State-sponsored hacking groups from Iran, North Korea, and Russia have increasingly used the ClickFix tactic in targeted malware campaigns since late 2024. This tactic, previously linked to cybercrime, has been adopted by nation-state actors to facilitate malware deployment. Proofpoint’s research reveals that several prominent groups, including Kimsuky (TA427), MuddyWater (TA450), and APT28 (TA422), have utilized this technique to gain access to victim systems. ClickFix is effective in bypassing traditional defenses by tricking users into running malicious commands under the guise of fixing an issue.
The ClickFix technique involves users copying and pasting malicious PowerShell commands into their system, often presented as a solution to a technical problem. For example, Kimsuky employed this method in January and February 2025 to target individuals in the think tank sector. After building trust through communication, the attackers lured victims to a malicious site, where they were instructed to run the harmful PowerShell command.
This chain led to the installation of the Quasar RAT, giving attackers remote access to the victims’ machines.
In a similar approach, the Iranian MuddyWater group used ClickFix in November 2024 to install remote monitoring software, Level, by persuading targets to run a PowerShell command with administrator privileges. The malware allowed persistent access, facilitating espionage and data exfiltration. This campaign specifically targeted the Middle East, with a focus on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Russian group UNK_RemoteRogue used a compromised Zimbra server to deliver malicious links that initiated the ClickFix sequence.
Overall, the adoption of the ClickFix tactic by multiple state-sponsored groups highlights its growing popularity among nation-state actors. Proofpoint’s research suggests that this method is likely to continue being used by these groups, with potential for further adoption by others in the near future.
