[![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/)

# EITest: HoeflerText Popups Targeting Google Chrome Users Now Push RAT Malware

![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 min read

* ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg)  
  By:
  
  * [Brad Duncan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/brad-duncan/)

* ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg)  
  Published:September 1, 2017

* ![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:
  
  * [EITest](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/eitest/)
  * [HoeflerText](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/hoeflertext/)
  * [RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/rat/)

* [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=b82091c0d3 "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/unit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=b82091c0d3 "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=EITest:%20HoeflerText%20Popups%20Targeting%20Google%20Chrome%20Users%20Now%20Push%20RAT%20Malware&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%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%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%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%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%2F&title=EITest:%20HoeflerText%20Popups%20Targeting%20Google%20Chrome%20Users%20Now%20Push%20RAT%20Malware "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%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%2F&text=EITest:%20HoeflerText%20Popups%20Targeting%20Google%20Chrome%20Users%20Now%20Push%20RAT%20Malware "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%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%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=EITest:%20HoeflerText%20Popups%20Targeting%20Google%20Chrome%20Users%20Now%20Push%20RAT%20Malware%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-hoeflertext-popups-targeting-google-chrome-users-now-pushing-rat-malware%2F "Share in Mastodon")
  The attackers behind the EITest campaign have occasionally implemented a [social engineering scheme using fake HoeflerText popups](https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/EITest-Nabbing-Chrome-Users-Chrome-Font-Social-Engineering-Scheme) to distribute malware targeting users of Google's Chrome browser. In recent months, the malware used in the EITest campaign has been ransomware such as [Spora](https://malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/05/17/index.html) and [Mole](https://malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/07/23/index.html). However, by late August 2017, this campaign began pushing a different type of malware. Recent samples are shown to infect Windows hosts with the NetSupport Manager remote access tool (RAT). This is significant, because it indicates a potential shift in the motives of this adversary. Today's blog reviews recent activity from these EITest HoeflerText popups on August 30, 2017 to discover more about this recent change.

Figure 1 below shows what victims see when they view a compromised website, and Figure 2 shows the page if the user clicks the "Update" button. Chrome users should be suspicious of any pop-ups that match these images.

![Hoefler\_1](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_1.png)

*Figure 1: Fake HoeflerText popup after viewing a compromised site with the Chrome browser.*

![Hoefler\_2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_2.png)

*Figure 2: Clicking the "update" button sent us Font\_Chrome.exe.*

### **History**

[As early as December 2016](https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/EITest-Nabbing-Chrome-Users-Chrome-Font-Social-Engineering-Scheme), the EITest campaign began using HoeflerText popups to distribute malware. Since [late January 2017](https://malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/01/30/index3.html), we have only seen ransomware from these popups. The method has occasionally disappeared for weeks at a time. By July 2017, the HoeflerText popups [delivered Mole ransomware](https://malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/07/23/index.html) under the file name ***Font\_Chrome.exe*** . These popups stopped in late July. But by late August 2017, they reappeared, and we saw a different type malware sent under the file name ***Font\_Chrome.exe*** . Recent examples reviewed by Unit 42 are not ransomware; they are file downloaders. Figure 3 below shows the hits on ***Font\_Chrome.exe***in AutoFocus from July 16, 2017 through August 30, 2017.

![Hoefler\_3](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_3.png)

*Figure 3: Recent activity from fake HoeflerText popups in Google Chrome sending malware.*

### **Recent Activity**

Network traffic follows two distinct paths. Victims who use Microsoft Internet Explorer as their web browser will get a fake anti-virus alert with a phone number for a tech support scam. Victims using Google Chrome as their browser will get a fake HoeflerText popup as seen in Figure 1 that offers malware disguised as ***Font\_Chrome.exe***. Figure 4 shows the chain of events for current activity from the EITest campaign.

![Hoefler\_4](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_4.png)

*Figure 4: Chain of events for activity from the EITest campaign.*

Current samples of ***Font\_Chrome.exe*** are file downloaders. They retrieve follow-up malware that installs a NetSupport Manager remote access tool (RAT). NetSupport Manager is a [commercially-available RAT](https://www.netsupportmanager.com/index.asp) previously associated with [a malware campaign from hacked Steam accounts](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hacked-steam-accounts-spreading-remote-access-trojan/) last year. For the August 2017 HoeflerText popups, we have found two examples of the file downloader and two examples of follow-up malware to install NetSupport Manager RAT.

![Hoefler\_5](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_5.png)

*Figure 5: Traffic from a recent infection filtered in Wireshark.*

![Hoefler\_6](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_6.png)

*Figure 6: The downloaded fake Chrome font program.*

![Hoefler\_7](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_7.png)

*Figure 7: Double-clicking Font\_Chrome.exe downloads and executes more malware.*

![Hoefler\_8](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_8.png)

*Figure 8: Follow-up malware installs NetSupport Manger RAT on the infected Windows host.*

![Hoefler\_9](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hoefler_9.png)

*Figure 9: RAT configuration settings from an infected Windows host.*

NetSupport Manager is currently at version 12.5. The version seen on the infected host was version 11.00.

### **Conclusion**

Users should be aware of this ongoing threat. Be suspicious of popup messages in Google Chrome that state: The "HoeflerText" font wasn't found. Since this is a RAT, infected users will probably not notice any change in their day-to-day computer use. If the NetSupport Manager RAT is found on your Windows host, it is probably related to a malware infection.

It's yet to be determined why EITest HoeflerText popups changed from pushing ransomware to pushing a RAT. Ransomware is still a serious threat, and it remains the largest category of malware we see on a daily basis from mass-distribution campaigns. However, we have also noticed an increasing amount of other forms of malware in recent campaigns, especially compared to 2016. RATs give attackers more capabilities on a host and are generally much more flexible than malware designed for a single purpose. The August 2017 change by EITest HoeflerText popups represents a subtle shift where ransomware is slightly less prominent than it once was.

See the section below for file names, locations, hashes, and other related information on today's infection. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected from this threat through our next-generation security platform. Current samples appear as malware in [AutoFocus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/subscriptions/autofocus), and customers can search for similar malware using the [NetSupportManager](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.netsupportmanager) tag.

We will continue to investigate this activity for applicable indicators, inform the community, and further enhance our threat prevention platform.

### **Indicators of Compromise**

URLs and domains to block:

* hxxp://demo.ore.edu\[.\]pl/book1.php
* boss777\[.\]ga
* pudgenormpers\[.\]com
* invoktojenorm\[.\]com
* hxxp://94.242.198\[.\]167/fakeurl.htm
* hxxp://94.242.198\[.\]168/fakeurl.htm

First file downloader and follow-up malware:

* SHA256: [23579722efb0718204860c19a4833d20cb989d50a7c5ddd6039982cf5ca90280](https://www.reverse.it/sample/23579722efb0718204860c19a4833d20cb989d50a7c5ddd6039982cf5ca90280?environmentId=100)

* File size: 168,905 bytes

* File name: **Font\_Chrome.exe**

* File description: Malware downloader

* SHA256: [8cbbb24a0c515923293e9ff53ea9967be7847c7f559c8b79b258d19da245e321](https://www.reverse.it/sample/8cbbb24a0c515923293e9ff53ea9967be7847c7f559c8b79b258d19da245e321?environmentId=100)

* File size: 2,665,634 bytes

* File location: C:\\Users\\\[username\]\\AppData\\Local\\temp\\*\[9 random characters\]*.jpg.exe

* File location: hxxp://boss777\[.\]ga/HELLO.exe

* File description: Follow-up malware that installs NetSupport Manager RAT

Second file downloader and follow-up malware:

* SHA256: [463bef675e8e100eb30aeb6de008b9d96e3af6c3d55b50cc8a4736d7a11143a0](https://www.reverse.it/sample/463bef675e8e100eb30aeb6de008b9d96e3af6c3d55b50cc8a4736d7a11143a0?environmentId=100)

* File size: 169,796 bytes

* File name: **Font\_Chrome.exe**

* File description: Malware downloader

* SHA256: [8188732c8f9e15780bea49aced3ef26940a31c18cf618e2c51ae7f69ef53ea10](https://www.reverse.it/sample/8188732c8f9e15780bea49aced3ef26940a31c18cf618e2c51ae7f69ef53ea10?environmentId=100)

* File size: 2,665,612 bytes

* File location: C:\\Users\\\[username\]\\AppData\\Local\\temp\\*\[9 random characters\]*.jpg.exe

* File location: hxxp://boss777\[.\]ga/joined1.exe

* File description: Follow-up malware that installs NetSupport Manager RAT

Associated URLs:

* 46\.248.168\[.\]49 port 80 - ***demo.ore.edu\[.\]pl*** - GET /book1.php
* 51\.15.9\[.\]99 port 80 - ***boss777\[.\]ga*** - GET /HELLO.exe
* 51\.15.9\[.\]99 port 80 - ***boss777\[.\]ga*** - GET /joined1.exe
* 51\.15.9\[.\]99 port 80 - ***boss777\[.\]ga*** - POST /JS/testpost.php
* DNS query for ***pudgenormpers\[.\]com***, resolved to 94.242.198\[.\]167
* DNS query for ***invoktojenorm\[.\]com***, resolved to 94.242.198\[.\]168
* 94\.242.198\[.\]167 port 1488 - POST hxxp://94.242.198\[.\]167/fakeurl.htm
* 94\.242.198\[.\]168 port 1488 - POST hxxp://94.242.198\[.\]168/fakeurl.htm

Directories seen so far for NetSupport Manager RAT on an infected host:

* C:\\Users\\\[username\]\\AppData\\Roaming\\AppleDesk1
* C:\\Users\\\[username\]\\AppData\\Roaming\\AppleDesk2
  Back to top

### Tags

* [EITest](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/eitest/ "EITest")
* [HoeflerText](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/hoeflertext/ "HoeflerText")
* [RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/rat/ "RAT")  
  [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Updated KHRAT Malware Used in Cambodia Attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-updated-khrat-malware-used-in-cambodia-attacks/ "Updated KHRAT Malware Used in Cambodia Attacks")

### Related Articles

* [Blackremote: Money Money Money -- A Swedish Actor Peddles an Expensive New RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/blackremote-money-money-money-a-swedish-actor-peddles-an-expensive-new-rat/ "article - table of contents")
* [Updated KHRAT Malware Used in Cambodia Attacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-updated-khrat-malware-used-in-cambodia-attacks/ "article - table of contents")
* [Decline in Rig Exploit Kit](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-decline-rig-exploit-kit/ "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. 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")

* ![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)

* [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)

* [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)