DAEMON Tools software compromised with a malicious payload


In early May 2026, Kaspersky researchers identified installers of the DAEMON Tools software, used for mounting disk images, to be compromised with a malicious payload. These installers are distributed from the legitimate website of DAEMON Tools and are signed with digital certificates belonging to DAEMON Tools developers.

Kaspersky analysis revealed that the software installers have been trojanized starting from April 8, 2026. Specifically, the researchers identified versions of DAEMON Tools ranging from 12.5.0.2421 to 12.5.0.2434 to be compromised. Artifacts suggesting that the threat actor behind this attack is Chinese-speaking have been identified in the malicious implants observed.

UPD 5/6/26: Following disclosure, the vendor acknowledged the issue and published a new software version intended to address it. The updated release 12.6.0.2445 no longer includes the malicious behavior described in this article.

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Source: Kaspersky


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