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Covert Cyberattack Hijacks WordPress Sites to Infect Windows Systems
A new and highly covert malware campaign has been uncovered, targeting WordPress websites and using advanced evasion techniques to secretly infect visitors’ Windows machines. Security researchers have linked the campaign to a multi-stage infection chain that begins with compromised WordPress servers and ends with a fully functional Remote Access Trojan (RAT) quietly installed on victims’ devices. The key innovation behind this malware lies in its layered approach—using obfuscated PHP scripts, dynamic batch file generation, PowerShell downloads, and registry manipulation to ensure long-term persistence without triggering conventional security alerts.
The attackers start by injecting PHP-based malware into WordPress files—specifically the header.php and man.php files—without raising suspicion. Once embedded, the header.php file acts as a silent dropper that profiles visitors, manages an IP-based blacklist using count.txt, and delivers a custom-built Windows batch script named update.bat. This script is executed through manipulated HTTP headers, effectively bypassing browser and server-level defenses. On the user’s side, the script uses PowerShell to create folders in %APPDATA%, downloads a malicious archive (psps.zip), extracts it, and then launches the payload (client32.exe). It also modifies the Windows registry to ensure the malware runs on every system boot, making removal difficult.
The Windows component of this attack is a Remote Access Trojan designed to establish a covert connection with a command-and-control server at IP address 5.252.178.123 over port 443. Although the internal code of client32.exe wasn’t fully reverse-engineered, its behaviors—such as persistence via registry changes, deletion of forensic evidence, and stealthy network activity—are all hallmarks of sophisticated RATs. Meanwhile, the second PHP script, man.php, offers attackers a way to manage infected hosts by viewing or resetting the IP blacklist and controlling ongoing operations.
This incident reveals how attackers are evolving their tactics to exploit popular platforms like WordPress. The layered delivery mechanism, automated execution, and evasive techniques make it one of the more advanced web-to-system malware campaigns observed recently. Security experts warn that both web administrators and end users need to remain highly alert, recommending real-time malware scanning, strict update hygiene, and secure system configurations to prevent compromise. This campaign is a clear warning that websites, once seen as static entities, are now being weaponized as malware delivery networks by increasingly resourceful threat actors.
What Undercode Say:
Evolution of Threat Vectors in Web Platforms
The discovery of this PHP-based malware campaign is a strong reminder that web platforms, particularly WordPress, are prime real estate for cybercriminals. The platform’s flexibility and extensibility, while beneficial to developers and site owners, also introduce attack surfaces that threat actors are adept at exploiting. In this campaign, the manipulation of core files like header.php signifies that attackers have moved beyond basic injections and are now customizing payloads to blend seamlessly into the system’s normal operation.
From Server to System: A Seamless Infection Chain
The infection chain in this campaign shows exceptional sophistication. It begins with PHP droppers on the server that generate Windows batch scripts on the fly. The use of obfuscated code ensures these scripts evade basic detection tools. What’s more alarming is the attacker’s ability to use HTTP headers to force file execution on the client side—a tactic not commonly seen in WordPress-based attacks. This speaks to a hybrid attack model, one that bridges web application flaws with endpoint compromise techniques.
Advanced Evasion Using IP Logging and PowerShell
By implementing IP-based tracking in count.txt, the attackers limit duplicate infections and avoid alerting admins or researchers monitoring traffic patterns. This also reduces the malware’s exposure window. On the client side, the PowerShell commands used to retrieve and extract the payload are executed silently, showcasing a reliance on built-in Windows tools to bypass third-party security solutions.
Registry Persistence and Anti-Forensic Measures
Once installed, the RAT
Implications for WordPress Security
For WordPress administrators, this incident is a wake-up call. Relying solely on plugins and themes without active security measures is a recipe for compromise. Obfuscated PHP malware can live within theme files or inactive plugins for long periods without triggering alarms. Only robust file integrity monitoring and frequent scans can detect such threats.
Users at the Edge of Compromise
End-users, often the last line of defense, are also at risk. Many assume that visiting a trusted website poses no threat, but this campaign proves otherwise. Malware can now come from legitimate domains unknowingly compromised. The shift in strategy from spam emails to legitimate websites as malware carriers marks a new phase in cyberattacks.
C2 Infrastructure and Geopolitical Implications
The command-and-control server’s IP being hardcoded implies a centralized attack infrastructure. While no direct attribution has been made, campaigns using static C2 channels often point toward organized cybercrime groups or nation-state actors. The use of HTTPS port 443 allows attackers to blend RAT traffic into normal encrypted web communication, making detection even harder.
Defensive Strategies: What Needs to Change
For organizations, traditional antivirus and web filters are no longer enough. Security policies must evolve to include behavior-based detection, endpoint monitoring, and sandboxing suspicious scripts. Website owners should also consider using Content Security Policies (CSP) to reduce the likelihood of malicious script execution.
The Long Game of Persistence
This campaign isn’t about immediate damage but long-term access. Persistent RATs allow attackers to observe user behavior, steal credentials over time, or launch more significant attacks later. It’s a long game designed to maximize the value of each compromised endpoint.
Final Word: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The takeaway is clear: the convergence of web and system-level attacks demands a unified security strategy. Whether you’re managing a WordPress blog or operating enterprise infrastructure, the time to harden your defenses is now.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Confirmed: WordPress header.php and man.php files were used in malware delivery
✅ Verified: Batch script downloads and launches a Windows RAT using PowerShell
✅ Validated: C2 server IP and registry-based persistence methods are in line with standard RAT behavior
📊 Prediction:
Future malware campaigns will likely further blur the line between web and desktop attacks, leveraging popular CMS platforms as launching pads for persistent system infections. Expect increasing use of living-off-the-land techniques like PowerShell and registry manipulation, especially as attackers seek to evade endpoint detection systems. Cybercriminals will continue to prioritize stealth and automation, with web-based malware becoming a primary threat vector in the years ahead. 🔮🛡️
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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