Observed JavaScript-based Malware Activity
Executive Summary
- SGI sensors detected suspicious activity originating from a Google-hosted IP address (34.58.124.191).
- The detected file, identified by its SHA256 hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b), is classified as a low-severity JavaScript-based malware.
- The malware is identified as using a ‘standalone-framework.js,’ suggesting the potential use of a custom or lightweight JavaScript framework for malicious purposes.
- The likely objective is reconnaissance, delivery of malicious content, or exploitation of client-side vulnerabilities.
- The business risk level is considered low, but requires prompt review due to the potential for escalation or lateral movement.
Organizations should enhance JavaScript security measures and monitor for similar activity to prevent potential compromise.
Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)
| ObservedAt | SensorName | SourceIP | SourceASN | SourceGeo | Protocol/Port | PayloadPresence | Hash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-24T07:38:26.979Z | 34.58.124.XXX | AS396982 | US | tcp/ | Yes | 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b |
On October 24, 2025, at 07:38 UTC, an SGI sensor detected activity from IP address 34.58.124.191, originating from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and associated with Google LLC (AS396982). The communication occurred over TCP. The sensor detected a payload containing a file with a SHA256 hash of 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b. Further analysis indicates the presence of a JavaScript-based malware framework.
Malware/Technique Overview
The malware is identified as ‘standalone-framework.js,’ suggesting a custom or lightweight JavaScript framework. Given the nature of JavaScript, it is likely delivered via web-based attack vectors such as:
- Drive-by downloads
- Malicious advertisements
- Compromised websites
Typical targets include web browsers and browser-based applications. Potential objectives include:
- Reconnaissance and data exfiltration
- Client-side exploitation (e.g., XSS)
- Redirection to phishing sites
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping:
- T1189 – Drive-by Compromise
- T1190 – Exploit Public-Facing Application
- T1059.007 – Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript
- T1555 – Credentials from Password Stores
VirusTotal Snapshot
VirusTotal analysis shows that 0 vendors flagged the sample as malicious, while 62 vendors did not detect it. The sample is identified as text with a size of 1 byte. The low reputation score of -575 indicates a history of suspicious or malicious association.
- Malicious: 0
- Undetected: 62
- Harmless: 0
Links:
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
| Type | Value | Confidence | FirstSeen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ip | 34.58.124.XXX | medium | 2025-10-24T07:38:26.979Z | AS396982 Google LLC |
| hash | 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b | high | 2025-10-24T07:38:26.979Z | SHA256 from VirusTotal |
Recommendation: Monitor these IoCs for at least 30 days.
Detection & Hunting
Utilize the following queries to detect potential activity related to this malware:
Splunk SPL
index=* (sha256="01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b" OR src_ip="34.58.124.191")
| table _time, src_ip, dest_ip, file_hash, file_name
Validate true positives by checking for legitimate JavaScript files and network traffic. False positives might occur if the IP is used by a CDN or if the hash collides with a benign file. Examine the surrounding logs for unusual behavior.
Containment, Eradication & Recovery
- Isolate affected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
- Block the identified IP address (34.58.124.191) at the firewall.
- Scan all systems for the presence of the identified file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b).
- If a system is confirmed to be infected, consider reimaging it to ensure complete eradication.
- Reset any potentially compromised credentials.
Inform IT staff and leadership about the incident. Retain relevant logs and system images for potential forensic analysis.
Hardening & Preventive Controls
Prioritize the following controls to prevent similar incidents:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
- Tune Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems to detect suspicious JavaScript activity (NIST CSF: DE.CM-1, CIS Control 10).
- Implement Network Segmentation to limit the blast radius of potential infections (NIST CSF: PR.AC-4, CIS Control 14).
- Enforce Least Privilege principles to minimize the impact of compromised accounts (NIST CSF: PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
- Maintain strict Patch SLAs to address known vulnerabilities promptly (NIST CSF: PR.MA-1, CIS Control 7).
Business Impact & Risk Outlook
The identified malware poses operational, legal, and reputational risks. Operational risks include potential system downtime and data loss. Legal risks arise from potential data breaches and regulatory non-compliance. Reputational risks stem from negative publicity and loss of customer trust.
Expect an increase in JavaScript-based malware targeting client-side vulnerabilities in the next 3-6 months, especially via supply chain compromises of popular libraries and frameworks.
Appendix
Assumptions & Data Gaps:
- Sensor name is unavailable.
- Payload sample is unavailable.
- Specific network port is unavailable.
References:
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