Reconnaissance Report: Iranian APT Infrastructure -- Threat Analysis of what will be coming tommorow

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Reconnaissance Report: Iranian APT Infrastructure

Threat Intelligence Update | April 2026 
 

 

1. Executive Summary: The "Burn-and-Rotate" Strategy

Following the joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on February 28, 2026, and subsequent CISA advisories, Iranian groups (Handala Hack, MuddyWater, CyberAv3ngers) have transitioned to highly resilient, geographically dispersed infrastructure. They utilize "bulletproof" hosting, Anycast networks, and legitimate Chinese-based Certificate Authorities (CAs) to evade detection and takedowns.

2. Current Infrastructure Mapping

A. Handala Hack (MOIS-linked Persona)

Known for "hack-and-leak" and destructive wiper operations (e.g., Stryker Corporation attack).

  • Primary Domains: handala-hack.tw (Active), handala-hack.ps (Backup/Redirect).
  • Network Fronting: Behind Tencent Cloud EdgeOne (Singapore) Anycast infrastructure.
  • Security Fingerprint: Uses a custom anti-bot script setting cookies __tst_status and EO_Bot_Ssid.
  • SSL Pattern: Certificates issued by TrustAsia DV TLS RSA CA 2025.

B. MuddyWater (Seedworm / Mango Sandstorm) 

 


 

Primarily focused on espionage, targeting financial, aviation, and defense sectors.

  • Active C2 Servers:
    • 167.160.187.43 (RackNerd/HostPapa, Toronto) - JARM: 21d14d00021d21d00042d43d...
    • 216.45.58.148 (HostPapa, Ashburn)
    • 157.20.182.49 (Germany-based, used for reverse shells)
  • Associated Domains: api.ra-backup.com, serialmenot.com, uppdatefile.com.
  • Malware Signature: Use of Deno-based (Dindoor) and Rust-based (RustyWater) implants signed with certificates under the names "Amy Cherne" or "Donald Gay".

C. CyberAv3ngers (IRGC-affiliated)

Specializes in OT/ICS disruption, specifically targeting water and energy sectors.

  • Targeting Infrastructure: A dedicated IP block in AS214036 (Ultahost):
    • 185.82.73.162 through 185.82.73.168
    • 135.136.1.133
  • TTPs: Actively scanning for ports 44818 (EtherNet/IP) and 20256 (Unitronics). They deploy Dropbear SSH for persistence on compromised engineering workstations.
// WHOIS/ASN Data Context for CyberAv3ngers Range

netname: LSW-CUST-ULTAHOST
origin: as214036
origin: as49127
descr: LSW-CUST-ULTAHOST

3. Statistical & Algorithmic "Best Guess" for Expansion

To find additional infrastructure not yet in public advisories, we can pivot on the following "high-fidelity" fingerprints:

  1. ASN Pivoting: Monitor AS36352 (HostPapa) and AS214036 (Ultahost) for new instances running Apache 2.4.52/PHP 8.2.8 with the specific MuddyWater JARM hash.
  2. SSL Serial Hunting: Search for any certificate issued by TrustAsia where the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) contains "leak", "hack", or references to Israeli defense contractors.
  3. Bot Script Matching: Any site responding with the EO_Bot_Ssid cookie logic and the specific numeric constants (306143775, 228667318) is likely a Handala-controlled front.

4. Recommended Defensive Actions

  • Block the identified IP ranges at the perimeter, especially the 185.82.73.0/24 block.
  • Hunt for the JARM hash in NetFlow/PCAP data to identify secondary C2 nodes.
  • Audit for NetBird and Starlink IP usage within corporate networks, as these are Handala's preferred tunneling methods.
  • Monitor Port 44818 and 502 for unauthorized traffic from the identified ASNs.
Report generated based on proactive infrastructure hunting and CISA advisories. Stay vigilant -- Nylar | brycezg

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