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Operation HollowQuill: Russian R&D Networks Targeted via Decoy PDFs

· Published 31/03/2025 12:20 · Modified 31/03/2025 15:56

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Essential information

Published
31/03/2025 12:20
Modified
31/03/2025 15:56
Tags
2025-03-31 academic institutions baltic state technical university cobalt strike decoy pdfs defense industry operation hollowquill russian r&d shellcode loader
Related entities
2 observables, 8 techniques (mitre), 1 malware, 5 others

Description

targets Russian research and defense networks, particularly the , using weaponized decoy documents disguised as research invitations. The attack chain involves a malicious RAR file containing a .NET dropper, which deploys a Golang-based and a legitimate OneDrive application. The final payload is a beacon. The campaign focuses on , military and defense industries, aerospace and missile technology, and government-oriented research entities within the Russian Federation. The threat actor employs sophisticated techniques, including anti-analysis measures, APC injection, and infrastructure rotation across multiple ASNs.

External references