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Astaroth adds WhatsApp worm module to spread in Brazil

Malware Activity
First reported
Last updated
Happening score
H score 34
1 unique sources, 1 articles

Summary

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The Astaroth/Guildma banking trojan now uses WhatsApp to spread in Brazil, auto-sending malicious files to victims' contacts and expanding the risk of credential theft. Its new Python worm module harvests contacts, while the banking payload watches for banking-related URLs and steals logins. The infection chain starts with ZIP archives delivered through chat messages and a Visual Basic Script downloader that launches next-stage components.

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Timeline

  1. 08.01.2026 19:10 1 articles · 6mo ago

    Astaroth WhatsApp propagation active in Brazil since September 24, 2025

    Campaign Scope Update

    Astaroth/Guildma activity targeting WhatsApp users in Brazil uses ZIP archives delivered through WhatsApp messages, a downloader script, and an MSI installer to collect WhatsApp user data and spread the trojan in a worm-like manner. The propagation chain includes a Python-based module that harvests contacts and automatically forwards malicious ZIP files, while the banking payload monitors browser activity to steal credentials when banking-related URLs are visited.

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  2. 08.01.2026 19:10 2 articles · 6mo ago

    Acronis discloses Boto Cor-de-Rosa on January 8, 2026

    Initial Disclosure

    Acronis Threat Research Unit discloses the Boto Cor-de-Rosa campaign, describing a WhatsApp-based delivery vector for the Astaroth/Guildma Windows banking trojan in attacks targeting Brazil. The disclosure says the malware retrieves the victim's WhatsApp contact list, automatically sends malicious messages to each contact, and uses a built-in mechanism to track propagation metrics in real time.

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