CoffeeLoader Malware: A Stealthy New Threat Targeting Windows Users
A new malware family named CoffeeLoader has emerged, posing a serious threat to Windows users while remaining virtually undetectable by antivirus software.
Despite its harmless-sounding name, CoffeeLoader is anything but benign. Instead of brewing your morning coffee, it stealthily injects malicious code into infected systems.
Disguised as ASUS Armoury Crate
Cybersecurity firm Zscaler first identified CoffeeLoader, tracing its origins to September 2024. The malware masquerades as ASUS’s Armoury Crate utility to infiltrate systems. Once inside, it acts as a delivery mechanism for other malware, including the infamous Rhadamanthys infostealer, a well-known cyber threat designed to steal sensitive user data.
Why CoffeeLoader Is Hard to Detect
Unlike traditional malware, CoffeeLoader employs advanced evasion techniques to remain hidden from security tools:
GPU-Based Execution – Instead of running on the CPU like most programs, CoffeeLoader executes parts of its code on the graphics card (GPU), which security software rarely monitors.
Call Stack Spoofing – The malware alters its function call history, making it appear harmless to security scanners.
Sleep Obfuscation – When inactive, CoffeeLoader encrypts itself in system memory, preventing antivirus scans from detecting readable threats.
Windows Fibers Exploitation – By leveraging Windows fibers (a multitasking mechanism), CoffeeLoader hides its activity, making it harder to trace.
Is CoffeeLoader a New Version of SmokeLoader?
CoffeeLoader shares several technical similarities with the notorious SmokeLoader malware. In December 2024, SmokeLoader developers announced a new version, and researchers have found many of its advertised features present in CoffeeLoader.
“At this stage, it's too early to determine if CoffeeLoader is a direct successor to SmokeLoader or if the similarities are coincidental,” Zscaler researchers stated.
Regardless of its origins, CoffeeLoader represents a significant cybersecurity risk, employing cutting-edge evasion techniques that could make it a long-term threat.
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