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![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 7 min read Related Products [![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Jen Miller-Osborn](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/jen-miller-osborn/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:March 30, 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: * [MoonWind RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/moonwind-rat/) * [Remote Access Trojan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/remote-access-trojan/) * [Thailand](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/thailand/) * [Trochilus RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trochilus-rat/) * [Utilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/utilities/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-trochilus-rat-new-moonwind-rat-used-attack-thai-utility-organizations/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=64814e76fb "Click here to download") * [![Print 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Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Trochilus%20and%20New%20MoonWind%20RATs%20Used%20In%20Attack%20Against%20Thai%20Organizations%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-trochilus-rat-new-moonwind-rat-used-attack-thai-utility-organizations%2F "Share in Mastodon") From September 2016 through late November 2016, a threat actor group used both the Trochilus RAT and a newly idenfied RAT we've named MoonWind to target organizations in Thailand, including a utility organization. We chose the name 'MoonWind' based on debugging strings we saw within the samples, as well as the compiler used to generate the samples. The attackers compromised two legitimate Thai websites to host the malware, which is a tactic this group has used in the past. Both the Trochilus and MoonWind RATs were hosted on the same compromised sites and used to target the same organization at the same time. The attackers used different command and control servers (C2s) for each malware family, a tactic we believe was meant to thwart attempts to tie the attacks together using infrastructure alone. The compromised websites are the site for a group of information technology companies in Thailand, and all the tools were stored in the same directory. We were also able to find a post-compromise tool along with the two RATs, which afforeded us insight into one of the tools the attackers used once they gained a foothold inside an organization. In addition to Trochilus and MoonWind we found Mimikatz, a popular credential harvesting tool. Further research led us to additional MoonWind samples using the same C2 (dns\[.\] webswindows \[.\]com) but hosted on a different compromised but legitimate website. The attacks in that case took place in late September to early October 2016 and the attackers stored the MoonWind samples as RAR files, while in the November attacks the RATs were stored as executables. We were not able to find additional tools, but the attackers again compromised a legitimate Thai website to host their malware, in this case the student portal for a Thai University. ### MoonWind Analysis The MoonWind sample used for this analysis was compiled with a Chinese compiler known as BlackMoon, the same compiler used for the [BlackMoon](https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/Updated-Blackmoon-Banking-Trojan) banking Trojan. While a number of attributes match the BlackMoon banking Trojan, the malware is not the same. Both malware families were simply compiled using the same compiler, and it was the BlackMoon artifacts that resulted in the naming of the BlackMoon banking Trojan. But because this new sample is different from the BlackMoon banking Trojan, we have named it MoonWind, by combining the BlackMoon compiler artifacts with the embedded string below: E:\\StarWind\\FW\_\_Project\_RTPD-PIBICs\\Table.ini When MoonWind first runs, it will copy itself to one of the following locations with a filename of 'svcohos.exe': * C:\\Documents and Settings\\All Users\\Ufyaginptxb\\ * C:\\Users\\All Users\\ * C:\\PorgramData\\ * C:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\ It then executes a new instance of itself in a new process. Also, it will remove the original file via the following command that is executed in a batch script named 'date.bat'. cmd /c timeout /t 6 \& del "C:\\ProgramData\\Ufyaginptxb\\svcohost.exe" \& del date.bat |---|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | cmd /c timeout /t 6 \& del "C:\\ProgramData\\Ufyaginptxb\\svcohost.exe" \& del date.bat | During this routine, a randomly generated victim identifier will be created and written to a file named 'micr.ini'. This file is located in the same path as the malware. The following contents represent an example of a victim ID contained in this file: \[mic\] Mic=2199LLLLLL |-----|------------------------| | 1 2 | \[mic\] Mic=2199LLLLLL | During the install routine, the malware will also setup a timer that will execute a file named 'sevrsvos.exe'. This sample (815df680be80b26b5dff0bcaf73f7495b9cae5e3ad3acb7348be188af3e75201) acts as a runtime persistence mechanism. It installs itself as a service with the following properties: **Service Name:** Windows Ejlptxtxbfjn Rvzd **Display Name:** Windows Ejlptxtxbfjn Rvzd **Description:** Windows Ejlptxtxbfjn Rvzd Hlptxbfjnr **Startup Type:** Automatic This service serves the single purpose of checking every 60 seconds if the 'svcohos.exe' process is running. If not, the service will spawn a new instance of it. In doing so, this secondary malware sample acts as both a runtime persistence mechanism, as well as a persistence mechanism across reboots. After installation, a keylogging routine begins. The malware writes keystrokes and window information to a filename in the present working directory with the following filename: jop\[year\]\[month\]\[day\]\[hour\]\[minute\]\[seconds\].zip Additionally, it writes a 'win.ini' file that contains this file path above. The malware proceeds to collect the following victim information: * Hostname * Username * Windows version * IP address * Current time * RAM amount * Number of total drives * Number of removable drives * Unique victim identifier After this information is aggregated, MoonWind enters its command and control loop, and begins reaching out to the servers and ports specified in its configuration embedded in the svcohos.exe file. The following remote hosts were specified in this particular sample: dns.webswindows\[.\]com|80 dns.webswindows\[.\]com|443 dns.webswindows\[.\]com|53 dns.webswindows\[.\]com|8080 While the ports associated with this sample's configuration pertain normally to HTTP, HTTPS, or DNS, network communication takes place via raw sockets. The malware first receives data, which has the following format as shown in Figure 1: [![moonwind\_1](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_1.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_1.png) *Figure 1 C2 to MoonWind communication* Digging into the packet further, we can break out individual pieces, as seen in Figure 2: [![moonwind\_2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_2.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_2.png) *Figure 2 MoonWind network communication packet format* The encrypted data portion is encrypted via RC4 with the following static key: HHSADh!@#$YUAGEWYGhjfsjd5465fsaQWAFGDA/jfdafdjhhasgfh== In the above example, the encrypted data decrypts to '\\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20', or six spaces. This particular command requests that the malware send the previously collected victim information. The data returned by MoonWind has the same format, however, uses the following static key for encryption instead: SSHqWSSAFdhjklfahj!@##4\*\&\&!!HQ12785452!@!!$$$32#@$$11!! An example of such data returned by the malware can be seen below in figure 3. [![moonwind\_3](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_3.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_3.png) *Figure 3 MoonWind to C2 communication* When decrypted, we see the data shown in Figure 4. Note that the first six bytes contains the return command ('WYR002'), followed by the payload. The payload contains information previously discussed, delimited by '\*/\*'. Certain variables, such as 'cdg' and 'ip' are hardcoded. We also see what is most likely a malware versioning string at the end (V2.1). This string is also hardcoded to the sample. [![moonwind\_4](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_4.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Moonwind_4.png) *Figure 4 Decrypted data sent by MoonWind* In total, MoonWind has 73 possibly commands that it can accept. We have not yet fully researched all of the commands, but the majority of them have been identified, as we can see in the Appendix. ### Conclusion Trochilus was first reported by Arbor Networks in their [Seven Pointed Dagger](https://www.arbornetworks.com/blog/asert/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ASERT-Threat-Intelligence-Brief-2015-08-Uncovering-the-Seven-Point-Dagger.pdf) report tying its use to other targeted Southeast Asia activity. The activity dates to at least 2013 and has ties to multiple reports by other researchers. It is highly likely MoonWind is yet another new tool being used by the group or groups responsible for that activity, indicating they are not only still active but continuing to evolve their playbook. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected from this threat in the following ways: * The malware discussed in this report is blocked by WildFire and Traps * The domain names included in this report are blocked by Threat Prevention AutoFocus subscribers can investigate the activities further with the following tags: * [Trochilus](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Trochilus) * [MoonWind](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.MoonWind) ### Appendix #### MoonWind Commands |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Command** | **Description** | **Response Command** | **Notes** | | \\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20\\x20 | Returns collected victim information. | WYR002 | | | WYR002 | Null command. | None | | | WYR003 | Spawns message box that allows victim to send a message. | WYR003 | | | WYR005 | Modifies services. | WYR005 | Subcommands of either 'fuwu' (create service), 'exit' (stop service), 'stop' (pause service), 'reun' (continue service), or 'yrun' (start service) | | WYR006 | Returns a list of running processes. | WYR006 | | | WYR007 | Kills specified process. | None | | | qdcmdl | Spawns an interactive shell. | cmdok1 | | | WYR009 | Send command to interactive shell and receive results. | WYRCCC | | | WYR010 | Terminates interactive shell. | None | | | WYR011 | Get size of disks. | WYR011 | | | WYR012 | Returns space of given directory. | WYR012 | | | WYR013 | Return a directory listing of specified directory (C:\\ default). | WYR013 | | | WYR014 | Execute specified command. | None | | | WYR015 | Open specified command with ShellExecuteA. | None | | | WYR016 | Open specified command with ShellExecuteA (Hidden). | None | | | WYR018 | Perform directory listing with file attributes. | WYR018 | | | xiazai | Read contents of file specified. | wrdown | | | cxqdcx | Restart MoonWind. | None | Uses %TEMP%/restart.bat to perform restart. | | pingmu | Return screen resolution. | pmgksj | | | qdkzpm | Unknown. | | | | jixujj | Unknown. | | | | sbkzxx | Performs various mouse actions. | None | Subcommands of either 'sj' (double left-click), 'yk' (move to position and right-up), 'zk' (move to position and right-down), 'zx' (move to position and left-up), or 'yd' (move to position and left-down) | | xhpmkz | Unknown. | | | | axjpsj | Submits keyboard inputs. | None | | | ksjljp | Starts keylogging functionality. | None | | | tzjljp | Stops keylogging functionality. | None | | | hqjljp | Return keylogging data. | jpjlhq | | | scjpjl | Deletes the keylogging file. | None | | | xzcxzs | Uninstalls malware. | None | Uses 'x.bat' to accomplish uninstall. Written to present working directory (PWD) of malware. | | httpxx | Unknown. | | | | zaicif | Unknown. | | | | xiaokl | Unknown. | | | | juxuxi | Null command. | None | | | shangc | Unknown. | | | | ecscwj | Unknown. | | | | scwjwb | Unknown. | | | | scmlcj | Creates specified directory. | mlwzcj | | | ycxiaz | Unknown. | | | | zcycxz | Unknown. | | | | ycxjml | Creates specified directory. | None | | | xjwjcj | Writes specified file with provided contents. | None | Command format is '\[filename\]|\[data\]'. | | shanwj | Deletes specified file. | None | | | shanml | Removes specified directory. | None | | | gengmj | Moves specified file. | None | Command format is '\[src\]|^|\[dst\]'. | | ycgwjj | Sets hidden attribute on specified file. | None | | | copywj | Copies specified file. | copyok | Command format is '\[src\]^|^\[dst\]'. | | fzmlwj | Copies specified directory. | copyok | Command format is '\[src\]^|^\[dst\]'. | | sdxtcs | Unknown. | | | | qypxxl | Get disk space of specified drive. | qdypxx | | | scdqwj | Unknown. | | | | wyycwj | Unknown. | | | | xzwcsc | Unknown. | | | | xzwcyx | Executes specified command within batch script. | None | Uses 'boot.bat' to accomplish uninstall. Written to PWD of malware. | | dwjjxc | Unknown. | | | | dwjcwj | Unknown. | | | | dqscds | Returns filesize of specified file. | qcwjcd | | | sjkqzd | Unknown. | | | | sswjsj | Finds specified file and returns results including attributes. | wjsswb | | | dwjsjx | Unknown. | | | | xzbwza | Unknown. | | | | hqurl1 | Returns C2 configuration of MoonWind. | qcsxdz | | | ghsxip | Writes data to win.dll and loads it. | sdczip | | | khljcg | Unknown. | | | | dqyxml | Unknown. | | | | gxycwj | Unknown. | | | | gxwjbc | Unknown. | | | | gxwjok | Unknown. | | | | fxgxcs | Unknown. | | | | gxwjsy | Open specified command with ShellExecuteA. | None | | | gxyxcx | Unknown. | | | | bddkzf | Unknown. | | | | scwjdx | Unknown. | | | | xzwjdx | | | | ### Indicators of Compromise #### MoonWind fd4856f2ec676f273ff71e1b0a1729cf6251c82780fc9e7d628deca690b02928 ce3da112e68e00621920911b1f9c72d7175894901173e703a44ac3700e4d427c e31679b82be58ace96b1d9fdfc2b62b6e91d371ed93957e0764cd7c464b04b9d f2589745671949422b19beec0856ca8b9608c02d5df4402f92c0dcc9d403010b #### MoonWind Persistence Mechanism 815df680be80b26b5dff0bcaf73f7495b9cae5e3ad3acb7348be188af3e75201 #### Trochilus 59f8a31d66f053f1efcc8d7c7ebb209a8c12233423cc2dc3673373dde9b3a149 webswindows\[.\]com 192\.225.226\[.\]195 [![ignite17-social-cover-img-facebook-820x340](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ignite17-social-cover-img-facebook-820x340.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ignite17-social-cover-img-facebook-820x340.png) **Ignite '17 Security Conference: Vancouver, BC June 12--15, 2017** Ignite '17 Security Conference is a live, four-day conference designed for today's security professionals. Hear from innovators and experts, gain real-world skills through hands-on sessions and interactive workshops, and find out how breach prevention is changing the security industry. Visit the [Ignite website](https://www.paloaltonetworksignite.com) for more information on tracks, workshops and marquee sessions. Back to top ### Tags * [MoonWind RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/moonwind-rat/ "MoonWind RAT") * [Remote Access Trojan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/remote-access-trojan/ "Remote Access Trojan") * [Thailand](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/thailand/ "Thailand") * [Trochilus RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/trochilus-rat/ "Trochilus RAT") * [Utilities](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/utilities/ "Utilities") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Dimnie: Hiding in Plain Sight](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-dimnie-hiding-plain-sight/ "Dimnie: Hiding in Plain Sight") ### Related Articles * [Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "article - table of contents") * [Tracking TamperedChef Clusters via Certificate and Code Reuse](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tracking-tampered-chef-clusters/ "article - table of contents") * [That AI Extension Helping You Write Emails? 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A vibrant cityscape with silhouettes of numerous people walking along a bustling street. The scene is illuminated by bright urban lights and digital-like particles, creating a dynamic and futuristic atmosphere.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_768915868-2-1-786x373.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 3, 2026 [#### Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/) * [Agentic AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agentic-ai/ "Agentic AI") * [ChatGPT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chatgpt/ "ChatGPT") * [CL-CRI-1131](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1131/ "CL-CRI-1131") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/ "Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America") ![Pictorial representation of vishing campaigns in Microsoft Teams. A digital image of a skull formed by blue binary code on a black background, with scattered ones and zeros and digital noise, symbolizes how stealthy prompt injection attacks can exploit AI logic to bypass security controls.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-5-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 31, 2026 [#### Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/) * [Cloaked Ursa](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cloaked-ursa/ "Cloaked Ursa") * [Entra ID](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/entra-id/ "Entra ID") * [Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-teams/ "Microsoft Teams") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams") ![Pictorial representation of AI-enabled malware. A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") ![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. 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