Executive Summary

• SGI detected a suspicious file transfer from IP address 85.133.216.85, originating from Tehran, Iran.
• The file is identified as a low-severity Javascript framework (standalone-framework.js).
• The potential objective is unknown, but could include reconnaissance, software supply chain compromise, or deployment of malicious scripts.
• Business risk is currently assessed as low, but warrants further investigation due to the origin and file type.
• We anticipate threat actors will continue to leverage seemingly benign frameworks for malicious purposes to evade 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) involving the transfer of a file. The transferred file was identified as a javascript framework. Given the origin and the potential for Javascript frameworks to be exploited, this activity was flagged for further analysis. No specific port was identified in the alert data.

Malware/Technique Overview

The detected malware family is identified as standalone-framework.js, categorized as a low-severity threat. Without further analysis it is difficult to determine the exact function of the malware, but Javascript frameworks are often used for client-side scripting and can be leveraged for various malicious activities, including:

• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Credential harvesting
• Redirection to phishing sites
• Drive-by downloads

Given the limited information, the initial access vector is unknown, but could include 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

VirusTotal analysis indicates the file (SHA256: 01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b) was undetected by all 62 scanners.

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

VirusTotal identified several aliases for the file, including ‘dependency_links.txt’, ‘tests.inc’, ‘__init__.py’, suggesting it might be related to a software project or package.

Links:

• VirusTotal Sample

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Recommendation: Monitor these IoCs for at least 30 days.

Detection & Hunting

Splunk SPL

index=* src_ip=85.133.216.0/24  
| stats count by dest_ip, dest_port
| where count > 100

This query identifies connections from the suspicious IP range. Adjust the `count` threshold based on your network baseline. Investigate any unusual destination IPs or ports.

Elastic/Kibana KQL

source.ip : 85.133.216.0/24

This query identifies all events originating from the specified IP range. Further analysis is required to validate true positives vs. false positives.

Containment, Eradication & Recovery

1. Isolate Affected Systems: Immediately disconnect any systems that communicated with the suspicious IP address from the network.
2. Block the Source IP: Implement firewall rules to block all traffic to and from 85.133.216.85.
3. Scan for the File Hash: Perform a thorough scan of all systems for the file hash (01ba4719c80b6fe911b091a7c05124b64eeece964e09c058ef8f9805daca546b).
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 all accounts that may have been accessed from the compromised systems.

Inform both IT and leadership teams of the incident and planned remediation steps. Preserve all logs and evidence for potential forensic analysis.

Hardening & Preventive Controls

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems and accounts (NIST CSF: PR.AC-1, CIS Control 6).
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Tune EDR solutions 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).
• 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

The potential business impact includes operational disruption, data breach, and reputational damage. While the identified file is currently considered low severity, the origin from a potentially adversarial IP address raises concerns.

Over the next 3-6 months, we anticipate an increase in threat actors using seemingly innocuous Javascript frameworks to deliver malicious payloads, evading traditional signature-based detection methods. Proactive monitoring and behavioral analysis are crucial to mitigate this risk.

Appendix

Assumptions & Data Gaps:

• We assume the provided data is accurate and complete.
• The specific port used for the file transfer was not identified.
• The precise purpose of the standalone-framework.js file is unknown without further reverse engineering.

References:

• VirusTotal Sample

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