Expanding Threat: DoNot APT Targets European Foreign Ministries with LoptikMod Malware

Introduction

The DoNot APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group, widely believed to be based in India, has ramped up its cyber-espionage activities, recently setting its sights on European foreign ministries. The group, also known as APT-C-35 or Origami Elephant, has been active since 2016 and has primarily targeted government organizations, defense entities, and NGOs, mainly across South Asia and Europe. In this latest campaign, they deployed a sophisticated malware known as LoptikMod, designed to stealthily infiltrate systems and steal sensitive data. This article explores the technical details of the attack, the tools and tactics employed, and the implications for global cybersecurity.

Summary

The DoNot APT group has been conducting targeted cyberattacks using LoptikMod malware, which has been linked to phishing campaigns aimed at European foreign ministries. This group has a long history of espionage activity, particularly focused on governmental and diplomatic entities.

In the most recent incident, cybercriminals sent a spear-phishing email impersonating defense officials, aimed at a European diplomatic organization. The email contained a password-protected RAR file that, when opened, executed LoptikMod malware disguised as a PDF icon. The malware was delivered through an executable file (notflog.exe), designed to deceive users into running it.

Once activated, the malware created a backdoor to maintain long-term access to the compromised system. It communicated with a Command and Control (C2) server, transmitting system information, and allowing the attackers to issue commands, download additional payloads, and exfiltrate data. The malware’s complex obfuscation techniques, such as binary string encoding and runtime API loading, made it difficult to detect using traditional static analysis methods. Additionally, the malware incorporated anti-VM checks to evade detection in virtualized environments commonly used by cybersecurity researchers.

This attack is just one example of the group’s growing espionage efforts, which have been marked by increasingly sophisticated methods and targeted deception tactics. The use of diplomatic themes, such as the “Italian Defence Attaché Visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh,” in the phishing email shows how the attackers are leveraging legitimate geopolitical scenarios to enhance the authenticity of their campaigns.

What Undercode Says:

The sophistication of this attack demonstrates the continued evolution of state-sponsored cyber-espionage operations. DoNot APT’s persistent targeting of government ministries signals a shift in the types of organizations under threat, as foreign affairs entities become high-value targets. The use of LoptikMod malware is particularly concerning due to its stealth, advanced obfuscation, and ability to remain undetected for extended periods.

One of the key tactics used by DoNot APT is the selective obfuscation of critical code sections. By packing only essential portions of the code and utilizing runtime functions like LoadLibrary and GetProcAddress, the attackers are able to avoid static analysis. This highlights the growing trend in malware development, where cybercriminals make significant efforts to create tools that can evade detection by standard security measures.

Additionally, the malware’s ability to establish persistence through scheduled tasks and communicate with the C2 server over HTTPS adds another layer of complexity to the investigation and mitigation efforts. The fact that the C2 server was inactive during the analysis is a common tactic to limit the exposure of the full scope of the attack. By remaining dormant during critical phases of the investigation, the attackers can avoid detection and gain valuable time to expand their operations.

This attack serves as a reminder that state-backed APT groups are becoming more aggressive and sophisticated in their tactics, and organizations need to be more vigilant than ever in their cybersecurity measures. With the increasing frequency of targeted cyber-attacks, especially those involving foreign ministries and high-level diplomatic organizations, it is essential for these entities to adopt a proactive cybersecurity stance to defend against future threats.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ The DoNot APT group has a well-documented history of targeting governmental entities, defense organizations, and NGOs.

✅ LoptikMod malware is a custom Windows-based tool developed by the group for espionage and data theft.

❌ The C2 server was inactive during analysis, preventing a full understanding of the malware’s long-term behavior.

📊 Prediction:

Given the increasing sophistication and persistence of APT groups like DoNot, it is likely that we will see a rise in attacks targeting diplomatic and governmental bodies worldwide. As these entities become prime targets for espionage, it is critical for them to enhance their security protocols, employ advanced detection systems, and train personnel to recognize sophisticated phishing schemes. With the evolving nature of malware and cyber-attacks, a multi-layered defense approach will be necessary to stay ahead of these persistent threats.