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Configurations establish guidelines for malware behavior and they are a common feature among the various malware families we examine. The configuration data embedded within malware can offer invaluable insights into the intentions of cybercriminals. However, due to its significance, malware authors deliberately make configuration data challenging to parse statically from the file. Over the past few years, we have developed a system to extract internal malware configurations. We will share code from our extractors for multiple malware families with the research community. These extractors, written in Python, are designed to scan and extract configuration data from memory dumps associated with specific malware samples. We will also introduce selected configuration protection techniques employed by two malware families: GuLoader and RedLine Stealer. For those interested in more details, please look into the [whitepaper](https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2023/papers/Teasing-the-secrets-from-threat-actors-malware-configuration-extractors.pdf), [slides](https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2023/slides/Slides-Teasing-the-secrets-from-threat-actors-malware-configuration-extractors.pdf) or [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_dgaRDS-6U) we [presented](https://www.virusbulletin.com/conference/vb2023/abstracts/teasing-secrets-threat-actors-malware-configuration-extractors/) at Virus Bulletin 2023 in London. Palo Alto Networks customers are better protected from these threats through our [Next-Generation Firewall](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/ngfw) with [cloud-delivered security services](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cdss) including [WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/wildfire). If you think you might 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). | **Related Unit 42 Topics** | **[Memory Detection](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/memory-detection/)** , **[RedLine Stealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/redline-infostealer/)** , **[GuLoader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/guloader/)** | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| ## Technical Analysis of GuLoader The GuLoader authors went to great lengths to obfuscate their C2 configuration. Figure 1 provides a timeline illustrating the evolution of GuLoader obfuscation techniques. ![Image 1 is a timeline of obfuscation techniques used by GuLoader. 2020: hiding in plain sight. Search for the string HTTP would reveal C2 URL. 2022: C2 URL are encrypted and np longer starts with HTTP. Quarter 4 of 2022: Ciphertext splitting: Ciphertext has to be decoded in blocks from a function before it can be used. Quarter 1 of 2023: Control flow obfuscation: Control flow obfuscation progressively applied to increase the complexity of retrieving the ciphertext.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-1.png) Figure 1. Timeline showing the evolution of obfuscation techniques used by Guloader. This evolution has defeated our [previous approach](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/malware-detection-accuracy/) to extracting GuLoader malware configuration. The GuLoader authors' newer techniques include [ciphertext splitting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptographic_splitting) and [control flow obfuscation](https://www.zimperium.com/glossary/control-flow-obfuscation/). ### Ciphertext Splitting We have labeled GuLoader's previous method of storing encrypted configuration data (ciphertext) in the top section of Figure 2 as the "old method." In this old method, the ciphertext was stored as a continuous sequence of bytes. ![Image 2 is two screenshots stacked on top of each other. The first is the old method of storing cipher text. The text is highlighted in the first row in the top screenshot. The second screenshot below the first shows the new method. Three snippets of code are displayed and the text is spread across all three.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-2.png) Figure 2. Comparing old and new methods of storing ciphertext. In the lower section of Figure 2 above, we have labeled the new approach as GuLoader's "new method," where the ciphertext is computed from a function. In this function, the ciphertext is first divided into a 4-byte [DWORD](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/what-is-a-dword/). Each DWORD is individually encrypted using randomized mathematical operations. For example, to retrieve the first DWORD of the ciphertext from GuLoader's new method, we must perform the mathematical operations illustrated below in Figure 3. ![Image 3 is a screenshot of the mathematical operations to retrieve the DWORD of ciphertext.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-3.png) Figure 3. An example of computing a DWORD of the ciphertext from Guloader's new method of storing ciphertext. To acquire the complete ciphertext from this new method, we perform a series of operations similar to the method shown in Figure 3 above for each individual DWORD. Subsequently, we concatenate these DWORD values together, resulting in the complete ciphertext. ### Control Flow Obfuscation In early 2023, we encountered a [GuLoader sample](https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/beda408709feea7d2023f328e9c97bf4d090bcfb3948fc4e4d9c5c580d8f5858) that originally had zero VirusTotal (VT) detections. Using Hex-Rays IDA Pro to disassemble and analyze this malware sample, we found instructions that attempted to prevent further analysis. These anti-analysis instructions were designed to cause EXCEPTION\_BREAKPOINT, EXCEPTION\_ACCESS\_VIOLATION and EXCEPTION\_SINGLE\_STEP violations. Figure 4 illustrates how GuLoader implemented all these instructions for anti-analysis. ![Image 4 is a screenshot of many lines of code in a GuLoader sample. Highlighted in red boxes are the anti-analysis instructions.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-4.png) Figure 4. Dissembler analysis of the Guloader sample revealing the anti-analysis instructions. The anti-analysis instructions noted in Figure 4 above rendered [our previous solution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/guloader-variant-anti-analysis/) of writing an IDA processor module extension ineffective. Due to the variable nature of the length of Intel x86 CPU instructions, we could not detect the huge combination of instructions that triggered EXCEPTION\_ACCESS\_VIOLATION and EXCEPTION\_SINGLE\_STEP exceptions. Since our previous solution was no longer effective, we had to manually analyze the code to find these anti-analysis instructions and bypass them to extract the configuration. We explained in detail how we extracted the configuration in [our whitepaper for Virus Bulletin](https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2023/papers/Teasing-the-secrets-from-threat-actors-malware-configuration-extractors.pdf). ## Technical Analysis of RedLine Stealer The SHA256 hash for the RedLine Stealer sample used in this analysis is a4cf69f849e9ea0ab4eba1cdc1ef2a973591bc7bb55901fdbceb412fb1147ef9. Using an MSIL decompiler called [dnSpy](https://github.com/dnSpy/dnSpy), we quickly identified the configuration data as shown below in Figure 5. ![Image 5 is a screenshot of a RedLine Stealer sample containing the encrypted configuration block. Six token arguments are listed in total.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-5.png) Figure 5. Screenshot taken from dnSpy that contains the RedLine Stealer sample's encrypted configuration block. We implemented a decryption routine in Python as shown below in Figure 6. We invite readers to manually grab example ciphertexts and keys to test whether [the script from Figure 6](https://github.com/PaloAltoNetworks/Unti42-Threat-Intelligence-Article-Information/blob/main/example-of-python-script-decryption-routine) decrypts correctly. ![Image 6 is a screenshot of Python code of the decryption routine for RedLine Stealer.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-6.png) Figure 6. The decryption routine written in Python. Next, we located the configuration (shown in Figures 7 and 8) and prepared the decrypt function in Python. However, before decrypting the data, we had to manually grab the ciphertext and key from the decompiled result generated by dnSpy. When writing C code, we directly access system memory, so we sometimes call the executables compiled from C code as native executables. However, in [.NET MSIL](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/standard/managed-execution-process#compiling_to_msil), everything is managed. A pointer leads to the character array stored somewhere in the binary in native C code, but all we see in the compiled MSIL are the tokens. When accessing these tokens, the runtime library ([CLR](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/standard/clr)) parses where the ciphertext is actually stored, which is one less thing for an analyst to worry about. For example, in Figure 7 comments generated by dnSpy show that the string IP is a token number 0x04000013. ![Image 7 is a screenshot of decompiled strings. Highlighted in red is an instance of dnSpy labeling the token number.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-7.png) Figure 7. DnSpy labeling the token number of the decompiled strings. Next, we open the RedLine Stealer sample in IDA Pro and navigate to the same function. Figure 8 shows that the [ldstr](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.reflection.emit.opcodes.ldstr?view=net-7.0) commands push object reference for the metadata strings located at seg000:29F1, seg000:29FB, seg000:2A05 and seg000:2A0F. The object references are enclosed in black boxes in Figure 8. These metadata strings are set by instructions located at seg000:29F6, seg000:2A00, seg000:2A0A and seg000:2A14 respectively. The [stsfld](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.reflection.emit.opcodes.stsfld?view=net-8.0) instructions replace the value of a static field with a value from the evaluation stack. The values on the evaluation stack for each field are enclosed in red boxes. ![Image 8 is a screenshot of the IDA Pro disassembler view of the configuration setup function. The values in red boxes are the evaluation stack for each field.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-8.png) Figure 8. IDA Pro disassembler view of the configuration setup function. The IP field from Figure 7 is not enough to statically extract the configuration. The source of the string that was pushed onto the stack for the IP field has not yet been identified. The operand type of the instruction ldstr shown in Figure 8 is, [according to Microsoft](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.reflection.emit.opcodes.ldstr?view=net-7.0), a string token, and string tokens are stored in the #US (User-Stream) table. To find the string token, we used an open-source library called [dnfile](https://github.com/malwarefrank/dnfile), which is like a .NET version of [PEfile](https://github.com/erocarrera/pefile). Dnfile allows us to easily access the [#US tokens](https://github.com/malwarefrank/dnfile/blob/master/examples/dnstrings.py#L10) by just giving the [.NET runtime identifier](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/rid-catalog) (RID). Dnfile also provides the interface to access the user streams and [a lot more](https://github.com/malwarefrank/dnfile/blob/master/src/dnfile/stream.py#L59). The Python implementation shown in Figure 9 is an example of how we accessed user streams by offset. We passed the user string into the decryption routine shown in Figure 9 once we got the user stream by the token. This should return the decrypted configuration. ![Image 9 is a screenshot of many lines of code. Here dnfile is getting a resource.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/word-image-131796-9.png) Figure 9. An implementation that uses dnfile to get the resource by a given .NET MSIL token. ## Conclusion By delving into the methods used for GuLoader and RedLine Stealer, we shed light on the process of locating and extracting C2 configurations from various malware families. Leveraging our insights gained from analyzing these malware configurations, we can enhance our ability to detect, analyze and develop effective countermeasures against malicious software. Through continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can collectively stay ahead of cybercriminals to help safeguard our digital systems and networks. Palo Alto Networks customers are better protected from the threats discussed in this article through the following products: * [Next-Generation Firewall](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/ngfw) with [cloud-delivered security services](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cdss) including [WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/wildfire) detect the files mentioned within this report as malicious. If you think you might 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 these findings 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/). ## Indicators of Compromise ### SHA256 Hash of the GuLoader Sample Analyzed in This Article * 32ea41ff050f09d0b92967588a131e0a170cb46baf7ee58d03277d09336f89d9 ### SHA256 Hash of the RedLine Stealer Sample Analyzed in This Article * a4cf69f849e9ea0ab4eba1cdc1ef2a973591bc7bb55901fdbceb412fb1147ef9 Back to top ### Tags * [Guloader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/guloader/ "Guloader") * [Memory detection](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/memory-detection/ "memory detection") * [Python](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/python/ "Python") * [Redline infostealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/redline-infostealer/ "Redline infostealer") * [Virus Bulletin International Conference](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/virus-bulletin-international-conference/ "Virus Bulletin International Conference") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Threat Vector Podcast](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-vector-podcast/ "Threat Vector Podcast") ### Table of Contents * ### 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") * [Pickle in the Middle -- Hijacking Vertex AI Model Uploads for Cross-Tenant RCE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/hijacking-vertex-ai-model/ "article - table of contents") * [Weaponizing the Protectors: TeamPCP's Multi-Stage Supply Chain Attack on Security Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/teampcp-supply-chain-attacks/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Malware Resources ![Pictorial representation of a magnifying glass illuminating a glowing orange circular digital circuit interface on a dark, high-tech background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Myth-Busting_Overview_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Insights-icon-white.svg)Insights](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/insights/) September 16, 2026 [#### Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/) * [MacOS](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/macos/ "macOS") * [Threat intelligence](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/threat-intelligence/ "threat intelligence") * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/unit-42/ "Unit 42") [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/atomic-macos-amos-stealer-activity/ "Atomic macOS (AMOS) Stealer Activity") ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. 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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") * ![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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