The ASEC analysis team monitors phishing email threats with the ASEC automatic sample analysis system (RAPIT) and honeypot. This post will cover the cases of distribution of phishing emails during the week from January 29th, 2023 to February 4th, 2023 and provide statistical information on each type. Generally, phishing is cited as an attack that leaks users’ login account credentials by disguising as or impersonating an institute, company, or individual through social engineering methods. On a broader note, the act is a technical subterfuge that enables the threat actor to perform attacks such as information leaks, malware distribution, and fraud against various targets. The focus of this post will be on the fact that phishing attacks mainly occur through emails. We will also provide a detailed classification of various attack methods that are based on phishing emails. Furthermore, we will make an effort to minimize user damage by introducing new attack types that have never been found before and emails that require users’ caution, along with their keywords. The phishing emails covered in this post will only be those that have attachments. Emails that have malicious links in the body without attachments will be excluded.
Phishing Emails
During this week, the most prevalent threat type seen in phishing email attachments was Infostealer, taking up 39%. Infostealer includes malware such as AgentTesla and FormBook, and they leak user credentials saved in web browsers, emails, and FTP clients. It was then followed by FakePage, which took up 36%. FakePages are web pages where the threat actor has imitated the screen layout, logo, and font of the real login pages or advertising pages, leading users to enter their account and password information. The input information is sent to the threat actor’s C2 server or used to induce users to access other fake websites. See <FakePage C2> below Aside from these, Downloader (9%), Exploit (4%), Trojan (4%), Worm (4%), Backdoor (2%), and Dropper (1%) types were detected. The threat types using phishing email attachments and their order of prevalence are similar to the order of malware distribution published weekly in the <ASEC Weekly Malware Statistics>.

File Extensions in Phishing Emails
We have identified which file extensions were used by the threats above for the distribution of email attachments. Among the phishing email attachment types, the ONE extension (4%) is notable for its continuous distribution. OneNote is a digital note-taking application developed by Microsoft, which allows users to insert content anywhere on the pages unlike word processing programs. FakePages were distributed with PDF documents or web pages scripts (HTML, SHTML, HTM) that must be executed with a web browser. Other malware, including Infostealer and downloader, came attached to emails with various file extensions including compressed files (GZ, ZIP, RAR, R00, R15, R17), disk image files (IMG), and document files (ONE, XLS, XLSX, PDF). With the exception of FakePages that are distributed through web pages script files (HTML, HTM, SHTML) and PDFs, other malware types were distributed with a variety of file extensions regardless of the threat type.

Cases of Distribution
The following are distribution cases that occurred during the week from January 29th, 2023 to February 4th, 2023. The cases will be classified into fake login pages and malware types, including Infostealer, Downloader, Exploit, and Backdoor. The numbers in email subjects and attachment filenames are unique IDs and may vary depending on the email recipient. Distribution cases with Korean subjects were also found. These are cases that specifically targeted Korean users instead of propagating themselves globally using the identical English subject and text.
Case: FakePage
Email Subject | Attachment |
PO ON/GLKDD 9636228 | POMO9636228.htm |
TAX INVOICE | TAX INVOICE.shtml |
Fwd: Venturx Invoices (urgenly needed) | Invoice-Order#.html |
ORDER.654768976 | PO.654768976.html |
Kookmin Bank | Doc00135_xls .shtml |
Comercial Invoice. | PO.NO.230256789.shtml |
PACKING LIST – SHIPPIING DOCUMENT | Shipping Doc-2023003932.htm |
PACKING LIST – SHIPPIING DOCUMENT | Packing List __ Bill of Lading Copies.htm |
Remittance From MP Hants Ltd to hckim Attached | Remittance For hckim .shtml |
Please Quote Order # 2851 with delivery. | PO_.html |
Order Delivery Confirmation | DOC101.html |
RE: UPDATED STATUS – Invoices for payment | Payment Advice 1901202393820.htm |
[FedEx] Arrival Notice-Original Shipment Document– P/L-B/L2327821366? | Delivery Invoice.Pdf.htm |
[FedEx] Arrival Notice-Original Shipment Document– P/L-B/L2327821366? | Delivery Document_ KR039929203.Pdf.htm |
Comercial Invoice. | PO.NO.230256789.shtml |
TAX RECEIPT FOR JANUARY 2023 | TAX RECEIPT JAN 2023 .html |
*** Kindly Download Your Files via WeTransfer! | Files pdf.html |
EFT Direct Deposit received on Wednesday.18.2023 | EFT_Remmitance#854920_statement.htm |
Important EmailEmail Subject[Korean Air] Entry Conditions and Required Quarantine Documents per Country | Shipment#BL#PDF.html |
gerald.zarate ACCOUNT TERMINATION | Quote.pdf |
Unpaid Invoice 0059012342 DUE | Invoice 0059012342.one |
Notificacion de recepcion de la factura Ref (906189) | 01_365896d-a55z-7lkj-lamshd-36598e32mb0101.pdf |
Notice! Mailbox Deactivation | ***.comUser Contract Policy.htm |
*******@*********.co.kr Documents | Doc_____________*******@*********.co.kr.htm |
Equipment, Materials and Services / HDEC | Request_for_Quotation-10000257259.htm |
Factura enero2023 Ref (857622) | CFEG380213QM5_Factura_B_43609_BA8FE438_D923_4772_BA1_166ED8359417.pdf |
Invoice #0088321 DUE | Invoice88321.one |
Invoice#001191 DUE | Invoice#91.one |
New project estimate request | project SG.REV.OFFER..html |
Unpaid Invoice 0059012342 DUE | Invoice 0059012342.one |
Remittance_Advice_***_-_Payme | 766567.htm. |
PO10116145444 | PO10116145444.html |
Anbei ist Ihre Offizielle Touristik Gewinnbenachrichtigung. MFG, Mark Kruger | A Offizielle Touristik Gewinnbenachrichtigung.pdf |
request for quotation | Quote.pdf |
Llego tu Factura Digital CFE Febrero2023 Ref (886436) | TuCuentaCFE_Feb-2023-43609_BA8FE438_D923_4772_BA1.pdf |
Pay adjustments report | 2023 Salary Increases | message.html |
Important EmailEmail Subject[Korean Air] Entry Conditions and Required Quarantine Documents per Country | Shipment#BL#PDF.html |
Voicemail from Zora Lexie | VM274285124.html |
Fwd: Envio de Factura No. F135 del 31/01/2023 CLIENT – (983831) | CFEG380213QM5_Factura_B_43609_BA8FE438.pdf |
RE: ยืนยันการสั่งซื้อ-INV? | Order Inv.html |
RE: inquiry | Quote_2200001688.img |
REMITTANCE ADVICE | Payment advice.rar |
FW: DEMANDE DE SWIFTS (SWIFT REQUEST) | DEMANDE DE SWIFTS (SWIFT REQUEST),pdf.zip |
Invoice#673763 | Invoice #673763.iso |
FW: RE: RF Quotation | Doc-622.xls |
RFQ-20000 TO 500000 MT/BARELLS TEST by SGS | ***** ******* ********** TENDER PURCHASE.r00 |
Quotation | Quote FCCL-1000000033.img |
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION | Inquiry_specification.img |
confirmaci/datos_banc arios | facturas y datos bancarios.pdf.img |
Re[4]: very beautiful images don’t show | priv_pctrs.jpg.pif |
Re: very nice pictures very important | best_plp.pif |
FW: RE: RF Quotation | Doc-623.xls |
RE: 2nd Remittance // Shipping | INVOICE10321.r17 |
Re: **TOP URGENT** Shipping Documents | Shipping Doc.r15 |
Re: Sales contract SC-22-00005 | SC-22-00005_PDF.zip |
RE:BALANCE REMITTANCE | TR0009.r00 |
DHL Express_AWB: 80258723268765 | AWB 80258723268765.tar |
Re[5]: very nice pics only for you | wild-pctrs.pif |
FW: Payment Advice | Payment Copy,pdf.zip |
MONEY REQUIRE | TReftt1272023-pdf.gz |
Unpaid Invoice 0059012342 DUE | Invoice 0059012342.one |
Payment Advice – Ref: [HSBC1057029141] /RFQ Priority Payment / Customer Ref: [PI10771QT90] | HSBC Payment Advice_pdf.gz |
PTZ| Materials & Contracts //TENDER_Mechanical Bulk Materials | PTZ Materials & Contracts tender documents electronic.r00 |
RE: SWIFT DETAILS- TT DETAILS-BANK TRANSFER | SWIFT COPY.r00 |
RE: Request for quote | PO.zip |
30 % advance order | PO023010.zip |
Approved Purchase Order | Approved Purchase Order,pdf.rar |
TR: DEMANDE DE SWIFTS (SWIFT REQUEST) | DEMANDE DE SWIFTS (SWIFT REQUEST),pdf.rar |
Entrega a pedido de DHL | Documentos.xlsx |
Shipping Documents for first order Inv Bl PL | Shipping Documents for first order Inv Bl PL.zip |
Re: RETURN PAYMENT TT | TTRT0124013-pdf.gz |
beautiful picture | privateplp.exe |
Case: Malware (Infostealer, Downloader, etc.)
Email Subject | Attachment |
Re: Inquiry | Product list.zip |
Re: PURCHASE ORDER | ORDER00388737838.PDF.XXE |
FT PHAGOCLEN (RFQ:#2020-2022 Re-Order) | FT PHAGOCLEN INV#2020-2022.r00 |
order | 27012023164648-0001.IMG |
RE: PROPUESTA PEDIDO | new order.doc |
RE, Payment-Advice: Ref743009 | Payment TT.rar |
PO for Acknowledgement | PO-FSSC-22-0102-R02.gz |
Payment Request | Payment Request-pdf.gz |
SOA – NWS SHIPPING – CP WORLD MAURITIUS – REMITTANCE SLIP. | 80893_payslip.docx |
RE: OUTSTANDING PI// SOA | PI.r17 |
RE: Documentacion para alta como proveedor | Inv_02_02_#4.zip |
RE: Request for quote | PO.r00 |
NEW PO | NEW PURCHASE ORDER #4312652902.gz |
FW: Technical Clarification No: 1 | TC 1 AHTSA 1093 1094 RO.pdf.gz |
ENERCOV 2023 RFQ (PO 2302051) | ENERCOV 2023 RFQ (PO 2302051).r01 |
payment | 2023 Swift MT03pdf 00003747727369.r00 |
[FedEx] Notice on Import License | New order & Specifications.xls.tgz |
Payment copy | payment.rar |
PI مناقصه و پرداخت تایید شد | Signed Tender PI & Payment Order pdf.zip |
Statement for your Account under Customer ID 356-XXXXXX | HSBC Account Statement 03FEB2023_pdf.gz |
Cool Stuff!! | HeartsOnFire.eXe |
: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Request for Proforma Invoice | Purchase Order list attached.zip |
AW: PO-000001306 | PO-000001306.IMG |
A new invoice is available (Invoice #Q0092871) | Invoice #Q0092871.one |
Interesting.. | HeartsOnFire.eXe |
Payment Details | DOCUMENT-pdf.gz |
FW: FEB 2023 NEW QUOTE | RegScan PI-20230130.docx |
Interesting.. | Fun_Games.eXe |
BBVA-Confirming Facturas Pagadas al Vencimiento | ConfirmingPagadas.rar |
RE: PO: 879204/1 FCR Draft 1 EFCR YAX1905070 | E-FCR Docs_pdf.gz |
PROCESSIING CONTRCT SY2-WT2103-23. | PS#049847646-4094876478MBN.001 |
Interesting.. | MyHeart4u.eXe |
RE: RE: Updated SOA 210827//: Statement 210826 | STATEMETNT OF ACCOUNT.rar |
Cool Stuff!! | Happy_XMas.eXe |
AW: PO-000001306 | PO-000001306.IMG |
MONEY REQUIRE | Purchase Order-pdf.gz |
Re: Draft Docs Confirmation against PI#CK2023M1903 | DRAFT DOCS INVCK2023M1903 BL PL.xls |
Re: SOA Detail Payment for shipment invoices from Nov 11th – Jan 12 | STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT CERIE 10134 Payment Advise.xls |
By E-Mail send: Delotser Transport Operator – 0085437719 | 0085437719.IMG |
RFQ-20000 TO 500000 MT/BARELLS TEST by SGS | RFQ-20000 TO 500000 MTBARELLS TEST by SGSPDF.r00 |
FW: Technical Clarification No: 1 – WOR/CTC/HC-GP/2018/188 AHTSA/1093 & 1094 , 1095 – PROVISION OF ANCHOR HANDLING AND TUG SUPPLY VESSEL (AHTS) FOR PETRONAS CARIGALI SDN BHD | TC 1 AHTSA 1093 1094 RO.xlsm |
VSL: M/V COMMON CALYPSO, ORDER: JAN-A2623B | MV COMMON CALYPSO.xls |
Re:invoice and PL 26/01/2023 | invoice and PL 26012023.zip |
Prompt Response | DoubleClick to DOWNLOAD.one |
ETSO Kodu hk. | ETSO_ Kodunuz40Z000004399566L..exe.xz |
Re: [Reject]RV: OFERTA PO# 000938882 NSS | ApplicationReject_68390(Jan31).one |
PR.4828321- Request for Quotation | ATI HANDELS GmbH | RFQ #4828321.doc |
Hi! | HeartsOnFire.eXe |
Payments | 2023013150028399456770010.gz |
RE: Capital Tenders Group LTD PRICE REQUEST | Capital Tenders Group LTD PRICE REQUEST DOC.r11 |
Nueva lista de pedidos y productos solicitados | #Nueva lista de pedidos y productos solicitados.pdf.img |
FOB Shenzhen price for its MOQ | FOB Shenzhen price for its MOQ.r02 |
FW: Invoice & Signed Contract -NEW ORDER-038408 | Invoice & Signed Contract 20230201.gz |
FW: PO7574 | New Order PO039445.Pdf.exe |
MONEY REQUIRE | ttref01312023-pdf.gz |
ENEL ITALIA SpA_RFQ12345HG7$$ | RFQ12345HG7Solar&Wind Procurement.r00 |
Paid Invoice | invoice.pdf.z |
The ASEC analysis team has selected keywords that users must look out for, based on the distribution cases above. If these keywords are included in the subject of the email, or if the same characteristics are found, users must exercise strict caution as they may be phishing emails from threat actors.
Keywords to Beware of: ‘ONE‘
The keyword for this week is ‘ONE’, the extension of OneNote. Ever since the latest version of MS Office (Office 365) started using the policy of deactivating Office macro by default last year, there have been more and more malware strains that include the ONE extension. AsyncRAT, Qakbot, Redline, and AgentTesla are the main ones that are distributed via the ONE extension, and these malware strains have been covered in the Weekly Malware Statistics as well. As such, the team advises extra caution when executing attachments with the “ONE” extension in their emails.


FakePage C2 URL
When users enter their IDs and passwords on the login pages among the FakePages created by the threat actor, their information is sent to the attacker’s server. The list below shows the threat actor’s C2 addresses of fake login pages distributed during the week.
- hxxps://submit-form[.]com/QgFJw0n1
- hxxps://sagaschool.vip-saga.com[.]ua/wp-includes/zonic/newopo.php
- hxxps://newskoodai[.]com/press/bgLf4WBIDJaAjbgLf4WBIDJaAj
- hxxps://lifeushard[.]cyou/file.php
- hxxps://formspree[.]io/f/xdovnyrz
- hxxps://formspree[.]io/f/mgebolql
- hxxps://dearasia.bambooairways[.]com/wp-admin/inke/Macus_ssw.php
- hxxps://curriculums[.]cc/Xwery08/feedback.php
- hxxps://bkfkr.000webhostapp[.]com/kr/kr/act.php
- hxxp://charlesnewmarch.co[.]uk/wp-includes/4T4/mailform.php
- hxxp://benchmarkpk[.]com/wp-includes/@/cloudlog.php
- hxxp://accup.pluspluggg[.]com/mailb_fix.php
Attacks using phishing emails are disguised with content that can easily deceive users, such as invoices and tax payments, to induce users to access fake login pages or execute malware. Fake login pages are evolving by the second to closely resemble the original pages. The attackers pack malware in compressed file formats to escape the attachment scans of users’ security products. Users must practice strict caution and refer to recent cases of distribution to avoid being exposed to infection by malicious phishing emails. The ASEC analysis team recommends users follow the email security guidelines below.
- Do not execute links and attachments in emails from unverified senders until they are proven to be credible.
- Do not enter sensitive information such as login account credentials until the site is found to be reliable.
- Do not execute attachments with unfamiliar file extensions until they are found to be reliable.
- Use security products such as antimalware software.
According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, phishing email attacks correspond to the following techniques.
- Phishing for Information (Reconnaissance, ID: T1598[1])
- Phishing (Initial Access, ID: TI1566[2])
- Internal Spearphishing (Lateral Movement, ID: T1534[3])
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