A group of attackers targeting Ukraine-affiliated organizations has been delivering malicious payloads hidden within the pixels of image files. Known as steganography, it is just one of many advanced techniques the group uses to evade detection as part of a malware loader known as IDAT.

Tracked as UAC-0184 by several security firms, as well as the Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA), the group was seen targeting Ukrainian servicemen via phishing emails masquerading as messages from Ukraine’s ​​3rd Separate Assault Brigade and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). While most of the recipients of these messages were located in Ukraine, security firm Morphisec has confirmed targets outside of the country as well.