Gaining access through tools like MuddyC3 allows attackers to steal data, capture screenshots, and deploy modules designed for credential theft. This eventually enables them to seize full control of the target's network, such as acquiring Domain Admin rights.

What actions organizations or individuals should take to protect themselves?

Organizations should configure their security software to strictly monitor the execution of PowerShell scripts and HTA files. Additionally, because the tool's network traffic is currently unencrypted, network defenders should monitor for cleartext transfers of known malicious tools.

Is this a widespread issue or a targeted one?

Because the source code was leaked on Telegram and GitHub, the baseline capability is now accessible to the public and other threat actors. A researcher has already proven the tool can be rebuilt and improved, which potentially makes it a widespread threat moving forward.

Threats Feed|MuddyWater|Last Updated 03/03/2026|AuthorCertfa Radar|Publish Date13/01/2020

Breathing New Life into MuddyC3: Unveiling the Upgraded Tools of MuddyWater

Actor Motivations: Espionage,Exfiltration
Attack Vectors: Backdoor,Downloader,RAT
Attack Complexity: Unknown
Threat Risk: Unknown

Threat Overview

In this report, the MuddyC3 tool used by MuddyWater is brought back to life. A group called “Green Leakers” on telegram were first to publish some information on this which triggered the writer of this article to go after the full technical aspect of this tool.This Python2.7 coded tool operates as a C2 server, deploying a PowerShell payload to the targeted system. The payload collects system information and reports back to the C2 server. Notably, the tool includes Base64 encoded PowerShell code to bypass AV detection.

Reference and Credit: Shells Systems - January 2020

Reviving MuddyC3 Used by MuddyWater (IRAN) APT

FAQs

The MuddyC3 Framework Leak

: The source code for a command and control tool called MuddyC3 was leaked online. Although the leakers removed a critical component to prevent the tool from working out-of-the-box, a security researcher analyzed the remaining code and successfully rebuilt the missing pieces to make the tool fully operational again.
: The MuddyC3 framework is historically associated with MuddyWater, an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group linked to Iran. The leak of the tool itself was carried out by a Telegram group calling themselves "Green Leakers."
: The framework is designed to give attackers remote control over compromised systems. Its primary goal is to gather detailed system information, execute hidden commands, and load additional malicious tools to maintain access and escalate privileges on the network.
: The tool is built to handle multiple victims simultaneously. It uses threading so that numerous compromised machines can connect to the server and be controlled by the attacker at the exact same time.
: The provided report focuses entirely on the technical capabilities of the leaked tool and how it was rebuilt. It does not mention specific industries, organizations, or individuals that were targeted in this specific campaign.
: The attacker's server waits for a victim's machine to request a malicious script. Once the script runs on the victim's computer, it gathers system details, registers itself with the attacker's server, and waits to receive and execute further commands or download additional files.
: Gaining access through tools like MuddyC3 allows attackers to steal data, capture screenshots, and deploy modules designed for credential theft. This eventually enables them to seize full control of the target's network, such as acquiring Domain Admin rights.
: Organizations should configure their security software to strictly monitor the execution of PowerShell scripts and HTA files. Additionally, because the tool's network traffic is currently unencrypted, network defenders should monitor for cleartext transfers of known malicious tools.
: Because the source code was leaked on Telegram and GitHub, the baseline capability is now accessible to the public and other threat actors. A researcher has already proven the tool can be rebuilt and improved, which potentially makes it a widespread threat moving forward.

About Affiliation

MuddyWater

Associate threats