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URL: SANS Internet Storm Center
You Should Know:
1. Steganography in Cyber Attacks
Steganography is the practice of hiding malicious payloads within seemingly harmless files (images, audio, documents). Attackers use it to bypass detection.
Detecting Steganography in Linux:
Install steghide for analysis sudo apt-get install steghide Extract hidden data from an image steghide extract -sf suspicious_image.jpg Check file metadata with exiftool exiftool suspicious_file.png Use binwalk to inspect embedded files binwalk -e malicious_document.pdf
Windows Command for Detecting Hidden Data:
Use PowerShell to analyze file signatures Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 -Path "C:\Temp\file.jpg" Check for alternate data streams (ADS) Get-Item -Path "file.txt" -Stream<br />
- Malicious Python Packages Acting as C2 via Gmail
Attackers upload fake Python packages to PyPI, which use Gmail as a Command & Control (C2) server.
How to Check Installed Python Packages:
List installed packages pip list Check for suspicious packages pip show <package_name> Scan for known malicious packages with Safety safety check
Mitigation Steps:
- Always verify package sources.
- Use virtual environments:
python -m venv myenv source myenv/bin/activate Linux .\myenv\Scripts\activate Windows
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) Targeting Rent Payments
Attackers impersonate landlords or property managers to redirect payments.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) Targeting Rent Payments
Defensive Measures:
- Email Header Analysis:
Linux: Check email headers grep -i "received:" email.eml Windows: Use Outlook header analyzer
-
Enable DMARC/DKIM/SPF:
Check DNS records for SPF/DKIM dig TXT example.com
What Undercode Say
Steganography remains a critical threat, requiring advanced forensic tools like `binwalk` and steghide. Malicious Python packages highlight supply chain risks—always verify dependencies. BEC scams exploit human trust; technical controls (DMARC) and employee training are essential.
Expected Output:
- Detected hidden payload in `image.jpg` using
steghide. - Identified malicious PyPI package via
safety check. - Validated email authenticity with SPF/DKIM checks.
Prediction
- Increased use of AI-generated steganography (e.g., hidden payloads in AI art).
- More PyPI malware leveraging cloud APIs (Gmail, Slack) for C2.
- BEC scams targeting cryptocurrency transactions via fake wallet addresses.
Relevant URL: SANS Stormcast Archives
References:
Reported By: Johannesullrich Sans – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
