Spam Emails Deliver Malware Via Password-Protected Google Drive, Google Docs Archives

 Analysis by: Sujin Basbas

Recently, we observed spam emails that targeted users in Latin America. The emails, which were written in Spanish, informed victims about an outstanding balance or a pending payment. The emails contain Google Drive or Google Docs URLs that have the “export=download” parameter, which will automatically initiate the downloading of the malicious file once the victim selects the link. 




The downloaded file is a password-protected archive, which is a common tactic that malicious actors use for detection evasion purposes. The attackers provide the password for the password-protected archive in the email copy.

A variety of threats have been delivered in this campaign, including REMCOS, and ASYNCRAT, which can give attackers unauthorized access to a victim's machine.

These spam emails are already blocked by Trend Micro Email Security solutions. To remain protected against malware-laden spam campaigns, users should avoid downloading and opening files that come from unfamiliar senders.

 The following URLs automatically download password-protected files to victim machines:

  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1wCjfcFW07h52cYbq444tGXFcrRsHZWLU
  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1yKA5HQq8HdOnutz9ngHXKWqE5oaEvytK
  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1yP3k2sumYo0UhFtuN6BGhH1XT7fIXCBZ
  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1CjztaC5-91V3jPBZXBYX9wCH5eNbVVSk
  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1Cb2tUlplO2UrmIy428mNIAP8UYUyGfic
  • hxxps[://]docs[.]google[.]com/uc?export=download&id=1HMXnq5M6Qxwn-XDuZ1u92N8cmoWMAFL-
  • hxxps[://]drive[.]google[.]com/uc?id=1Mi99157eA5aC4kpdY8Egdbad_GA3Uq0f&export=download&authuser=0
  • hxxps[://]drive[.]google[.]com/uc?id=18yTuJ-NMh4O0rjyOU9fOx0dXT8514Kzn&export=download&authuser=0
  • hxxps[://]drive[.]google[.]com/uc?id=1sJCcU38cLgUgXu4-FYjOjAkSbH45N0qY&export=download&authuser=0

 SPAM BLOCKING DATE / TIME: April 03, 2023 GMT-8
 TMASE INFO
  • ENGINE:9.0.1004
  • PATTERN:2.7544.000