Executive Summary

• SGI sensors detected a low-severity alert associated with a file hash and a network connection from Indonesia.
• The file, while currently undetected by most AV vendors on VirusTotal, exhibits unusual metadata.
• The likely objective is currently unknown, but requires monitoring due to the unusual file characteristics.
• The business risk level is considered low but warrants further investigation.
• We anticipate seeing more benign files used in conjunction with malicious activities to evade detection in the near future.

Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)

On November 5, 2025, SGI sensors detected network activity originating from IP address 103.179.218.243, associated with ASN AS141596 in Indonesia. A file hash was identified within the network traffic. The observed activity triggered a low-severity alert, prompting further analysis. The file’s presence suggests a potential attempt to deliver or retrieve malicious content, although current VirusTotal results indicate it’s largely undetected.

Malware/Technique Overview

The identified malware family is classified as “standalone-framework.js”. While the specific capabilities are not fully detailed, such frameworks are often used for reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or as part of a larger attack chain. Given the file’s low detection rate and the network connection, it’s possible this file is part of a more sophisticated attack aimed at evading traditional security measures.

• T1071.001 – Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols

VirusTotal Snapshot

VirusTotal analysis shows that the identified file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b) is currently undetected by 61 AV vendors. The file is described as ‘Text’ with a size of 1 byte and a reputation score of -575. This low reputation and undetected status warrants increased scrutiny.

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Recommended retention period for these IoCs: Monitor for 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk SPL

index=* sourcetype=* (103.179.218.0/24 OR 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b)
| table _time, host, source, eventtype, _raw

This query searches for any log events containing the IP address range or the SHA256 hash. Review the results for any unusual patterns or connections to internal systems. Be mindful of potential false positives from legitimate traffic to/from the identified IP range.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate affected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
2. Block the identified IP address (103.179.218.243) at the firewall.
3. Scan all endpoints for the presence of the identified file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b).
4. If malicious activity is confirmed, reimage affected systems to ensure complete eradication.
5. Reset compromised credentials to prevent further unauthorized access.

Ensure IT and leadership are informed of the incident and the containment steps taken. Preserve any relevant evidence for potential forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all critical systems and accounts. (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6)
2. Tune Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems to detect suspicious file executions and network connections. (NIST CSF: DE.CM-1, CIS Control 8)
3. Enforce Network Segmentation to limit the lateral movement of potential threats. (NIST CSF: PR.DS-7, CIS Control 14)
4. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to restrict user access to only necessary resources. (NIST CSF: PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5)
5. Establish and Enforce Patch SLAs to promptly address security vulnerabilities. (NIST CSF: PR.MA-1, CIS Control 7)

Business Impact & Risk Outlook

The potential business impact includes operational disruption, data breach, and reputational damage. While the current detection rate is low, the unusual file metadata and network activity suggest a potential threat. In the next 3-6 months, we anticipate seeing increased use of benign or less-detectable files used in conjunction with malicious scripts to bypass security controls. Vigilance and proactive threat hunting are crucial.

Appendix

Assumptions & Data Gaps: The sensor name and full payload sample are missing. The exact purpose and function of the ‘standalone-framework.js’ malware are not fully known.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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