CyberWire Daily

The return of a malware menace. [Research Saturday]

Mar 2, 2024

Exploring the disappearance and return of the Bumblebee malware, its role as a downloader for cybercriminals, unique malware campaigns utilizing fake voicemail links, evolving tactics of cybercriminals, and the importance of user education in reducing cyber threats.

21:08

Creator website

Episode guests

Selena Larson

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Bumblebee malware resurfaces after absence, reflecting evolving cybercrime tactics.

Recent Bumblebee campaign employs macros in Word docs, indicating a shift in attack methods.

Deep dives

The Resurgence of Bumblebee Malware

Bumblebee, a sophisticated downloader favored by cybercrime groups, reappeared in a new campaign after being dormant for several months. Known for delivering additional payloads like cobalt strike leading to ransomware, Bumblebee was a significant player in the e-crime landscape until it suddenly vanished. Its return marked a shift in tactics, deviating from previous techniques.

Introduction

2min

The Return of Bumblebee Malware

3min

Analysis of a Recent Malware Campaign through Fake Voicemail Ploy

4min

Evolving Tactics of Cybercriminals

6min

Evolving Cyber Threat Tactics and Social Engineering Strategies

5min

This week we are joined by, Selena Larson from Proofpoint, who is discussing their research, "Bumblebee Buzzes Back in Black." Bumblebee is a sophisticated downloader used by multiple cybercriminal threat actors and was a favored payload from its first appearance in March 2022 through October 2023 before disappearing.

After a four month hiatus, Proofpoint researchers found that the downloader returned. Its return aligns with a surge of cybercriminal threat activity after a notable absence of many threat actors and malware.

The research can be found here: