Ukraine’s Defense Forces Targeted by Dark Crystal RAT: New Cyber Espionage Campaign Unveiled

In recent developments, the Ukrainian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-UA) has uncovered a new and sophisticated cyber espionage campaign that is specifically targeting employees of the defense-industrial complex and representatives of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The campaign involves the deployment of the Dark Crystal Remote Access Trojan (DCRat), an advanced malware designed for surveillance and information theft. This new threat showcases how cybercriminals and nation-state actors are exploiting vulnerabilities in communication channels to infiltrate sensitive systems and gather intelligence.

Overview of the Dark Crystal RAT Campaign

In March 2025, Ukrainian cybersecurity experts detected a new wave of cyberattacks, with threat actors distributing malicious files through the popular encrypted messaging platform, Signal. The attackers used archived messages to distribute a deceptive PDF report alongside DarkTortilla malware, which functions as a launcher for the Dark Crystal RAT. These decoy messages were designed to increase their credibility, coming from compromised contacts to enhance trust among the recipients.

The fake PDF documents, seemingly legitimate, contain a hidden executable file classified as DarkTortilla. This file functions as a cryptor/loader tool that decrypts and launches the Dark Crystal RAT, a highly effective remote control software designed to monitor and manipulate infected systems.

As detailed in CERT-UA’s report, the malware campaign is linked to the UAC-0200 threat actor group, which has been under surveillance since mid-2024. The group’s recent attacks, beginning in February 2025, have focused on sensitive topics like UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and electronic warfare, which are of high strategic interest to Ukraine’s defense operations. The widespread use of instant messaging applications on both mobile and desktop devices has further expanded the attack surface, making it easier for cybercriminals to bypass security measures and gain access to confidential information.

Dark Crystal RAT, first discovered in 2018 and later redesigned in 2019, remains a formidable tool in the hands of cyber attackers. Written in .NET, it boasts a modular architecture, allowing affiliates to develop custom plugins using a tool called DCRat Studio. This flexibility makes it capable of carrying out a wide range of malicious activities, from surveillance and reconnaissance to executing DDoS attacks and stealing sensitive data.

Key Features of the Dark Crystal RAT

DCRat consists of three primary components that enable its extensive capabilities. Its modular design allows for customizations to suit the specific objectives of the attacker, whether it’s for espionage, cyber sabotage, or stealing vital information. Furthermore, its use of trusted channels, like Signal, has made detection and prevention efforts more challenging.

CERT-UA first issued warnings about the Dark Crystal RAT in 2022 when the malware was used in a campaign targeting Ukrainian telecommunications operators. The attackers employed similar tactics, sending phishing emails containing password-protected attachments. These attachments, once opened, triggered a malicious PowerShell script that would download and activate the Dark Crystal RAT.

What Undercode Says:

This latest campaign marks an increasingly sophisticated and targeted approach to cyber espionage, especially against defense-related entities. By leveraging encrypted communication platforms like Signal, the attackers are bypassing traditional security defenses, which typically focus on emails or unencrypted messaging systems. The use of trusted contacts—especially those compromised by previous attacks—adds another layer of deception, making it more difficult for users to detect the malicious nature of the files they are receiving.

From a broader perspective, this attack highlights the ongoing risk posed by modular malware like DCRat. Its ability to evolve and adapt to different environments makes it a versatile and persistent threat. The fact that DCRat’s components can be updated or altered to suit the needs of the attackers suggests that cyber defense mechanisms will need to evolve at a similar pace to combat such threats.

The long-term implications for Ukraine’s defense sector are significant. With these kinds of cyberattacks becoming more targeted and personalized, the cost of inaction could be high, especially in a high-stakes geopolitical situation where intelligence gathering and the integrity of communications play a vital role in national security. The evolving nature of these cyberattacks could also indicate that adversarial actors are ramping up efforts to infiltrate key systems and disrupt Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Furthermore, the attack reflects the broader trend of increasing use of malware and cyber tools for espionage and information warfare. The success of these campaigns depends on the exploitation of human trust and technical vulnerabilities, underlining the need for constant vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures.

Fact Checker Results:

CERT-UA’s report matches up with previous intelligence regarding the UAC-0200 group’s activity, reinforcing the credibility of the information.
The use of Signal for distributing the malicious payload aligns with the increasing trend of cybercriminals using encrypted communication tools to evade detection.
The persistence and adaptability of DCRat in evolving its capabilities confirm its significant threat potential, as seen in past campaigns and recent developments.

References:

Reported By: https://securityaffairs.com/175642/hacking/cert-ua-warns-ukrainian-defense-industry-dark-crystal-rat.html
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