IOC Alert: Telegram Bot API Abused for XWorm C2 Communications

📖 Overview

An IOC has been flagged involving the abuse of the official Telegram Bot API as a command-and-control (C2) channel for the XWorm malware family. This method leverages Telegram infrastructure to evade detection by blending malicious traffic with legitimate encrypted communications. Confidence is assessed at 50%.

📌 Key Details

🔎 URLScan Result

• Verdict Score: 0
• Page Title: IRS Tax Statement Portal
• Screenshot: View Screenshot
• Result: Full Scan Report

📡 Related Intelligence

• VirusTotal Report: VirusTotal URL Report

🛡️ Defensive Guidance

• Block and alert on unusual connections to Telegram Bot API endpoints originating from enterprise endpoints.
• Monitor for processes invoking https://api.telegram.org/bot* URLs, which may indicate malware beaconing.
• Incorporate YARA or SIEM detection rules targeting XWorm-specific artifacts (persistence mechanisms, registry keys, mutexes).
• Consider layered detection by correlating traffic volume, process lineage, and behavioral patterns involving Telegram communication.

⚠️ This IOC highlights the increasing trend of malware abusing legitimate cloud and messaging APIs (such as Telegram) to hide C2 traffic within otherwise trusted services.