TTPwire Vol. 1 · MITRE ATT&CK·Tagged

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Trend Micro Research

PureRAT Campaign Targets Job Seekers, Abuses Foxit PDF Reader for DLL Side-loading

Raymart Yambot · 2025-12-03 · Read original ↗

ATT&CK techniques detected

7 predictions
T1059.006Python
99%
“environment hidden within the document. pdf file. this method ensures that the python script can be executed on the target system even if python is not pre - installed, leveraging the document. bat script to automate the process. such tactics demonstrate the attackers ' ingenuity…”
T1204.002Malicious File
74%
“a controlled way to load malicious code. for example, the file analyzed in this article is compensation _ benefits _ commission. exe, still named with a recruitment - related bait. this executable also uses the foxit logo as its icon to look more convincing. upon seeing the foxit…”
T1566.002Spearphishing Link
73%
“hunting queries, threat insights, and intelligence reports to better understand and proactively defend against this campaign. update on december 12, 2025, 7 : 30 am utc : we initially attributed the findings in this report to valleyrat based on the preliminary indicators observed…”
T1204.002Malicious File
71%
“purerat campaign targets job seekers, abuses foxit pdf reader for dll side - loading malware purerat campaign targets job seekers, abuses foxit pdf reader for dll side - loading job seekers looking out for opportunities might instead find their personal devices compromised, as a …”
T1204.002Malicious File
61%
“. exe disguised as a document, loading a malicious msimg32. dll, and ending with purerat, stitched together by dll side - loading, script executions, and. net reflection loading. besides foxitpdfreader. exe, the archive file contains a malicious hidden msimg32. dll, along with ot…”
T1566.001Spearphishing Attachment
56%
“##ersonates popular travel booking websites, purerat actors now appear to be going after jobseekers in general as well, as evidenced by filename of attachments from emails. because job seekers constantly watch out for new opportunities, they might download attachments quickly and…”
T1204.002Malicious File
39%
“##ersonates popular travel booking websites, purerat actors now appear to be going after jobseekers in general as well, as evidenced by filename of attachments from emails. because job seekers constantly watch out for new opportunities, they might download attachments quickly and…”

Summary

Job seekers looking out for opportunities might instead find their personal devices compromised, as a PureRAT campaign propagated through email leverages Foxit PDF Reader for concealment and DLL side-loading for initial entry.