Bumblebee Malware Returns to Threaten U.S. Businesses

In the ever-evolving battleground of cyber defense, U.S. businesses now face a formidable adversary—Bumblebee malware. Investigators at Proofpoint discovered the resurgence of this sophisticated malware loader, which had gone quiet for four months. Now, with the rise of its menacing buzz on February 8, 2024, Bumblebee [hones in](https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/bumblebee-buzzes-back-black) on its targets using a new phishing campaign that cunningly employs voicemail-themed lures.

Cybercriminals behind Bumblebee cast a wide net by disseminating seemingly innocuous emails featuring OneDrive links that, when opened, deposit a Word file. This document, with official-looking titles like “ReleaseEvans#96.docm,” leverages VBA macros to initiate a sequence of malicious activities. It fiercely spoofs a well-known consumer electronics company, Humane, crafting an aura of credibility to snare unsuspecting victims.

Upon unleashing the VBA macros, Bumblebee deploys a PowerShell command. This command sets the stage for the download and execution of another script from a distant server—an ominous move that ushers in the Bumblebee loader. The threat doesn’t lay dormant; it’s designed to facilitate the download and execution of even more dangerous payloads, including ransomware.

The [specifics of this new threat](https://blog.checkpoint.com/research/january-2024s-most-wanted-malware-major-vextrio-broker-operation-uncovered-and-lockbit3-tops-the-ransomware-threats/) require organizations to stand guard and bolster their cyber defenses. Robust cybersecurity measures, like regular updates and stringent endpoint protection, become critical shields to fend off potential incursions.

The prowess of Bumblebee extends beyond a mere comeback. It intersects with the emergence of new variants of other malware such as QakBot, ZLoader, and PikaBot. QakBot, a malware sample distributed as MSI files, now incorporates a crypter called DaveCrypter and fortifies its encryption mechanisms. Such refinements in sophistication make QakBot another top contender in the malware arena, evidenced by its ranking as the second most prevalent malware for January 2024.

The return of Bumblebee and the evolution of its fellows underscore a broader trend in cybercrime—advanced evasion techniques and multipronged attacks. Coupled with the cleverness of these threats is another equally concern—a surge in the exploitation of Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) tools. Attackers ingeniously deploy phishing scams utilizing RMM software, as recent reports from Malwarebytes reveal. The scheme involves tricking employees into downloading outdated versions of legitimate remote desktop software, such as AnyDesk, which had its own [security woes](https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/02/remote-monitoring-management-software-used-in-phishing-attacks) recently.

These developments in cyber threats reflect a relentless effort by cybercriminals to maneuver through the dense thicket of modern security measures. It’s a stark reminder that vigilance is a constant requirement. Organizations are encouraged to continually audit and update their cybersecurity strategies to stand strong against this ongoing digital onslaught.