Hackers Weaponizing Microsoft Access Documents To Execute Malicious Program

In multiple aggressive phishing attempts, the financially motivated organization UAC-0006 heavily targeted Ukraine, utilizing ZIP and RAR attachments to distribute SMOKELOADER malware.

The most recent attacks involve emails that carry Microsoft Access files and ZIP archives that, when opened, install weaponized malware on compromised systems, such as RMS and TALESHOT.

The government computer emergency response team of Ukraine, CERT-UA, observed this notable activation of the financially motivated group UAC-0006.

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Overview Of Recent Activities For UAC-0006

According to CERT-UA reports, attackers have launched at least two campaigns to disseminate the SMOKELOADER malware as of May 21, 2024.

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The SmokeLoader malware mostly affects Windows-based devices. SmokeLoader tries to install other malware (such as ransomware, cryptominers, or password stealers) on a computer after it has infected it. 

It might also corrupt files, steal confidential information, and create other problems.

The recent attacks include emails with a ZIP archive that may include the following:

• The.IMG file contains EXE files.
• Microsoft Access (ACCDB) documents with macros that guarantee the PowerShell command to download and launch the EXE file is executed.

As before, RMS, TALESHOT, and other malicious applications are loaded into the machine following a main attack that is successful.

Several hundred compromised PCs are currently in the bot network. CERT-UA anticipates an increase in fraud via remote banking systems shortly.

Recommendation

Therefore, it is advised that company managers take note of the need to enhance the security of automated accounting workspaces as soon as possible. 

This can be done by reviewing the offered signs of compromise and ensuring that the appropriate policies and protection mechanisms are used.

SOC Prime Platform provides curated and tested detection algorithms to help defenders avert attacks related to the UAC-0006 adversary activity detailed in the most recent CERT-UA notice. 

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