APT / THREAT GROUP
TEARDROP
2
aliases
Last seen:Mar 17, 2026
Intelligence Profile
TEARDROP is a memory only dropper that runs as a service, spawns a thread and reads from the file “gracious_truth.jpg”, which likely has a fake JPG header. Next it checks that HKU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CTF exists, decodes an embedded payload using a custom rolling XOR algorithm and manually loads into memory an embedded payload using a custom PE-like file format. TEARDROP does not have code overlap with any previously seen malware. FireEye believe that this was used to execute a customized Cobalt Strike BEACON.
Threat Analysis
TEARDROP 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
TEARDROPwin.teardrop
External Intelligence
Malpedia: win.teardropResearch Links
Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.