CastleRAT attack first to abuse Deno JavaScript runtime to evade enterprise security

March 16, 2026, 9:21 a.m.

Description

A sophisticated infection chain has been discovered that installs CastleRAT malware without leaving traces on disk. The attack uniquely abuses the Deno runtime as a malicious framework, combining social engineering, steganography, and in-memory execution to evade detection. The process involves tricking users into executing a command, installing Deno, running obfuscated JavaScript, and decoding a payload hidden in a JPEG image. CastleRAT then gains total control, performing host fingerprinting, keylogging, clipboard hijacking, digital identity theft, and audio/video surveillance. This campaign demonstrates the evolution of malware towards invisibility and the need for advanced endpoint behavioral monitoring to detect such threats.

Date

  • Created: March 11, 2026, 11:10 a.m.
  • Published: March 11, 2026, 11:10 a.m.
  • Modified: March 16, 2026, 9:21 a.m.

Indicators

  • bd8203ab88983bc081545ff325f39e9c5cd5eb6a99d04ae2a6cf862535c9829a
  • a4787a42070994b7f1222025828faf9b153710bb730e58da710728e148282e28
  • 23.94.145.120

Additional Informations

  • dsennbuappec.zhivachkapro.com
  • serialmenot.com