Executive Summary

• SGI sensors detected a low-severity malware family identified as standalone-framework.js.
• The activity originated from an IP address in Brazil (177.182.181.8).
• Analysis suggests potential tampering with file properties, though the exact objective remains unclear.
• The business risk is currently assessed as low, but requires monitoring due to potential for escalated attacks.
• Organizations should enhance monitoring for unusual file modifications and network traffic originating from suspicious regions.

We anticipate seeing similar, low-severity probes used as reconnaissance ahead of more significant attacks.

Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)

On October 4th, 2025, SGI sensors detected network activity from IP address 177.182.181.8, originating from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The ASN associated with this IP is AS28573 (Claro NXT Telecomunicacoes Ltda). The detected traffic was TCP-based. While the complete payload was not captured, the SHA256 hash 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b was identified and linked to the standalone-framework.js malware family. The absence of a captured payload suggests a reconnaissance attempt or an incomplete transmission.

Malware/Technique Overview

The standalone-framework.js malware family is typically associated with malicious JavaScript code designed to manipulate file properties or inject malicious content into existing files. While its initial access vector can vary, common methods include:

• Compromised websites (drive-by downloads)
• Phishing emails with malicious attachments
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications

Typical targets are web servers, content management systems (CMS), and potentially client-side browsers. The intent is often to:

• Deface websites
• Steal sensitive information (credentials, session tokens)
• Redirect traffic to malicious sites
• Establish a persistent backdoor

MITRE ATT&CK Mapping:

• T1059.007 – Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript
• T1189 – Drive-by Compromise
• T1566 – Phishing
• T1190 – Exploit Public-Facing Application

VirusTotal Snapshot

VirusTotal analysis of the identified hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b) shows:

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

The file is categorized as “Text” with low reputation. The high number of undetected results suggests this is a relatively new or obfuscated variant.

VirusTotal aliases include a variety of seemingly innocuous filenames and terms, indicating potential attempts to disguise the true nature of the file.

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Recommendation: Monitor these IoCs for at least 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk

index=* sourcetype=network_traffic dest_ip=177.182.181.0/24
| stats count by dest_port, protocol
| where count > 100 // Adjust threshold as needed

This query searches for network traffic to the identified IP range and aggregates by destination port and protocol. A high count of connections to specific ports could indicate suspicious activity. Validate by checking for legitimate services running on those ports.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate: Immediately isolate any affected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
2. Block: Block the identified IP address (177.182.181.8) at the firewall to prevent further communication.
3. Scan: Perform a full system scan with updated antivirus and anti-malware software on potentially affected systems.
4. Reimage: If malware is confirmed, consider reimaging the affected systems to ensure complete eradication.
5. Reset Credentials: Reset passwords for all user accounts that may have been compromised.

Ensure clear communication between IT, leadership, and relevant stakeholders regarding the incident and recovery process. Preserve any potential evidence for forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems and accounts (NIST CSF PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Fine-tune EDR solutions to detect and block malicious JavaScript execution (NIST CSF DE.CM-7, CIS Control 10).
3. Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit the lateral movement of attackers (NIST CSF PR.AC-4, CIS Control 14).
4. Least Privilege: Enforce the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of compromised accounts (NIST CSF PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
5. Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management process with SLAs for critical vulnerabilities (NIST CSF ID.AM-4, CIS Control 7).

Business Impact & Risk Outlook

The detection of standalone-framework.js poses a low-level risk, primarily related to potential website defacement or minor data breaches. However, the activity could escalate if the attackers gain a foothold and move laterally within the network. Potential business impacts include:

• Operational disruption due to website defacement
• Reputational damage from compromised websites
• Legal liabilities if sensitive data is exposed

We anticipate an increase in similar reconnaissance attempts targeting vulnerabilities in web applications and content management systems. Organizations should prioritize vulnerability scanning and patching to mitigate this risk.

Appendix

No payload sample available.

Assumptions & Data Gaps:

• Sensor Name is missing from the input data.
• Network port is missing from the input data.
• The full payload was not captured by the sensors.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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