Multiple RAT Delivery Campaigns Using Phishing and Trojanized Software
Security researchers reported several unrelated remote access trojan (RAT) delivery campaigns using different initial access vectors and lures. Seqrite Labs described “Operation Covert Access,” a spear‑phishing operation targeting Argentina’s judiciary with a ZIP attachment containing a convincing court-resolution decoy; execution is triggered by a malicious LNK masquerading as a PDF, which launches hidden PowerShell to fetch additional stages from a GitHub repository, culminating in a custom Rust-based RAT that attempts to blend in by renaming itself (e.g., msedge_proxy.exe).
Separately, AhnLab Security Intelligence Center reported South Korea-focused activity distributing RemcosRAT through illegal online gambling-related tools and trojanized VeraCrypt installers, using embedded malicious VBS scripts and a multi-stage chain that ultimately deploys a RAT capable of surveillance and data theft (e.g., keylogging, screenshot/webcam/mic capture, credential/data harvesting). Another campaign documented by ReliaQuest abused LinkedIn private messages to deliver a bundled legitimate application alongside a malicious DLL for DLL sideloading, enabling RAT deployment under the guise of a trusted process; the reporting emphasized that social platforms can serve as effective phishing channels beyond email and that the technique is portable to other commonly used business messaging platforms.
Timeline
Jan 21, 2026
Seqrite Labs reveals 'Operation Covert Access' targeting Argentina's judiciary
Seqrite Labs reported a cyber-espionage campaign against Argentina's judicial and legal institutions that used court-themed spear-phishing emails with ZIP archives containing malicious LNK files. The attack chain fetched payloads from GitHub and ultimately installed a custom Rust-based RAT with anti-analysis, persistence, file theft, and privilege-elevation capabilities.
Jan 20, 2026
ReliaQuest reports LinkedIn DM phishing campaign using DLL sideloading
ReliaQuest disclosed a phishing campaign that used private LinkedIn messages, including recruiter and job-themed lures, to deliver a file bundle that enabled DLL sideloading and deployment of a remote access trojan. The activity highlighted attackers shifting initial access from email to LinkedIn to evade email-focused defenses.
Jan 20, 2026
AhnLab uncovers Remcos RAT campaign targeting South Korean users
AhnLab Security Intelligence Center reported intrusions delivering Remcos RAT to South Korean users through fake illegal gambling-related tools distributed via Telegram and web browsers, as well as trojanized VeraCrypt installers. The campaign used malicious VBS scripts and a multi-stage infection chain to decrypt and deploy the RAT.
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