Advanced DownEx Malware Campaign Targets Central Asian Governments
May 10, 2023
Malware / Cyber Attack
Central Asian government entities are under threat from a sophisticated espionage operation utilizing a previously unidentified strain of malware known as DownEx. In a report shared with The Hacker News, cybersecurity firm Bitdefender indicated that the malicious activities are ongoing, with indications pointing towards involvement from Russia-based threat actors. The malware was first detected in a highly targeted assault on foreign government institutions in Kazakhstan in late 2022, followed by an attack in Afghanistan. The use of a diplomat-themed lure document and the campaign’s emphasis on data exfiltration imply the actions of a state-sponsored group, although the exact identity of the hacking organization remains unclear. The campaign’s initial breach method appears to involve spear-phishing emails containing a malicious payload disguised as a Microsoft Word file.
Malware / Cyber Attack
Sophisticated DownEx Malware Campaign Targets Central Asian Governments A newly identified malware campaign, known as DownEx, is targeting government institutions in Central Asia, raising significant concerns within the cybersecurity community. According to a recent report by Bitdefender, the ongoing campaign indicates strong ties to threat actors operating from Russia. This…
Advanced DownEx Malware Campaign Targets Central Asian Governments
May 10, 2023
Malware / Cyber Attack
Central Asian government entities are under threat from a sophisticated espionage operation utilizing a previously unidentified strain of malware known as DownEx. In a report shared with The Hacker News, cybersecurity firm Bitdefender indicated that the malicious activities are ongoing, with indications pointing towards involvement from Russia-based threat actors. The malware was first detected in a highly targeted assault on foreign government institutions in Kazakhstan in late 2022, followed by an attack in Afghanistan. The use of a diplomat-themed lure document and the campaign’s emphasis on data exfiltration imply the actions of a state-sponsored group, although the exact identity of the hacking organization remains unclear. The campaign’s initial breach method appears to involve spear-phishing emails containing a malicious payload disguised as a Microsoft Word file.
