Security researchers have discovered a malware-distribution service hackers use to deliver a multitude of ransomware threats to victims.
Researchers at Group-IB first observed the service in the spring of 2021. An unusual pattern of a downloader's distribution, previously described by researchers at Unit 42 and McAfee, unearthed a new technique designed to hide documents containing malicious links from web scanners' radars.
Group-IB’s researchers found a similar pattern also helps distribute malware, such as Campo Loader, IcedID, QBot, SocGholish, and Buer Loader. They then discovered at least 3,000 targets of separate malware campaigns using the same scheme.
Further analysis established the two most active campaigns. The first campaign targeted individuals in Belgium, and the second one aimed for companies, corporations, universities, and government organizations in the US.
Researchers said they have handed over evidence of identified Prometheus TDS targets and affected companies to the US, German, and Belgian CERTs.
Researchers concluded hackers carried out these campaigns using the same malware-as-a-service solution. Researchers then found a sale notice for a service designed to distribute malicious files and redirect users to phishing and malicious sites on the dark web. This service is named Prometheus TDS (Traffic Direction System).
The Prometheus TDS service distributes malicious files and redirects visitors to phishing and malicious sites. It has an administrative panel, where an attacker configures the necessary parameters for a malicious campaign: downloading malicious files and configuring restrictions on users' geolocation, browser version, and operating system.
RELATED RESOURCE
How to reduce the risk of phishing and ransomware
Top security concerns and tips for mitigation
“To prevent victims of malicious campaigns from interacting with the administrative panel directly, which may result in the attacker's server being disclosed and blocked, Prometheus TDS uses third-party infected websites that act as a middleman between the attacker's administrative panel and the user,” said researchers.
The service has operated since August 2020 and costs hackers $250 per month.
“The owner of the service claimed that Prometheus TDS is an ANTIBOT redirect system designed to send out emails, work with traffic, and for social engineering. In addition, Prometheus TDS can validate web shells, create and configure redirects, operate via proxy, and work with Google accounts, etc.,” said researchers.
Moreover, the system can validate users based on a blacklist, making it possible for malicious links to avoid being added to antivirus and spam databases.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
‘Phishing kits are a force multiplier': Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25 – and experts warn it’s lowering the barrier of entry for amateur hackers
News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
Healthcare systems are rife with exploits — and ransomware gangs have noticedNews Nearly nine-in-ten healthcare organizations have medical devices that are vulnerable to exploits, and ransomware groups are taking notice.
-
Alleged LockBit developer extradited to the USNews A Russian-Israeli man has been extradited to the US amid accusations of being a key LockBit ransomware developer.
-
February was the worst month on record for ransomware attacks – and one threat group had a field dayNews February 2025 was the worst month on record for the number of ransomware attacks, according to new research from Bitdefender.
-
CISA issues warning over Medusa ransomware after 300 victims from critical sectors impactedNews The Medusa ransomware as a Service operation compromised twice as many organizations at the start of 2025 compared to 2024
-
Warning issued over prolific 'Ghost' ransomware groupNews The Ghost ransomware group is known to act fast and exploit vulnerabilities in public-facing appliances
-
The Zservers takedown is another big win for law enforcementNews LockBit has been dealt another blow by law enforcement after Dutch police took 127 of its servers offline
-
There’s a new ransomware player on the scene: the ‘BlackLock’ group has become one of the most prolific operators in the cyber crime industry – and researchers warn it’s only going to get worse for potential victimsNews Security experts have warned the BlackLock group could become the most active ransomware operator in 2025
