Observed Network Activity from Vietnam: Analysis of Potential ‘standalone-framework.js’ Malware
Executive Summary
- SGI sensors detected network activity originating from IP address 103.48.84.29, geolocated to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- The activity is associated with a file identified as ‘standalone-framework.js’, potentially malicious based on its naming and context.
- The objective is currently unknown, but possible scenarios include reconnaissance, vulnerability exploitation, or malware delivery.
- The business risk level is considered low at this stage, pending further analysis of the payload and affected systems.
- Organizations should enhance monitoring for similar network patterns and review their JavaScript security posture.
We anticipate an increase in script-based attacks targeting web applications and infrastructure components over the next quarter.
Observed Activity (SGI Sensors)
| ObservedAt | SensorName | SourceIP | SourceASN | SourceGeo | Protocol/Port | PayloadPresence | Hash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-16T08:32:15.938Z | [Redacted] | 103.48.84.XXX | AS131423 | VN | tcp/[Redacted] | Yes | 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b |
On October 16, 2025, SGI sensors detected network traffic originating from 103.48.84.29, an IP address associated with Long Van System Solution JSC in Hanoi, Vietnam. The traffic included a payload, and a corresponding SHA256 hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b) was extracted. The detected activity warrants further investigation due to the potential presence of a malicious JavaScript file.
Malware/Technique Overview
The malware family is identified as ‘standalone-framework.js’. While the specific capabilities are not fully defined, JavaScript-based malware can be used for a variety of malicious activities, including:
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Credential harvesting
- Webpage redirection
- Remote code execution (if vulnerabilities exist)
Given the filename, it’s possible that this script is a custom-built framework designed for specific malicious purposes. Further analysis of the payload is needed to determine its exact functionality.
- T1204 – User Execution
- T1059.007 – Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript
- T1189 – Drive-by Compromise
VirusTotal Snapshot
VirusTotal analysis indicates that the identified hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b) was undetected by most AV vendors (59 undetected, 0 malicious). The file has a VirusTotal reputation score of -575. Aliases for the hash include common file names and extensions, which could be an attempt to disguise malicious intent.
Notable Aliases: dependency_links.txt, aff_c, InfoPlist.strings, .gitignore, py.typed.
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
| Type | Value | Confidence | FirstSeen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP | 103.48.84.XXX | Medium | 2025-10-16T08:32:15.938Z | AS131423 Branch of Long Van System Solution JSC – Hanoi |
| Hash | 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b | High | 2025-10-16T08:32:15.938Z | SHA256 from VirusTotal |
It is recommended to monitor these IoCs for at least 30 days.
Detection & Hunting
Splunk SPL:
index=* (103.48.84.0/24 OR 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b)
| table _time, host, src, dest, _raw
This query searches for network connections to/from the identified IP range or the specific file hash within your Splunk logs. Validate potential hits by examining associated processes and network traffic for suspicious behavior. High false positive rate is possible if the IP is used by legitimate services; prioritize hits involving unusual ports or user agents.
Containment, Eradication & Recovery
- Isolate affected systems from the network to prevent further spread.
- Block the identified IP address (103.48.84.29) at the firewall level.
- Scan all systems for the presence of the identified file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b).
- Reimage any compromised systems to ensure complete eradication of the malware.
- Reset user credentials on potentially affected systems to prevent unauthorized access.
Ensure that IT and leadership are informed of the incident and the steps taken. Preserve any evidence for forensic analysis.
Hardening & Preventive Controls
- Implement 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 execution (NIST CSF DE.CM-7, CIS Control 10).
- Enforce Least Privilege principles to limit the impact of compromised accounts (NIST CSF PR.AC-3, CIS Control 5).
- Patch systems promptly, especially web servers and related components (NIST CSF PR.PT-1, CIS Control 7).
- Network Segmentation can limit lateral movement (CIS Control 4).
Business Impact & Risk Outlook
The potential business impact includes operational disruption due to compromised systems, reputational damage if sensitive data is exposed, and potential legal liabilities depending on the nature of the data involved. We anticipate an increase in sophisticated JavaScript-based attacks targeting web applications and browser extensions over the next 3-6 months. Organizations should invest in robust web application firewalls (WAFs) and browser security tools.
Appendix
Assumptions & Data Gaps:
- We assume the provided VirusTotal data is accurate and up-to-date.
- We lack the full payload of the ‘standalone-framework.js’ file for comprehensive analysis.
- The exact purpose and targets of the malware are currently unknown.
References:
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