Published on: 2025-04-11

Intelligence Report: Gamaredon targeted the military mission of a Western country based in Ukraine – Securityaffairs.com

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

The Russia-linked APT group Gamaredon has launched a sophisticated cyber campaign targeting a Western military mission in Ukraine. The campaign, which began in February 2025, utilized an updated version of the GammaSteel infostealer and employed infected removable drives as the initial attack vector. The attack demonstrated increased sophistication through the use of PowerShell-based tools and multiple exfiltration methods. Immediate action is recommended to enhance cybersecurity measures and monitor for similar threats.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

Gamaredon’s campaign represents a strategic escalation in cyber operations against Western interests in Ukraine. The use of multi-stage, obfuscated attacks indicates a deliberate effort to evade detection and enhance persistence. The shift from VBS to PowerShell-based tools, along with the use of legitimate web services for exfiltration, highlights an adaptive approach to cyber warfare. The campaign’s reliance on infected removable drives suggests a targeted approach, likely exploiting physical access or insider threats.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The campaign poses significant risks to national security, particularly for Western military operations in Ukraine. The potential for data exfiltration and system compromise could undermine military effectiveness and strategic planning. Regionally, the campaign may exacerbate tensions between Russia and Western nations, potentially destabilizing Eastern Europe. Economically, the increased threat of cyberattacks could impact investments and operations in the region.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Enhance cybersecurity protocols for military and governmental networks, focusing on removable media controls and PowerShell activity monitoring.
• Implement regular security training for personnel to recognize and report suspicious activities.
• Strengthen international collaboration for threat intelligence sharing and joint response strategies.

Outlook:

Best-case scenario: Increased cybersecurity measures and international cooperation effectively mitigate the threat, preventing further data breaches and system compromises.
Worst-case scenario: Continued cyberattacks lead to significant data loss and operational disruptions, escalating geopolitical tensions.
Most likely scenario: Ongoing cyber threats persist, requiring sustained vigilance and adaptive security strategies.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report highlights the involvement of Symantec Threat Hunter researchers in identifying and analyzing the campaign. The primary actor, Gamaredon, also known as Shuckworm, Armageddon, Primitive Bear, ACTINIUM, and Callisto, is central to the operation.