[![Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PANW_Parent.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) [![Unit42 Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/unit42-logo-white.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) Menu * [Tools](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tools/) * [ATOMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/) * [Security Consulting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [About Us](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/about-unit-42/) * [**Under Attack?**](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) English * [English](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/attackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware/) * [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/attackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware/) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research") * [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/ "Vulnerabilities") [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/) # Attackers Increasingly Targeting Oracle WebLogic Server Vulnerability for XMRig and Ransomware ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 6 min read Related Products [![Advanced Threat Prevention icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced Threat Prevention](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-threat-prevention/ "Advanced Threat Prevention")[![Advanced URL Filtering icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced URL Filtering](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-url-filtering/ "Advanced URL Filtering")[![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire")[![Cortex XDR icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cortex_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cortex XDR](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/cortex-xdr/ "Cortex XDR")[![Next-Generation Firewall icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Next-Generation Firewall](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/next-generation-firewall/ "Next-Generation Firewall") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Ken Hsu](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/ken-hsu/) * [Matthew Tennis](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/matthew-tennis/) * [Yanhui Jia](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/yanhui-jia/) * [Zhibin Zhang](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/zhibin-zhang/) * [Durgesh Sangvikar](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/durgesh-sangvikar/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:May 3, 2019 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [CVE-2019-2725](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2019-2725/) * [Exploits](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/exploits/) * [GandCrab](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gandcrab/) * [Oracle WebLogic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/oracle-weblogic/) * [Sodinokibi](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sodinokibi/) * [XMRig](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/xmrig/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/attackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=edee969a51 "Click here to download") * [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/attackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=edee969a51 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg) * [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=Attackers%20Increasingly%20Targeting%20Oracle%20WebLogic%20Server%20Vulnerability%20for%20XMRig%20and%20Ransomware&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F "Share in email") * [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F "Share in Facebook") * [![LinkedIn Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-linkedin-share.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F&title=Attackers%20Increasingly%20Targeting%20Oracle%20WebLogic%20Server%20Vulnerability%20for%20XMRig%20and%20Ransomware "Share in LinkedIn") * [![Twitter Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F&text=Attackers%20Increasingly%20Targeting%20Oracle%20WebLogic%20Server%20Vulnerability%20for%20XMRig%20and%20Ransomware "Share in Twitter") * [![Reddit Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit") * [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Attackers%20Increasingly%20Targeting%20Oracle%20WebLogic%20Server%20Vulnerability%20for%20XMRig%20and%20Ransomware%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fattackers-increasingly-targeting-oracle-weblogic-server-vulnerability-for-xmrig-and-ransomware%2F "Share in Mastodon") Executive Summary Unit 42 researchers at Palo Alto Networks have uncovered exploitation activity against an Oracle WebLogic zero-day critical deserialization vulnerability ([CVE-2019-2725](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-2725)) that occurred before the release of the [out-of-band patch](https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2019-2725-5466295.html) by Oracle on April 26, 2019. Oracle WebLogic Server is a popular application server used in building and deploying enterprise Java EE applications. Once the vulnerability was made public with the release of the patch, numerous instances of proof-of-concept (PoC) code exploiting the vulnerability were released. As a consequence, malicious activity exploiting the vulnerability surged. According to Zoomeye.org, there are currently over 41,000 publicly accessible WebLogic instances in the wild, shown in Figure 1. In light of the activity we detail here, and with this many publicly available WebLogic instances on the internet, as well as an unknown number of private instances in enterprise environments, we expect an escalation of exploitation attempts in the coming days and weeks. In the wake of this activity, Unit 42 researchers have observed a wide variety of payloads, including the delivery of a new version of the [Muhstik botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/muhstik-botnet-exploits-the-latest-weblogic-vulnerability-for-cryptomining-and-ddos-attacks/), a new ransomware variant dubbed [Sodinokibi](https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2019/04/sodinokibi-ransomware-exploits-weblogic.html), and deploying cryptominers to vulnerable systems. This blog describes the underlying vulnerability, the timeline in which the exploitation was first observed, and the kind of operations the attackers carry out by exploiting this vulnerability. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_1.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_1.png) *Figure 1. Publicly available Oracle WebLogic Servers* Vulnerability and Exploitation The vulnerability resides in the wls9\_async\_response.war package, which is responsible for handling asynchronous communication for the WebLogic Server. This package doesn't properly handle SOAP requests with XML \, \, \, and \ tags, making the server susceptible to a deserialization vulnerability. Because of this, a specially constructed HTTP request with malicious SOAP message can trigger the vulnerability, resulting in remote code execution in the Weblogic server's security context. The following Figure 2 shows what the exploit looks like on the wire. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure2.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure2.png) *Figure 2. CVE-2019-2725 exploit on the wire* The PoC referenced above requires another underlying WebLogic vulnerability ([CVE-2017-10271](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-10271)) to be unpatched on the WebLogic instance in order for exploitation to be successful. This earlier vulnerability allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to pass Java class objects with arbitrary contents, allowing remote code execution. The 2017 patch filtered and denylisted the contents of a SOAP request to class objects containing only byte properties, unlike the string property passed in the image above. However, without the CVE-2019-2725 patch, a threat actor can easily modify the SOAP request to pass a constructed byte object and obtain code execution. The patch for CVE-2019-2725 improves the denylist to include the class tag. More information regarding these two vulnerabilities and the relevant denylists can be found [here](https://paper.seebug.org/910/). The high criticality and [CVSS v3.0 score of 9.8](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-2725) of this vulnerability is due to a variety of factors. First, the wls9\_async\_response.war package is included by default in widely-used versions of WebLogic Servers, such as 10.3.6 and 12.1.3. Second, the popularity of WebLogic Server, as discussed above, coupled with its tendency to be deployed in business-critical environments, creates a target-rich environment. Furthermore, exploitation does not require any interaction from the user. A remote, unauthenticated user can send an HTTP request containing a crafted SOAP payload and obtain remote code execution trivially. The following sections summarize the exploitation observed by Unit 42 researchers. Initial Appearance On April 25, 2019 numerous exploitation attempts were observed. Figure 3 highlights the first monitored incidents. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure3.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure3.png) *Figure 3. Incident timeline (IP addresses censored)* Vulnerability Scanning Ever since the PoC for scanning the vulnerability was made public, we have observed numerous malicious requests. An example of abusing the aforementioned PoC was captured, as shown in Figure 4 below. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure4.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure4.png) *Figure 4. SOAP payload network capture* Miner Distribution One exploitation attempt we observed dropping a [well-known](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2018/02/cve-2017-10271-used-to-deliver-cryptominers.html) PowerShell downloader script in order to utilize the compromised host to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker. The script first downloads [XMRig](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-large-scale-monero-cryptocurrency-mining-operation-using-xmrig/), an open-source Monero miner, from an attacker-controlled domain. It then terminates any legitimate Oracle update services that would patch the underlying WebLogic vulnerability, shown in Figure 4. It then establishes persistence by copying itself and creating a scheduled task that masquerades as the Oracle update service. The script then kills a variety of processes that may be running on the host. The tasks that are terminated include antivirus services, other cryptominers, and other malwares' methods of persistence. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_5.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_5.png) *Figure 5. Fetching XMRig miner, disabling Oracle update services* The downloader's process termination starts with killing the DDG Monero miner botnet client if present on the system, followed by a variety of other cryptominers, including other XMRig instances. This behavior is indicative of attempting to secure more host resources from competing miners. The malware also targets services belonging to Qihoo 360, an antivirus service, in order to reduce the chance of detection. However, taskkill is unable to to kill process related to Qihoo 360. Figure 5 shows the processes that the script attempts to terminate. Finally, the script runs the XMRig executable with three mining servers using the cryptonight algorithm and the attacker's Monero wallet key, shown in Figure 6. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_6.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_6.png) *Figure 6. Terminating competing processes and AV solutions; executing XMRig* Ransomware Distribution In addition to scanning targets vulnerable to CVE-2019-2725 and downloading the malicious PowerShell script and cryptominer, attackers also abused CVE-2019-2725 to distribute at least two ransomware variants: [Sodinokibi and GandCrab](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/04/zeroday-attackers-deliver-a-double-dose-of-ransomware-no-clicking-required/). [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure7.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure7.png) *Figure 7. Downloading and executing Sodinokibi* The attackers leverage cerutil in this case to download, base64 decode, and execute the downloaded ransomware, as shown in Figure 7. The ransomware drops a ransom note in every directory it has traversed. An example of this note file is illustrated in Figure 8 below. Encryption of a file depends on the file extension in the filename; the ransomware encrypts all files except for those with the extensions like .exe, .dll, and .key. The file extension of an encrypted file is composed of seven randomly generated alphanumeric characters. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_8.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure_8.png) *Figure 8. Example of a ransom note* After the ransomware is done with its operation, it modifies the victim machine's desktop wallpaper to display its ransom message, as shown in Figure 9 below. The ransom note contains detailed instructions on how the victims should pay the ransom, either on Tor network or on decryptor\[.\]top domain. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure9.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure9.png) *Figure 9. Modified desktop wallpaper* Conclusion and Mitigation Preliminary indicators reveal over 600 exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2019-2725 on Palo Alto Networks soak sites and we expect this number to increase rapidly. With over 41,000 publicly available WebLogic instances on the Web, as well as an unknown number of private instances in enterprise environments, an escalation of exploitation attempts is expected. For all WebLogic Server instances, the most effective mitigation against this attack is to keep WebLogic Server instances patched with the most recent update. Prior to Oracle's release of the patch, an alternative mitigation strategy was proposed as either removing the wls9\_async\_response.war package or restricting access to URLs that contain /\_async/\* and /wls-wsat/\*. Palo Alto Networks' customers are protected from this critical vulnerability by the following products and services: 1. Threat Prevention signatures 55570, 18994, 18996 2. PAN-DB also blocks attacker's C\&C server IP and domain 3. WildFire Antivirus identifies and blocks malware spawned during the attack. 4. Traps detects the malicious executables and blocks their execution. For non-Palo Alto Networks customers, see Oracle's [documentation](https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/alert-cve-2019-2725-5466295.html) regarding vulnerability and patch information. Palo Alto Networks has shared our findings, including file samples and indicators of compromise, in this report with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. For more information on the Cyber Threat Alliance, visit [www.cyberthreatalliance.org](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/). Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) **Mining Pool** 185\[.\]161\[.\]70\[.\]34:3333 202\[.\]144\[.\]193\[.\]184:3333 205\[.\]185\[.\]122\[.\]99:3333 **Monero wallet:** 4AB31XZu3bKeUWtwGQ43ZadTKCfCzq3wra6yNbKdsucpRfgofJP3YwqDiTutrufk8D17D7xw1zPGyMspv8Lqwwg36V5chYg **Download IP/URL** hxxp://165.22.155.69/cow\[.\]exe hxxp://188.166.74.218/go\[.\]b64 hxxp://107.174.47.156/1\[.\]ps1 **SHA256** 4f9020f7e1c2a43a08c117b8d3323421eb1c920b5bad70adb92cbbf882cdf3a9 (original filename: go.exe) c213492008177ae1cda8903a46fb1b766f41c58051f1527237a597243885a87e (xmrig.exe) 3e35f125ea1256a443dcc4eee612f87025f9af7c45a22e95e5a2bd3e53f491eb (1.ps1.txt) c799b4a7d14bb911e40c427517eeef96111383a4b3960c8707a27055eef8ecb0(cow.exe) 33135d6e0b8ac14693758ca2e37f27059e202ee72b419ab362fc07d232bb8a10(go.b64.txt) **Ransomware URL/Domain** hxxp\[:\]//aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjppkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd\[.\]onion/8D034B77DA7BC90E hxxp\[:\]//decryptor\[.\]top/8D034B77DA7BC90E Back to top ### Tags * [CVE-2019-2725](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2019-2725/ "CVE-2019-2725") * [Exploits](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/exploits/ "exploits") * [GandCrab](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/gandcrab/ "GandCrab") * [Oracle WebLogic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/oracle-weblogic/ "Oracle WebLogic") * [Sodinokibi](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sodinokibi/ "Sodinokibi") * [XMRig](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/xmrig/ "XMRig") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Muhstik Botnet Exploits the Latest WebLogic Vulnerability for Cryptomining and DDoS Attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/muhstik-botnet-exploits-the-latest-weblogic-vulnerability-for-cryptomining-and-ddos-attacks/ "Muhstik Botnet Exploits the Latest WebLogic Vulnerability for Cryptomining and DDoS Attacks") ### Related Articles * [The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "article - table of contents") * [Blitz Malware: A Tale of Game Cheats and Code Repositories](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/blitz-malware-2025/ "article - table of contents") * [Understanding REvil: REvil Threat Actors May Have Returned (Updated)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/revil-threat-actors/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/12_Security-Technology_Category_1920x900-786x368.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/) September 10, 2026 [#### The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Cryptographic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptographic/ "cryptographic") * [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/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE") ![Pictorial representation of a pay-per-install threat group campaign prodiving infection service for spreading malware. 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, symbolizing data processing and transfer. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-6-786x368.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/) September 9, 2026 [#### Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/) * [ARKTunnel](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/arktunnel/ "ARKTunnel") * [C2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/c2/ "C2") * [CL-CRI-1171](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1171/ "CL-CRI-1171") [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/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/ "Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of attackers using AI tools to target Latin American organizations. A vibrant cityscape with silhouettes of numerous people walking along a bustling street. The scene is illuminated by bright urban lights and digital-like particles, creating a dynamic and futuristic atmosphere.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_768915868-2-1-786x373.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/) September 3, 2026 [#### Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/) * [Agentic AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agentic-ai/ "Agentic AI") * [ChatGPT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chatgpt/ "ChatGPT") * [CL-CRI-1131](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1131/ "CL-CRI-1131") [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-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/ "Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America") ![Pictorial representation of vishing campaigns in Microsoft Teams. 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. Subscribe today. Your Email Subscribe for email updates to all Unit 42 threat research. By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy "Privacy Statement") This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. Invalid captcha! Subscribe ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) ![loader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-loader.svg) {#footer} Products and Services * [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security) * [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security) * [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security/prisma-airs) * [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security) * [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions) * [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention) * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering) * [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) * [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security) * [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention) * [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security) * [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security) * [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-security-solution) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security) * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall) * [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations) * [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls) * [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager) * [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription) * [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os) * [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama) * [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase) * [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase) * [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration) * [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem) * [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention) * [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access) * [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser) * [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan) * [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security) * [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex) * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud) * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud) * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security) * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security) * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security) * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud) * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex) * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam) * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar) * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse) * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam) * [Next-Generation Identity Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira) * [Privileged Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/privileged-access-management) * [Identity and Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-and-access-management) * [Endpoint Privilege Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/endpoint-privilege-manager) * [Identity Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-governance) * [Workforce Password Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/workforce-password-management) * [Agentic Identities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/agentic) * [Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/secrets-management) * [Unified Secrets Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/unified-secrets-governance) * [Application Credentials Delivery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/application-credentials-delivery) * [Vendor Privileged Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/vendor-privileged-access) * [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [Prepare for Emerging Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/frontier-ai-defense) * [Strengthen Your Defenses](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/strengthen-your-defenses) * [Build Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/build-your-security-strategy) * [Understand the Adversary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence) * [Respond to a Cyber Attack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond) Company * [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us) * [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales) * [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility) * [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers) * [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations) * [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom) Popular Links * [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/) * [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities) * [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources) * [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia) * [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center) * [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z) * [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/certifications) * [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure) * [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap) * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd) ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg) * [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy) * [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center) * [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use) * [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal) Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved * [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks) * [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector) * [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/) * [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks) * [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks) * EN Select your language ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ### Default Heading Read the article ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) Seekbar ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Volume](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-volume.svg) Volume ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg)