[![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/unit42-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot/) * [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/unit42-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot/) * [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 Team Up: Malspam Pushing Emotet + Trickbot ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 7 min read Related Products [![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") * ![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:July 18, 2018 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Cybercrime](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/cybercrime/) * [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 Trojan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking-trojan/) * [Emotet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/emotet/) * [Information stealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/information-stealer/) * [Malspam](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malspam/) * [Trickbot](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trickbot/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=5f0cc26d8b "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-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=5f0cc26d8b "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%20Team%20Up:%20Malspam%20Pushing%20Emotet%20+%20Trickbot&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%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-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%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-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%2F&title=Malware%20Team%20Up:%20Malspam%20Pushing%20Emotet%20+%20Trickbot "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-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%2F&text=Malware%20Team%20Up:%20Malspam%20Pushing%20Emotet%20+%20Trickbot "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-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%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%20Team%20Up:%20Malspam%20Pushing%20Emotet%20+%20Trickbot%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-malware-team-malspam-pushing-emotet-trickbot%2F "Share in Mastodon") [Emotet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotet) and [Trickbot](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2016/10/trick-bot-dyrezas-successor/) are information stealers targeting Windows-based computers, and they are best known as banking malware. Each are typically distributed through separate distinct malicious spam (malspam) campaigns. However, we occasionally see both types of malware retrieved during a single infection chain. This Emotet+Trickbot combination doubles the danger for any vulnerable Windows host. As 2018 progresses, Trickbot is still sent through its own malspam campaigns, but we continue to find examples of Trickbot using Emotet as an alternate distribution method. Most writeups about Emotet and Trickbot focus on individual malware characteristics, and they do little to paint a complete picture of a successful infection chain. This blog post examines Emotet malspam so far in 2018, and we take a closer look at a Emotet infection traffic featuring Trickbot. Similarities Although Emotet and Trickbot are from different malware families, they have some similarities. Both are information stealers that can load additional modules for functions like spamming or worm-based propagation. And for the last year or so, both have been distributed through malspam using Microsoft Word documents as the initial infection vector. Emotet [Emotet was first reported in the summer of 2014 as banking malware](https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/new-banking-malware-uses-network-sniffing-for-data-theft/), but has since evolved. By 2017, various sources reported Emotet acting as a loader for other malware like Dridex. [One source reported Emotet loading Trickbot](https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/emotet-downloader-trojan-returns-in-force/), so this most recent combination is not without precedent. In 2018, Emotet infection traffic usually revealed the [IcedID banking Trojan](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/19/index.html) or [Zeus Panda Banker](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/01/09/index3.html) as the follow-up malware. In June 2018, I started posting examples of [Emotet infection traffic with Trickbot](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/14/index.html) as its follow-up malware. We have also seen [spambot malware as the follow-up malware](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/11/index2.html), where the infected Windows host sends out more Emotet malspam. An Emotet infection currently starts with a malicious macro in a Word document. Macros are disabled by default in Microsoft Office. If a user ignores security warnings and enables macros macros on a vulnerable Windows host, the malicious Word document starts an infection chain. These macro are designed to retrieve Emotet malware from compromised servers to infect a victm's computer. Malspam pushing Emotet uses one of the two standard methods to deliver the initial Word document: 1. Victims retrieve the initial Word document from a link in the email . 2. The Word document is directly attached to a recipient's email without any links. ![Emotnet\_1](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_1.png) *Figure 1: Emotet infection chains so far in 2018.* Trickbot Trickbot first [appeared in the fall of 2016](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2016/10/trick-bot-dyrezas-successor/) and was initially described as the successor to Dyreza, another credential stealer. Trickbot is a modular malware with additional functions like an email spammer. Its most notable function is lateral movement. By July 2017, Trickbot [added an SMB-based worm propagation module](https://www.flashpoint-intel.com/blog/new-version-trickbot-adds-worm-propagation-module/), but had not yet included an exploit. Since June 2018, I have posted [examples of Trickbot infection traffic with SMB propagation](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/04/30/index.html) on [malware-traffic-analysis.net](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/), showing Trickbot moving from an infected Windows client to a vulnerable Active Directory (AD) domain controller. Trickbot's lateral movement over SMB is distinctly different than [WannaCry's implementation of EternalBlue](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/05/smb-exploited-wannacry-use-of-eternalblue.html) noted in 2017, so this method of SMB propagation appears to be based on a different exploit developed by Trickbot authors. Trickbot normally has its own malspam-based distribution channel, but now Trickbot attackers are also using Emotet for their infections. Emotet Distribution [On the week starting Monday, June 11th 2018](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/11/index2.html), we saw a great deal of [IRS-themed malspam pushing Emotet](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/12/index.html) to recipients in the United States. IRS was not the only theme, but it was by far the most prominent. In the days leading up to July 4th 2018, we also saw [Independence Day-themed malspam pushing Emotet](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/07/03/index2.html) to recipients in the United States. The following are some examples of spoofed senders and subject lines we have seen for recent malspam pushing Emotet since June 11th, 2018. Spoofed senders: * From: *\[various spoofed sender names and email addresses\]* * From: Internal Revenue Service \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Internal Revenue Service Online \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Internal Revenue Service Online Center \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS \ \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS \ \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS \ \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS Online Center \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: IRS.gov \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Intuit \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Intuit Online Payroll Support Team \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Intuit Payroll \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> * From: Intuit Payroll Services \<*\[spoofed email address\]*\> Subject lines: * Subject: 4th of July congratulation * Subject: 4th of July eCard * Subject: 4th of July Greeting eCard * Subject: Happy 4th of July Greeting Message * Subject: Record of Account Transcript from June 14, 2018 * Subject: Tax Account Transcript from June 14, 2018 * Subject: The Fourth of July wishes * Subject: Verification of Non-filing Letter * Subject: Verification of Non-filing Letter from 06/15/2018 * Subject: Wage and Income Transcript * Subject: 0335363294 * Subject: 2142 Payroll Summary * Subject: 3291 Payroll Summary * Subject: ACCOUNT#94895547-Milan Marsic * Subject: Engr. Abdul Rauf Invoice 8288592 * Subject: Invoice 897614 from Patrick Bingham * Subject: Invoices Overdue * Subject: IRS Record of Account Transcript * Subject: IRS Record of Account Transcript from 06/14/2018 * Subject: IRS Record of Account Transcript from 06/15/2018 * Subject: IRS Record of Account Transcript from June 14, 2018 * Subject: IRS Record of Account Transcript from June 15, 2018 * Subject: IRS Tax Return Transcript from 06/12/2018 * Subject: IRS Tax Return Transcript from June 11, 2018 * Subject: IRS Tax Account Transcript * Subject: IRS Tax Account Transcript from 06/15/2018 * Subject: IRS Tax Account Transcript from June 15, 2018 * Subject: IRS Tax Return Transcript * Subject: IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter * Subject: IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter from 06/11/2018 * Subject: IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter from 06/12/2018 * Subject: IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter from June 11, 2018 * Subject: IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter from June 14, 2018 * Subject: IRS Wage and Income Transcript * Subject: IRS Wage and Income Transcript from 06/14/2018 * Subject: IRS Wage and Income Transcript from June 11, 2018 * Subject: IRS Wage and Income Transcript from June 15, 2018 * Subject: New Invoice / WM2708 / RP# 09648 * Subject: New Payroll Co. * Subject: NYPXV7-16497063849 * Subject: Pay Invoice * Subject: Payment * Subject: Payroll Tax Payment * Subject: Scott Crowe The 4th of July Greeting eCard Each of these emails has had either an attached Word document or a link to download the Word document. ![Emotnet\_2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_2.png) *Figure 2: Emotet Word document distributed through a link in the malspam.* ![Emotnet\_3](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_3.png) *Figure 3: Emotet Word document distributed as an attached file.* Emotet Levels Jump Drastically Starting in May 2018 Autofocus shows an increasing trend in Emotet malspam during the past year, with a very sharp jump in Emotet Word documents beginning in May 2018. Below are graphs for verified hits on Emotet from links or as attachments. Link hits are the number of times we verified requests for URLs to download an Emotet Word document. Attachment hits are the number of emails seen with an Emotet Word document attached to the message. ![Emotnet\_4](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_4.png) *Figure 4: Hits for Emotet Word documents from May 2017 through May 2018.* ![Emotnet\_5](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_5.png) *Figure 5: Hits for Emotet Word documents in May 2018.* Emotet Infection in an Active Directory Environment [My blog post from malware-traffic-analysis.net on June 15th 2018](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2018/06/15/index.html) provides an example of infection traffic from Emotet malspam. This analysis was done in an Active Directory (AD) environment with a domain controller running an unpatched version Windows Server 2008 R2. The Windows client was running an unpatched version of Windows Professional 7 Service Pack 1. ![Emotnet\_6](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_6.png) *Figure 6: A successful Emotet + Trickbot infection chain in an AD environment.* ![Emotnet\_7](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_7.png) *Figure 7: Traffic from the infection filtered in Wireshark.* Figure 7 shows the initial infection traffic from Emotet on a Windows client at 192.168.200.95, followed by Trickbot infection traffic on the same host. Trickbot propagated from the Windows client to the vulnerable domain controller on 192.168.200.4 via SMB. Approximately 20 minutes later, the vulnerable AD domain controller shows signs of a Trickbot infection. Figure 8 shows traffic where Trickbot was sent to the domain controller at 192.168.200.4. ![Emotnet\_8](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Emotnet_8.png) *Figure 8: SMB traffic in Wireshark where Trickbot was sent to the domain controller.* Conclusion This activity combines the increasing amount of mass distribution for Emotet with the lateral movement capabilities of Trickbot. An Emotet+Trickbot combination represents a more potent infection, and it doubles the danger for any vulnerable Windows host. Organizations with decent spam filtering, proper system administration, and up-to-date Windows hosts have a much lower risk of infection. Palo Alto Networks customers are further protected from this threat. Our threat prevention platform detects both Emotet and Trickbot malware. [AutoFocus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/subscriptions/autofocus) users can track this activity using the [Emotet](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Emotet) and [Trickbot](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Trickbot) tags. We will continue to investigate this activity for applicable indicators to further inform the community and enhance our threat prevention platform. Appendix A Hits for Emotet Word documents from May 2017 through May 2018: Month/Year: Links - Attachments - Total * May 2017: 8,423 - 1,421 - 9,844 * Jun 2017: 1,154 - 173 - 1,327 * Jul 2017: 2,868 - 390 - 3,258 * Aug 2017: 3,273 - 3,803 - 7,076 * Sep 2017: 4,650 - 2,211 - 6,861 * Oct 2017: 9,289 - 3,407 - 12,696 * Nov 2017: 10,676 - 1,737 - 12,413 * Dec 2017: 10,499 - 217 - 10,716 * Jan 2018: 5,287 - 2 - 5,289 * Feb 2018: 16,637 - 265 - 16,902 * Mar 2018: 29,801 - 2,680 - 32,481 * Apr 2018: 6,138 - 3,533 - 9,671 * May 2018: 13,150 - 289,308 - 302,458 Appendix B Hits for Emotet Word documents in May 2018: Date: Links - Attachments - Total * 2018-05-01: 383 - 0 - 383 * 2018-05-02: 45 - 437 - 482 * 2018-05-03: 43 - 150 - 193 * 2018-05-04: 41 - 604 - 645 * 2018-05-05: 38 - 0 - 38 * 2018-05-06: 36 - 0 - 36 * 2018-05-07: 218 - 711 - 929 * 2018-05-08: 476 - 9 - 485 * 2018-05-09: 65 - 1 - 66 * 2018-05-10: 155 - 957 - 1,112 * 2018-05-11: 47 - 25 - 72 * 2018-05-12: 26 - 0 - 26 * 2018-05-13: 45 - 5 - 50 * 2018-05-14: 350 - 19 - 369 * 2018-05-15: 1,274 - 325 - 1,599 * 2018-05-16: 1,119 - 10,929 - 12,048 * 2018-05-17: 746 - 19,311 - 20,057 * 2018-05-18: 386 - 27,437 - 27,823 * 2018-05-19: 61 - 270 - 331 * 2018-05-20: 60 - 234 - 294 * 2018-05-21: 1,632 - 9,098 - 10,730 * 2018-05-22: 381 - 4,656 - 5,037 * 2018-05-23: 920 - 7,050 - 7,970 * 2018-05-24: 536 - 5,169 - 5,705 * 2018-05-25: 481 - 4,206 - 4,687 * 2018-05-26: 78 - 134 - 212 * 2018-05-27: 171 - 743 - 914 * 2018-05-28: 734 - 13,105 - 13,839 * 2018-05-29: 1,678 - 35,909 - 37,587 * 2018-05-30: 566 - 109,409 - 109,975 * 2018-05-31: 359 - 38,405 - 38,764 * Totals: 13,150 - 289,308 - 302,458 Back to top ### Tags * [Banking Trojan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/banking-trojan/ "Banking Trojan") * [Emotet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/emotet/ "Emotet") * [Information stealer](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/information-stealer/ "information stealer") * [Malspam](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malspam/ "Malspam") * [Trickbot](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trickbot/ "Trickbot") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Analysis of the DHCP Client Script Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2018-1111)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-analysis-dhcp-client-script-code-execution-vulnerability-cve-2018-1111/ "Analysis of the DHCP Client Script Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2018-1111)") ### Related Articles * [Spoofed GlobalProtect Used to Deliver Unique WikiLoader Variant](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/global-protect-vpn-spoof-distributes-wikiloader/ "article - table of contents") * [Beware of BadPack: One Weird Trick Being Used Against Android Devices](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/apk-badpack-malware-tampered-headers/ "article - table of contents") * [Large-Scale StrelaStealer Campaign in Early 2024](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/strelastealer-campaign/ "article - table of contents") ## Related 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/content/pan/en_US/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)