Kaspersky Details MovieReaper Malware Framework Distributed via Compromised Torrent Trackers
Kaspersky researchers have published a detailed analysis of MovieReaper, a previously unknown modular malware framework distributed through popular torrent trackers under the guise of films, games, and other media.
The campaign began after attackers compromised the itorrents repository in October 2025. Because many torrent sites rely on this repository, malicious files quickly spread to users worldwide, resulting in hundreds of infections across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Instead of the expected media file, victims receive an executable such as the odyssey (2026) [1080p] [webrip] [5.1].exe. The file typically carries a long name and uses the icon of a legitimate application such as the VLC media player to appear trustworthy.
Upon execution, the malware contacts an initial command server to retrieve shellcode. It then queries the Solana blockchain for encoded data stored in a specific account; this data reveals the address of a second command-and-control server. The blockchain-based mechanism is designed to maintain operation even if parts of the infrastructure are blocked.
The second-stage payload bypasses Windows UAC to establish persistence. The final module provides 21 commands that allow remote operators to read, download, list, create, copy, rename, move, delete, and change permissions on files, create symbolic links, and generate image thumbnails for selective exfiltration before full file transfer. Additional modules can be deployed on demand.
Additional findings in the same report
The report also examines attacks by the NightEagle group against Russian corporate infrastructure and the PAYLOAD campaign, which uses Active Directory Group Policy objects to extort victim organizations.
Separate research covered in the publication describes the InjectEave attack that amplifies electromagnetic emissions from wired or wireless headphones to eavesdrop on audio up to 30 meters away, and the DDRop hardware attack that bypasses Intel TDX and AMD SEV-SNP memory protections in virtual machines. A zero-day privilege-escalation flaw in the radio module of Google Pixel smartphones has been patched, and two members of the TeamPCP cybercrime group were arrested in Australia after infiltration by the Google Threat Intelligence Group.
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