APT28 Expands Operations with Webhook-Based Macro Malware Targeting European Entities

Background and Context

The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with state-sponsored actors frequently adapting their tactics to evade detection and enhance their operational effectiveness. APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, is a cyber espionage group associated with the Russian military intelligence agency GRU. Historically, APT28 has targeted government agencies, military organizations, and media outlets across Western Europe and the United States, utilizing a range of sophisticated techniques and tools.

The recent campaign, dubbed Operation MacroMaze, has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts due to its unique approach—leveraging webhook-based macros to deliver malware payloads. This tactic highlights a shift towards using seemingly innocuous technologies to execute cyber attacks, highlighting the need for vigilance among organizations that rely on digital communications and automation tools.

Details of the Operation and Targeted Entities

According to the S2 Grupo’s LAB52 threat intelligence team, APT28’s operation spanned from September 2025 to January 2026 and focused on specific entities in Western and Central Europe. The use of webhook-based macros signifies a departure from more complex and resource-intensive malware delivery methods, demonstrating a trend toward exploiting legitimate services and tools. By embedding malicious code within ordinary documents or forms, attackers aim to deceive users into activating the macros, thereby executing the payload directly onto their systems.

Expert Analysis

Cybersecurity practitioners underscore the implications of APT28’s methods. The shift to webhook-based macros indicates a broader trend toward automation in cyber attacks, where threat actors utilize familiar technologies to mask their intentions. Experts suggest that organizations should employ a multi-layered defense strategy, including training employees on recognizing suspicious activities, implementing strong email filtering solutions, and enabling macro security settings in software applications.

“This operation exemplifies how attackers are increasingly leveraging legitimate technologies in ways that can bypass traditional security measures. Organizations must adapt their defenses accordingly,”

— Cybersecurity Analyst, S2 Grupo

Comparative Cases and Trends

Similar tactics have been employed by various state-sponsored actors in recent years. For instance, the use of macro-enabled documents as an attack vector was prominent in the campaigns by other notable groups, such as APT29, which targeted government institutions across Europe. According to reports from cybersecurity firms, phishing attacks utilizing macro malware saw a significant increase, with an estimated 20% of all phishing emails incorporating malicious macros in 2025 alone.

• The 2024 attack on a major European telecommunications provider, which involved macro-based malware, led to substantial data breaches and operational disruptions.
• The use of automation in spear-phishing campaigns has been linked to increased success rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

Potential Risks and Implications

The implications of APT28’s Operation MacroMaze extend beyond immediate data breaches. The malware’s ability to infiltrate critical infrastructure could jeopardize national security and economic stability. As organizations become more interconnected, the risk of widespread disruptions increases, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.

Furthermore, this campaign exemplifies the challenges faced by cybersecurity teams in distinguishing between legitimate files and those that may harbor malicious code. The reliance on user behavior to activate macros creates an additional vector for compromise, and human error remains a significant barrier to cybersecurity.

Actionable Recommendations

Organizations can take several proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with macro-based malware attacks:

• Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions to ensure employees are aware of the dangers of opening unsolicited emails and enabling macros.
• Implement Technical Controls: Enforce strict policies around the use of macros, restricting their execution and requiring additional authentication for macro-enabled documents.
• Monitor Network Activity: Use advanced threat detection solutions to monitor for abnormal activities and potential indicators of compromise related to macro execution.
• Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly update incident response plans to quickly address potential breaches and minimize damage.

Conclusion

The recent activities of APT28 in executing Operation MacroMaze emphasize the need for vigilance and adaptation in cybersecurity practices. As threat actors continue to innovate, organizations must remain one step ahead by implementing robust security measures, educating staff, and staying informed about current tactics and trends in cyber espionage. By adopting a proactive stance, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Source: thehackernews.com