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The Rare Werewolf APT group, also known as Librarian Ghouls and Rezet, has been actively targeting Russian enterprises and engineering schools since at least 2019, with activity continuing through May 2025. This advanced persistent threat group distinguishes itself by primarily utilizing legitimate third-party software instead of developing its own malicious tools. The attacks are characterized by the use of command files and PowerShell scripts to establish remote access to compromised systems, steal credentials, and deploy the XMRig cryptocurrency miner. The campaign has impacted hundreds of Russian users, with additional infections reported in Belarus and Kazakhstan.
The group's initial infection vector typically involves targeted phishing emails containing password-protected archives with executable files disguised as official documents or payment orders. Once the victim opens the attachment, the attackers deploy a legitimate tool called 4t Tray Minimizer to obscure their presence on the compromised system. They also use tools like Defender Control to disable antivirus software and Blat, a legitimate utility, to send stolen data via SMTP. The attackers actively refine their tactics and a new wave of attacks emerged immediately after a slight decline in December 2024.
A key aspect of the Rare Werewolf APT's strategy involves the use of a Windows batch script that launches a PowerShell script, scheduling the victim system to wake up at 1 AM local time and providing a four-hour window for remote access via AnyDesk. The machine is then shut down at 5 AM through a scheduled task, minimizing the chance of detection. The attackers also collect information about available CPU cores and GPUs to optimally configure the crypto miner. Besides cryptomining, the group has also been known to steal sensitive documents, passwords, and compromise Telegram accounts.
ImgSrc: blogger.googleu
References :
The group's initial infection vector typically involves targeted phishing emails containing password-protected archives with executable files disguised as official documents or payment orders. Once the victim opens the attachment, the attackers deploy a legitimate tool called 4t Tray Minimizer to obscure their presence on the compromised system. They also use tools like Defender Control to disable antivirus software and Blat, a legitimate utility, to send stolen data via SMTP. The attackers actively refine their tactics and a new wave of attacks emerged immediately after a slight decline in December 2024.
A key aspect of the Rare Werewolf APT's strategy involves the use of a Windows batch script that launches a PowerShell script, scheduling the victim system to wake up at 1 AM local time and providing a four-hour window for remote access via AnyDesk. The machine is then shut down at 5 AM through a scheduled task, minimizing the chance of detection. The attackers also collect information about available CPU cores and GPUs to optimally configure the crypto miner. Besides cryptomining, the group has also been known to steal sensitive documents, passwords, and compromise Telegram accounts.
ImgSrc: blogger.googleu
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References :
- The Hacker News: Research focusing on the group's methods, including its use of legitimate software.
- therecord.media: Report of the malicious campaign targeting Russian enterprises.
Classification:
- HashTags: #Cybersecurity #APT #Malware
- Target: Russian Enterprises
- Attacker: Rare Werewolf
- Malware: Rare Werewolf Malware
- Type: Hack
- Severity: Major