Menu

  • Alerts
  • Incidents
  • News
  • APTs
  • Cyber Decoded
  • Cyber Hygiene
  • Cyber Review
  • Cyber Tips
  • Definitions
  • Malware
  • Threat Actors
  • Tutorials

Useful Tools

  • Password generator
  • Report an incident
  • Report to authorities
No Result
View All Result
CTF Hack Havoc
CyberMaterial
  • Education
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Definitions
  • Information
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
  • Insights
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Tips
    • Tutorials
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • Report an incident
  • About
    • About Us
    • Advertise with us
Get Help
Hall of Hacks
  • Education
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Definitions
  • Information
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
  • Insights
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Tips
    • Tutorials
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • Report an incident
  • About
    • About Us
    • Advertise with us
Get Help
No Result
View All Result
Hall of Hacks
CyberMaterial
No Result
View All Result
Home Malware

PHANTOM#SPIKE (Trojan) – Malware

December 12, 2024
Reading Time: 3 mins read
in Malware
PHANTOM#SPIKE (Trojan) – Malware

PHANTOM#SPIKE

Type of Malware

Trojan

Targeted Countries

Pakistan
United States

Date of Initial Activity

2024

Associated Groups

Unknown

Motivation

Data Theft

Attack Vectors

Phishing

Type of Information Stolen

System Information

Targeted Systems

Windows

Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the PHANTOM#SPIKE campaign stands out as a significant and concerning development. This sophisticated attack, uncovered by Securonix Threat Research, demonstrates a troubling blend of stealth and precision in its execution. At the heart of this campaign lies a custom CSharp backdoor payload, ingeniously delivered through a seemingly innocuous military-themed phishing lure. The attackers behind PHANTOM#SPIKE are employing a methodical approach to exploit Compiled HTML Help (CHM) files, a tactic that reflects a deeper trend in cyberattack strategies—leveraging trusted file formats to circumvent traditional security measures. The campaign’s primary objective appears to be targeting individuals and organizations associated with Pakistan, although there are indications of potential broader implications. The use of ZIP files containing password-protected archives and CHM files underscores the attackers’ intent to avoid detection and maximize their chances of successful infiltration. By capitalizing on the allure of military-related documents, the threat actors aim to deceive their victims into executing a malicious payload, which, once activated, establishes a persistent and covert presence on the compromised system. This sophisticated approach highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for heightened vigilance in defending against such sophisticated tactics.

Targets

Individuals Information

How they operate

The initial phase of the PHANTOM#SPIKE campaign typically involves phishing attacks. Attackers deploy emails crafted to appear as legitimate military-related communications. These emails often contain malicious attachments or links, such as Compiled HTML Help (CHM) files, which exploit the user’s trust. Once the victim executes the file, the malware activates and begins its operation. The execution is achieved through the use of user action, where the user inadvertently opens the file, triggering the malware’s payload. Once executed, PHANTOM#SPIKE establishes persistence on the infected system. This is accomplished through modifications to the Windows Registry, specifically by altering Run keys or placing files in the startup folder. These changes ensure that the malware is executed automatically upon system reboot, maintaining its presence on the infected machine. This persistence mechanism is crucial for the malware, allowing it to operate undetected over extended periods. To facilitate its operations, PHANTOM#SPIKE employs sophisticated command and control (C2) techniques. The malware communicates with its C2 server using encrypted channels, which helps evade detection by traditional security measures. This encrypted communication allows the attackers to issue commands, exfiltrate data, and update the malware as needed, all while remaining concealed from security monitoring tools. In terms of defense evasion, PHANTOM#SPIKE utilizes a variety of techniques. The malware often obfuscates its files and payloads through encryption or by embedding them within seemingly innocuous ZIP files that require passwords to open. This obfuscation helps the malware avoid detection by security software. Additionally, the malware employs masquerading techniques, disguising itself as legitimate military documents to bypass security defenses and reduce the likelihood of suspicion from the victim. Data collection is another critical function of PHANTOM#SPIKE. Once inside the target system, the malware gathers sensitive information, including personal files and system data. This data is then exfiltrated to the attackers’ C2 server via the same encrypted communication channel used for command and control operations. The exfiltration process is carefully designed to avoid detection and ensure that valuable information is successfully transmitted back to the attackers.

MITRE Tactics and Techniques

Initial Access:
Phishing (T1566): The malware is delivered through phishing emails, often disguised as military-themed messages, to lure victims into executing malicious files.
Execution:
User Execution (T1204): The malware is distributed via a Compiled HTML Help (CHM) file, requiring the user to open and execute it for the malware to activate.
Persistence:
Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder (T1547.001): The malware establishes persistence by modifying registry keys or placing files in the startup folder, ensuring it remains active after system reboots.
Command and Control (C2):
Ingress/Egress Tool (T1132): The malware communicates with its command and control (C2) server using encrypted channels, allowing for stealthy command execution and data retrieval.
Defense Evasion:
Obfuscated Files or Information (T1027): The malware employs obfuscation techniques, such as encrypting or hiding its payload within ZIP files or using password protection to avoid detection. Masquerading (T1036): The malware disguises itself as legitimate military-related documents to bypass security measures and avoid suspicion.
Collection:
Data from Local System (T1005): The malware collects data from the compromised system, including sensitive files or personal information, which is then exfiltrated to the attackers.
Exfiltration:
Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel (T1041): Collected data is transmitted to the attacker’s C2 server via the encrypted communication channel established by the malware.
References:
  • Analysis of PHANTOM#SPIKE: Attackers Leveraging CHM Files to Run Custom CSharp Backdoors Likely Targeting Victims Associated with Pakistan
Tags: HTMLMalwareMalware CampaignPakistanPHANTOM#SPIKESecuronix Threat ResearchTrojanWindows
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

Iranian Phishing Campaign (Scam) – Malware

Iranian Phishing Campaign (Scam) – Malware

March 2, 2025
Fake WalletConnect (Infostealer) – Malware

Fake WalletConnect (Infostealer) – Malware

March 2, 2025
SilentSelfie (Infostealer) – Malware

SilentSelfie (Infostealer) – Malware

March 2, 2025
Sniper Dz (Scam) – Malware

Sniper Dz (Scam) – Malware

March 2, 2025
TikTok Malware Scam (Trojan) – Malware

TikTok Malware Scam (Trojan) – Malware

March 2, 2025
Zombinder (Exploit Kit) – Malware

Zombinder (Exploit Kit) – Malware

March 2, 2025

Latest Alerts

Mozilla Urgent Firefox Patch Fixes RCE Flaws

ModiLoader Malware Targets Windows Users

Glibc Flaw Gives Linux Root Access Risk

Fileless Remcos RAT Delivery Via LNK Files

FBI Warns of AI Voice Phishing Scams

APT28 RoundPress Webmail Hack Steals Emails

Subscribe to our newsletter

    Latest Incidents

    Massive DDoS Hits Poland’s Civic Platform

    Arla Plant Cyberattack Halts Operations

    Georgia’s Harbin Clinic Hit by Data Breach

    Hackers Target Swiss Reserve Power Plant

    Coinbase Insider Attack Exposed User Data

    Cyberattack Hits J Batista Group

    CyberMaterial Logo
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Legal and Privacy Policy
    • Site Map

    © 2025 | CyberMaterial | All rights reserved

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In

    Add New Playlist

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Definitions
    • Malware
    • Cyber Tips
    • Tutorials
    • Advanced Persistent Threats
    • Threat Actors
    • Report an incident
    • Password Generator
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us

    Copyright © 2025 CyberMaterial