The Register: Sneaky Serpentine#Cloud slithers through Cloudflare tunnels to inject orgs with Python-based malware

Jun 19, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/19/sneaky_serpentinecloud_slithers_through_cloudflare/
Source: The Register
Title: Sneaky Serpentine#Cloud slithers through Cloudflare tunnels to inject orgs with Python-based malware

Feedly Summary: Phishing, Python and RATs, oh my
A sneaky malware campaign slithers through Cloudflare tunnel subdomains to execute in-memory malicious code and give unknown attackers long-term access to pwned machines.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses a malware campaign utilizing phishing, Python, and Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that exploits vulnerabilities in Cloudflare subdomains, enabling attackers to execute code and maintain long-term access to compromised systems. This is highly relevant for professionals in cloud and information security, particularly regarding understanding emerging threats and defense strategies.

Detailed Description: The text highlights a concerning trend in cyber threats that leverages a combination of social engineering (phishing) and technical exploits (Python scripts and RATs) to infiltrate systems. The significance of this issue is multifaceted:

– **Phishing Techniques**: This campaign employs phishing to lure victims, which remains one of the most effective tactics for initial system compromise.

– **Python Utilization**: The use of a popular programming language (Python) indicates that the malware may be easily customizable and deployable, expanding the potential impact and proliferation of this threat.

– **RATs (Remote Access Trojans)**: These tools are used to gain unauthorized access to target machines, allowing attackers prolonged control over compromised systems.

– **In-memory Execution**: By executing malicious code in-memory, the malware avoids traditional detection methods, as it does not necessarily write files to disk, making it harder for traditional antivirus programs to identify and respond to the threat.

– **Cloudflare Tunnel Subdomains**: The exploitation of Cloudflare’s infrastructure points to a need for heightened vigilance and security measures around such third-party services, as they can be vectors for more sophisticated attacks.

– **Long-term Access**: Gaining long-term access means attackers can maintain a persistent threat on the victims’ systems, which can lead to further infiltration and data exfiltration.

– **Implications for Security Practices**: Organizations must reinforce their security awareness training to mitigate phishing risks and enhance monitoring capabilities to detect irregular account behavior or unauthorized access attempts.

This analysis emphasizes the growing complexity of cyber threats that leverage known services and programming tools to avoid detection, highlighting the need for ongoing adaptation in security strategies among professionals in the field.

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