When Malware is Digitally Signed by an Anti-Malware Company
In October 2024, a sneaky malware campaign started spreading. The threat actors used a message that looked like it came from the Israeli partner of ESET, a well-known anti-malware company. They targeted Israeli businesses and educational institutions. But here’s the catch: the message didn’t show any signs of having malicious content. Analysts who initially checked out the email thought there was nothing fishy about it. The email warns recipients that their company is being targeted by “state-sponsored threat actors.” It suggests downloading and installing the “ESET Unleashed” app to protect against this threat. The email’s link seems legitimate, pointing to a valid ESET server. The file on the download link contains an executable file (Setup.exe) and four DLL files. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the DLL files are part of ESET’s anti-virus software, but the EXE file is actually a malicious data wiper but it was digitally signed by ESET. This malware has an interesting...
