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While following the infrastructure leveraged by the actor for this PingPull variant, we also identified their use of another backdoor we track as Sword2033. The first samples of PingPull malware date back to September 2021. Monitoring its use across several campaigns, in June 2022 Unit 42 [published research outlining the functionality of PingPull](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/pingpull-gallium/) and attributed the use of the tool to Alloy Taurus. Operating since at least 2012, Alloy Taurus (aka GALLIUM, Softcell) is assessed to be a Chinese advanced persistent threat (APT) group that routinely conducts cyberespionage campaigns. This group has historically targeted telecommunications companies operating across Asia, Europe and Africa. In recent years we have also observed the group expand their targeting to include financial institutions and government entities. We provide a detailed breakdown of the following: * A new variant of PingPull * Sword2033 samples linked to the same command and control (C2) infrastructure * Recent activity by Alloy Taurus in South Africa and Nepal Palo Alto Networks customers receive protections from the threats described in this blog through [Cortex XDR](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/p/XDR) and [WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/wildfire) malware analysis. The [Advanced URL Filtering](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-url-filtering/administration) and [DNS Security](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/dns-security) [Cloud-Delivered Security Services](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cdss) can help protect against C2 infrastructure. | **Related Unit 42 Topics** | [**Alloy Taurus**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/alloy-taurus/), **[PingPull](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/pingpull/)** | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| ## PingPull Linux Variant On March 7, 2023, the following sample was uploaded to VirusTotal. |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Filename** | nztloader | | **Filetype** | ELF | | **SHA256** | cb0922d8b130504bf9a3078743294791201789c5a3d7bc0369afd096ea15f0ae | *Table 1. PingPull sample file details.* At the time of writing, three out of 62 vendors found the sample to be malicious. Despite a largely benign verdict, additional analysis has determined that this sample is a Linux variant of PingPull malware. This determination was made based on matching HTTP communication structure, POST parameters, AES key, and C2 commands, which are outlined below. Upon execution, this sample is configured to communicate with the domain yrhsywu2009.zapto\[.\]org over port 8443 for C2. It uses a statically linked OpenSSL (OpenSSL 0.9.8e) library to interact with the domain over HTTPS via the following HTTP POST request: ![Image 1 is the HTTP post request for the PingPull Linux variant. It includes the content type, user agent, host, content, length, and cache control.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/word-image-127879-1-1.png) Figure 1. PingPull Linux variant POST request. The payload then expects the C2 server to respond with data that is Base64 encoded ciphertext, encrypted with AES using P29456789A1234sS as the key. This is the same key that we previously observed in the original Windows PE variant of PingPull. Once decoded, the cleartext resembles HTTP parameters and the payload will parse the cleartext for \& and = with the following parameters: ![Image 2 a screenshot of the PingPull HTTP parameters.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/word-image-127879-2-1.png) Figure 2. PingPull HTTP parameters. The value in the P29456789A1234sS parameter will contain a single upper case character between A and K, as well as M, which the payload will use as the command value. The values in the z0, z1 and z2 parameters are used for the arguments passed to the command. After running the command, the payload will send the results back to the C2 server via an HTTPS request that resembles the beacon request, but contains Base64 encoded ciphertext. The command handler supports the following functionality that aligns with both China Chopper capabilities and those observed in the PingPull Windows PE variant: | **Cmd** | **Description** | | A | Get the current directory | | B | List folder | | C | Read text file | | D | Write text file | | E | Delete file or folder | | F | Read binary file, convert to hex | | G | Write binary file, convert to hex | | H | Copy file or folder | | I | Rename file | | J | Create Directory | | K | Timestomp file with specified timestamp in "%04d-%d-%d %d:%d:%d" format | | M | Run command | |---------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| *Table 2. PingPull command handler functionality.* Of note, the HTTP parameters z0, z1 and z2 and command handlers A-K, M also align to commands A-K, M observed in the web shell China Chopper. This suggests that Alloy Taurus is using code they might be familiar with, and they are integrating it into the development of custom tooling. ## Sword2033 Backdoor Pivoting on the C2 domain, we identified one additional sample that also communicated with yrhsywu2009.zapto\[.\]org: |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Sword2033 Sample 1** || | **Filename** | zimbra | | **Filetype** | ELF | | **SHA256** | 5ba043c074818fdd06ae1d3939ddfe7d3d35bab5d53445bc1f2f689859a87507 | *Table 3. Related Sword2033 sample file details.* Similar to the PingPull variant above, this sample was designed to connect to port 8443 over HTTPS. However, analysis of the sample revealed that it's a simple backdoor that we track as Sword2033. This backdoor supports three basic functions: |---------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Cmd** | **Description** | | #up | Uploads a file to the system | | #dn | Downloads a file from the system | | exc /c: | Executes a command, but appends ;echo \\\n before running it | *Table 4. Sword2033 command handler functionality.* These three commands map to commands in a second command handler that uses A, C, D and M commands, which are identical in value and functionality with the PingPull commands identified in Table 2 above. Searching for other recent samples of Sword2033, we identified a second sample: |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Sword2033 Sample 2** || | **Filename** | Hopke | | **Filetype** | ELF | | **SHA256** | e39b5c32ab255ad284ae6d4dae8b4888300d4b5df23157404d9c8be3f95b3253 | *Table 5. Additional Sword2033 sample file details.* This sample was seen in July 2022. Analysis of this sample revealed that it's configured to connect to 196.216.136\[.\]139, located in South Africa, for C2. ## Infrastructure Analysis Analysis of the C2 domain yrhsywu2009.zapto\[.\]org found in the PingPull Linux variant and the first Sword2033 sample shows it was most recently hosted on 5.181.25\[.\]99 until early February 2023. However, a historical review of its hosting revealed that this domain resolved to 45.251.241\[.\]82 for a single day in April 2022. This IP was outlined as an active indicator of compromise (IoC) in [our June 2022 report](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/pingpull-gallium/), thereby drawing a clear link to Alloy Taurus activities. Analysis of the C2 for the second Sword2033 sample (Hopke, referenced in Table 5) found that the domain \*.saspecialforces.co\[.\]za resolved to 196.216.136\[.\]139. This domain has been hosted on eight other IPs throughout its history with various mail-related subdomains. None of these IPs appear to have any affiliation with the South African government, but the domain name gives the impression of a connection to the South African military. The establishment of a C2 server that appears to impersonate the South African military is uniquely notable when analyzed in the context of recent events. In February 2023, South Africa joined Russia and China to participate in [combined naval exercises](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-64380572). Additionally, 196.216.136\[.\]139 resolved to vpn729380678.softether\[.\]net from late December 2022 through mid-February 2023. Alloy Taurus is known for leveraging the SoftEther VPN service in their operations to facilitate access and maintain persistence to their targeted network. Threat actors often abuse, take advantage of or subvert legitimate products like SoftEther VPN for malicious purposes. This does not necessarily imply a flaw or malicious quality to the legitimate product being abused. ![Image 3 is a diagram of the infrastructure of PingPull/Sword2033 including samples 1 and 2 of Sword2033.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/word-image-127879-3-1.png) Figure 3. PingPull/Sword2033 infrastructure visualization. Reviewing traffic to the Sword2033 C2 server 196.216.136\[.\]139, we identified sustained connections originating from an IP that hosts several subdomains for an organization that finances long-term urban infrastructure development projects in Nepal. ## Conclusion Alloy Taurus remains an active threat to telecommunications, finance and government organizations across Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. The identification of a Linux variant of PingPull malware, as well as recent use of the Sword2033 backdoor, suggests that the group continues to evolve their operations in support of their espionage activities. We encourage all organizations to leverage our findings to inform the deployment of protective measures to defend against this threat group. Palo Alto Networks has shared these findings, including file samples and indicators of compromise, with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA) members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. Learn more about the [Cyber Threat Alliance](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org). ## Protections and Mitigations In order to defend against the threats described in this blog, Palo Alto Networks recommends organizations employ the following capabilities: * Network Security: Delivered through a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) configured with machine learning enabled, and best-in-class, cloud-delivered security services. This includes, for example, threat prevention, URL filtering, DNS security and a malware prevention engine capable of identifying and blocking malicious samples and infrastructure. * Endpoint Security: Delivered through an XDR solution that is capable of identifying malicious code through the use of advanced machine learning and behavioral analytics. This solution should be configured to act on and block threats in real time as they are identified. * Security Automation: Delivered through an XSOAR or XSIAM solution capable of providing SOC analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the threat derived by stitching together data obtained from endpoints, network, cloud and identity systems. ### Specific Product Protections and Mitigations For Palo Alto Networks customers, our products and services provide the following coverage associated with this group: * [WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/wildfire) cloud-based threat analysis service accurately identifies the malware described in this blog as malicious. * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-url-filtering/administration)and [DNS Security](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/dns-security) identify domains associated with Alloy Taurus as malicious. * [Cortex XDR](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/p/XDR) prevents the execution of known malware samples as malicious. Behavioral threat protection covers this activity starting from content version 930. If you think you may have been compromised or have an urgent matter, get in touch with the [Unit 42 Incident Response team](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) or call: * North America Toll-Free: 866.486.4842 (866.4.UNIT42) * EMEA: +31.20.299.3130 * APAC: +65.6983.8730 * Japan: +81.50.1790.0200 ## Indicators of Compromise PingPull Linux Variant * cb0922d8b130504bf9a3078743294791201789c5a3d7bc0369afd096ea15f0ae Sword2033 * 5ba043c074818fdd06ae1d3939ddfe7d3d35bab5d53445bc1f2f689859a87507 * e39b5c32ab255ad284ae6d4dae8b4888300d4b5df23157404d9c8be3f95b3253 Alloy Taurus Infrastructure * yrhsywu2009.zapto\[.\]org * \*.saspecialforces.co\[.\]za * vpn729380678.softether\[.\]net * 5\.181.25\[.\]99 * 196\.216.136\[.\]139 ## Additional Resources * [GALLIUM Expands Targeting Across Telecommunications, Government and Finance Sectors With New PingPull Tool](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/pingpull-gallium/), Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks * [GALLIUM](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0093/), MITRE * [Operation Soft Cell: A Worldwide Campaign Against Telecommunications Provider](https://www.cybereason.com/blog/research/operation-soft-cell-a-worldwide-campaign-against-telecommunications-providers), CyberReason * [GALLIUM: Targeting global telecom](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2019/12/12/gallium-targeting-global-telecom/), Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) *Updated May 10, 2023, at 12:02 p.m. PT to expand on Cortex XDR protections.* Back to top ### Tags * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Alloy Taurus](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/alloy-taurus/ "Alloy Taurus") * [China Chopper](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/china-chopper/ "China Chopper") * [GALLIUM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gallium/ "GALLIUM") * [PingPull](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/pingpull/ "PingPull") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: ChatGPT-Themed Scam Attacks Are on the Rise](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chatgpt-scam-attacks-increasing/ "ChatGPT-Themed Scam Attacks Are on the Rise") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [Tracking Iranian APT Screening Serpens' 2026 Espionage Campaigns](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tracking-iran-apt-screening-serpens/ "article - table of contents") * [Boggy Serpens Threat Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/boggy-serpens-threat-assessment/ "article - table of contents") * [Suspected China-Based Espionage Operation Against Military Targets in Southeast Asia](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/espionage-campaign-against-military-targets/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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A digital image of a skull formed by blue binary code on a black background, with scattered ones and zeros and digital noise, symbolizes how stealthy prompt injection attacks can exploit AI logic to bypass security controls.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-5-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 31, 2026 [#### Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/) * [Cloaked Ursa](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cloaked-ursa/ "Cloaked Ursa") * [Entra ID](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/entra-id/ "Entra ID") * [Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-teams/ "Microsoft Teams") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams") ![Pictorial representation of AI-enabled malware. A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") ![Pictorial representation of Token-jacking. A person types on a laptop with multiple digital interface elements projected, including an "AI" icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-786x369.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 6, 2026 [#### Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/) * [AI API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-api/ "AI API") * [AI gateway](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-gateway/ "AI gateway") * [API keys](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-keys/ "API keys") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/ "Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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