[![Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PANW_Parent.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) [![Unit42 Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/unit42-logo-white.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) Menu * [Tools](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tools/) * [ATOMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/) * [Security Consulting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [About Us](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/about-unit-42/) * [**Under Attack?**](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) English * [English](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/moobot-d-link-devices/) * [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/moobot-d-link-devices/) * [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research") * [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/ "Vulnerabilities") [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/) # Mirai Variant MooBot Targeting D-Link Devices ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 6 min read Related Products [![Advanced DNS Security icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced DNS Security](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-dns-security/ "Advanced DNS Security")[![Advanced Threat Prevention icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced Threat Prevention](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-threat-prevention/ "Advanced Threat Prevention")[![Advanced URL Filtering icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced URL Filtering](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-url-filtering/ "Advanced URL Filtering")[![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire")[![IoT Security icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)IoT Security](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/iot-security/ "IoT Security")[![Next-Generation Firewall icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Next-Generation Firewall](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/next-generation-firewall/ "Next-Generation Firewall") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Chao Lei](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/chao-lei/) * [Zhibin Zhang](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/zhibin-zhang/) * [Aveek Das](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/aveek-das/) * [Cecilia Hu](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/cecilia-hu/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:September 6, 2022 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * [Vulnerabilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/vulnerabilities/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [CVE-2015-2051](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2015-2051/) * [CVE-2018-6530](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2018-6530/) * [CVE-2022-26258](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2022-26258/) * [CVE-2022-28958](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2022-28958/) * [IoT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/iot/) * [Mirai](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/mirai/) * [MooBot](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/moobot/) * [SOHO](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/soho/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/moobot-d-link-devices/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=40dbae5d0f "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/moobot-d-link-devices/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=40dbae5d0f "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=Mirai%20Variant%20MooBot%20Targeting%20D-Link%20Devices&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%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%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%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%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%2F&title=Mirai%20Variant%20MooBot%20Targeting%20D-Link%20Devices "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%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%2F&text=Mirai%20Variant%20MooBot%20Targeting%20D-Link%20Devices "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%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%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=Mirai%20Variant%20MooBot%20Targeting%20D-Link%20Devices%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fmoobot-d-link-devices%2F "Share in Mastodon") ## Executive Summary In early August, Unit 42 researchers discovered attacks leveraging several vulnerabilities in devices made by D-Link, a company that specializes in network and connectivity products. The vulnerabilities exploited include: * [CVE-2015-2051](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-2051): D-Link HNAP SOAPAction Header Command Execution Vulnerability * [CVE-2018-6530](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-6530): D-Link SOAP Interface Remote Code Execution Vulnerability * [CVE-2022-26258](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-26258): D-Link Remote Command Execution Vulnerability * [CVE-2022-28958](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-28958): D-Link Remote Command Execution Vulnerability If the devices are compromised, they will be fully controlled by attackers, who could utilize those devices to conduct further attacks such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The exploit attempts captured by Unit 42 researchers leverage the aforementioned vulnerabilities to spread MooBot, a Mirai variant, which targets exposed networking devices running Linux. While D-Link has published security bulletins regarding all the vulnerabilities mentioned here, some users may be running unpatched or older versions or devices. Unit 42 strongly recommends applying upgrades and patches where possible. Palo Alto Networks [Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall) customers receive protections through [cloud-delivered security services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions) such as IoT Security, Advanced Threat Prevention, WildFire and Advanced URL Filtering, which can detect and block the exploit traffic and malware. |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Related Unit 42 Topics | [IoT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/iot/), [Mirai](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/mirai-variant/) | ## Campaign Overview The whole attack process is shown in Figure 1. ![1. Attacker exploits vulnerable devices by leveraging CVE-2015-2051, CVE-2018-6530, CVE-2022-26528 and CVE-2022-28958. 2. The downloader requests MooBot binary from remote host. 3. Communication with C2 server. 4. The compromised devices launches an attack on other devices based on C2 command.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-19.png) Figure 1. Campaign overview. ## Exploited Vulnerabilities Four known vulnerabilities were exploited in this attack. Upon successful exploitation, the wget utility executes to download MooBot samples from the malware infrastructure and then executes the downloaded binaries. Vulnerability-related information is shown in Table 1. |--------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | **ID** | **Vulnerability** | **Description** | **Severity** | | 1 | CVE-2015-2051 | D-Link HNAP SOAPAction Header Command Execution Vulnerability | CVSS Version 2.0: 10.0 High | | 2 | CVE-2018-6530 | D-Link SOAP Interface Remote Code Execution Vulnerability | CVSS Version 3.0: 9.8 Critical | | 3 | CVE-2022-26258 | D-Link Remote Command Execution Vulnerability | CVSS Version 3.0: 9.8 Critical | | 4 | CVE-2022-28958 | D-Link Remote Command Execution Vulnerability | CVSS Version 3.0: 9.8 Critical | *Table 1. List of exploited vulnerabilities.* ## D-Link Exploit Payloads The attacker utilizes four D-Link vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution and download a MooBot downloader from host 159.203.15\[.\]179. #### 1. CVE-2015-2051: D-Link HNAP SOAPAction Header Command Execution Vulnerability ![CVE-2015-2051 exploit payload, showing the connection to host 159.203.15\[.\]179, from which a MooBot downloader can be accessed.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-20.png) Figure 2. CVE-2015-2051 exploit payload. The exploit targeting the older D-Link routers takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the HNAP SOAP interface. An attacker can perform code execution through a blind OS command injection. #### 2. CVE-2018-6530: D-Link SOAP Interface Remote Code Execution Vulnerability ![CVE-2018-6530 exploit payload, showing the connection to host 159.203.15\[.\]179, from which a MooBot downloader can be accessed.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-21.png) Figure 3. CVE-2018-6530 exploit payload. The exploit works due to the older D-Link router's unsanitized use of the "service" parameters in requests made to the SOAP interface. The vulnerability can be exploited to allow unauthenticated remote code execution. #### 3. CVE-2022-26258: D-Link Remote Code Execution Vulnerability ![CVE-2022-26258 exploit payload, showing the connection to host 159.203.15\[.\]179, from which a MooBot downloader can be accessed.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-22.png) Figure 4. CVE-2022-26258 exploit payload. The exploit targets a command injection vulnerability in the /lan.asp component. The component does not successfully sanitize the value of the HTTP parameter DeviceName, which in turn can lead to arbitrary command execution. #### 4. CVE-2022-28958: D-Link Remote Code Execution Vulnerability ![CVE-2022-28958 exploit payload, showing the connection to host 159.203.15\[.\]179, from which a MooBot downloader can be accessed.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-23.png) Figure 5. CVE-2022-28958 exploit payload. The exploit targets a remote command execution vulnerability in the /shareport.php component. The component does not successfully sanitize the value of the HTTP parameter value, which can lead to arbitrary command execution. ## Malware Analysis All the artifacts related to this attack are shown in the following table: |---------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **File Name** | **SHA256** | **Description** | | rt | B7EE57A42C6A4545AC6D6C29E1075FA1628E1D09B8C1572C848A70112D4C90A1 | A script downloader. It downloads MooBot onto the compromised system and renames the binary files to Realtek. | | wget\[.\]sh | 46BB6E2F80B6CB96FF7D0F78B3BDBC496B69EB7F22CE15EFCAA275F07CFAE075 | The script downloader. It downloads MooBot onto the compromised system, and renames the binary files to Android. | | arc | 36DCAF547C212B6228CA5A45A3F3A778271FBAF8E198EDE305D801BC98893D5A | MooBot executable file. | | arm | 88B858B1411992509B0F2997877402D8BD9E378E4E21EFE024D61E25B29DAA08 | MooBot executable file. | | arm5 | D7564C7E6F606EC3A04BE3AC63FDEF2FDE49D3014776C1FB527C3B2E3086EBAB | MooBot executable file. | | arm6 | 72153E51EA461452263DBB8F658BDDC8FB82902E538C2F7146C8666192893258 | MooBot executable file. | | arm7 | 7123B2DE979D85615C35FCA99FA40E0B5FBCA25F2C7654B083808653C9E4D616 | MooBot executable file. | | i586 | CC3E92C52BBCF56CCFFB6F6E2942A676B3103F74397C46A21697B7D9C0448BE6 | MooBot executable file. | | i686 | 188BCE5483A9BDC618E0EE9F3C961FF5356009572738AB703057857E8477A36B | MooBot executable file. | | mips | 4567979788B37FBED6EEDA02B3C15FAFE3E0A226EE541D7A0027C31FF05578E2 | MooBot executable file. | | mipsel | 06FC99956BD2AFCEEBBCD157C71908F8CE9DDC81A830CBE86A2A3F4FF79DA5F4 | MooBot executable file. | | sh4 | 4BFF052C7FBF3F7AD025D7DBAB8BD985B6CAC79381EB3F8616BEF98FCB01D871 | MooBot executable file. | | x86\_64 | 4BFF052C7FBF3F7AD025D7DBAB8BD985B6CAC79381EB3F8616BEF98FCB01D871 | MooBot executable file. | *Table 2. Attack-related artifacts.* Unit 42 researchers conducted analysis on the downloaded malware sample. Based on its behavior and patterns, we believe that the malware samples that were hosted on 159.203.15\[.\]179 relate to a variant of the Mirai botnet called MooBot. ![The most obvious feature of MooBot is the executable file containing the string w5q6he3dbrsgmclkiu4to18npavj702f, which will be used to generate random alphanumeric strings as shown.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-24.png) Figure 6. MooBot random string generator. The most obvious feature of MooBot is the executable file containing the string w5q6he3dbrsgmclkiu4to18npavj702f, which will be used to generate random alphanumeric strings. Upon execution, the binary file prints get haxored! to the console, spawns processes with random names and wipes out the executable file. ![The screenshot shows examples of MooBot spawning processes with random names.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-25.png) Figure 7. MooBot creates processes. As a variant, MooBot inherits Mirai's most significant feature -- a data section with embedded default login credentials and botnet configuration -- but instead of using Mirai's encryption key, 0xDEADBEEF, MooBot encrypts its data with 0x22. ![Red arrows highlight the decode username and the decode password](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/word-image-26.png) Figure 8. MooBot configuration decode function. After decoding its C2 server vpn.komaru\[.\]today from configuration, MooBot will send out a message to inform the C2 server that a new MooBot is online. The message starts with the hardcoded magic value 0x336699. At the time of our analysis, the C2 server was offline. According to the code analysis, MooBot will also send heartbeat messages to the C2 server and parse commands from C2 to start a DDoS attack on a specific IP address and port number. ## Conclusion The vulnerabilities mentioned above have low attack complexity but critical security impact that can lead to remote code execution. Once the attacker gains control in this manner, they could take advantage by including the newly compromised devices into their botnet to conduct further attacks such as DDoS. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying patches and upgrades when possible. Palo Alto Networks customers receive protections from the vulnerability and malware through the following products and services: * Next-Generation Firewalls with a Threat Prevention security subscription can block the attacks with Best Practices via Threat Prevention signatures [38600](https://threatvault.paloaltonetworks.com/?query=38600), [92960](https://threatvault.paloaltonetworks.com/?query=92960), [92959](https://threatvault.paloaltonetworks.com/?query=92959) and [92533](https://threatvault.paloaltonetworks.com/?query=92533). * [WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/wildfire) can stop the malware with static signature detections. * The Palo Alto Networks IoT security platform can leverage network traffic information to identify the vendor, model and firmware version of a device and identify specific devices that are vulnerable to the aforementioned CVEs. * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering) and [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/dns-security) are able to block the C2 domain and malware hosting URLs. * In addition, [IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/iot-security) has an inbuilt machine learning-based anomaly detection that can alert the customer if a device exhibits non-typical behavior, such as a sudden appearance of traffic from a new source, an unusually high number of connections or an inexplicable surge of certain attributes typically appearing in IoT application payloads. ## Indicators of Compromise ### Infrastructure #### MooBot C2 vpn.komaru\[.\]today #### Malware Host http://159.203.15\[.\]179/wget.sh http://159.203.15\[.\]179/wget.sh3 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/mips http://159.203.15\[.\]179/mipsel http://159.203.15\[.\]179/arm http://159.203.15\[.\]179/arm5 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/arm6 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/arm7 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/sh4 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/arc http://159.203.15\[.\]179/sparc http://159.203.15\[.\]179/x86\_64 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/i686 http://159.203.15\[.\]179/i586 ### Artifacts #### Shell Script Downloader |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Filename** | **SHA256** | | rt | B7EE57A42C6A4545AC6D6C29E1075FA1628E1D09B8C1572C848A70112D4C90A1 | | wget\[.\]sh | 46BB6E2F80B6CB96FF7D0F78B3BDBC496B69EB7F22CE15EFCAA275F07CFAE075 | *Table 3. Shell script downloader.* #### MooBot Sample |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Filename** | **SHA256** | | arc | 36DCAF547C212B6228CA5A45A3F3A778271FBAF8E198EDE305D801BC98893D5A | | arm | 88B858B1411992509B0F2997877402D8BD9E378E4E21EFE024D61E25B29DAA08 | | arm5 | D7564C7E6F606EC3A04BE3AC63FDEF2FDE49D3014776C1FB527C3B2E3086EBAB | | arm6 | 72153E51EA461452263DBB8F658BDDC8FB82902E538C2F7146C8666192893258 | | arm7 | 7123B2DE979D85615C35FCA99FA40E0B5FBCA25F2C7654B083808653C9E4D616 | | i586 | CC3E92C52BBCF56CCFFB6F6E2942A676B3103F74397C46A21697B7D9C0448BE6 | | i686 | 188BCE5483A9BDC618E0EE9F3C961FF5356009572738AB703057857E8477A36B | | mips | 4567979788B37FBED6EEDA02B3C15FAFE3E0A226EE541D7A0027C31FF05578E2 | | mipsel | 06FC99956BD2AFCEEBBCD157C71908F8CE9DDC81A830CBE86A2A3F4FF79DA5F4 | | sh4 | 4BFF052C7FBF3F7AD025D7DBAB8BD985B6CAC79381EB3F8616BEF98FCB01D871 | | x86\_64 | 3B12ABA8C92A15EF2A917F7C03A5216342E7D2626B025523C62308FC799B0737 | *Table 4. MooBot samples.* ## Additional Resources [New Mirai Variant Targeting Network Security Devices](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/mirai-variant-iot-vulnerabilities/) - Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks [Network Attack Trends: Internet of Threats (November 2020-January 2021)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/network-attack-trends-winter-2020/) - Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks Back to top ### Tags * [CVE-2015-2051](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2015-2051/ "CVE-2015-2051") * [CVE-2018-6530](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2018-6530/ "CVE-2018-6530") * [CVE-2022-26258](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2022-26258/ "CVE-2022-26258") * [CVE-2022-28958](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cve-2022-28958/ "CVE-2022-28958") * [IoT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/iot/ "IoT") * [Mirai](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/mirai/ "Mirai") * [MooBot](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/moobot/ "MooBot") * [SOHO](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/soho/ "SOHO") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Tor 101: How Tor Works and its Risks to the Enterprise](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tor-traffic-enterprise-networks/ "Tor 101: How Tor Works and its Risks to the Enterprise") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [A Deep Dive Into Attempted Exploitation of CVE-2023-33538](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/exploitation-of-cve-2023-33538/ "article - table of contents") * [Understanding the Russian Cyberthreat to the 2026 Winter Olympics](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/russian-cyberthreat-2026-winter-olympics/ "article - table of contents") * [FrostyGoop's Zoom-In: A Closer Look into the Malware Artifacts, Behaviors and Network Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/frostygoop-malware-analysis/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/12_Security-Technology_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 10, 2026 [#### The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Cryptographic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptographic/ "cryptographic") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE") ![Pictorial representation of a pay-per-install threat group campaign prodiving infection service for spreading malware. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip, symbolizing data processing and transfer. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-6-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 9, 2026 [#### Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/) * [ARKTunnel](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/arktunnel/ "ARKTunnel") * [C2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/c2/ "C2") * [CL-CRI-1171](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1171/ "CL-CRI-1171") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/ "Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of attackers using AI tools to target Latin American organizations. A vibrant cityscape with silhouettes of numerous people walking along a bustling street. The scene is illuminated by bright urban lights and digital-like particles, creating a dynamic and futuristic atmosphere.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_768915868-2-1-786x373.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 3, 2026 [#### Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/) * [Agentic AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agentic-ai/ "Agentic AI") * [ChatGPT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chatgpt/ "ChatGPT") * [CL-CRI-1131](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1131/ "CL-CRI-1131") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/ "Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America") ![Pictorial representation of vishing campaigns in Microsoft Teams. A digital image of a skull formed by blue binary code on a black background, with scattered ones and zeros and digital noise, symbolizes how stealthy prompt injection attacks can exploit AI logic to bypass security controls.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-5-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 31, 2026 [#### Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/) * [Cloaked Ursa](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cloaked-ursa/ "Cloaked Ursa") * [Entra ID](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/entra-id/ "Entra ID") * [Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-teams/ "Microsoft Teams") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams") ![Pictorial representation of AI-enabled malware. A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") ![Pictorial representation of Token-jacking. A person types on a laptop with multiple digital interface elements projected, including an "AI" icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-786x369.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 6, 2026 [#### Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/) * [AI API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-api/ "AI API") * [AI gateway](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-gateway/ "AI gateway") * [API keys](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-keys/ "API keys") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/ "Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. Subscribe today. Your Email Subscribe for email updates to all Unit 42 threat research. By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy "Privacy Statement") This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. Invalid captcha! Subscribe ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) ![loader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-loader.svg) {#footer} Products and Services * [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security) * [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security) * [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security/prisma-airs) * [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security) * [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions) * [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention) * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering) * [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) * [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security) * [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention) * [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security) * [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security) * [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-security-solution) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security) * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall) * [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations) * [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls) * [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager) * [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription) * [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os) * [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama) * [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase) * [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase) * [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration) * [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem) * [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention) * [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access) * [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser) * [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan) * [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security) * [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex) * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud) * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud) * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security) * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security) * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security) * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud) * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex) * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam) * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar) * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse) * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam) * [Next-Generation Identity Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira) * [Privileged Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/privileged-access-management) * [Identity and Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-and-access-management) * [Endpoint Privilege Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/endpoint-privilege-manager) * [Identity Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-governance) * [Workforce Password Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/workforce-password-management) * [Agentic Identities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/agentic) * [Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/secrets-management) * [Unified Secrets Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/unified-secrets-governance) * [Application Credentials Delivery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/application-credentials-delivery) * [Vendor Privileged Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/vendor-privileged-access) * [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42) * [Prepare for Emerging Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/frontier-ai-defense) * [Strengthen Your Defenses](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/strengthen-your-defenses) * [Build Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/build-your-security-strategy) * [Understand the Adversary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence) * [Respond to a Cyber Attack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond) Company * [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us) * [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales) * [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility) * [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers) * [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations) * [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom) Popular Links * [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/) * [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities) * [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources) * [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia) * [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center) * [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z) * [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/certifications) * [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure) * [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap) * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd) ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg) * [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy) * [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center) * [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use) * [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal) Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved * [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks) * [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector) * [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/) * [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks) * [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks) * EN Select your language ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ### Default Heading Read the article ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) Seekbar ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Volume](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-volume.svg) Volume ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg)