Handala Hack

Group-IB Uncovers HEAVYGRAM Multi-Stage Windows Spyware Controlled via Telegram Bot API

Researchers at Group-IB have identified 29 new samples of HEAVYGRAM, a sophisticated multi-stage Windows malware designed to target journalists, Iranian dissidents, and government critics. The campaign begins with social engineering lures that deliver archives containing fake Telegram, KeePass, or video editor files, along with WSF, HTA, and Persian-language screensaver payloads. Once executed, the malware uses PowerShell to fetch additional components, establishes persistence through Windows startup mechanisms, and adds its directories to Microsoft Defender exclusions. The core implant, written in Python and packed with PyInstaller, supports DLL side-loading and communicates exclusively through Telegram Bot API to receive commands, capture screenshots, enumerate processes, and exfiltrate data. A particularly damaging capability allows theft of Telegram Desktop session files, enabling account hijacking without password re-entry. Group-IB attributes the operation to the Handala Hack group, linked to the Void Manticore persona also tracked as Storm-0842 and Red Sandstorm, believed to operate on behalf of Iranian intelligence services.

HEAVYGRAM Spyware Uses Telegram Bots for Command and Control Against Iranian Targets

Researchers at Group-IB have published a detailed analysis of HEAVYGRAM, a spyware family that abuses the Telegram messaging platform as its command-and-control infrastructure. The malware family was first observed in the second half of 2023 and has since been linked with moderate confidence to the Handala Hack group. Instead of operating dedicated servers, the operators rely on Telegram bots, accounts, and groups to register infected hosts, receive commands, exfiltrate stolen data, and deliver additional payloads. Once active, HEAVYGRAM captures screenshots, records audio, harvests cached files, and steals data from Telegram Desktop installed on the victim machine. The campaign primarily targets Iranian journalists, dissidents, and individuals opposed to the Iranian government. Infection vectors include malicious files distributed via messengers, disguised as legitimate applications such as Pictory, KeePass, or Telegram-related tools, sometimes delivered as HTML applications or scripts.