Chinese-linked groups shared Chrome and Windows exploit kit
At least four cyber-espionage groups, mostly linked to China, used the same exploit kit called BlueMoon to target U.S. defense contractors, Southeast Asian governments, and NGOs from late August into September. The kit exploited recently patched vulnerabilities in both Google Chrome and Microsoft Windows, taking advantage of the delay between a fix’s public release and its arrival to most users. Proofpoint found the exploit code was identical across groups, but each used its own malware.
- At least four groups used the BlueMoon exploit kit
- Most groups have links to Chinese state intelligence
- BlueMoon combined Chrome and Windows security flaws
- Victims included U.S. defense contractors and NGOs
- Patch delays enabled attackers to exploit the vulnerabilities
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