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Introduction
In recent cybersecurity developments, Russian organizations have been facing a growing threat from a sophisticated phishing campaign designed to distribute a malicious malware known as PureRAT. First identified by Kaspersky, the attack began in March 2023, but its severity has increased dramatically, with the number of attacks in early 2025 surpassing that of the same period in 2024 by four times. This article breaks down the inner workings of the campaign, the dangers posed by PureRAT, and what businesses need to be aware of to protect themselves from such attacks.
the Phishing Campaign and PureRAT Malware
The campaign, which primarily targets Russian businesses, begins with a phishing email containing either a RAR file attachment or a link to an archive disguised as a legitimate Microsoft Word or PDF document. These files exploit a technique known as double extensions (e.g., “doc_054_[redacted].pdf.rar”) to trick victims into opening them. Once launched, the malware extracts an executable file, which copies itself to the “%AppData%” directory of the victim’s machine under the name “task.exe.”
This executable then proceeds to deploy several malicious modules, including “ckcfb.exe,” which unpacks a DLL file called “Spydgozoi.dll.” This file contains the core payload of the PureRAT malware. Upon successful installation, PureRAT connects to a command-and-control (C2) server to relay system information and receive further instructions. The server sends a variety of malicious modules to further compromise the system.
Among the most alarming of these modules is PluginPcOption, which allows attackers to delete files or restart the system, and PluginWindowNotify, which can monitor active windows for sensitive information like passwords or bank details. PureRAT also contains a clipper malware function that swaps cryptocurrency wallet addresses copied to the clipboard with one controlled by the attacker.
In addition to the PureRAT payload, a second downloader called StilKrip.exe is extracted, which has been used in earlier attacks to deliver various malicious payloads. This downloader fetches and installs another malware strain known as PureLogs, an information-stealing tool designed to harvest sensitive data from web browsers, email clients, and other software.
Kaspersky has emphasized that the core goal of these attacks is to provide attackers with full access to the victim’s system, enabling them to steal confidential data, monitor user activity, and gain control over compromised devices. The primary attack vector remains phishing emails with malicious attachments or links.
What Undercode Say:
This surge in cyberattacks highlights the evolving nature of online threats and the increasing sophistication of malware like PureRAT. Cybercriminals have shifted from basic phishing tactics to more complex, multi-stage operations designed to evade detection and maximize the impact of their attacks.
The rise in the volume of these attacks also reflects a broader trend in the cybercriminal ecosystem, where automation and modular malware platforms allow for easier scaling of cyberattacks. The use of a combination of different malware types, such as backdoors (PureRAT), information stealers (PureLogs), and downloaders (StilKrip.exe), demonstrates a highly organized and methodical approach to cybercrime.
PureRAT’s ability to inject itself into critical system processes and use encrypted communication to interact with C2 servers makes it particularly hard to detect and remove. This highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures at the organizational level, including multi-layered protection and continuous monitoring for unusual activity.
The fact that PureRAT is evolving to target sensitive applications such as password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, and VPN services also underlines a growing concern for businesses in the finance, tech, and digital sectors. Cybercriminals are becoming more targeted and sophisticated in their approach, focusing on high-value data and assets that can be monetized or used for espionage.
What’s also concerning is the fact that phishing remains the primary vector for these types of attacks. Even with advanced malware and exploitation techniques, phishing continues to be a highly effective and low-cost method for gaining initial access to corporate systems. Organizations need to prioritize user education and implement technical defenses like email filtering, sandboxing, and advanced threat detection systems to combat this persistent risk.
Furthermore, the fact that PureRAT can remain undetected for extended periods due to its stealthy operations reinforces the importance of continuous system auditing and regular updates to both software and security measures. Organizations should be prepared for long-term engagements with threat actors, especially when dealing with highly persistent malware campaigns like this one.
Fact Checker Results:
Malware Complexity: PureRAT is a multi-functional malware designed to evade detection and give attackers full access to the infected system. ✅
Increased Attack Frequency: The number of attacks has quadrupled in early 2025, showing a significant escalation in malicious activity targeting Russian businesses. 🚨
Main Delivery Vector: Phishing emails continue to be the primary method for distributing the malware, emphasizing the importance of email security. 📧
Prediction:
As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, it’s likely that we will see further evolution in malware like PureRAT. The increasing use of multi-layered attacks combining phishing, backdoor access, and information stealing will likely become more common. Additionally, businesses in Russia and other high-value sectors such as finance, tech, and government may face an uptick in targeted attacks. Organizations must invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure, employee training, and proactive threat hunting to defend against this growing menace. The trend toward more sophisticated phishing and malware delivery mechanisms suggests that manual or traditional detection methods will not be sufficient in the long term.
References:
Reported By: thehackernews.com
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