Google DoubleClick Abused in Malspam Campaign Delivering DesckVB RAT
In June 2026, cybersecurity researchers identified a sophisticated malspam campaign exploiting Google's DoubleClick domain to distribute the DesckVB RAT, a .NET-based remote access trojan active since February 2026. The attack initiates with a phishing email containing an HTML attachment that redirects the victim through DoubleClick to a personalized landing page. This page prompts the user to download a ZIP archive, which, upon execution, deploys a JavaScript loader. The loader retrieves and runs a PowerShell script that downloads the DesckVB RAT, establishing persistence and granting attackers full control over the compromised system. The malware employs advanced evasion techniques, including process hollowing and disabling security controls, to avoid detection. This incident underscores the evolving tactics of threat actors who leverage legitimate services to bypass security measures, highlighting the necessity for organizations to implement comprehensive email security protocols, user education, and robust endpoint defenses to mitigate such threats.
Kill Chain
