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Over 1,000 WordPress Sites Infected with JavaScript Backdoors Enabling Persistent Attacker Access - Related to hits, aviation,, firms, deploying, 1,000

New polyglot malware hits aviation, satellite communication firms

New polyglot malware hits aviation, satellite communication firms

A previously undocumented polyglot malware is being deployed in attacks against aviation, satellite communication, and critical transportation organizations in the United Arab Emirates.

The malware delivers a backdoor called Sosano, which establishes persistence on the infected devices and allows the attackers to execute commands remotely.

The activity was discovered by Proofpoint in October 2024, which states that the attacks are linked to a threat actor named 'UNK_CraftyCamel.' While the campaign is still small, the researchers analysis that it is still advanced and dangerous to targeted companies.

Proofpoint's researchers noted that the attacks bear similarities with operations from Iranian-aligned groups TA451 and TA455. However, the latest campaign is distinct, having a strong cyber-espionage focus.

Polyglot malware consists of specially crafted files that contain multiple file formats, allowing them to be interpreted differently by various applications.

For example, a single file could be structured as both a valid MSI (Windows installer) and a JAR (Java archive), causing Windows to recognize it as an MSI while the Java runtime interprets it as a JAR.

This technique enables attackers to stealthily deliver malicious payloads by evading security software, which typically analyzes files based on a single format.

In the new campaign observed by Proofpoint, the attack begins with a highly targeted spear-phishing email sent from a compromised Indian electronics enterprise (INDIC Electronics).

These emails contain malicious URLs that direct victims to a spoofed domain (indicelectronics[.]net), where they are prompted to download a ZIP archive ("[website]").

The archive contains an LNK (Windows shortcut) file disguised as an XLS, as well as two PDF files ("[website]" and "[website]"). Both PDFs are polyglot files containing a legitimate PDF file structure but an additional malicious file structure.

The first PDF contains HTA (HTML Application) code, while the other includes a hidden ZIP archive.

One of the PDF lures used in the attacks.

The main benefit of using polyglots is evasion, as most security tools will inspect the first file format (PDF), which is a benign document, and completely ignore the malicious hidden portion (HTA/ZIP payloads).

When executing the LNK file, [website] launches [website], which executes the HTA script hidden inside the first PDF, triggering the launch of the second PDF file.

The hidden archive inside the second PDF writes a URL file to the Windows Registry for persistence and then executes an XOR-encoded JPEG file that decodes a DLL payload ("[website]"), which is the Sosano backdoor.

Proofpoint says Sosano is a relatively simple Go-based payload with limited functionality that was likely bloated to 12MB in size to obfuscate what small amounts of malicious code it uses.

Once it's activated, Sonaso establishes a connection with its command-and-control (C2) server at "bokhoreshonline[.]com" and awaits commands, including file operations, shell command execution, and fetching and launching additional payloads.

Defending against polyglot threats requires a multifaceted approach combining email scanning, user education, and security software that can detect multiple file formats in a single file.

If not needed in daily operations, blocking dangerous file types such as LNKs, HTAs, and ZIPs at the email gateway is prudent.

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Seven Malicious Go Packages Found Deploying Malware on Linux and macOS Systems

Seven Malicious Go Packages Found Deploying Malware on Linux and macOS Systems

Cybersecurity researchers are alerting of an ongoing malicious campaign targeting the Go ecosystem with typosquatted modules that are designed to deploy loader malware on Linux and Apple macOS systems.

"The threat actor has , including one (github[.]com/shallowmulti/hypert) that appears to target financial-sector developers," Socket researcher Kirill Boychenko showcased in a new analysis.

"These packages share repeated malicious filenames and consistent obfuscation techniques, suggesting a coordinated threat actor capable of pivoting rapidly."

While all of them continue to be available on the official package repository, their corresponding GitHub repositories barring "github[.]com/ornatedoctrin/layout" are no longer accessible. The list of offending Go packages is below -.

The counterfeit packages, Socket's analysis found, contain code to achieve remote code execution. This is achieved by running an obfuscated shell command to retrieve and run a script hosted on a remote server ("alturastreet[.]icu"). In a likely effort to evade detection, the remote script is not fetched until an hour has elapsed.

The end goal of the attack is to install and run an executable file that can potentially steal data or credentials.

The disclosure arrived a month after Socket revealed another instance of a software supply chain attack targeting the Go ecosystem via a malicious package capable of granting the adversary remote access to infected systems.

"The repeated use of identical filenames, array-based string obfuscation, and delayed execution tactics strongly hints at a coordinated adversary who plans to persist and adapt," Boychenko noted.

"The discovery of multiple malicious hypert and layout packages, along with multiple fallback domains, points to an infrastructure designed for longevity, enabling the threat actor to pivot whenever a domain or repository is blacklisted or removed."

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Over 1,000 WordPress Sites Infected with JavaScript Backdoors Enabling Persistent Attacker Access

Over 1,000 WordPress Sites Infected with JavaScript Backdoors Enabling Persistent Attacker Access

Over 1,000 websites powered by WordPress have been infected with a third-party JavaScript code that injects four separate backdoors.

"Creating four backdoors facilitates the attackers having multiple points of re-entry should one be detected and removed," c/side researcher Himanshu Anand stated in a Wednesday analysis.

The malicious JavaScript code has been found to be served via cdn.csyndication[.]com. As of writing, as many as 908 websites contain references to the domain in question.

The functions of the four backdoors are explained below -.

Backdoor 1, which uploads and installs a fake plugin named "Ultra SEO Processor," which is then used to execute attacker-issued commands.

Backdoor 2, which injects malicious JavaScript into [website].

Backdoor 3, which adds an attacker-controlled SSH key to the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file so as to allow persistent remote access to the machine.

Backdoor 4, which is designed to execute remote commands and fetches another payload from gsocket[.]io to likely open a reverse shell.

To mitigate the risk posed by the attacks, it's advised that consumers delete unauthorized SSH keys, rotate WordPress admin credentials, and monitor system logs for suspicious activity.

The development comes as the cybersecurity corporation detailed another malware campaign has compromised more than 35,000 websites with malicious JavaScript that "fully hijacks the user's browser window" to redirect site visitors to Chinese-language gambling platforms.

"The attack appears to be targeting or originating from regions where Mandarin is common, and the final landing pages present gambling content under the 'Kaiyun' brand.

The redirections occur through JavaScript hosted on five different domains, which serves as a loader for the main payload responsible for performing the redirects -.

The findings also follow a new findings from Group-IB about a threat actor dubbed ScreamedJungle that injects a JavaScript code-named Bablosoft JS into compromised Magento websites to collect fingerprints of visiting individuals. More than 115 e-commerce sites are believed to be impacted to date.

The injected script is "part of the Bablosoft BrowserAutomationStudio (BAS) suite," the Singaporean corporation presented, adding it "contains several other functions to collect information about the system and browser of customers visiting the compromised website."

It's stated that the attackers are exploiting known vulnerabilities affecting vulnerable Magento versions ([website], CVE-2024-34102 aka CosmicSting and CVE-2024-20720) to breach the websites. The financially motivated threat actor was first discovered in the wild in late May 2024.

"Browser fingerprinting is a powerful technique commonly used by websites to track user activities and tailor marketing strategies," Group-IB showcased. "However, this information is also exploited by cybercriminals to mimic legitimate user behavior, evade security measures, and conduct fraudulent activities."

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Market Impact Analysis

Market Growth Trend

2018201920202021202220232024
8.7%10.5%11.0%12.2%12.9%13.3%13.4%
8.7%10.5%11.0%12.2%12.9%13.3%13.4% 2018201920202021202220232024

Quarterly Growth Rate

Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024
12.5% 12.9% 13.2% 13.4%
12.5% Q1 12.9% Q2 13.2% Q3 13.4% Q4

Market Segments and Growth Drivers

Segment Market Share Growth Rate
Network Security26%10.8%
Cloud Security23%17.6%
Identity Management19%15.3%
Endpoint Security17%13.9%
Other Security Solutions15%12.4%
Network Security26.0%Cloud Security23.0%Identity Management19.0%Endpoint Security17.0%Other Security Solutions15.0%

Technology Maturity Curve

Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity:

Innovation Trigger Peak of Inflated Expectations Trough of Disillusionment Slope of Enlightenment Plateau of Productivity AI/ML Blockchain VR/AR Cloud Mobile

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Company Market Share
Palo Alto Networks14.2%
Cisco Security12.8%
Crowdstrike9.3%
Fortinet7.6%
Microsoft Security7.1%

Future Outlook and Predictions

The Malware Polyglot Hits landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing threat vectors, and shifting business requirements. Based on current trends and expert analyses, we can anticipate several significant developments across different time horizons:

Year-by-Year Technology Evolution

Based on current trajectory and expert analyses, we can project the following development timeline:

2024Early adopters begin implementing specialized solutions with measurable results
2025Industry standards emerging to facilitate broader adoption and integration
2026Mainstream adoption begins as technical barriers are addressed
2027Integration with adjacent technologies creates new capabilities
2028Business models transform as capabilities mature
2029Technology becomes embedded in core infrastructure and processes
2030New paradigms emerge as the technology reaches full maturity

Technology Maturity Curve

Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity, influencing adoption timelines and investment priorities:

Time / Development Stage Adoption / Maturity Innovation Early Adoption Growth Maturity Decline/Legacy Emerging Tech Current Focus Established Tech Mature Solutions (Interactive diagram available in full report)

Innovation Trigger

  • Generative AI for specialized domains
  • Blockchain for supply chain verification

Peak of Inflated Expectations

  • Digital twins for business processes
  • Quantum-resistant cryptography

Trough of Disillusionment

  • Consumer AR/VR applications
  • General-purpose blockchain

Slope of Enlightenment

  • AI-driven analytics
  • Edge computing

Plateau of Productivity

  • Cloud infrastructure
  • Mobile applications

Technology Evolution Timeline

1-2 Years
  • Technology adoption accelerating across industries
  • digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
3-5 Years
  • Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
  • new digital business models emerging
5+ Years
  • Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
  • emergence of new technology paradigms

Expert Perspectives

Leading experts in the cyber security sector provide diverse perspectives on how the landscape will evolve over the coming years:

"Technology transformation will continue to accelerate, creating both challenges and opportunities."

— Industry Expert

"Organizations must balance innovation with practical implementation to achieve meaningful results."

— Technology Analyst

"The most successful adopters will focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake."

— Research Director

Areas of Expert Consensus

  • Acceleration of Innovation: The pace of technological evolution will continue to increase
  • Practical Integration: Focus will shift from proof-of-concept to operational deployment
  • Human-Technology Partnership: Most effective implementations will optimize human-machine collaboration
  • Regulatory Influence: Regulatory frameworks will increasingly shape technology development

Short-Term Outlook (1-2 Years)

In the immediate future, organizations will focus on implementing and optimizing currently available technologies to address pressing cyber security challenges:

  • Technology adoption accelerating across industries
  • digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream

These developments will be characterized by incremental improvements to existing frameworks rather than revolutionary changes, with emphasis on practical deployment and measurable outcomes.

Mid-Term Outlook (3-5 Years)

As technologies mature and organizations adapt, more substantial transformations will emerge in how security is approached and implemented:

  • Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
  • new digital business models emerging

This period will see significant changes in security architecture and operational models, with increasing automation and integration between previously siloed security functions. Organizations will shift from reactive to proactive security postures.

Long-Term Outlook (5+ Years)

Looking further ahead, more fundamental shifts will reshape how cybersecurity is conceptualized and implemented across digital ecosystems:

  • Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
  • emergence of new technology paradigms

These long-term developments will likely require significant technical breakthroughs, new regulatory frameworks, and evolution in how organizations approach security as a fundamental business function rather than a technical discipline.

Key Risk Factors and Uncertainties

Several critical factors could significantly impact the trajectory of cyber security evolution:

Evolving threat landscape
Skills shortage
Regulatory compliance complexity

Organizations should monitor these factors closely and develop contingency strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on technology implementation timelines.

Alternative Future Scenarios

The evolution of technology can follow different paths depending on various factors including regulatory developments, investment trends, technological breakthroughs, and market adoption. We analyze three potential scenarios:

Optimistic Scenario

Rapid adoption of advanced technologies with significant business impact

Key Drivers: Supportive regulatory environment, significant research breakthroughs, strong market incentives, and rapid user adoption.

Probability: 25-30%

Base Case Scenario

Measured implementation with incremental improvements

Key Drivers: Balanced regulatory approach, steady technological progress, and selective implementation based on clear ROI.

Probability: 50-60%

Conservative Scenario

Technical and organizational barriers limiting effective adoption

Key Drivers: Restrictive regulations, technical limitations, implementation challenges, and risk-averse organizational cultures.

Probability: 15-20%

Scenario Comparison Matrix

FactorOptimisticBase CaseConservative
Implementation TimelineAcceleratedSteadyDelayed
Market AdoptionWidespreadSelectiveLimited
Technology EvolutionRapidProgressiveIncremental
Regulatory EnvironmentSupportiveBalancedRestrictive
Business ImpactTransformativeSignificantModest

Transformational Impact

Technology becoming increasingly embedded in all aspects of business operations. This evolution will necessitate significant changes in organizational structures, talent development, and strategic planning processes.

The convergence of multiple technological trends—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and ubiquitous connectivity—will create both unprecedented security challenges and innovative defensive capabilities.

Implementation Challenges

Technical complexity and organizational readiness remain key challenges. Organizations will need to develop comprehensive change management strategies to successfully navigate these transitions.

Regulatory uncertainty, particularly around emerging technologies like AI in security applications, will require flexible security architectures that can adapt to evolving compliance requirements.

Key Innovations to Watch

Artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and automation technologies leading innovation. Organizations should monitor these developments closely to maintain competitive advantages and effective security postures.

Strategic investments in research partnerships, technology pilots, and talent development will position forward-thinking organizations to leverage these innovations early in their development cycle.

Technical Glossary

Key technical terms and definitions to help understand the technologies discussed in this article.

Understanding the following technical concepts is essential for grasping the full implications of the security threats and defensive measures discussed in this article. These definitions provide context for both technical and non-technical readers.

Filter by difficulty:

phishing beginner

algorithm Modern phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated, often leveraging AI to create convincing spear-phishing campaigns that target specific individuals with personalized content that appears legitimate.
Phishing attack flowAnatomy of a typical phishing attack
Example: Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are sophisticated phishing campaigns where attackers impersonate executives to trick employees into transferring funds or sensitive information.

API beginner

interface APIs serve as the connective tissue in modern software architectures, enabling different applications and services to communicate and share data according to defined protocols and data formats.
API concept visualizationHow APIs enable communication between different software systems
Example: Cloud service providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer extensive APIs that allow organizations to programmatically provision and manage infrastructure and services.

platform intermediate

platform Platforms provide standardized environments that reduce development complexity and enable ecosystem growth through shared functionality and integration capabilities.

malware beginner

encryption Malware can take many forms including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and rootkits. Modern malware often employs sophisticated evasion techniques to avoid detection by security solutions.
Types of malwareCommon malware types and their characteristics
Example: The Emotet trojan began as banking malware but evolved into a delivery mechanism for other malware types, demonstrating how sophisticated malware can adapt and change functionality over time.

SOC intermediate

API

EDR intermediate

cloud computing Unlike traditional antivirus, EDR solutions monitor and record system activities and events across endpoints, applying behavioral analysis and threat intelligence to detect sophisticated attacks.