Hackers Use Weaponized DOCX File to Deploy Stealthy Malware

CERT-UA has identified and addressed a cyber attack on the government information systems of Ukrainian governmental state bodies.

Through investigation, it was discovered that the department’s email address received communications on April 18, 2023, and April 20, 2023, appearing to originate from the authentic email account of the Embassy from Tajikistan (In Ukraine).

Weaponized DOCX File

Suspected to be a result of the compromised state of the embassy, these emails comprised an attachment in the form of a document that contained a macro in the initial case while referring to the same document in the later incident.

When the document is downloaded, and its macro is activated, it creates and opens a DOCX file called “SvcRestartTaskLogon” with a macro that generates another file with the “WsSwapAssessmentTask” macro. 

While it also includes a “SoftwareProtectionPlatform” file categorized as HATVIBE, which can load and execute additional files.

During the course of technical investigation, it was documented that on April 25, 2023, supplementary programs were generated on the computer, possibly facilitated by HATVIBE, under uncertain circumstances.

Here below, we have mentioned those additional generated apps:-

  • LOGPIE keylogger
  • CHERRYSPY backdoor

The files are created with Python and secured with PyArmor, while the “pytransform” module, providing encryption and code obfuscation, is further safeguarded with Themida.

The STILLARCH malware is employed for searching and exfiltrating files, including data from the LOGPIE keylogger, with file extensions such as:-

  • .~tmp
  • .doc

Further analysis of infrastructure and associated data determined that the group’s targets include organizations from various countries engaging in espionage activities under the code name UAC-0063, which have been monitored since 2021.

To minimize the vulnerability scope, it is advisable to limit user accounts from executing “mshta.exe,” Windows Script Host (“wscript.exe,” “cscript.exe”), and the Python interpreter, thereby reducing the potential attack surface.

Shut Down Phishing Attacks with Device Posture Security – Download Free E-Book

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

Hundreds of Fortune 500 Companies Have Unknowingly Employed North Korean IT Operatives

North Korean nationals have successfully infiltrated the employee ranks of major global corporations at a…

4 hours ago

Stealthy New NodeJS Backdoor Infects Users Through CAPTCHA Verifications

Security researchers have uncovered a sophisticated malware campaign utilizing fake CAPTCHA verification screens to deploy…

5 hours ago

State-Sponsored Hacktivism on the Rise, Transforming the Cyber Threat Landscape

Global cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, as state-sponsored hacktivism gains traction amid ongoing…

5 hours ago

NVIDIA Riva AI Speech Flaw Let Hackers Gain Unauthorized Access to Abuse GPU Resources & API keys

Researchers have uncovered significant security vulnerabilities in NVIDIA Riva, a breakthrough AI speech technology platform…

5 hours ago

Tsunami Malware Surge: Blending Miners and Credential Stealers in Active Attacks

Security researchers have recently discovered a sophisticated malware operation called the "Tsunami-Framework" that combines credential…

5 hours ago

The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cybersecurity: Threats, Defenses & the Dark Web Insights Report 2025

Check Point Research's latest AI Security Report 2025 reveals a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape where…

6 hours ago