APT group exploited Output Messenger Zero-Day to target Kurdish military operating in Iraq
Vulnerabilities mentionedAll →
| CVE | Vulnerability | CVSS | EPSS | Flags | Affected | Exposure | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-27920 | Directory Traversal in Srimax Output Messenger Before 2.0.63 Output Messenger versions before 2.0.63 contain a directory traversal flaw (CWE-24) caused by improper handling of file paths in application parameters. An attacker who submits ../ sequences in these parameters can reach files outside the intended directory, potentially retrieving configuration files or other sensitive files from the server. The CVSS vector indicates network access with low privileges is required, so a low-privileged user account is sufficient to trigger the flaw. Any organization running Output Messenger below 2.0.63 is affected, and the flaw has been actively exploited: a Türkiye-aligned APT group reportedly used it as a zero-day against Kurdish military servers in Iraq, deploying Golang backdoors, an activity also observed by Microsoft. CISA added the vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-05-19, requiring federal agencies to apply vendor mitigations, follow BOD 22-01 guidance, or discontinue use of the product. Do: Upgrade Srimax Output Messenger to version 2.0.63 or later per the vendor's instructions, as required by CISA's KEV entry (or follow BOD 22-01 guidance for federal cloud services). Organizations that cannot patch promptly should restrict network access to Output Messenger Server and review affected hosts for signs of compromise, including unexpected Golang backdoor binaries or processes and unauthorized access to or modification of configuration files. | 8.8 | 2% | KEV |
| nicheunknown; likely no more than thousands of on-premises deployments (niche enterprise chat product) |
Indicators of compromiseauto-extracted · verify before use · export allAll →
| Type | Indicator | Context |
|---|---|---|
| domain | wordinfos.com | ke OMServerService.exe. These tools exfiltrate data via api.wordinfos[.]com. Attackers deployed a second backdoor on client systems t |
Full article431 words · extracted from securityaffairs.com · click to collapse
A Türkiye-linked group used an Output Messenger zero-day to spy on Kurdish military targets in Iraq, collecting user data since April 2024.
Since April 2024, the threat actor Marbled Dust (aka Sea Turtle, Teal Kurma, Marbled Dust, SILICON and Cosmic Wolf) has exploited a zero-day flaw (CVE-2025-27920) in Output Messenger to target Kurdish military-linked users in Iraq, collecting user data and deploying malicious files. Microsoft researchers believe the group selects this method based on reconnaissance, confirming the use of the app.
Marbled Dust has been active since at least 2017 and primarily targets organizations in Europe and the Middle East. Between 2017 and 2019, the APT group mainly used DNS hijacking in its campaigns.
The group targets government entities, Kurdish (political) groups like PKK, telecommunication, ISPs, IT-service providers (including security companies), NGO, and Media & Entertainment sectors.
Over the years, the group enhanced its evasion capabilities.
The vulnerability CVE-2025-27920 is a directory traversal vulnerability allowing attackers to access files outside the intended directory, potentially leading to data exposure. The flaw impacts Output Messenger versions before 2.0.63.
Marbled Dust exploited the flaw to drop a malicious script in the startup folder. Using the server’s file-sharing feature, an attacker could upload files and manipulate the file path to execute arbitrary code. Once inside, they could access all user communications, steal data, impersonate users, and compromise credentials, posing major operational risks.
“Once Marbled Dust gains access to the Output Messenger server, the threat actor can leverage Output Messenger system architecture to gain indiscriminate access to the communications of every user, steal sensitive data and impersonate users, which could lead to operational disruptions, unauthorized access to internal systems, and widespread credential compromise.” reads the report published by Microsoft.
Marbled Dust exploited CVE-2025-27920 after likely stealing credentials via DNS hijacking or typo-squatting. Once authenticated, they uploaded malicious files to the server’s startup directory, deploying Go-based backdoors like OMServerService.exe.
These tools exfiltrate data via api.wordinfos[.]com. Attackers deployed a second backdoor on client systems to collect host information and execute commands from a C2. File theft and RAR exfiltration were also observed via plink SSH, the command-line version of the PuTTY SSH client for Windows.
“This new attack signals a notable shift in Marbled Dust’s capability while maintaining consistency in their overall approach.” concludes the report. “The successful use of a zero-day exploit suggests an increase in technical sophistication and could also suggest that Marbled Dust’s targeting priorities have escalated or that their operational goals have become more urgent.”
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