CTIPilot

UNK_QuietRacket

actor · actor:unk-quietracket

Proofpoint's temporary designation for a suspected China-aligned cluster that used the BlueMoon exploit kit from 2026-09-03 against government, consulting and financial-sector organizations in Indonesia and Singapore (Proofpoint, 2026-09-08).

Coverage timeline
1
first 2026-09-10 → last 2026-09-10
Peak priority
high
1 high
Sources cited
3
3 hosts
Sections touched
1
active-threats
Co-occurring entities
8
see Co-occurring entities below
ATT&CK techniques
14
pinned v19.2 · see below

ATT&CK techniques

14 techniques observed across 1 entry, derived from entry metadata and body evidence, never asserted without a published entry behind it · pinned to MITRE ATT&CK v19.2 · compare on the matrix · Navigator layer (JSON)

Initial Access TA0001

T1189Drive-by Compromise×1

Adversaries may gain access to a system through a user visiting a website over the normal course of browsing. Multiple ways of delivering exploit code to a browser exist (i.e., Drive-by Target), including:

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1566.002Phishing: Spearphishing Link×1

Adversaries may send spearphishing emails with a malicious link in an attempt to gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing with a link is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of links to download malware contained in email, instead of attaching malicious files to the email itself, to avoid defenses that may inspect email attachments. Spearphishing may also involve social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Execution TA0002

T1053.005Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task×1

Adversaries may abuse the Windows Task Scheduler to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. There are multiple ways to access the Task Scheduler in Windows. The schtasks utility can be run directly on the command line, or the Task Scheduler can be opened through the GUI within the Administrator Tools section of the Control Panel. In some cases, adversaries have used a .NET wrapper for the Windows Task Scheduler, and alternatively, adversaries have used the Windows netapi32 library and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to create a scheduled task. Adversaries may also utilize the Powershell Cmdlet `Invoke-CimMethod`, which leverages WMI class `PS_ScheduledTask` to create a scheduled task via an XML path.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1203Exploitation for Client Execution×1

Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in client applications to execute code. Vulnerabilities can exist in software due to unsecure coding practices that can lead to unanticipated behavior. Adversaries can take advantage of certain vulnerabilities through targeted exploitation for the purpose of arbitrary code execution. Oftentimes the most valuable exploits to an offensive toolkit are those that can be used to obtain code execution on a remote system because they can be used to gain access to that system. Users will expect to see files related to the applications they commonly used to do work, so they are a useful target for exploit research and development because of their high utility.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1574.001Hijack Execution Flow: DLL×1

Adversaries may abuse dynamic-link library files (DLLs) in order to achieve persistence, escalate privileges, and evade defenses. DLLs are libraries that contain code and data that can be simultaneously utilized by multiple programs. While DLLs are not malicious by nature, they can be abused through mechanisms such as side-loading, hijacking search order, and phantom DLL hijacking.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Persistence TA0003

T1053.005Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task×1

Adversaries may abuse the Windows Task Scheduler to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. There are multiple ways to access the Task Scheduler in Windows. The schtasks utility can be run directly on the command line, or the Task Scheduler can be opened through the GUI within the Administrator Tools section of the Control Panel. In some cases, adversaries have used a .NET wrapper for the Windows Task Scheduler, and alternatively, adversaries have used the Windows netapi32 library and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to create a scheduled task. Adversaries may also utilize the Powershell Cmdlet `Invoke-CimMethod`, which leverages WMI class `PS_ScheduledTask` to create a scheduled task via an XML path.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1176Software Extensions×1

Adversaries may abuse software extensions to establish persistent access to victim systems. Software extensions are modular components that enhance or customize the functionality of software applications, including web browsers, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and other platforms. Extensions are typically installed via official marketplaces, app stores, or manually loaded by users, and they often inherit the permissions and access levels of the host application.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Privilege Escalation TA0004

T1053.005Scheduled Task/Job: Scheduled Task×1

Adversaries may abuse the Windows Task Scheduler to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. There are multiple ways to access the Task Scheduler in Windows. The schtasks utility can be run directly on the command line, or the Task Scheduler can be opened through the GUI within the Administrator Tools section of the Control Panel. In some cases, adversaries have used a .NET wrapper for the Windows Task Scheduler, and alternatively, adversaries have used the Windows netapi32 library and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to create a scheduled task. Adversaries may also utilize the Powershell Cmdlet `Invoke-CimMethod`, which leverages WMI class `PS_ScheduledTask` to create a scheduled task via an XML path.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1055Process Injection×1

Adversaries may inject code into processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Process injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. Running code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via process injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation×1

Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to elevate privileges. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code. Security constructs such as permission levels will often hinder access to information and use of certain techniques, so adversaries will likely need to perform privilege escalation to include use of software exploitation to circumvent those restrictions.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Stealth TA0005

T1027Obfuscated Files or Information×1

Adversaries may attempt to make an executable or file difficult to discover or analyze by encrypting, encoding, or otherwise obfuscating its contents on the system or in transit. This is common behavior that can be used across different platforms and the network to evade defenses.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1055Process Injection×1

Adversaries may inject code into processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Process injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. Running code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via process injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1574.001Hijack Execution Flow: DLL×1

Adversaries may abuse dynamic-link library files (DLLs) in order to achieve persistence, escalate privileges, and evade defenses. DLLs are libraries that contain code and data that can be simultaneously utilized by multiple programs. While DLLs are not malicious by nature, they can be abused through mechanisms such as side-loading, hijacking search order, and phantom DLL hijacking.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Credential Access TA0006

T1056.001Input Capture: Keylogging×1

Adversaries may log user keystrokes to intercept credentials as the user types them. Keylogging is likely to be used to acquire credentials for new access opportunities when OS Credential Dumping efforts are not effective, and may require an adversary to intercept keystrokes on a system for a substantial period of time before credentials can be successfully captured. In order to increase the likelihood of capturing credentials quickly, an adversary may also perform actions such as clearing browser cookies to force users to reauthenticate to systems.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1539Steal Web Session Cookie×1

An adversary may steal web application or service session cookies and use them to gain access to web applications or Internet services as an authenticated user without needing credentials. Web applications and services often use session cookies as an authentication token after a user has authenticated to a website.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Collection TA0009

T1056.001Input Capture: Keylogging×1

Adversaries may log user keystrokes to intercept credentials as the user types them. Keylogging is likely to be used to acquire credentials for new access opportunities when OS Credential Dumping efforts are not effective, and may require an adversary to intercept keystrokes on a system for a substantial period of time before credentials can be successfully captured. In order to increase the likelihood of capturing credentials quickly, an adversary may also perform actions such as clearing browser cookies to force users to reauthenticate to systems.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Command and Control TA0011

T1071.001Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols×1

Adversaries may communicate using application layer protocols associated with web traffic to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the remote system, and often the results of those commands, will be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client and server.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1071.004Application Layer Protocol: DNS×1

Adversaries may communicate using the Domain Name System (DNS) application layer protocol to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the remote system, and often the results of those commands, will be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client and server.

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

T1105Ingress Tool Transfer×1

Adversaries may transfer tools or other files from an external system into a compromised environment. Tools or files may be copied from an external adversary-controlled system to the victim network through the command and control channel or through alternate protocols such as ftp. Once present, adversaries may also transfer/spread tools between victim devices within a compromised environment (i.e. Lateral Tool Transfer).

Evidence: 2026-09-10/bluemoon-exploit-kit-four-state-actors-chrome-windows-chain · ATT&CK page ↗

Story timeline

  1. 2026-09-10BlueMoon: four separate state-nexus actor clusters independently weaponize a shared Chrome V8 + Windows kernel zero-day chain within one week
    active-threatsFour espionage clusters ran the identical click-to-SYSTEM exploit kit within days of each other, Proofpoint calls it the same code, not parallel development

Relationships explore in graph

Typed, source-stated connections from the entity registry; each edge cites the entry whose reporting establishes it.

uses

Where this entity is cited

  • active-threats1

Source distribution

  • proofpoint.com1 (33%)
  • thehackernews.com1 (33%)
  • therecord.media1 (33%)

Co-occurring entities

Derived: referenced by the same focused operational entries (weekly summaries and report roundups don't count); ×N counts the shared entries.

Entries about UNK_QuietRacket (1)

2026-09-10 · view entry permalink →

HIGHCVE-2026-85046 +1exploitedNATOB2

BlueMoon: four separate state-nexus actor clusters independently weaponize a shared Chrome V8 + Windows kernel zero-day chain within one week

Proofpoint documents BlueMoon, a newly named exploit kit chaining a Chrome V8 JIT type-confusion bug (CVE-2026-85046) with an uncredentialed V8 sandbox escape and a Windows kernel ALPC/WNF heap-overflow local-privilege-escalation flaw (CVE-2026-85880) into a single click-to-SYSTEM chain (Proofpoint, 2026-09-08). The V8 bugs were a patch-gap zero-day: "the change containing the fix for CVE-2026-85046 was committed on 7 August 2026 but was not rolled into the general stable Chromium build until 3 September 2026" (Proofpoint, 2026-09-08), a nearly four-week window during which the public upstream diff let an exploit developer reverse-engineer and weaponize the bug before Chrome's stable channel shipped it; CVE-2026-85880 was separately patched by Microsoft as part of its September 2026 Patch Tuesday updates (The Hacker News, 2026-09-09); the referenced 2026-09-09 Windows entry covers Microsoft's own MSRC confirmation that it was exploited in the wild. After the browser-side chain achieves code execution and escapes the renderer sandbox, a reflectively loaded DLL fingerprints the host to decide whether to run the kernel LPE against a specific list of Windows builds, Proofpoint's own table names Windows 10 1809/2004/20H2/21H1/21H2/22H2, Windows 11 21H2's initial release build, and Server 2019/2022, a wider list than Microsoft's own advisory for this CVE, which describes the legacy line only and states it does not affect Windows 11 (Contradiction, unresolved here), then a process-injection stub runs an operator-supplied command inside the Chrome broker process, by default a plain curl download-and-execute, a deliberately crude step Proofpoint reads as evidence the developer traded stealth for speed. Four distinct espionage clusters adopted the identical kit within days of each other, each with its own delivery and payload: TA412/APT31 (from 2026-08-28) used student-internship and academic-conference spearphishing against US NGOs, mining and commodity-trading firms to install a malicious Chromium extension disguised as "Google Gemini" (GemStone), using an HMAC-forgery technique, named GhostChrome-X by outside researchers (The Hacker News, 2026-09-09), against Chrome's Secure Preferences integrity check so the extension survives the browser's own unauthorized-extension protection; GemStone keylogs, steals cookies/session storage, screenshots on keyword match and polls its C2 every 30 seconds to 60 minutes. UNK_LateNight (from 2026-09-02) targeted US aerospace/defense firms with B2B/RFQ lures to sideload the ShadowPad backdoor via a scheduled task. UNK_DoubleCheck (from 2026-09-02) phished a Vietnamese manufacturer from a compromised Southeast Asian government mailbox, obfuscating its loader and staging a second DLL from a Cloudflare R2 bucket. UNK_QuietRacket (from 2026-09-03) targeted government, consulting and financial-sector organizations in Indonesia and Singapore with conference-themed lures, resolving C2 entirely through DNS-over-HTTPS TXT-record lookups to a Cloudflare Worker. A Proofpoint researcher assessed the near-identical, simultaneous adoption as deliberate distribution rather than independent discovery: "there's no way that this is parallel development. The code is practically identical, even the variable naming, the commentary. It's the same kit. One hundred percent" (Mark Kelly, Proofpoint, via The Record, 2026-09-09). Patching Chrome and Windows closes the entry vector but removes nothing already installed, the GemStone extension, ShadowPad's DLL-sideload persistence, and the other clusters' scheduled tasks all survive a patch untouched.

Triage: a process tree rooted at the browser (browser → command shell → curl or a download utility → a newly dropped executable) is the chain's own crude final stage and a strong discriminator on its own; a scheduled task created immediately following a browser-initiated download narrows it further, since legitimate browser activity does not normally create scheduled tasks.

The change containing the fix for CVE-2026-85046 was committed on 7 August 2026 but was not rolled into the general stable Chromium build until 3 September 2026.

Proofpoint Threat Research 2026-09-08

While CVE-2026-85046 was patched by Google last week, CVE-2026-85880 was addressed by Microsoft as part of its September 2026 Patch Tuesday updates.

The Hacker News 2026-09-09

There’s no way that this is parallel development. The code is practically identical, even the variable naming, the commentary. It’s the same kit. One hundred percent.

The Record (Recorded Future News) 2026-09-09

Builds on: 2026-09-04/cve-2026-85046-chrome-v8-type-confusion-exploited · 2026-09-09/windows-september-2026-two-exploited-lpe-zero-days-kev

threat10 Sep 04:50Zmulti-sourceOpen finding ↗