Windows Malware Campaigns Abusing Trusted Tools and Cloud Hosting for Stealthy Execution
Multiple Windows-focused malware campaigns were reported leveraging trusted distribution and execution paths rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities. One campaign attributed to Larva-25012 disguised proxyware as legitimate Notepad++ installers distributed via fake cracked-software portals and deceptive ads, primarily impacting South Korea. The payloads were hosted on GitHub and delivered as MSI/ZIP packages containing legitimate components plus malicious DLLs, using DLL side-loading and process injection into Windows Explorer to deploy proxyware (e.g., Infatica and DigitalPulse) for proxyjacking—monetizing victims’ internet bandwidth by reselling access through their networks.
A separate multi-stage Windows malware operation used business-themed lures and weaponized archives containing LNK shortcuts to run hidden PowerShell with execution-policy bypass, pulling an obfuscated loader from GitHub and using legitimate services (e.g., Dropbox) to blend into normal traffic. Fortinet-reported tradecraft included persistence, decoy document generation, and beaconing via the Telegram Bot API, followed by defense evasion through abuse of Defendnot to disable Microsoft Defender before dropping follow-on payloads such as ransomware, banking trojans, and surveillance tooling. Additional reporting highlighted a broader trend of attackers abusing legitimate infrastructure and admin tooling (including RMM software after credential theft) to establish persistent access, while generic “common threats” content provided no incident-specific intelligence.
Timeline
Jan 22, 2026
Multi-stage malware escalates to surveillance, RAT deployment, and ransomware
After establishing persistence, the malware performs reconnaissance, captures screenshots, exfiltrates data, and disables administrative and recovery tools before deploying Amnesia RAT. In later stages it also deploys Hakuna Matata ransomware and WinLocker components to encrypt files and lock victims out with countdown timers.
Jan 22, 2026
Researchers report multi-stage Windows malware abusing Defendnot
Security researchers disclose a sophisticated Windows malware campaign delivered through business-themed lure documents and malicious LNK shortcuts that launch PowerShell to fetch an obfuscated loader from GitHub. A key evasion step abuses Defendnot to register a fake antivirus product, causing Microsoft Defender to shut down via Windows Security Center trust assumptions.
Jan 22, 2026
Larva-25012 evolves malware with stealthier loaders and persistence
ASEC reports the actor has shifted from earlier .NET malware to C++ and Python variants, adding DLL side-loading, process injection into Windows Explorer, Task Scheduler persistence, and PowerShell-based staging. The malware also modifies Windows Defender settings to reduce visibility and improve evasion.
Jan 22, 2026
Larva-25012 distributes fake Notepad++ installers for proxyjacking
A malware campaign attributed to Larva-25012 distributes malicious MSI and ZIP packages masquerading as Notepad++ installers through deceptive ads, fake download portals, and GitHub-hosted files. The operation hijacks victims' internet connections by installing proxyware such as Infatica and DigitalPulse.
Jan 22, 2026
Stolen credentials are used to deploy GoTo Resolve as a backdoor
In a second wave, the attackers use stolen credentials to generate legitimate RMM access tokens and deploy GoTo Resolve/LogMeIn via a signed file named "GreenVelopeCard.exe." The installation is configured for unattended remote access through attacker-controlled GoTo infrastructure, providing persistent backdoor access.
Jan 22, 2026
Attackers launch phishing campaign using fake Greenvelope invitations
A dual-vector phishing campaign begins with spoofed Greenvelope invitation emails that direct targets to fake login pages to steal credentials while evading secure email gateway detection. The campaign relies on harvested credentials to enable later access operations.
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1 months ago
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1 months ago
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