ColdRiver APT: Google TAG Warns Against Russian APT Group is Using a Custom Backdoor

Google has warned that a Russia-linked threat actor named ‘COLDRIVER’ which is expanding its targets has also been developing custom malware. 

ColdRiver APT

The ColdRiver APT (aka “Seaborgium“, “Callisto”, “Star Blizzard”, “TA446”) is a Russian cyberespionage outfit that has been targeting government officials, military personnel, journalists and think tanks since at least 2015.

The threat actor has previously engaged in ongoing phishing and credential theft efforts that resulted in intrusions and data theft. Although specialists have noticed efforts targeting the Baltics, Nordics, and Eastern Europe regions, including Ukraine, the APT predominantly targets NATO member states.

Google TAG researchers have warned against COLDRIVER, claiming that it is enhancing its tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs), in order to evade detection. 

TAG has recently seen COLDRIVER use phishing efforts to spread bespoke malware using PDFs as lure materials. Google experts discovered and stopped these attempts by adding all known domains and hashes to Safe Browsing blocklists.

In November 2022, TAG observed that COLDRIVER was sending its targets malicious PDF documents from their fraudulent accounts. Threat actors asked for the recipient’s feedback on fresh opinion pieces or other kinds of publications that they were hoping to publish using the lure materials. The victims see an encrypted text when they view the PD

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This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents

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