APT / THREAT GROUP
PNGLoad
2
aliases
Last seen:Mar 17, 2026
Intelligence Profile
According to ESET Research, PNGLoad is a second-stage payload deployed by Worok on compromised systems and loaded either by CLRLoad or PowHeartBeat. PNGLoad has capabilities to download and execute additional payloads from a C&C server, which is likely how the attackers have deployed PNGLoad on systems compromised with PowHeartBeat. PNGLoad is a loader that uses bytes from PNG files to create a payload to execute. It is a 64-bit .NET executable - obfuscated with .NET Reactor - that masquerades as legitimate software.
Threat Analysis
PNGLoad is a known-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of unknown activity patterns.
External References
Quick Facts
TypeAPT / Threat Group
Aliases2
Also Known As
win.png_loadPNGLoad
External Intelligence
Malpedia: win.png_loadResearch Links
Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.