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PureRAT malware activity in a multi-stage intrusion chain

Malware Activity
First reported
Last updated
Happening score
H score 28
1 unique sources, 1 articles

Summary

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The PureRAT backdoor was deployed as the final stage of a multi-stage intrusion chain, giving operators complete control over compromised hosts and enabling surveillance, persistence, and follow-on modules. The implant used encrypted C2 and in-memory loading to stay hidden while the operator established a durable foothold. The delivery path combined phishing, loaders, and defense-evasion steps before the RAT was activated.

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Timeline

  1. 09.10.2025 17:01 2 articles · 7mo ago

    PureRAT deployment in a multi-stage phishing intrusion chain

    Technical Analysis Update

    A multi-stage intrusion chain culminated in the deployment of the commercial PureRAT backdoor after a phishing-delivered ZIP archive, DLL sideloading, in-memory Python loaders, and Telegram Bot API exfiltration. The later stages shifted into .NET process hollowing with RegAsm.exe, registry persistence under a Windows Update Service run key, defense evasion against AMSI and ETW, and encrypted C2 with TLS pinning tied to the final PureRAT configuration.

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