Security Intelligence
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Russian state-sponsored hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear or Midnight Blizzard, has launched a sophisticated phishing campaign targeting European diplomatic entities. The attackers are using deceptive emails that mimic invitations to wine-tasting events, enticing recipients to download a malicious ZIP file named "wine.zip."
This ZIP archive contains a legitimate PowerPoint executable ("wine.exe") and two hidden DLL files. When executed, the setup exploits DLL side-loading to activate a previously unknown malware loader dubbed GRAPELOADER. This loader establishes persistence by modifying the Windows Registry, collects basic system information, and communicates with a command-and-control server to fetch additional malicious payloads.
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GRAPELOADER serves as an initial-stage tool in the attack chain, ultimately leading to the deployment of an updated version of WINELOADER, a modular backdoor used in later stages of the intrusion. The campaign has primarily focused on Ministries of Foreign Affairs and embassies across Europe, with indications that diplomats in the Middle East may also have been targeted.
Source: The Hacker News
Analysis
This campaign is very much in line with APT29’s typical tactics, techniques, and procedures, though it features some refined tools. APT29, a codeword for hackers employed by Russian’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), traditionally focuses on diplomatic and government entities, especially in Europe, so targeting ministries of foreign affairs and embassies is entirely consistent with its historical priorities. Its initial access methods rely heavily on social engineering, and the use of a themed phishing lure — in this case, wine-tasting invitations — fits the pattern of crafting contextually believable bait tailored to high-value targets.
APT29’s use of ZIP archives containing a legitimate-looking executable alongside malicious DLLs is also familiar. In this case, they use a benign PowerPoint binary to side-load a custom malware loader dubbed GRAPELOADER, a technique the group has employed repeatedly. DLL side-loading and registry-based persistence are standard elements of their post-compromise toolkit. Once deployed, GRAPELOADER enables the delivery of additional payloads, including an updated version of the modular backdoor WINELOADER, which further supports long-term access and espionage operations.
While GRAPELOADER appears to be a new addition to their malware arsenal, the overall structure of the campaign — from phishing to payload delivery — closely mirrors past activity. Thematically, the naming convention and lure may even be a nod to their earlier tools, reinforcing the continuity of their operational style. This campaign demonstrates APT29’s ongoing evolution: sticking to proven techniques while introducing incremental updates to their toolset to stay ahead of detection.
Mitigation
Field Effect’s team of Security Intelligence professionals constantly monitors the cyber threat landscape for threats emanating from groups like APT29. This research contributes to the timely deployment of signatures into Field Effect MDR Effect MDR to detect and mitigate the exploitation of potential vulnerabilities. Field Effect MDR users are automatically notified if threat-related activity is detected in their environment and are encouraged to review these Actions-Recommendations-Observations (AROs) as quickly as possible via the Field Effect Portal.
