APT / THREAT GROUP

Caramel Tsunami

aliases

Last seen:Mar 17, 2026

Intelligence Profile

Caramel Tsunami is a threat actor that specializes in spyware attacks. They have recently resurfaced with an updated toolset and zero-day exploits, targeting specific victims through watering hole attacks. Candiru has been observed exploiting vulnerabilities in popular browsers like Google Chrome and using third-party signed drivers to gain access to the Windows kernel. They have also been linked to other spyware vendors and have been associated with extensive abuses of their surveillance tools.

Threat Analysis

Caramel Tsunami is a known-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of unknown activity patterns.

External References

→https://decoded.avast.io/threatresearch/avast-q2-2022-threat-report/

→https://decoded.avast.io/janvojtesek/the-return-of-candiru-zero-days-in-the-middle-east/

→https://citizenlab.ca/2022/04/catalangate-extensive-mercenary-spyware-operation-against-catalans-using-pegasus-candiru/

→https://citizenlab.ca/2021/12/pegasus-vs-predator-dissidents-doubly-infected-iphone-reveals-cytrox-mercenary-spyware/

→https://www.welivesecurity.com/2021/11/16/strategic-web-compromises-middle-east-pinch-candiru/

→https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/07/15/protecting-customers-from-a-private-sector-offensive-actor-using-0-day-exploits-and-devilstongue-malware/

Quick Facts

TypeAPT / Threat Group

Aliases3

SourceMalpedia

Also Known As

CandiruSOURGUMCaramel Tsunami

Research Links

MITRE ATT&CK VirusTotal Google (news) Twitter/X search

Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.

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