[![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) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/ "Malware") [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) # Malware Trending: STUN Awareness ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 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") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Rob Downs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/rob-downs/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:September 30, 2014 * ![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: * [Banking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking/) * [Dyreza](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dyreza/) * [NAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nat/) * [STUN](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/stun/) * [Trending](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trending/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/malware-trending-stun-awareness/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=a0d449e753 "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/malware-trending-stun-awareness/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=a0d449e753 "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=Malware%20Trending:%20STUN%20Awareness&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%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%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%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%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%2F&title=Malware%20Trending:%20STUN%20Awareness "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%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%2F&text=Malware%20Trending:%20STUN%20Awareness "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%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%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=Malware%20Trending:%20STUN%20Awareness%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fmalware-trending-stun-awareness%2F "Share in Mastodon") [Session Traversal Utilities for NAT (STUN)](https://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/STUN) is a network protocol with standardized methods that enables an internal network address space host employing Network Address Translation (NAT) to determine its Internet-facing/public IP address. STUN has several legitimate uses, including enablement of NAT traversal for voice over IP (VOIP), messaging, video, and other IP-based interactive communication. As an example, Palo Alto Networks wrote a blog post back in 2010 covering [how STUN works with VOIP](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2010/07/nat-traversal-for-voip-calls%E2%80%A6how-stun-helps/). The standard ports for STUN include 3478 for TCP and UDP, as well as 5349 for TLS. In the information security tradition of turning things on their side and looking for interesting findings, this post focuses on the misuse of STUN by malware and associated trending. The impetus for closer inspection of malware's use of this protocol was a [Stop Malvertising report on Dyreza](https://stopmalvertising.com/malware-reports/analysis-of-dyreza-changes-network-traffic.html), which noted how the banking trojan employed STUN to determine an infected host's public IP behind a NAT. While the variant analyzed included a fallback mechanism of reaching out to icanhazip.com in the event STUN didn't work, its inclusion of STUN functionality still caught our attention. To start our investigation we searched the Palo Alto Networks WildFire platform for samples flagged as malware that had communicated with the STUN servers listed in the Stop Malvertising report: * callwithus.com * voiceeclipse.net * sipgate.net * ekiga.net * ideasip.com * internetcalls.com * noc.ams-ix.net * phonepower.com * voip.aebc.com * voipbuster.com * voxgratia.org * ipshka.com * faktortel.com.au * iptel.org * voipstunt.com * org * taraba.net * taraba.net * l.google.com * l.google.com * l.google.com * l.google.com * l.google.com * schlund.de * rixtelecom.se * voiparound.com * viagenie.ca * stunprotocol.org * 2talk.co.nz **Figure 1** displays these results, showing a notable spike in July 2014 that remains elevated through September 2014. ![STUN fig 1](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/STUN-fig-1-500x286.jpg) **Figure 1**: Malware leveraging STUN servers listed in Stop Malvertising report on Dyreza It also became clear that Dyzera is just one of the malware families that employed STUN capabilities. This raised two additional questions: * What would an expanded STUN server list search show from a trending perspective? * Which are the most popular STUN servers for WildFire observed malware samples? Based on an extended STUN server list found [here](https://emc.cc.st/public-stun.txt), we searched WildFire again for associated samples that were flagged as malware. **Figure 2** reveals generally higher numbers over the year with two very interesting peaks, one in January 2014 and the other in March 2014. Notably, these peaks are 3.0 to 3.3 times larger than peak ranges found in the Dyreza report subset. ![STUN fig 2](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/STUN-fig-2-500x284.jpg) **Figure 2**: Malware leveraging extended STUN server list Analysis of STUN servers listed in the Stop Malvertising report that were employed by malware over the past year revealed that the most popular was stunserver.org, which held the greatest lead at 69 samples (6%), with the immediate runner up at 56 samples (5%). **Table 1** summarizes the malware counts associated respective STUN server usage. |------------------------|-----------| | **STUN Server** | **Count** | | stunserver.org | 69 | | stun.noc.ams-ix.net | 56 | | stun.ekiga.net | 53 | | stun.voxgratia.org | 49 | | stun.phonepower.com | 47 | | stun.internetcalls.com | 45 | | stun.voipbuster.com | 44 | | stun.callwithus.com | 42 | | stun.l.google.com | 42 | | stun.ipshka.com | 41 | | stun.sipgate.net | 40 | | stun4.l.google.com | 40 | | stun.voip.aebc.com | 39 | | stun.voiparound.com | 39 | | stun.ideasip.com | 37 | | stun.iptel.org | 37 | | stun.schlund.de | 36 | | stun.faktortel.com.au | 33 | | stun2.l.google.com | 33 | | stun.rixtelecom.se | 32 | | stun.voipstunt.com | 32 | | numb.viagenie.ca | 30 | | stun.stunprotocol.org | 30 | | stun3.l.google.com | 29 | | s1.taraba.net | 28 | | s2.taraba.net | 24 | | stun1.l.google.com | 24 | | stun1.voiceeclipse.net | 20 | | stun.2talk.co.nz | 17 | **Table 1**: Malware usage over one year per STUN server listed in Stop Malvertising report on Dyreza We performed similar analysis on the extended list of STUN servers, where we found a much larger lead for the number one server, stun.qvod.com, at 4705 samples (75%), with its next runner up being stun.qq.com at only 489 samples (8%). **Table 2** summarizes the malware counts associated respective STUN server usage. |------------------------|-----------| | **STUN Server** | **Count** | | stun.qvod.com | 4705 | | stun.qq.com | 489 | | stunserver.org | 69 | | stun.noc.ams-ix.net | 56 | | stun.ekiga.net | 53 | | stun.voxgratia.org | 49 | | stun.phonepower.com | 47 | | stun.internetcalls.com | 45 | | stun.voipbuster.com | 44 | | stun.callwithus.com | 42 | | stun.l.google.com | 42 | | stun.ipshka.com | 41 | | stun.sipgate.net | 40 | | stun4.l.google.com | 40 | | stun.voip.aebc.com | 39 | | stun.voiparound.com | 39 | | stun.ideasip.com | 37 | | stun.iptel.org | 37 | | stun.schlund.de | 36 | | stun.faktortel.com.au | 33 | | stun2.l.google.com | 33 | | stun.rixtelecom.se | 32 | | stun.voipstunt.com | 32 | | numb.viagenie.ca | 30 | | stun.stunprotocol.org | 30 | | stun3.l.google.com | 29 | | s1.taraba.net | 28 | | s2.taraba.net | 24 | | stun1.l.google.com | 24 | | stun1.voiceeclipse.net | 20 | | stun.2talk.co.nz | 17 | | stun.softjoys.com | 2 | | stun.veoh.com | 2 | **Table 2**: Malware usage over one year per extended STUN server list These listings show that there are only four additional non-Dyreza-associated STUN servers that have been observed by WildFire with relation to malware: the first two (stun.qvod.com and stun.qq.com) and last two (stun.softjoys.com and stun.veoh.com). This remains significant considering that the first two servers account for approximately 83% of malicious STUN traffic observed by WildFire. **Figure 3** presents a combined view of QVOD, QQ, and Dyreza-associated STUN server usage. This figure accounts for over 99% of malicious STUN traffic observed by WildFire over the past year. ![STUN fig 3](http://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/STUN-fig-3-500x357.jpg) **Figure 3**: Comparison counts of malware leveraging QVOD, QQ, and Dyreza-associated STUN servers. There are at least two points of interest in this figure. The first is the sharp decline in QVOD STUN server traffic around April 2014. Our research leads us to believe these this event correlates with the [shutdown of the QVOD video streaming and downloading service](https://asiatechhub.com/qvod-shuts-servers-causes-major-impact-video-pirating-industry/) due to piracy concerns. The second point of interest is the sudden rise in Dyreza-associated STUN server usage starting around July 2014. This is at least in part due to the incorporation of STUN capability into Dyreza, although other families of malware were also observed communicating with those servers. It is our belief that this trending of STUN capabilities in malware supports two goals for attackers: * **Leverage innovation**: As new protocols gain traction and malicious actors rediscover older ones, it shouldn't be a surprise that the benefit of legitimate use is eventually tested and incorporated for malicious purposes. * **Hide in plain sight**: Given a popular service and/or protocol, there is a higher likelihood that malware that utilizes similar communications can achieve equivalent success in its misuse, as it is allowed through the same security controls. While the inclusion of STUN capability in software is not in itself indicative of malware, it remains interesting from a trending perspective towards characterizing and managing threats. This can include extrapolating potential attacker sophistication and objectives/motivations, as well as determining the best course of action for detection, mitigation and response. For example, STUN has its shortfalls, mainly when employed with a symmetric/bi-directional NAT. Symmetric NAT is most often found in large businesses, which could also explain the use of fallback techniques towards maximizing the target space for an attack. Ultimately, this highlights the importance of visibility on and control of network traffic as two major weapons in the arsenal of modern incident response teams. Back to top ### Tags * [Banking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking/ "banking") * [Dyreza](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dyreza/ "Dyreza") * [NAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nat/ "NAT") * [STUN](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/stun/ "STUN") * [Trending](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trending/ "trending") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Palo Alto Networks Addresses Bash Vulnerability Shellshock: Mitigation for CVE-2014-6271](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/addressing-bash-vulnerability-shellshock-palo-alto-networks-mitigation-cve-2014-6271/ "Palo Alto Networks Addresses Bash Vulnerability Shellshock: Mitigation for CVE-2014-6271") ### Related Articles * [Wireshark Tutorial: Examining Trickbot Infections](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wireshark-tutorial-examining-trickbot-infections/ "article - table of contents") * [Threat Brief: Embrace Mobile Banking with Caution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-threat-brief-embrace-mobile-banking-caution/ "article - table of contents") * [Malspam Targeting Brazil Continues to Evolve](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-malspam-targeting-brazil-continues-evolve/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Malware Resources ![Pictorial representation of TLS Certificate compromise. A person typing on a laptop with digital graphics of binary code and light beams emanating from the screen, representing data transfer or cyber activity.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/07_Security-Technology_Category_1920x900-1-786x368.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/) October 22, 2026 [#### EMudhra Intermediate CA Certificates Compromised](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/emudhra-certificate-compromise/) * [Certificates](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/certificates/ "certificates") * [Compromise](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/compromise/ "Compromise") * [Cryptographic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptographic/ "cryptographic") [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/emudhra-certificate-compromise/ "EMudhra Intermediate CA Certificates Compromised") ![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-1-786x369.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/) October 21, 2026 [#### "Next Exploit Opportunities": How a Threat Actor Used AI to Help Plan and Execute Multiple Types of Cybercrime Activities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-assisted-cybercrime-analysis/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Data exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/data-exfiltration/ "data exfiltration") * [DeepSeek](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/deepseek/ "DeepSeek") [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-assisted-cybercrime-analysis/ "“Next Exploit Opportunities”: How a Threat Actor Used AI to Help Plan and Execute Multiple Types of Cybercrime Activities") ![Pictorial representation of AI-powered campaign targeting government infrastructure. A glowing, blue, brain-shaped structure floats above a central microchip on a circuit board. The scene is futuristic, with neon lights illuminating the interconnected pathways and components.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AdobeStock_637057734-786x368.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/) October 15, 2026 [#### AI-Powered Espionage Campaign Targets Government Linux Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-campaign-targets-linux-infrastructure/) * [Exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/exfiltration/ "exfiltration") * [LLM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/llm/ "LLM") * [Network security](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/network-security/ "network security") [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-campaign-targets-linux-infrastructure/ "AI-Powered Espionage Campaign Targets Government Linux Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of PEERSTITCH, a FortiGate implant. A digital illustration depicting a circuit board with a prominent red warning triangle and exclamation mark in the center. The background is filled with various computer circuitry patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/09_Vulnerabilities_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/) October 14, 2026 [#### Unit 42 Uncovers PEERSTITCH, a Stealthy FortiGate Implant](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/fortimanager-cve-2024-47575-peerstitch-malware/) * [Apache](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apache/ "Apache") * [CL-STA-0954](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-sta-0954/ "CL-STA-0954") * [Logging](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/logging/ "logging") [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/fortimanager-cve-2024-47575-peerstitch-malware/ "Unit 42 Uncovers PEERSTITCH, a Stealthy FortiGate Implant") ![Pictorial representation of operation blinder tunnel. Screen displaying code with a prominent alert symbol and the words 'VIRUS DETECTED' highlighted in red.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/05_Malware_Category_1920x900-1-786x368.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/) October 6, 2026 [#### Blinder Tunnel Campaign Targets Iraqi Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/blinder-tunnel-targets-critical-infrastructure/) * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens") * [AppDomainManager](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/appdomainmanager/ "AppDomainManager") [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/blinder-tunnel-targets-critical-infrastructure/ "Blinder Tunnel Campaign Targets Iraqi Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of how K8 operators betray your security posture. A close-up of a futuristic microchip with glowing circuits in vibrant colors, including blue, purple, and orange, reflecting light.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_652069707-1-786x368.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 29, 2026 [#### OperTraitors: How Kubernetes Operators Betray Your Security Posture](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/agentic-ai-kubernetes-operator-risks/) * [AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai/ "AI") * [AI agents](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-agents/ "AI agents") * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") [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/agentic-ai-kubernetes-operator-risks/ "OperTraitors: How Kubernetes Operators Betray Your Security Posture") ![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. 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") * ![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/unit42/respond/managed-detection-response) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam) * Observability * [Cortex XCOR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/xcor) * [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/prepare-for-emerging-risks/continuous-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-subscribe.html) * [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)