Loki Info Stealer Propagates through LZH Files
Archived: 2026-04-05 20:28:38 UTC
Insights and analysis by Miguel Ang
LZH files, more commonly used in Japan for compressing files, have also been used to deliver other malware such as
Negasteal and Ave Maria.
The malicious LZH file attachment comes from an email posing as a payment confirmation advice from a bank. The
attachment is named “payment confirmation.lzh”.
Figure 1. Sample email delivering Loki through LZH attachment
The LZH archive attachment contained the Loki dropper named bFbnF2vovw15SVM.exe. It also has a folder named
“crypted_files,” which contains an empty folder named “myself_crypted” inside. This was either the result of an error in
archiving the sample or was meant to be used to contain additional components or payloads.
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/loki-info-stealer-propagates-through-lzh-files
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Figure 2. Attachment contents
Figure 3. Contents of the “crypted files” folder
The Loki dropper uses .NET compiled binaries to add multiple layers of obfuscation. It eventually uses process hollowing to
load and execute the main Loki payload. This method is reminiscent of the campaign that propagates Loki through CAB file
attachmentsnews- cybercrime-and-digital-threats. The main Loki payload that it drops also has the same hash as the variant
concealed through CAB files, indicating that both samples are under the same ongoing campaign.
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/loki-info-stealer-propagates-through-lzh-files
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Figure 4. Obfuscated compiled binaries
Detachment from malicious files
Cybercriminals can use a variety of file attachments to spread malware, ranging from more common file types like Word
Document or PDF, to less familiar ones like CAB or LZH files. Regardless of the file type used to conceal it, the fact
remains that malware can compromise systems, disrupt device performance, or steal data. The following best practicesnews-cybercrime-and-digital-threats can help prevent malware infections:
Do not download attachments or click links on emails from unknown sources. This may lead to the installation of
malware. Users may check where the embedded links lead to by hovering the pointer over the link.
Read emails carefully to gauge the credibility of its contents. Some giveaway signs of spam are bad grammar,
misspelled words, and unfamiliar or spoofed email addresses.
Avoid sharing contact details and other sensitive information on public web forums or social media.
For a more proactive defense against threats that use emails as entry points, the following solutions are recommended:
Trend Micro™ Deep Discovery™ Email Inspectorproducts – Stops email-based threats including spam, ransomware,
and targeted attacks through advanced analysis and custom sandboxing.
Trend Micro™ Email Securityproducts – Employs sandbox for unknown files and URL, email sender analysis and
authentication, and checking of email header and content for signs of compromise.
Trend Micro™ Cloud App Securityproducts – Protects file sharing from malware and controls sensitive data usage.
Indicators of Compromise
URL
hxxp://retrak.co[.]ke/psy/five/fre.php
File Name SHA-256
Trend Micro
Pattern Detection
bFbnF2vovw15SVM.exe  e6adc1df97033110cdf1bd9e9763559fe17811e2234013e4d57fa23b6ddbb207 TrojanSpy.Win32.LOKI.TIO
payment
confirmation.lzh  
fb37c52635a47cacba754f811ec64937aa6da3c0ced0162c201748b38952e164 TrojanSpy.Win32.LOKI.TIO
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/loki-info-stealer-propagates-through-lzh-files
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Source: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/loki-info-stealer-propagates-through-lzh-files
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/loki-info-stealer-propagates-through-lzh-files
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