Malware-as-a-Service

QuimaRAT is a cross-platform, Java-based remote access trojan sold as a malware-as-a-service subscription on the dark web. It targets Windows, macOS, and Linux systems by embedding JNA native libraries for multiple architectures within a JAR archive built for Java SE 8. The RAT decrypts an internal configuration file using repeating-key XOR, performs anti-analysis and virtualization checks, establishes persistence via OS-specific mechanisms, and maintains resilient C2 communication through HANDSHAKE and HEARTBEAT protocols. With 23 implemented commands and 212 protocol-only commands, the platform is highly extensible through runtime modules and fileless payloads.

Proofpoint and IBM X-Force collaborated with Europol and Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit to disrupt the StealC malware-as-a-service ecosystem as part of Operation Endgame, seizing 66 domains, 296 servers, and over 25.6 million stolen credentials. Researchers discovered a directory traversal vulnerability in the StealC PHP C2 panel's filename handling during ZIP extraction, which was exploited by law enforcement to access and seize C2 servers. The teams also built a StealC bot emulator to track affiliate infrastructure and observe payload delivery chains, revealing StealC's loader functionality distributing a broad range of secondary malware including ransomware, RATs, and additional stealers.

2026-07-0112 minMicrosofthigh

StealC is a C++ malware-as-a-service infostealer that harvests credentials, cookies, and session tokens from browsers, email clients, crypto wallets, and gaming platforms, using APC injection to bypass Chromium App-Bound Encryption. Amadey is a modular MaaS loader that delivers StealC and other payloads through a rich backdoor command set including process injection, SOCKS proxying, RDP enablement, and hidden admin account creation. Microsoft DCU disrupted over 200 C2 domains and IPs associated with both threats in a coordinated action with Europol on June 24, 2026.

2026-07-0116 minESEThigh

ESET Research contributed to Operation Endgame, a coordinated global disruption targeting the Amadey botnet and Stealc infostealer MaaS ecosystems. The operation seized or rendered inoperative approximately 50 domains and nearly 200 active IP-based C&C servers. ESET provided technical analysis, C&C server lists, RC4 encryption keys, campaign/build identifiers, and clustering methodology based on long-term tracking of both malware families. The fragmented, affiliate-operated infrastructure model used by both services required advanced graph-based clustering of RC4 keys, build IDs, and C&C URL paths to identify high-priority targets for disruption.

2026-06-167 minSekoia.iohigh

ErrTraffic is a Malware-as-a-Service framework that compromises WordPress sites and uses malvertising to deliver ClickFix social engineering lures. It leverages EtherHiding via Polygon smart contracts to dynamically resolve C2 infrastructure and distribute infostealers, RATs, and loaders.

Threat actors are leveraging short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to conduct social engineering campaigns. By posting fake tutorials for premium software and manipulating engagement algorithms, attackers trick users into executing malicious PowerShell commands that deploy Vidarstealer or direct them to fraudulent survey websites.

2026-05-196 minTrend Microhigh

Trend Micro MDR analyzed Banana RAT, a sophisticated banking trojan operated by SHADOW-WATER-063 targeting Brazilian financial institutions. The malware utilizes a server-side polymorphic build pipeline to deliver unique, AES-encrypted PowerShell payloads that execute filelessly in memory. Once active, it enables operator-driven fraud through remote input control, keylogging, deceptive banking overlays, and a specialized Pix QR code interception subsystem.

2026-05-197 minCisco Taloshigh

Cisco Talos has identified a commodity BadIIS malware ecosystem operating under a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, primarily used by Chinese-speaking threat actors for SEO fraud and traffic manipulation. The developer, known as 'lwxat', provides a dedicated builder and sophisticated service-based installers that ensure persistence on compromised Windows IIS servers while evading detection through custom Base64 encoding and service impersonation.

2026-05-1313 minSockethigh

A coordinated campaign of 108 malicious Chrome extensions has been discovered stealing Telegram sessions, harvesting Google OAuth identities, and deploying universal backdoors. Operating as a Malware-as-a-Service platform via shared C2 infrastructure, the extensions bypass security headers and inject arbitrary content while masquerading as legitimate tools and games.

2026-05-136 minInfobloxhigh

An Android banking trojan is being distributed globally as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) from scam centers in Cambodia, utilizing forced labor to conduct social engineering campaigns. The malware features extensive surveillance capabilities, including SMS interception and biometric capture, allowing attackers to bypass KYC and OTP protections to commit direct financial fraud.

2026-05-134 minRecorded Futurehigh

The payment fraud ecosystem has industrialized through Malware-as-a-Service e-skimmer kits, automated card testing, and scalable purchase scams. This standardization allows defenders to proactively detect and map fraudulent infrastructure upstream before monetization occurs, rather than relying solely on reactive transaction monitoring.

2026-05-134 minRecorded Futurehigh

In 2025, Insikt Group observed the continued dominance of Cobalt Strike, AsyncRAT, and infostealers like Vidar, alongside the rise of new offensive tools such as RedGuard, Ligolo, and CastleLoader. The report highlights the critical role of Threat Activity Enablers (TAEs) and the abuse of legitimate infrastructure services, such as CDNs, in sustaining cybercriminal and APT operations.