Executive Summary

• SGI detected a file transfer originating from IP address 85.133.216.85, located in Tehran, Iran.
• The transferred file is a Javascript framework (‘standalone-framework.js’).
• The attacker’s objective is unknown, but could involve reconnaissance or malicious script deployment.
• The business risk is currently low but requires monitoring.
• Expect attackers to increasingly use frameworks to evade traditional detection.

Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)

On August 17, 2025, at 14:57 UTC, SGI sensors detected a TCP connection from 85.133.216.85 (AS211056, Tehran, Iran), and a file was transferred. The file was identified as a Javascript framework. The source IP’s location and the type of file triggered the alert. The specific port used was not identified.

Malware/Technique Overview

The detected malware family is standalone-framework.js, classified as low severity. Javascript frameworks are often used for client-side scripting, and malicious usages can include:

• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Credential harvesting
• Malicious redirects
• Drive-by downloads

The initial access vector is unknown, potentially compromised websites or phishing campaigns.

MITRE ATT&CK Mapping:

• T1555 – Credentials from Password Stores
• T1059.007 – Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript
• T1189 – Drive-by Compromise
• T1204.002 – User Execution: Malicious File

VirusTotal Snapshot

The file (SHA256: 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c058ef8f9805daca546b) was undetected by all 62 antivirus scanners on VirusTotal.

• Malicious: 0
• Undetected: 62
• Harmless: 0

The aliases include ‘dependency_links.txt’, ‘tests.inc’, ‘.rodata.*’ strings, suggesting a possible association with software development or compiled code.

Links:

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Recommendation: Monitor these indicators for at least 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk SPL

index=* src_ip=85.133.216.XXX
| stats count by dest_ip, dest_port, _time
| timechart span=1h count by dest_port

This query charts connections from the suspicious IP address over time, broken down by destination port. This can help identify unusual connection patterns. Adjust the span to suit your needs.

Elastic/Kibana KQL

source.ip : 85.133.216.XXX

This KQL query returns all events with the suspicious IP as the source. Review the events for unusual activity, filtering out false positives.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate Affected Systems: Disconnect any systems that have communicated with the suspicious IP address from the network.
2. Block the IP Address: Implement firewall rules to block all traffic to and from 85.133.216.85.
3. Scan for the File: Perform a thorough scan of all systems for the file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c058ef8f9805daca546b).
4. Reimage Compromised Systems: If the file is found on any systems, reimage them from a known good backup.
5. Reset Credentials: Reset passwords for any accounts that may have been accessed from the compromised systems.

Inform IT and leadership teams. Preserve all logs for forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Tune EDR to detect and block malicious Javascript execution (NIST CSF: DE.CM-7, CIS Control 10).
• Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches (NIST CSF: PR.AC-4, CIS Control 14).
• Principle of Least Privilege: Enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts (NIST CSF: PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
• Patch Management: Maintain a rigorous patch management process with defined SLAs (NIST CSF: ID.AM-2, CIS Control 7).

Business Impact & Risk Outlook

Potential business impacts include operational disruption, data breach, and reputational damage. Although the identified file has a low severity rating and the source IP is concerning.

We anticipate an increase in threat actors using Javascript frameworks to deliver malicious payloads in the near future. Proactive monitoring and threat hunting are essential.

Appendix

Assumptions & Data Gaps:

• We assume the provided data is accurate.
• The specific port used for the file transfer was not identified.
• The precise purpose of the Javascript file is unknown.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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