APT36’s Covert Linux Attack on India’s Defense Sector

APT36, a Pakistan-based threat group, is back with a stealthy cyber-espionage campaign targeting India’s defense sector, this time focusing on Linux systems, especially those running BOSS Linux. Disguised as a cybersecurity advisory, the attack begins with a phishing email carrying a ZIP file that contains a .desktop shortcut. Once opened, it silently downloads a malicious ELF binary in the background while showing a fake PowerPoint to distract the user. This clever mix of social engineering and technical trickery lets the attackers quietly gain access, steal sensitive data, and maintain control, putting critical defense infrastructure at serious risk.