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EdgeStepper-LittleDaemon-SlowStepper software-update malware delivery chain

Malware Activity
First reported
Last updated
Happening score
H score 16
1 unique sources, 1 articles

Summary

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The EdgeStepper malware chain is hijacking software-update traffic to deliver LittleDaemon on Windows, creating a path to deploy SlowStepper on targeted systems. The operation uses compromised routers and malicious DNS redirection to steer update requests to attacker infrastructure. That behavior increases the risk of covert malware installation during routine updates.

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Timeline

  1. 19.11.2025 12:00 2 articles · 6mo ago

    PlushDaemon EdgeStepper software-update hijacking

    Initial Disclosure

    PlushDaemon is hijacking software-update traffic by compromising routers, installing EdgeStepper, and redirecting DNS queries for update domains to malicious infrastructure so Windows victims receive the DLL downloader LittleDaemon, which loads DaemonicLogistics and then SlowStepper. The campaign has targeted individuals and organizations in the United States, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and New Zealand, and telemetry indicates malicious-update abuse since 2019 against electronics manufacturers, universities, and a Japanese automotive manufacturing plant in Cambodia.

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