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Why LaZagne Makes D-Bus API Vigilance Crucial ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 6 min read Related Products [![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")[![Unit 42 Incident Response icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unit42_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Unit 42 Incident Response](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/unit-42-incident-response/ "Unit 42 Incident Response") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Siddharth Sharma](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/siddharth-sharma/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:August 24, 2023 * ![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/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [Adept Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/adept-libra/) * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/) * [API attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-attacks/) * [D-Bus](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/d-bus/) * [HackTool](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/hacktool/) * [Lazagne](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/lazagne/) * [Linux](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/linux/) * [Pidgin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/pidgin/) * [Prying Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/prying-libra/) * [TeamTnT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/teamtnt/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/lazagne-leverages-d-bus/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=8eff5d0d06 "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/lazagne-leverages-d-bus/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=8eff5d0d06 "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=Why%20LaZagne%20Makes%20D-Bus%20API%20Vigilance%20Crucial&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%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%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%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%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%2F&title=Why%20LaZagne%20Makes%20D-Bus%20API%20Vigilance%20Crucial "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%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%2F&text=Why%20LaZagne%20Makes%20D-Bus%20API%20Vigilance%20Crucial "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%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%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=Why%20LaZagne%20Makes%20D-Bus%20API%20Vigilance%20Crucial%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flazagne-leverages-d-bus%2F "Share in Mastodon") ## Executive Summary Attackers have increased targeted attacks on Linux systems, and the easy accessibility of hacktool utilities like LaZagne (a popular open-source password recovery tool) has made this increasingly convenient for threat actors to use in malware attack chains for dumping passwords. The tool poses a significant risk to Linux users because it targets popular chat software like Pidgin, using D-Bus APIs to extract sensitive information including passwords. This article provides a concise overview of how LaZagne leverages the Pidgin D-Bus APIs to fetch this information, and why keeping an eye on the D-Bus APIs can be a smart security move. We will also examine how attackers use LaZagne in specific malware campaigns. [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) for Linux empowered with eBPF successfully detects D-Bus API related activities. Palo Alto Networks customers receive protection from the hacktool LaZagne in Wildfire through YARA and behavioral rules to detect suspicious activity related to the LaZagne threat. | **Related Unit 42 Topics** | [**Linux**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/linux/), **[API Attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-attacks/)** | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| ## Introduction to D-Bus Desktop-Bus, commonly called [D-Bus](https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/dbus/), is an inter-process communication (IPC) mechanism in \*nix-based systems that allows applications and services to communicate with each other efficiently. D-Bus uses a client-server architecture where the dbus-daemon application acts as a server and applications act as clients. D-Bus is widely used in popular software like NetworkManager, PulseAudio, systemd and Evolution, and it enables seamless communication between various system components and applications. For example, Evolution email clients use D-Bus for communication with other components like the Evolution Data Server. This data server handles tasks such as storing and managing email accounts, contacts and calendars. The D-Bus APIs on a Linux system facilitate communication between applications and services, potentially exposing sensitive data. Therefore, the APIs could pose risk if they are not monitored. The LaZagne hacktool leverages the [Pidgin](https://www.pidgin.im/) D-Bus APIs to dump credentials. ## How LaZagne Steals Pidgin Credentials LaZagne connects to the Pidgin client's D-Bus API and fetches account credentials, including usernames and passwords, while the application runs (as shown in Figure 1). ![Image 1 is a screenshot of the LaZagne project fetching account credentials. Some of the information is redacted. Under the text Pidgin passwords, there is a notification that a password has been found, listing a login (redacted), and the password. Also included is the option to launch the program again using -v. The elapsed time is also listed.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/word-image-129710-1.png) Figure 1. LaZagne fetching account credentials. The code in Figure 2 shows how the LaZagne hacktool connects with the Pidgin D-Bus APIs to retrieve credentials. ![Image 2 is a screenshot of python code. Highlighted in three green boxes highlighted from top to bottom are the definition to get the password, try, and for. This is how LaZagne leverages D-Bus to fetch passwords.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/word-image-129710-2.png) Figure 2. LaZagne leveraging D-Bus to fetch passwords. Source: [AlessandroZ/LaZagne](https://github.com/AlessandroZ/LaZagne/blob/8c9f96237265251c2cb5dc24e1333a1d6559e797/Linux/lazagne/softwares/chats/pidgin.py). Here is a breakdown of the highlighted code shown above in Figure 2. * The get\_password\_from\_dbus method is defined inside the Pidgin class, which inherits from the ModuleInfo class. * D-Bus connections for each session are created using dbus.bus.BusConnection(session). For each method called on the purple object (created as an instance of the Pidgin D-Bus APIs), the dbus-python library internally handles the creation, sending and receiving of D-Bus messages. * The PurpleAccountGetUsername(\_acc), PurpleAccountGetPassword(\_acc) and PurpleAccountGetProtocolName(\_acc) methods are used to interact with the Pidgin application. They fetch the username, password and protocol name respectively, for each account from the Pidgin D-Bus APIs. * The extracted information is then stored in a list called pwd\_found as dictionaries. Some of the low-level libdbus library APIs (shown in Figure 3) that could be used for similar processes include: * dbus\_message\_new\_method\_call() * To create a new D-Bus message for a method call * dbus\_message\_append\_args() * To append arguments to a D-Bus message * dbus\_connection\_send\_with\_reply\_and\_block() * To send the message and wait for a reply * dbus\_message\_get\_args() * To extract the arguments from the reply message ![Image 3 is screenshot of the low-level libdbus library APIs in LaZagne’s Pidgin class. Four areas are highlighted in red. Highlighted by a yellow underline are username and password.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/word-image-129710-3.png) Figure 3. Low-level implementation of LaZagne's Pidgin class. LaZagne allows threat actors to dump credentials for other accounts in addition to Pidgin's. It can also dump KDE Wallet ([KWallet](https://github.com/AlessandroZ/LaZagne/tree/8c9f96237265251c2cb5dc24e1333a1d6559e797/Linux/lazagne/softwares/wallet)) passwords via D-Bus APIs. KWallet is a secure password management system used by the KDE desktop environment on Linux. These passwords are the individual passwords saved within the KWallet system, which can include passwords for websites, email accounts, Wi-Fi networks or any other credentials a user chooses to store. Threat actors have leveraged these D-Bus APIs to obtain sensitive data, and various public sources document cases of criminal groups that have utilized LaZagne during the past few years. ## LaZagne in Malware Campaigns LaZagne's availability on multiple operating systems has made it an attractive tool for threat actors. In 2019, suspected Iranian-sponsored threat group Agent Serpens (aka Charming Kitten or APT35) used LaZagne in a series of attacks that harvested login credentials from Windows-based systems. In 2020, the [activity cluster Unit 42 researchers track](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/from-activity-to-formal-naming/) as CL-CRI-0025 (tracked by other companies as a threat actor known as UNC1945 or LightBasin), used a custom Quick Emulator (QEMU) Linux virtual machine that contained various tools, including LaZagne, to harvest credentials from Italian and other European targets. Since 2020, the [threat actor we track](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-group-naming-update/) as Prying Libra (aka Gold Dupont, behind attacks leading to RansomEXX ransomware) have reportedly used LaZagne to extract credentials from targeted hosts. As early as July 2021, Adept Libra (aka TeamTNT) used LaZagne as part of its Chimaera campaign to steal passwords from various operating systems, including Linux distributions in cloud-based environments. This campaign continued through at least December 2021, when Adept Libra used LaZagne to steal passwords from a WordPress site in a Kubernetes environment. The following table summarizes the use of the hacktool in various malware attack campaigns: |------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Threat Actor** | **Target Area** | **LaZagne Usage in Campaigns** | | Adept Libra | IoT and cloud Infrastructures | [Chimaera](https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/teamtnt-with-new-campaign-aka-chimaera) and [kubelet](https://sysdig.com/blog/teamtnt-kubelet-credentials/) campaigns | | CL-CRI-0025 | Telecommunication and defense industry | [Threat campaign](https://yoroi.company/research/shadows-from-the-past-threaten-italian-enterprises/) against Italian enterprises | | Agent Serpens | Military and diplomacy sectors | Leveraged in [Windows-based attack campaign](https://www.infinitumit.com.tr/charming-kitten-apt35/) | | Prying Libra | Software and industrial companies | [RansomEXX ransomware](https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/ransomware-spotlight/ransomware-spotlight-ransomexx) campaign | Figure 4 shows [an example of the bash script using LaZagne](https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/b58bef842f6d6d4f53e6821f9ac1b63780267cc81006b649b56c263efeab1306/detection) in the reported December 2021 attack. ![Image 4 is a screenshot of an example bash script that uses LaZagne. This is from the attack reported in December 2021. Highlighted in yellow is where a lasagna was executed. Highlighted in red is where the data is stored. Highlighted in green is where the data is exfiltrated.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/word-image-129710-4.png) Figure 4. TeamTNT LaZagne script (VirusTotal results by hash). The use of LaZagne by sophisticated threat groups in their campaigns highlight the tool's effectiveness in capturing passwords and enabling further exploitation. ## Monitoring D-Bus API Since LaZagne can leverage D-Bus to extract sensitive data from running applications, we can monitor D-Bus API calls to detect such suspicious activity. Library tracing tools such as those based on Extended Berkeley Packet Filter ([eBPF](https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man2/bpf.2.html)) help in exposing the D-Bus API calls. Figure 5 below illustrates monitoring of D-Bus APIs using the [bpftrace](https://github.com/iovisor/bpftrace) tool against LaZagne hacktool activity (SHA256: d2421efee7a559085550b5575e2301a7c2ed9541b9e861a23e57361c0cdbdbdb) Bpftrace is a command-line tool for Linux systems, designed for dynamic analysis of kernel and user-level programs. Using the bpftrace tool, we set the probe on the dbus\_message\_get\_args() API. We used this API to extract the arguments from the reply message, which is defined in the libdbus-1.so.3 shared object library. The one-liner bpftrace probe command we used is as follows: sudo bpftrace -e 'uprobe:/lib/x86\_64-linux-gnu/libdbus-1.so.3:dbus\_message\_get\_args { printf("pid: %d, comm: %s, func: %s called with 1st param value: 0x%lx\\n", pid, comm, func, arg0); }' |---|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | sudo bpftrace -e 'uprobe:/lib/x86\_64-linux-gnu/libdbus-1.so.3:dbus\_message\_get\_args { printf("pid: %d, comm: %s, func: %s called with 1st param value: 0x%lx\\n", pid, comm, func, arg0); }' | ![Image 5 screenshot of two different terminals. On the left terminal is where Pidgin usernames and passwords were successfully dumped by LaZagne. In the right terminal is where the API calls were logged.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/word-image-129710-5.png) Figure 5. Monitoring D-Bus API using bpftrace. Figure 5 above shows that Pidgin usernames and passwords were successfully dumped by LaZagne (on the left terminal) and the API calls were logged in the bpftrace output (on the right terminal). Hooking high level D-Bus APIs and logging the details like process identifier (PID) and program name can be useful as they allow us to identify which process is calling the API. ## Conclusion Closely monitoring D-Bus APIs could be an important way for defenders to secure applications and connected systems against malware and hacktools. Developers and cybersecurity professionals must collaborate to stay informed about security risks and take necessary actions to protect applications and sensitive user data. With the increasing adoption of cloud computing and IoT, robust security measures are essential. [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) for Linux empowered with eBPF successfully detects D-Bus API related activities. Palo Alto Networks customers receive protection from the hacktool LaZagne in Wildfire through YARA and behavioral rules to detect suspicious activity related to the LaZagne threat. 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 Palo Alto Networks has shared our 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/). ## Acknowledgments I would like to thank Yang Ji and Dongrui Zeng for their valuable inputs and suggestions that helped shape up this article. ## Indicators of Compromise #### LaZagne binary * d2421efee7a559085550b5575e2301a7c2ed9541b9e861a23e57361c0cdbdbdb #### LaZagne binary * d23707e0123732e03d156a0fd474a1384e1b3deee3235df9e96ff5d21a4d440c #### LaZagne shell script (used in kubelet campaign) * b58bef842f6d6d4f53e6821f9ac1b63780267cc81006b649b56c263efeab1306 ## YARA rule elf\_hacktool\_lazagne { meta: author = "Siddharth Sharma - PaloAltoNetworks" description = "the lazagne hacktool." strings: $str1="lazagne" ascii wide nocase $str2="softwares.chats.pidgin" ascii wide nocase $str3="softwares.wallet.gnome" ascii wide nocase $str4="softwares.sysadmin.shadow" ascii wide nocase $str5="libdbus" ascii wide nocase condition: uint32(0) == 0x464c457f and all of them } Back to top ### Tags * [Adept Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/adept-libra/ "Adept Libra") * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens") * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [API attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-attacks/ "API attacks") * [D-Bus](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/d-bus/ "D-Bus") * [HackTool](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/hacktool/ "HackTool") * [Lazagne](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/lazagne/ "Lazagne") * [Linux](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/linux/ "Linux") * [Pidgin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/pidgin/ "Pidgin") * [Prying Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/prying-libra/ "Prying Libra") * [TeamTnT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/teamtnt/ "TeamTnT") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Crossing the Line: Unit 42 Wireshark Quiz for RedLine Stealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wireshark-quiz-redline-stealer/ "Crossing the Line: Unit 42 Wireshark Quiz for RedLine Stealer") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "article - table of contents") * [Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "article - table of contents") * [Gremlin Stealer's Evolved Tactics: Hiding in Plain Sight With Resource Files](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/gremlin-stealer-evolution/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Malware 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. 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